Thermal management of head-up displays using thermally conductive bezels

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth techniques for thermal management in a head-up display. A picture generation unit includes a light source and a display unit positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit. The picture generation unit also includes a display surface positioned between the light source and the display surface. The picture generation unit further includes a heat dissipation bezel positioned on an opposite side of the display surface from the display unit, the heat dissipation bezel positioned on one or more portions of the display surface in which the generated content is not projected, where the heat dissipation bezel conducts heat away from the display surface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 414,424, entitled “THERMAL SOLUTION OF A HEADS-UPDISPLAY BY HIGH CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL,” filed on October 7, 2022. This related application is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Various embodiments relate generally to heads-up displays and, more particularly, to thermal management of heads-up displays using a thermally conductive bezel. Background Art

[0004] The vehicle may be equipped with a head-up display system for providing the vehicle's occupants with For example A head-up display system presents information to a user (driver, operator, passenger). A head-up display system presents information in a manner that allows the occupant to continuously look forward at the environment in front of the vehicle without looking down at a dashboard, instrument panel, or the like. Different types of vehicles may implement a head-up display to facilitate the vehicle operator to maintain attention to the environment in front of the vehicle.

[0005] In a head-up display system, content is often projected onto a transparent object ( For example , the vehicle's windshield, a transparent display positioned between the occupant and the windshield), and the content is reflected from the transparent object toward the occupant. Disadvantages of the head-up display system include For example The picture generation unit (PGU) of the liquid crystal display (LCD) that generates the content displayed to the occupants may be affected by overheating. One source of heat is ambient solar radiation ( For example , sunlight), which reaches the LCD through one or more transparent or reflective surfaces included in the head-up display (such as a lens, mirror, windshield, or a transparent display positioned between the occupant and the windshield). Another heat source can be a backlight device included in the PGU, such as an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted or attached to a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned near one surface of the LCD. The backlight device provides the necessary illumination for the LCD, but also transfers heat to the PGU as a byproduct of its operation. When the temperature of the PGU increases beyond acceptable operating limits, the performance of the PGU may become unstable or degrade. In some cases, the PGU may stop operating completely or suffer permanent damage.

[0006] One way to address excessive solar radiation reaching the PGU is to reduce the reflectivity and / or transmittance of the various surfaces included in the head-up display. For example, a transparent object may include a film, coating, or other treatment on one or more outer surfaces of the transparent object or between the layers of the transparent object. Similarly, lenses or mirrors in the optical path of the head-up display may include similar films, coatings, or treatments. Reducing the reflectivity and / or transmittance of components in the optical path of the head-up display attenuates the solar radiation incident on the LCD. The drawback of this method is that manufacturing components with additional films, coatings, or treatments is more expensive than manufacturing the same components without these additional films, coatings, or treatments. Another drawback is that the reduction in transmittance and / or reflectivity is bidirectional. In addition to attenuating the solar radiation incident on the LCD, the film, coating, or other treatment also cumulatively reduces the intensity of the content generated by projecting light through the LCD, as the content is transmitted or reflected through the various components in the optical path of the head-up display. This reduction in intensity results in an undesirable dimming of the content presented to the occupant compared to the result achieved without using a coating, film, or other treatment on the components in the optical path. Increasing the intensity of the backlighting applied to the LCD can increase the presentation intensity to compensate for the reduced content intensity, but it causes additional heat generated by the backlight in the PGU. These drawbacks make this method a less than ideal response to overheating at the PGU.

[0007] Another way to address overheating at the PGU is to apply an active cooling device ( For example , an electric fan) to the PGU to remove the accumulated heat by exchanging the heated air inside or around the PGU with cooler air from the intake of the active cooling device. The drawbacks of this method include increased noise due to the active cooling device, increased space requirements for exchanging the heated air with cooler air, and increased manufacturing costs for both the active cooling device and the necessary auxiliary components. These drawbacks make this method a less than ideal response to overheating at the PGU.

[0008] There is a need for an effective way to mitigate overheating in a head-up display system. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] One embodiment describes a picture generation unit that includes a light source and a display unit, the display unit being positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit being configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit. The picture generation unit further includes a display surface positioned between the light source and the display surface. The picture generation unit further includes a heat dissipation frame positioned on the side of the display surface opposite to the display unit, the heat dissipation frame being positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, wherein the heat dissipation frame conducts heat away from the display surface.

[0010] One embodiment describes an image projection system that includes an image generation unit. The image generation unit includes a light source and a display unit. The display unit is positioned to receive light emitted by the light source and is configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit. The image generation unit also includes a display surface positioned between the light source and the display surface. The image generation unit also includes a heat dissipation frame positioned on the side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipation frame being positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, wherein the heat dissipation frame conducts heat away from the display surface. The image projection system further includes: one or more mirrors positioned to reflect the content generated by the image generation unit; and a transparent object positioned to receive the content reflected by the one or more mirrors, the transparent object reflecting the content towards the user.

