Head-up display for showing graphics on a vehicle's windshield

Abstract

Head-up display system (10) for displaying graphics on a windscreen (12) of a vehicle (14) to provide a driver (18) with a gamified experience, wherein the head-up display system (10) comprises: a driver monitoring system (24) with one or more cameras (32) that determine the position of the driver's (18) head (38) of the vehicle (14) and the driver's (18) eye position; a graphics projection module (22) for generating images on the windshield (!2) of the vehicle (14); and one or more controllers (20) in electronic communication with the driver monitoring system (24) and the graphics projection module (22), wherein the one or more controllers (20) are configured to execute instructions to: to receive a user-generated prompt indicating that a calibration mode of the head-up display system (10) has been initiated; in response to receiving the user-generated request to initiate calibration mode; to receive an eye position indicator from the driver monitoring system (24) indicating the driver's eye position (18), and to determine the driver's eye position (18); and to instruct the graphics projection module (22) to generate a vertical alignment graphic (62) on the windscreen (12) of the vehicle (14), wherein the vertical alignment graphic (62) indicates that the driver's eye position (18) is positioned at a nominal height (N) of an eye frame (50) of the head-up display (10).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a head-up display that provides a gamified experience to a driver during a calibration mode.

[0002] A head-up display (HUD) projects information such as vehicle speed and navigation instructions directly onto the windshield of a vehicle in the driver's front field of vision. This allows the driver to access information without taking their eyes off the road. In some cases, head-up displays can be used in augmented reality displays, which project images onto the windshield to enhance the driver's view of the area outside the vehicle and require precise alignment of the images relative to the driver.

[0003] The head-up display is calibrated at the manufacturer's facility, assuming it is installed in an ideal vehicle with an ideal windshield shape. The head-up display is then sent to the final assembly plant for installation. Although the head-up display has already been calibrated at the manufacturer, it must be recalibrated and the distortion map updated in the vehicle. This is necessary due to variations in the vehicle's design and windshield shape. However, re-creating the lines of sight and an updated distortion map at the assembly plant is costly and increases cycle time.

[0004] Although current approaches to calibrating a head-up display serve their purpose, there is a need for an improved, cost-effective approach to calibrating a head-up display.

[0005] DE 10 2017 000 674 B3 describes a method for adjusting the head position of a vehicle occupant to perform / support a manual calibration process of the projection geometry of a vehicle's head-up display. The method comprises: determining or specifying a target head position of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle; determining the current actual head position of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle; and outputting information to the vehicle occupant about any difference between the actual head position and the target head position.

[0006] WO 2021 / 228 112 A1 describes a device for adjusting a cockpit system and a method for adjusting a cockpit system.The device comprises a calibration control module for controlling a HUD device to display a plurality of AR calibration points to a user; an image acquisition module for capturing a user image when the user looks at the plurality of AR calibration points; and a processing module for determining the user's viewing angle and height information as they view the multiple AR calibration points, based on the user image and the position information of the multiple AR calibration points, and for determining the cockpit system configuration information appropriate for the user based on the viewing angle and height information, wherein the cockpit system configuration information includes a HUD device configuration parameter and a seat device configuration parameter.With the device and method, a user simultaneously achieves a better observation effect and driving comfort, and no additional infrared detection or pressure sensor device is required, thus reducing the cost of a system.

[0007] US 2019 / 0278094A1 describes a head-up display system for a vehicle. The system includes an eye-tracking device and a head-up display device. The eye-tracking device is configured to pre-locate the driver's initial gaze position before the vehicle starts moving and to capture the driver's gaze position in real time. The head-up display includes a projector and a processor. The processor is coupled to the eye-tracking device and the projector. The processor compares the gaze position with the initial gaze position and controls the projector to project a display image, based on the comparison result, to either a first projection position or a second projection position, where the first projection position corresponds to the initial gaze position and the second projection position corresponds to the viewpoint.

[0008] The object of the invention can be considered to be to provide a system for improving the calibration of a head-up display.

[0009] The invention describes a head-up display system for projecting graphics onto a vehicle's windshield to provide a gamified experience for the driver. The head-up display system comprises a driver monitoring system with one or more cameras that determine the driver's head position and eye position, a graphics projection module for generating images on the vehicle's windshield, and one or more controllers in electronic communication with the driver monitoring system and the graphics projection module. The controller is configured to execute instructions upon receiving a user-generated prompt indicating that a calibration mode of the head-up display system has been initiated. In response to receiving the user-generated prompt, the one or more controllers are configured to initiate the calibration mode.The one or more controllers are configured to receive an eye position indicator from the driver monitoring system, which displays the driver's eye position, and determine the driver's eye position. The one or more controllers are configured to instruct the graphics projection module to generate a vertical alignment graphic on the vehicle's windshield. The vertical alignment graphic indicates that the driver's eye position is at a nominal height within the eye frame of the head-up display.