[0011] Among other things, another embodiment also provides a method of manufacturing an image generation unit. The method includes positioning the display unit between the light source and the display surface such that the display unit is positioned to receive light emitted by the light source and the display unit is further configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit. The method also includes positioning the display surface between the light source and the display surface. The method also includes positioning the heat dissipation frame on the side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipation frame being positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, wherein the heat dissipation frame conducts heat away from the display surface.

[0012] At least one technical advantage of the disclosed method over the prior art is that it can reduce the temperature in a head-up display system without the need for an active cooling device or applying additional films, coatings, or treatments to the reflection and / or refraction components in the head-up display system. In addition, the complexity and manufacturing cost of the head-up display system are also reduced. These technical advantages provide one or more technical improvements over the prior art methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In order to understand the manner in which the above-described features of the various embodiments can be obtained in detail, a more specific description of the inventive concepts briefly summarized above can be obtained by reference to the various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings only illustrate typical embodiments of the inventive concepts and should not be considered in any way to limit the scope, and there are other equivalent embodiments.

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a computing system according to various embodiments;

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image projection system according to various embodiments;

[0016] Figure 3 is according to various embodiments Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a picture generation unit (PGU);

[0017] Figure 4 is according to various embodiments Figure 3 a front view of the display surface of the PGU; and

[0018] Figure 5 is a flowchart of method steps for constructing a PGU according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the inventive concept may be practiced without one or more of these specific details.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a computing system 100 configured to implement one or more aspects of the various embodiments. As shown, the computing system 100 includes, but is not limited to, a computing device 190 and an input / output (I / O) device 130. The computing device 190 includes, but is not limited to, one or more processing units 102, an I / O device interface 104, a network interface 106, an interconnect (bus) 112, a storage device 114, and a memory 116. The memory 116 stores a database 142 and a HUD application 150. The processing unit 102, the I / O device interface 104, the network interface 106, the storage device 114, and the memory 116 may be communicatively coupled to each other via the interconnect 112. In various embodiments, the computing system 100 may display content to a user ( For example , a vehicle driver or operator) by projecting images such as text, graphics, icons, etc.

[0021] As described above, the computing device 190 may include a processing unit 102 and a memory 116. The computing device 190 may be a system-on-chip (SoC). In various embodiments, the computing device 190 may be a host unit included in a vehicle system. In some embodiments, the computing device 190 or the entire computing system 100 may be an aftermarket system or device added to a vehicle. Generally, the computing device 190 may be configured to coordinate the overall operation of the computing system 100. The embodiments disclosed herein contemplate any technically feasible system configured to implement the functionality of the computing system 100 via the computing device 190. Various examples of the computing device 190 include wearable devices ( For example, helmets, headsets, glasses, etc.), vehicle computing devices ( For example , a host unit, an in-vehicle infotainment system, a driver assistance system, an after-sales system, etc.).

[0022] The processing unit 102 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processing unit (DSP), a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a neural processing unit (NPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or the like. Each processing unit 102 generally includes a programmable processor that executes program instructions to manipulate input data. In some embodiments, the processing unit 102 may include any number of processing cores, memories, and other modules for facilitating program execution. In some embodiments, the processing unit 102 may be configured to execute the HUD application 150 to provide a head-up display service. In some embodiments, the HUD application 150 may be based on information from various sources associated with the vehicle ( For example , a navigation system, an infotainment system, a driver assistance system) to generate an image containing content and cause the content image to be displayed via the vehicle's computing system 100.

[0023] The storage device 114 may include a non-volatile storage device for applications, software modules, and data, and may include a fixed or removable disk drive, a flash device, and a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Blu-Ray, HD-DVD, or other magnetic, optical, or solid-state storage device, and / or the like. For example, the HUD application 150 and the database 142 may be stored in the storage device 114 and then loaded into the memory 116 as needed.

[0024] The memory 116 may include a memory module or a collection of memory modules. The memory 116 generally includes storage chips, such as random access memory (RAM) chips, for storing application programs and data for processing by the processing unit 102. The processing unit 102, the I / O device interface 104, and the network interface 106 may be configured to read data from and write data to the memory 116. The HUD application 150 may be loaded from the storage device 114 into the memory 116. When in the memory 116, the HUD application 150 may be executed by the processing unit 102 to implement the functionality described in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] The database 142 may store templates, display elements ( For example, text characters, graphics, shapes, etc.) and / or a palette of display elements, etc., which the processing unit 102 can use to generate images for display via the computing system 100 and the HUD application 150. That is, the database 142 can include one or more repositories of templates, display elements, display element palettes, and / or the like. The database 142 or portions thereof can be stored in the storage device 114 and loaded into the memory 116 as needed. In various embodiments, the processing unit 102 can be configured to retrieve templates and / or display elements stored in the database 142 to generate images for display. For example, the database 142 can store templates, formats, or the like for displaying navigation information via the computing system 100, as well as display elements ( For example , alphanumeric characters, symbols, icons, graphics, etc.). The HUD application 150 can retrieve these templates and elements and generate an image including the display elements arranged based on the template to present navigation information. In some embodiments, the database 142 can receive periodic updates ( For example , of at least a portion of the data stored in the database 142) from a remote computing system ( For example , a cloud computing system or a remote server system), such as additional and / or updated fonts for characters, additional and / or updated symbols, additional and / or updated graphics, display elements for additional and / or updated languages, etc.). In some embodiments, the display elements stored in the database 142 include one or more of the following: fonts for text characters, fonts for one or more languages, shapes, icons, graphics, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the templates stored in the database 142 include templates for arranging and displaying one or more of the following: navigation information, vehicle speed information, infotainment media information (media playback information), vehicle status or condition information, environmental information ( For example , weather) and / or the like.

[0026] In some embodiments, the computing system 100 can be coupled to a sensor array (not shown), which can include one or more sensor devices that perform measurements and / or acquire data related to certain objects in the environment. The sensor array can include an outward sensor array and / or an inward sensor array. The outward sensor array can include one or more sensor devices configured to perform measurements and / or acquire data related to the exterior of the vehicle ( For example , the environment around the vehicle). The inward sensor array can include one or more sensor devices configured to perform measurements and / or acquire data related to the interior of the vehicle ( For example, data related to the vehicle compartment, vehicle occupants). Examples of sensor devices include, but are not limited to, biosensors, physiological sensors, imaging sensors, acoustic sensors, environmental sensors, behavioral sensors, imagers, laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors, physical sensors ( For example , touch sensors, pressure sensors, position sensors, accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMUs)), motion sensors, etc. The sensor array can generate sensor data associated with the state and / or context of the vehicle, one or more occupants of the vehicle ( For example , driver, passenger) and / or the environment surrounding the vehicle. For example, the sensor array can collect biometric data related to the driver ( For example , heart rate, brain activity, skin conductance, blood oxygen, pupil size, eye movement, skin galvanic response, blood pressure level, average blood glucose concentration, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the sensor array can generate sensor data associated with the vehicle compartment. For example, the sensor array can generate sensor data regarding the presence of other occupants in the vehicle, the environment inside the vehicle compartment, the operation of the vehicle, etc. Further additionally or alternatively, the sensor array can generate sensor data associated with the environment outside the vehicle. For example, the sensor array can generate data regarding the weather outside the vehicle ( For example , external temperature), detection of objects adjacent to the vehicle ( For example , other vehicles, people, animals, etc.), detection of road features ( For example , lane markings, road signs, etc.), etc. More generally, the sensor array can be an information source on which the computing system 100 can base an image to be displayed. For example, a driver assistance system can process the sensor data obtained from the sensor array to generate information passed to the HUD application 150. The HUD application 150 can generate an image containing content presenting the information obtained from the driver assistance system.

[0027] The I / O device 130 can include devices (not shown) capable of receiving input ( For example , keyboard, mouse, touch-sensitive screen, microphone, etc.) for providing input data to the computing device 190. The I / O device 130 can include devices capable of providing output ( For example, a display screen, one or more speakers, a haptic device, a non-touch haptic device, and / or the like). One or more of the I / O devices 130 may be incorporated into the computing device 190 or may be external to the computing device 190. The I / O device 130 may be docked with the computing device 190 via the I / O device interface 104. In some embodiments, the computing device 190 and / or one or more of the I / O devices 130 may be components of a host unit implemented in a vehicle. In some embodiments, the HUD application 150 may obtain information from one or more systems and / or subsystems ( For example , a navigation system, an infotainment system, a driver assistance system) of the vehicle and display the information via the computing system 100. More generally, the computing system 100 and / or the computing device 190 may interface with other systems of the vehicle to obtain information for display.

[0028] In various embodiments, the I / O device 130 includes a head-up display system 132. The head-up display system 132 may generate and project an image for a user ( For example , a vehicle occupant) to view. In some embodiments, the head-up display system may include one or more optical devices ( For example , lenses, prisms, mirrors, or the like, or any combination thereof), and the one or more optical devices may affect the virtual image distance of the image projected by the head-up display system 132. In some embodiments, the head-up display system 132 may include an actuator or the like, which may orient or redirect the head-up display system 132 or its components ( For example , one or more of the optical devices in the head-up display system 132) so as to affect the angle at which the image is projected from the head-up display system 132.