[0010] In one embodiment, the vertical alignment graphic is a horizontally aligned arrow that changes color to indicate that the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the eye frame.

[0011] In one embodiment, the one or more controllers are configured to execute instructions to generate a horizontal alignment graphic on the vehicle's windscreen based on the driver's eye position, in response to the determination that the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the eye frame.

[0012] In one embodiment, the horizontal alignment graphic indicates that the driver's eye position is in the horizontal center of the eye frame.

[0013] In one embodiment, the one or more controllers are configured to execute instructions to direct the graphics projection module to generate a line-of-sight graphic on the vehicle's windscreen, wherein the line-of-sight graphic includes a curved underside profile that follows a curvature of a steering wheel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the line of sight graphic includes one or more arrows indicating a direction in which the line of sight graphic is to be moved in order to align the curved underside profile of the chassis graphic with the curvature of the steering wheel.

[0015] In one embodiment, the line-of-sight graphic changes color to indicate that the driver's eye position is not in the horizontal center of the eye frame.

[0016] In one embodiment, the one or more controllers are configured to execute instructions to instruct the graphics projection module to generate one or more distortion graphics on the vehicle's windscreen.

[0017] In one embodiment, the head-up display system also includes a head-down display with a screen, wherein the head-down display is in electronic communication with one or more controllers.

[0018] In one embodiment, the one or more controllers are configured to execute instructions to instruct the head-down display to show one or more calibration controls on the screen.

[0019] In one application, the head-up display system according to the invention is used in a vehicle to display graphics on the windscreen in order to provide a gamified experience for the driver.

[0020] In another application, a method for displaying graphics on a vehicle's windshield is disclosed, in which the head-up display system according to the invention is used to provide a gamified experience to the driver. The method includes one or more controllers receiving a user-generated prompt indicating that a calibration mode of the head-up display system has been initiated. In response to receiving the user-generated prompt, the method includes initiating the calibration mode. The method also includes the controller receiving an eye position indicator from a driver monitoring system, which displays the driver's eye position, and determining the driver's eye position. The driver monitoring system comprises one or more cameras that determine the position of the driver's head and the driver's eye position.The method comprises instructing a graphics projection module to generate a vertical alignment graphic on the vehicle's windshield, the vertical alignment graphic indicating that the driver's eye position is at a nominal height of an eye frame of the head-up display. Finally, in response to the determination that the driver's eye position is at the nominal height of the eye frame, the method comprises generating a horizontal alignment graphic on the vehicle's windshield based on the driver's eye position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method comprises instructing the graphics projection module to generate a line-of-sight graphic on the vehicle's windshield. The line-of-sight graphic includes a curved underside profile that follows the curvature of a steering wheel.

[0022] In another embodiment, the method includes instructing the graphics projection module to generate one or more distortion graphics on the vehicle's windscreen. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the revealed head-up display system, which provides a gamified experience to the driver during calibration mode; Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows the head-up display system operating in calibration mode to ensure the driver's eye position is centered within an eye frame; Fig. Figure 3 is an illustration of the eye frame of the Head-Up Display; Fig. 4 shows a head-down display with one or more line-of-sight controls; Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B shows the head-up display system operating in calibration mode and generating a line-of-sight graphic; Fig. Figure 6 shows the head-up display system operating in calibration mode and generating an example distortion graph; Fig. Figure 7 shows a menu with various distortion graphs that can be used during calibration mode; and Fig. Figure 8 is a process flow diagram showing a procedure for providing a gamified experience to the driver during head-up display calibration.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary head-up display system 10. The head-up display system 10 projects graphics onto the windshield 12 of a vehicle 14 to provide a gamified experience for the driver 18 during the calibration of the head-up display system 10. The head-up display system 10 comprises one or more controllers 20 that communicate electronically 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 images onto the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14 and includes a projection device for generating excitation light for image projection. The driver monitoring system 24 comprises one or more cameras 32 located in an interior cabin 34 of the vehicle 14 to determine the position of the driver 18's head 38 and the driver's eye position. In the Fig. In the example shown, the user input device 26 is a keyboard; however, it is understood that other user input devices, such as a microphone, can also be used. The one or more controllers 20 are also in electronic communication with a head-down display 40, which is located next to or below a dashboard 42 (in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B) can be located in the interior cabin 34 of vehicle 14. Vehicle 14 can be any type of vehicle, such as a sedan, truck, SUV, van, or motorhome, without being limited to any of these.