[0029] A network (not shown) may enable communication between the computing device 190 and other devices in the network via wired and / or wireless communication protocols, satellite networks, telephone networks, V2X networks (including Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wireless Local Area Network (WiFi), cellular protocols, and / or Near Field Communication (NFC)). The network may be any technically feasible type of communication network that allows for the exchange of data between the computing device 190 and a remote system or device (such as a server, a cloud computing system, a cloud-based storage device, or other networked computing devices or systems). For example, the network may include a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a wireless network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network, a cellular data network), and / or the Internet, etc. The computing device 190 may be connected to the network via the network interface 106. In some embodiments, the network interface 106 is a combination of hardware, software, or hardware and software configured to connect to one or more networks and interact with the one or more networks.

[0030] In some embodiments, computing system 100 may include or be coupled to a location module. The location module may include hardware and / or software components for determining the geographical location of computing device 190 ( For example , the current location of the vehicle). The location module may determine the location of computing device 190 by obtaining geographical location data ( For example , from a global navigation satellite system such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Glonass, Galileo, Beidou, etc.) and / or based on sensor data from a sensor array ( For example , dead reckoning). The location module may also cross-reference the obtained and / or determined geographical location with a navigation database (which may be stored in database 142) to determine address information corresponding to the geographical location.

[0031] In some embodiments, computing device 190 may be paired and communicate with another neighboring computing device. The other computing device may be coupled to computing device 190 via any suitable wired ( For example , USB cable) or wireless ( For example , Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) connection, via I / O device interface 104, and / or network interface 106 and one or more networks. The HUD application 150 on computing device 190 may communicate and interact with an application on the other computing device. For example, the HUD application 150 may communicate and interact with a navigation application on the other computing device to obtain navigation information, and the HUD application 150 may then use the navigation information to generate an image for display.

[0032] In some embodiments, computing system 100 is an augmented reality display system. Computing system 100 displays content in combination with the external ( For example , front) environment of the vehicle. That is, computing system 100 may display what the vehicle occupants will perceive as being superimposed on the external environment of the vehicle that the user sees. For example, the HUD application 150 may generate an image to indicate a navigation route in front of the vehicle and landmarks on the route. The HUD application 150 may arrange and display the content in combination with an image of the front environment of the vehicle such that the user sees both the environment and the content simultaneously.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image projection system 200 according to various embodiments. The image projection system 200 generates and projects images for a user to view. In various embodiments, the user may be the driver of the vehicle or another occupant. As shown, the image projection system 200 includes, but is not limited to, a head-up display system 132 and a reflective surface 210. The head-up display system 132 includes, but is not limited to, a picture generation unit (PGU) 202 and a mirror 206.

[0034] In operation, the PGU 202 generates content including an image. The generated content propagates along the optical path 204 and is reflected from the mirror 206. The generated content further propagates along the optical path 208 and is reflected from the reflective surface 210. Then, the generated content propagates along the optical path 212 to reach the user's eye 216. The generated content includes a virtual image 214, which appears to the user as if the virtual image 214 is located at a certain virtual distance 218 away from the user's eye 216.

[0035] Although only one mirror is shown, the image projection system 200 may include multiple mirrors, and one or more of the multiple mirrors may optionally be repositioned or redirected. Additionally, any one of the multiple mirrors may be planar, concave, convex, or any other suitable shape.

[0036] The reflective surface 210 may be a surface that reflects various light patterns. The reflective surface 210 may be a transparent surface, such as the windshield of a vehicle. The reflective surface 210 may be a translucent or opaque surface, such as a dedicated mirror or a display surface. The reflective surface 210 may reflect light in such a way that the user views the image at a specific location. In some embodiments, the reflective surface 210 may reflect light having certain wavelengths while allowing other wavelengths to pass through. In some embodiments, the reflective surface 210 may include two pieces of glass or plastic with a transparent interlayer sandwiched therebetween.

[0037] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the PGU 202 according to various embodiments. As shown, the PGU 202 includes, but is not limited to, a display unit 310, a display surface 314, an adhesive layer 312, a lens 308, an array of one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 306 ( For example , one or more LEDs 306A - 306E), a printed circuit board (PCB) 304, a heat sink 302, a heat sink bezel 316, one or more thermal connectors 318 ( For example , one or more thermal connectors 318A, 318B) and a PGU housing 320.

[0038] The LED 306 is attached to the PCB 304 to form a light source, and the light source provides backlight illumination for the display unit 310 through the lens 308. In some embodiments, the LED 306 can be an array of red, green, and blue LEDs arranged such that the combined backlight illumination provided by the LED 306 and the PCB 304 appears colorless or white. One or more of the LEDs 306 may include a diffuser (not shown) that distributes the backlight illumination from the LED 306 and the PCB 304 such that the combined backlight illumination has a uniform intensity. In alternative embodiments, the LED 306 can be replaced or augmented by one or more lighting devices using lighting technologies such as electroluminescent panels (ELPs) or cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) instead of using the LED 306.