[0024] The Fig. Figures 2A-2B are an exemplary interior view of the windscreen 12, in which the head-up display system 10 is operating in a calibration mode to ensure that the driver's eye position 18 ( Fig. 1) in an eye frame 50 (to be seen in Fig. 3) of the head-up display system 10 is centered. As explained below, during calibration mode, the head-up display system 10 first ensures that the driver's eye position 18 is centered within the eye frame 50. Once the driver's eye position 18 is centered within the eye frame 50, the head-up display system 10 aligns itself and calculates a calibration map to account for variations in the vehicle's construction 14 and variations in the shape of the windshield 12. It is understood that the head-up display system 10 does not need to be calibrated during final assembly. Instead, the head-up display system 10 can be calibrated at a dealership or by a customer without the need for any special equipment.

[0025] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the eye frame 50 of the head-up display system 10. Referring to the two Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 define a horizontal field of view 54 and a vertical field of view 56, a display size 58 of the head-up display system 10, where the display size 58 represents an area in which the head-up display system 10 generates graphic images. The eye space 50 is the volume in the interior 34 of the vehicle 14 in which the head 38 of the driver 18 can see the entire display size 58 of the head-up display system 10.

[0026] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2A The calibration mode of the head-up display system 10 is initiated by receiving a user-generated prompt. For example, the driver 18 can initiate the calibration mode by entering a command via the user input device 26. After entering the calibration mode, the driver 18 then sets the steering wheel 60 of the vehicle 14 to a higher position. The one or more controllers 20 receive the user-generated prompt indicating that the calibration mode of the head-up display system 10 has been initiated. In response to receiving the user-generated prompt, the one or more controllers 20 initiate the calibration mode and receive an eye position indicator from the driver monitoring system 24, which displays the driver's eye position.The one or more controllers 20 determine the driver's eye position 18 based on the eye position indicator received from the driver monitoring system 24. The one or more controllers 20 then instruct the graphic projection module 22 to generate a vertical alignment graphic 62 on the windscreen 12 of the vehicle 14 based on the driver's eye position 18. The vertical alignment graphic 62 indicates that the driver's eye position 18 is at a nominal height N of the eye frame 50 (in ). Fig. 3 to be seen) of the Head-Up Display System 10.

[0027] In the Fig. In the example shown in 2A, the vertical alignment graphic 62 is a horizontally aligned arrow that changes color to indicate that the driver's eye position 18 is at the nominal height N of the eye frame 50 ( Fig. 3) In particular, in a non-restrictive embodiment, the vertical alignment graphic 62 is colored red to indicate that the driver's eye position is outside the eye frame 50, and changes to yellow when the driver 18 adjusts their vertical height within the interior 34 of the vehicle 14 and approaches the nominal height N of the eye frame 50. The driver 18 can adjust their vertical height by adjusting the height of their seat. Once the driver's eye position is within the eye frame 50, the vertical alignment graphic 62 turns green. Although an arrow is depicted, other types of graphics, such as text containing instructions, can of course also be used.

[0028] Once the driver has adjusted his vertical height (18) and his eye position is at the nominal height N of the eye frame (50) Fig. 3) located, the controllers 20 generate a horizontal alignment graphic 64 on the windscreen 12 of the vehicle 14, which is based on the eye position of the driver 18 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2B). The horizontal alignment graph 64 shows when the driver's eye position 18 is in the horizontally aligned center C of the eye frame 50 (in Fig. 3 to be seen) of the head-up display system 10 is located. In the in Fig. In the non-restrictive embodiment shown in Figure 2B, the horizontal alignment graphic 64 is a vertically aligned arrow that changes color to indicate when the driver's eye position 18 is in the horizontally aligned center C of the eye frame 50 ( Fig. 3). For example, the horizontal alignment graph 64 is colored red to indicate that the eye position of driver 18 is not in the horizontally aligned center C of the eye frame 50, and changes to yellow as driver 18 approaches the horizontally aligned center C of the eye frame 50, and becomes green once driver 18's eye position is in the horizontally aligned center C of the eye frame 50.