[0039] The PCB 304 also contains drive circuitry to control the illumination of the LED 306. Via the drive circuitry, the PCB 304 can turn the LED 306 on or off and can vary the intensity of the backlight illumination. The PCB 304 can control the illumination of the LED 306 individually or collectively, including controlling the LEDs attached to one or more designated areas of the PCB 304. In some embodiments, the PCB 304 includes one or more reflectors or light guides (not shown) attached to the surface of the PCB 304 and positioned adjacent to the LED 306. These reflectors or light guides reflect or shape a portion of the combined backlight illumination such that the combined backlight illumination has a uniform intensity.

[0040] The lens 308 is positioned between the PCB 304 and the display unit 310 and is substantially parallel to both. The lens 308 propagates the backlight illumination from the LED 306 and the PCB 304 and can be made of any suitable transparent or translucent material ( For example , plastic, glass, polycarbonate). In some embodiments, the lens 308 can be a collimating lens positioned such that the backlight illumination incident on the lens 308 exits the lens 308 as substantially parallel rays. In alternative embodiments, the lens 308 can be a diffusing lens arranged such that the backlight illumination exiting the lens 308 has a uniform intensity over the entire surface of the lens 308. In some embodiments, the lens 308 can reduce the intensity of certain wavelengths of light, such as infrared or ultraviolet light, while allowing other wavelengths of light to pass through without reducing the intensity of these other wavelengths of light.

[0041] By controlling the electrode array within the display unit 310, the display unit 310 generates an area pattern with different transparency levels for the content to be projected by the PGU 202. For example, a completely transparent area allows the backlight illumination generated by one or more LEDs 306 and the PCB 304 to pass through the display unit 310 without changing the brightness. As another example, a partially translucent area allows the backlight illumination to pass through the display unit 310 while reducing the brightness. As yet another example, a completely opaque area does not allow the backlight illumination to pass through this area. In some embodiments, the partially translucent area may change the color of the backlight illumination passing through this area. In some embodiments, the display unit 310 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), such as a thin film transistor (TFT) LCD. The display unit 310 may generate content at any suitable resolution.

[0042] The backlight illumination projected through the display unit 310 to generate the content for display is further projected through the adhesive layer 312. The adhesive layer 312 may include any suitable transparent or translucent adhesive and may be disposed to extend through all or a portion of the space between the display unit 310 and the display surface 314. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive layer 312 may be omitted in the case where the display surface 314 is directly attached to the display unit 310, for example, by a mounting bracket configured to apply a clamping force on the display unit 310 and the display surface 314.

[0043] The display surface 314 may be any suitable transparent material ( For example , plastic, glass, polycarbonate). In some embodiments, the display surface 314 may reduce the intensity of light of certain wavelengths, such as infrared or ultraviolet light, while allowing light of other wavelengths to pass through without reducing the intensity of these other wavelengths of light. The display surface 314 may include an anti-reflection coating to reduce the glare of light incident on the surface of the display surface 314 opposite the display unit 310.

[0044] The heat dissipation bezel 316 is attached to a first portion of the display surface 314 that is not used for propagating the generated content from the PGU 202. In various embodiments, the heat dissipation bezel 316 surrounds a second portion of the display surface 314 through which the generated content is projected from the PGU 202.

[0045] Figure 4 is an exemplary front view of the display surface 314. As shown, the display surface 314 includes, but is not limited to, an unused portion 402 and a used portion 404.

[0046] The used portion 404 of the display surface 314 corresponds to the portion of the display unit 310 where content is generated. The content can include, for example, the current vehicle speed 406, the current speed limit 408, and navigation data 410. It should be understood that Figure 4 the exemplary content shown is merely representative, and in other embodiments, different types and / or arrangements of content are also possible. Although Figure 4 the used portion 404 is depicted as being located at the center of the display surface 314, the used portion 404 can be located anywhere within the display surface 314.

[0047] The unused portion 402 of the display surface 314 corresponds to the portion of the display unit 310 where no content is generated. As discussed above with reference to Figure 3 the heat dissipation bezel 316 can be attached to the entire unused portion 402 or a portion of the unused portion 402.

[0048] Referring back to Figure 3 , the heat dissipation bezel 316 conducts heat away from the display surface 314 and can include any thermally conductive material. In various embodiments, the heat dissipation bezel 316 includes a graphite sheet. The heat dissipation bezel 316 can be attached to the display surface 314 with any suitable thermally conductive adhesive (not shown), or can be positioned in direct contact with the display surface 314 and attached to the display surface 314 via applied pressure from, for example, one or more clamps or mounting brackets.

[0049] One or more thermal connectors 318 are coupled to the heat dissipation bezel 316. The thermal connectors 318 include thermally conductive materials ( For example , aluminum, steel, magnesium, copper). The thermal connectors 318 conduct heat away from the heat dissipation bezel 316. As shown, the thermal connectors 318 can be disposed adjacent to one or more portions of the heat dissipation bezel 316 in a manner that contacts the corresponding outer edges of the heat dissipation bezel 316. In various embodiments, the thermal connectors 318 can be disposed at the corners of the heat dissipation bezel 316, along a portion or the entirety of one or more outer edges of the heat dissipation bezel 316, or disposed to completely surround the outer edge of the heat dissipation bezel 316. In alternative embodiments, the thermal connectors 318 can be attached to the surface of the heat dissipation bezel 316 such that the heat dissipation bezel 316 is disposed between the thermal connectors 318 and the display surface 314.

[0050] The PGU housing 320 at least surrounds the sides of the various components of the PGU 202. In some embodiments, one or more of the heat dissipation frame 316, the thermal connector 318, the display surface 314, the display unit 310, the lens 308, the PCB 304, and the heat sink 302 are mounted within and / or attached to one or more inner surfaces of the PGU housing 320. The PGU housing 320 may include: an upper opening that at least exposes the used portion 404 of the display surface 314; and a lower opening that exposes the heat sink 302 to the external environment surrounding the PGU housing 320. The PGU housing 320 may be at least partially composed of a thermally conductive material ( For example , aluminum, steel, magnesium, copper), such that the PGU housing 320 helps conduct heat away from the thermal connector 318 and / or other components attached to the PGU housing 320. The PGU housing 320 radiates the conducted heat into the external environment surrounding the PGU housing 320.

[0051] The heat sink 302 is attached to the PCB 304 and conducts heat away from the PCB 304. The heat sink 302 may include one or more columns and / or fins to increase the surface area and thermal conductivity of the heat sink 302. The heat sink 302 may be composed of a thermally conductive material ( For example , copper, aluminum, aluminum alloy), and radiates heat into the surrounding environment external to the PGU housing 320. In various embodiments where the heat sink 302 is attached to the PGU housing 320, depending on the relative temperatures of the heat sink 302 and the PGU housing 320, the heat sink 302 also conducts heat away from or into the PGU housing 320.

[0052] Figure 5 is a flowchart of method steps for constructing the PGU 202 according to various embodiments. Although the method steps are described in connection with the Figures 1 to 4 system, those skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to perform the method steps in any order falls within the scope of the various embodiments.

[0053] Method 500 begins at step 502: obtaining the components for the PGU 202, which include but are not limited to display components, the heat dissipation frame 316, the thermal connector 318, and the PGU housing 320. The display components include but are not limited to the LED 306, the PCB 304, the heat sink 302, the lens 308, the display unit 310, and the display surface 314.

[0054] At step 504, the display component is assembled. The LED 306 is attached to the surface of the PCB 304. Alternatively, the LED 306 is pre-mounted to the surface of the PCB 304. The heat sink 302 is attached to the second surface of the PCB 304, the second surface being opposite to the surface to which the LED 306 is attached or pre-mounted. The lens 308 is disposed between the LED 306 and the display unit 310, and the display surface 314 is attached to the display unit 310. The display surface 314 can be attached to the display unit 310 using an adhesive layer 312 disposed between the display unit 310 and the display surface 314. Alternatively, the display surface 314 can be directly attached to the display unit 310 using mounting flanges, brackets, or by using one or more fasteners such as screws, bolts, or clips.

[0055] At step 506, the assembled display component is installed into the PGU housing 320. The assembled display component can be attached to a bracket or flange disposed between the assembled display component and the PGU housing 320. Alternatively, the assembled display component can be installed into a chassis, and the chassis is attached to one or more inner surfaces of the PGU housing 320 via one or more brackets or flanges, for example.

[0056] At step 508, the heat dissipation frame 316 is attached to the unused portion 402 of the display surface 314 of the display unit 310. As discussed above with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 the heat dissipation frame 316 can be attached to the entire unused portion 402 or a part of the unused portion 402. The heat dissipation frame 316 can be attached to the unused portion 402 of the display surface 314 using any suitable thermally conductive adhesive, or can be positioned in direct contact with the display surface 314 and attached to the display surface 314 via the applied pressure from, for example, one or more clamps or mounting brackets.

[0057] At step 510, one or more thermal connectors 318 are coupled to the heat dissipation frame 316. As Figure 3 shown, the thermal connectors 318 can be disposed adjacent to one or more portions of the heat dissipation frame 316 in a manner that the thermal connectors 318 are in contact with the corresponding outer edges of the heat dissipation frame 316. In various embodiments, the thermal connectors 318 can be disposed at the corners of the heat dissipation frame 316, along a part or the whole of one or more outer edges of the heat dissipation frame 316, or disposed to completely surround the outer edge of the heat dissipation frame 316. In alternative embodiments, the thermal connectors 318 can be attached to the surface of the heat dissipation frame 316 such that the heat dissipation frame 316 is disposed between the thermal connectors 318 and the display surface 314.