[0029] As soon as the driver's eye position 18 is within the eye frame 50 ( Fig. 3) the driver can select 18 different options, which are displayed on the head-down display 40, to display one or more sight line control elements 68 on a screen, which in Fig. 4A is shown. In which in Fig. In the example shown in Figure 4A, the line-of-sight control elements 68 comprise an up / down slider 68A, a left / right slider 68B, and a rotary slider 68C; however, it is understood that other control elements can also be used. In another embodiment, the line-of-sight control elements 68 can instead be implemented as voice or gesture controls. With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 5A then instructs the one or more controllers 20 to the graphics projection module 22 to generate a sightline graphic 70 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14. The sightline graphic 70 includes a curved bottom profile 72 that follows a curvature 74 of the steering wheel 60. The sightline graphic 70 also includes one or more arrows 76. The arrows 76 indicate the direction in which the sightline graphic 70 is to be moved in order to align the curved bottom profile 72 of the graphic 70 with the curvature 74 of the steering wheel 60, as shown in Fig. 5B is shown. Fig. In the example shown in 5A, the arrow 76 indicates that the line of sight graphic 70 is to be moved to the right and down to align itself with the curvature 74 of the steering wheel 60.

[0030] In one embodiment, the line of sight graphic 70 changes its color to indicate that the driver's eye position 18 is not in the horizontally aligned center C of the eye frame 50 or at the nominal height N of the eye frame 50 ( Fig. 3) In one embodiment, the line of sight graphic 70 is colored yellow, for example, to indicate that the driver's eye position 18 is not at the horizontally aligned center C or the nominal height N of the eye frame 50, but changes to green as soon as the driver 18 moves his head to change his eye position so that it coincides with the horizontally aligned center C or the nominal height N of the eye frame 50.

[0031] Once the curved underside profile 72 of the sightline graphic 70 is aligned with the curvature 74 of the steering wheel 60, the one or more controllers 20 store one or more sightline parameters in memory. It is understood that the original x, y coordinates of the head-up display system 10, determined during factory calibration, are stored in the memory of the one or more controllers 20, and that the alignment parameters contain offset values ​​x', y' for the head-up display system 10 aligned at the vehicle level, with the offset values ​​x', y' replacing the original x, y coordinates of the head-up display system 10. The one or more controllers 20 then instruct the graphics projection module 22 to generate a graphic that instructs the driver 18 to move the steering wheel 60 downwards from its topmost position.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the one or more controllers 20 instruct the graphics projection module 22 to generate one or more distortion graphics 80 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14, the distortion graphics 80 being adjusted by the driver 18 to compensate for distortions caused by changes in the shape of the windshield 12. In the Fig. In the example shown, distortion graph 80 is a trapezoid, however, as shown in Fig. 7 can be seen and, as described below, other types of graphics are also used. The one or more controls 20 also instruct the head-down display 40 to generate one or more calibration control elements 86, which are in Fig. 4B are shown to adjust the distortion of the distortion graph 80 displayed on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14. In the Fig. The example shown in 4B includes one or more calibration control elements 86, an up / down slider 86A, a left / right slider 86B and a rotary slider 86C.

[0033] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 6, the distortion of the trapezoidal distortion graph 80 can be adjusted along both parallel sides 82. In particular, an upper parallel side 82A can be adjusted outwards and a lower parallel side 82B inwards, as indicated by the arrows 84. In another embodiment, however, the upper parallel side 82A can be adjusted inwards and the lower parallel side 82B outwards. With reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 4B and Fig. 6. The driver 18 performs a distortion compensation adjustment by setting a shape of the distortion graph 80 to eliminate distortions caused by variations in the shape of the windshield 12 by actuating one or more calibration control elements 86. Once the distortions are removed from the distortion graph 80, the shape of the distortion graph 80 is finalized and translated into one or more distortion parameters. In one embodiment, the distortion graph 80 changes its color when the driver 18 performs the distortion compensation to indicate that the driver's eye position is not at the horizontally aligned center C or the nominal height N of the eye frame 50. Fig. 3).

[0034] Although in Fig. Figure 6 shows a trapezoid for distortion compensation; other types of projection distortion can also be corrected. In one embodiment, the driver 18 can correct more than one type of projection distortion. Fig. 7 is an example menu with several different types of distortion graphics. 90. In the Fig. The 7 examples shown include the distortion graphs 90, a trapezoidal distortion graph 90A, a pincushion distortion graph 90B, a smile distortion graph 90C, a shear distortion graph 90D, an asymmetric horizontal right shear distortion graph 90E, an asymmetric horizontal right pincushion distortion graph 90F, an asymmetric horizontal left shear distortion graph 90G, and an asymmetric horizontal left pincushion distortion graph 90H. The in Fig. The 7 arrows shown in 92 illustrate one adjustment direction of the distortion graph 90.

[0035] Once the driver 18 has performed the distortion compensation adjustment for the one or more distortion graphs 80, the one or more controllers 20 determine a distortion compensation value based on the distortion parameters corresponding to each distortion graph 80. The distortion compensation value is a two-dimensional matrix containing distortion compensation values ​​for each distortion graph 80 set by the driver 18. It is understood that the distortion compensation value replaces an original two-dimensional matrix stored in the memory of the one or more controllers 20, the original two-dimensional matrix being used to compensate for distortions caused by the optical components of the head-up display system 10. The one or more controllers 20 can then calculate the calibration map based on the distortion compensation value.The distortion compensation map produces a shaped or pre-distorted image that takes into account variations in the shape of the windscreen 12, the pre-distorted image then being projected onto the windscreen 12 by the graphics projection module 22.

[0036] Once the distortion compensation map is calculated, the calibration is complete, and the one or more controllers 20 then determine a reward to be assigned to the driver 18 for completing the calibration of the head-up display system 10. The reward can be in the form of brand incentive points, which the driver 18 can redeem for goods or services. The one or more controllers 20 instruct the graphics projection module 22 to generate an image informing the driver 18 about the reward. The awarding of brand incentive points provides a gamified experience that motivates and engages the driver.

[0037] Fig. Figure 8 is a process flow diagram illustrating a procedure 200 for providing a gamified experience to the driver 18 during calibration of the head-up display system 10. Referring to the Fig. 1 and Fig. Procedure 200 can begin with block 202. In block 202, the calibration mode of the head-up display system 10 is initiated by receiving a user-generated request. For example, the driver 18 can initiate the calibration mode by entering a command into the user input device 26. Procedure 200 can then proceed to block 204.

[0038] In block 204, after entering calibration mode, the driver 18 sets a position of a steering wheel 60 of the vehicle 14 (as seen in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B) into the top position. Procedure 200 can then proceed to block 206.

[0039] In block 206, the one or more controllers 20, in response to receiving the user-generated request, initiate calibration mode and receive an eye position indicator from the driver monitoring system 24, indicating the driver's eye position 18. The one or more controllers 20 determine the driver's eye position 18 based on the eye position indicator received from the driver monitoring system 24. The procedure 200 can then proceed to block 208.

[0040] In block 208, the one or more controllers 20 instruct the graphics projection module 22, the vertical alignment graphic 62 (in Fig. 2A to be seen) on the windscreen 12 of the vehicle 14 based on the eye position of the driver 18, the vertical alignment graph 62 indicating when the eye position of the driver 18 is at the nominal height N of the eye frame 50 ( Fig. 3) is positioned. Procedure 200 can then proceed to decision block 210.

[0041] In decision block 210, the 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 ( Fig. 3) As mentioned previously, the driver 18 adjusts his vertical height by adjusting the seat height. Once the driver 18's eye position is at the nominal height N of the eye frame 50, the procedure 200 can be continued with block 212.

[0042] In block 212, in response to the determination that the driver's eye position 18 is at the nominal height N of the eye frame 50 ( Fig. 3) located, the one or more controllers 20 instruct the graphics projection module 22, the horizontal alignment graphic 64 ( Fig. 2B) to generate on the windscreen 12 of the vehicle 14 based on the eye position of the driver 18, the horizontal alignment graph 64 indicating when the eye position of the driver 18 is in the horizontally aligned center C of the eye frame 50 ( Fig. 3). Procedure 200 can then proceed to decision block 214.

[0043] In decision block 214, the one or more controllers 20 continue to monitor the eye position of the driver 18 until it is determined that the eye position of the driver 18 is located in the horizontally aligned center C of the eye frame 50 ( Fig. 3) Once the driver's eye position 18 is in the horizontally aligned center C of the eye frame 50, the procedure 200 can proceed to block 216.

[0044] In block 216, one or more controls 20 instruct the head-down display 40, one or more sight line control elements 68 ( Fig. 4A) to be displayed on screen 66. Procedure 200 can then proceed to block 218.