[0058] At step 512, one or more thermal connectors 318 are coupled to the PGU housing 320. The thermal connectors 318 can be attached to the PGU housing 320 using suitable fasteners such as screws, clips, or bolts. In an alternative embodiment, the shape and physical dimensions of the PGU housing 320 can position and confine the thermal connectors 318 into direct contact with the PGU housing 320 without the need for fasteners.

[0059] As discussed above and should be further emphasized here, Figure 5 are merely examples and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. In some embodiments, the heat dissipation bezel 316 is pre-attached to the display screen 314 by the manufacturer. In such embodiments, step 508 is omitted.

[0060] In summary, excessive temperatures in a head-up display system in a vehicle can be alleviated by attaching a heat dissipation bezel to a portion of the display surface of a picture generation unit (PGU). The heat dissipation bezel is attached to some or all of the portions of the display surface that are not used for displaying images. The heat dissipation bezel surrounds the portion of the display surface that is used for displaying images. The heat dissipation bezel can be attached to the display surface using any suitable thermally conductive adhesive, or can be positioned in direct contact with the display surface and attached to the display surface via applied pressure from, for example, one or more clamps or mounting brackets. The heat dissipation bezel absorbs heat from the display unit and conducts the heat to one or more thermal connectors coupled to the heat dissipation bezel. The one or more thermal connectors are further coupled to the housing of the PGU and / or other components of the head-up display system and conduct the heat from the heat dissipation bezel to the housing. A radiator can also be attached to the housing to assist in removing heat from the housing.

[0061] At least one technical advantage of the disclosed method over the prior art is that the temperature in the head-up display system can be reduced without the need for an active cooling device or applying additional films, coatings, or treatments to the reflective and / or refractive components in the head-up display system. In addition, the complexity and manufacturing cost of the head-up display system are also reduced. These technical advantages provide one or more technical improvements over the prior art methods.

[0062] 1. In some embodiments, an image generation unit includes: a light source; a display unit positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit; a display surface, the display unit positioned between the light source and the display surface; and a heat dissipation frame positioned on a side of the display surface opposite to the display unit, the heat dissipation frame positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, wherein the heat dissipation frame conducts heat away from the display surface.

[0063] 2. The image generation unit according to clause 1, wherein the heat dissipation frame includes a graphite sheet.

[0064] 3. The image generation unit according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the heat dissipation frame is attached to the display surface using a thermal conductive adhesive disposed between the heat dissipation frame and the display surface.

[0065] 4. The image generation unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, further comprising one or more thermal connectors and a housing, wherein the one or more thermal connectors are coupled between the heat dissipation frame and the housing.

[0066] 5. The image generation unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising a heat sink coupled to at least one of the light source or the housing.

[0067] 6. The image generation unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more thermal connectors are disposed along one or more outer edges of the heat dissipation frame.

[0068] 7. The image generation unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the heat dissipation frame is disposed between the one or more thermal connectors and the display surface.

[0069] 8. The image generation unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the light source includes one or more light emitting diodes attached to a printed circuit board.

[0070] 9. The image generation unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the display unit is a thin film transistor liquid crystal display.

[0071] 10. The image generation unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising a lens positioned between the light source and the display unit.

[0072] 11. The image generation unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the image generation unit is configured to generate projection content for a head-up display.

[0073] 12. In some embodiments, an image projection system includes: a picture generation unit, the picture generation unit including: a light source and a display unit, the display unit being positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit being configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit; a display surface, the display unit being positioned between the light source and the display surface; and a heat dissipation frame, the heat dissipation frame being positioned on a side of the display surface opposite to the display unit, the heat dissipation frame being positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, wherein the heat dissipation frame conducts heat away from the display surface; one or more mirrors, the one or more mirrors being positioned to reflect the content generated by the picture generation unit; and a transparent object, the transparent object being positioned to receive the content reflected by the one or more mirrors, the transparent object reflecting the content towards a user.

[0074] 13. The image projection system according to clause 12, wherein the heat dissipation frame includes a graphite sheet.

[0075] 14. The image projection system according to clause 12 or 13, wherein the heat dissipation frame is attached to the display surface using a thermally conductive adhesive disposed between the heat dissipation frame and the display surface.

[0076] 15. The image projection system according to any one of clauses 12 to 14, wherein the picture generation unit further includes one or more thermal connectors and a housing, wherein the one or more thermal connectors are coupled between the heat dissipation frame and the housing.

[0077] 16. The image projection system according to any one of clauses 12 to 15, wherein the one or more thermal connectors are disposed along one or more outer edges of the heat dissipation frame.

[0078] 17. The image projection system according to any one of clauses 12 to 16, wherein the heat dissipation frame is disposed between the one or more thermal connectors and the display surface.

[0079] 18. The image projection system according to any one of clauses 12 to 17, wherein the transparent object is a windshield of a vehicle.

[0080] 19. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing a picture generation unit includes: positioning a display unit between a light source and a display surface such that the display unit is positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit further configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit; positioning the display surface between the light source and the display surface; and positioning a heat dissipation frame on a side of the display surface opposite to the display unit, the heat dissipation frame positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, wherein the heat dissipation frame conducts heat away from the display surface.

[0081] 20. The method of manufacturing a picture generation unit according to clause 19, wherein the heat dissipation frame includes a graphite sheet.

[0082] The description of the various embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

[0083] Aspects of the embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a system, a method, or a computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which may generally be referred to herein as a "module", "system", or "computer". Additionally, any hardware and / or software technology, process, function, component, engine, module, or system described in the present disclosure may be implemented as a circuit or a group of circuits. Further, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon.

[0084] Any combination of computer-readable media may be utilized. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing media. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium would include the following media: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing media. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0085] As described above with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine. When executed by the processor of a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, the instructions enable the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram to be implemented. Such a processor may be, but is not limited to, a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, an application specific processor, or a field programmable gate array.

[0086] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified one or more logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware that performs the specified functions or operations, or by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0087] Although the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from its basic scope, and the scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims.

Claims

1. An image generation unit, comprising: A light source; A display unit, the display unit being positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit being configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit; A display surface, the display unit being positioned between the light source and the display surface; And A heat dissipation frame, the heat dissipation frame being positioned on a side of the display surface opposite to the display unit, the heat dissipation frame being positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected; Wherein the heat dissipation frame conducts heat away from the display surface.

2. The image generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation frame comprises a graphite sheet.

3. The image generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation frame is attached to the display surface using a thermal conductive adhesive provided between the heat dissipation frame and the display surface.

4. The image generation unit according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more thermal connectors; And A housing; Wherein the one or more thermal connectors are coupled between the heat dissipation frame and the housing.

5. The image generation unit according to claim 4, further comprising a heat sink coupled to at least one of the light source or the housing.

6. The image generation unit according to claim 4, wherein the one or more thermal connectors are provided along one or more outer edges of the heat dissipation frame.

7. The image generation unit according to claim 4, wherein the heat dissipation frame is provided between the one or more thermal connectors and the display surface.

8. The image generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes attached to a printed circuit board.

9. The image generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is a thin film transistor liquid crystal display.

10. The image generation unit according to claim 1, further comprising a lens positioned between the light source and the display unit.

11. The image generation unit according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit is used to generate projection content for a head-up display.

12. An image projection system, comprising: An image generation unit, the image generation unit comprising: A light source; A display unit, the display unit being positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit being configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit; A display surface, the display unit being positioned between the light source and the display surface; and A heat dissipation frame, the heat dissipation frame being positioned on a side of the display surface opposite to the display unit, the heat dissipation frame being positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, wherein the heat dissipation frame conducts heat away from the display surface; One or more mirrors, the one or more mirrors being positioned to reflect the content generated by the image generation unit; and A transparent object, the transparent object being positioned to receive the content reflected by the one or more mirrors, the transparent object reflecting the content towards the user.

13. The image projection system according to claim 12, wherein the heat dissipation frame includes a graphite sheet.

14. The image projection system according to claim 12, wherein the heat dissipation frame is attached to the display surface using a thermal conductive adhesive disposed between the heat dissipation frame and the display surface.

15. The image projection system according to claim 12, wherein the picture generation unit further comprises: One or more thermal connectors; And A housing; Wherein the one or more thermal connectors are coupled between the heat dissipation frame and the housing.

16. The image projection system according to claim 15, wherein the one or more thermal connectors are disposed along one or more outer edges of the heat dissipation frame.

17. The image projection system according to claim 15, wherein the heat dissipation frame is disposed between the one or more thermal connectors and the display surface.

18. The image projection system according to claim 12, wherein the transparent object is a windshield of a vehicle.

19. A method of manufacturing a picture generation unit, comprising: Positioning a display unit between a light source and a display surface such that the display unit is positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit further configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit; Positioning the display surface between the light source and the display surface; And Positioning a heat dissipation frame on a side of the display surface opposite to the display unit, the heat dissipation frame being positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, wherein the heat dissipation frame conducts heat away from the display surface.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the heat dissipation frame includes a graphite sheet.

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