[0045] In block 218, the one or more controllers 20 instruct the graphics projection module 22 to generate the line-of-sight graphic 70 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14 (see Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B). Procedure 200 can then proceed to decision block 220.

[0046] In decision block 220, the driver 18 continues to operate the sight line control elements 68 ( Fig. 4A), until the curved underside profile 72 of the sight line graphic 70 is aligned with the curvature 74 of the steering wheel 60 ( Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B). The one or more controllers 20 then store one or more line-of-sight parameters in memory. The procedure 200 can then proceed to block 222.

[0047] In block 222, the one or more controllers 20 then instruct the graphics projection module 22 to generate a graphic that instructs the driver 18 to move the steering wheel 60 downwards from the top position. The one or more controllers 20 also instruct the head-down display 40, one or more sight line control elements 86 ( Fig. 4B) to be displayed on screen 66. Procedure 200 can then proceed to block 224.

[0048] In block 224, the one or more controllers 20 instruct the graphics projection module 22 to generate the one or more distortion graphics 80 on the windshield 12 of the vehicle 14 (shown in Fig. 6). Procedure 200 can then proceed to decision block 226.

[0049] In decision block 226, driver 18 continuously performs a distortion compensation adjustment by modifying the shape of the distortion graph 80 ( Fig. 6) adjusts to eliminate distortions caused by manipulating one or more of the line-of-sight control elements 86 ( Fig. 4B) to remove. Once the distortions are removed from distortion graph 80, the shape of distortion graph 80 is finalized and translated into one or more distortion parameters. As mentioned earlier, driver 18 can perform distortion compensation for more than one distortion graph 80. Procedure 200 can then proceed to block 228.

[0050] In block 228, the one or more controls 20 determine a distortion compensation value based on the distortion parameters that correspond to each distortion graph 80 ( Fig. 6) The one or more controllers 20 can then calculate the calibration map based on the distortion compensation value. The procedure 200 can then proceed to block 230.

[0051] In block 230, the one or more controllers 20 then determine the reward assigned to the driver 18 for completing the calibration of the head-up display system 10. The procedure 200 can then be terminated.

[0052] The described head-up display system offers various technical effects and advantages. In particular, the disclosure provides an approach for calibrating the head-up display system at a dealership or customer's location, rather than at the final assembly plant. This, in turn, reduces the overall cost associated with the vehicle. Furthermore, the presented approach also offers rewards for the driver when calibrating the head-up display. The reward provides a gamified experience that motivates and engages the driver.

Claims

[1] Head-up display system (10) for displaying graphics on a windscreen (12) of a vehicle (14) to provide a gamified experience to a driver (18), wherein the head-up display system (10) comprises: a driver monitoring system (24) with one or more cameras (32) that determine the position of the driver's (18) head (38) of the vehicle (14) and the driver's (18) eye position; a graphics projection module (22) for generating images on the windshield (!2) of the vehicle (14); and one or more controllers (20) in electronic communication with the driver monitoring system (24) and the graphics projection module (22), wherein the one or more controllers (20) are configured to execute instructions to: to receive a user-generated prompt indicating that a calibration mode of the head-up display system (10) has been initiated; in response to receiving the user-generated request to initiate calibration mode; to receive an eye position indicator from the driver monitoring system (24) indicating the driver's eye position (18), and to determine the driver's eye position (18); and to instruct the graphics projection module (22) to generate a vertical alignment graphic (62) on the windscreen (12) of the vehicle (14), wherein the vertical alignment graphic (62) indicates that the driver's eye position (18) is positioned at a nominal height (N) of an eye frame (50) of the head-up display (10). [2] Head-Up Display System (10) according to claim 1, wherein the vertical alignment graphic (62) is a horizontally aligned arrow which changes its color to indicate that the driver's eye position (18) is at the nominal height (N) of the eye frame (50). [3] Head-up display system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers (20) are configured to execute instructions to: in response to determining that the driver's eye position (18) is at the nominal height (N) of the eye frame (50), a horizontal alignment graphic (64) is to be generated on the windscreen (12) of the vehicle (14) based on the driver's eye position (18). [4] Head-Up Display System according to Claim 3, wherein the horizontal alignment graphic (64) indicates that the driver's eye position (18) is located in a horizontally aligned center (C) of the eye frame (50). [5] Head-up display system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers (20) are configured to execute instructions to: to instruct the graphics projection module (22) to generate a sight line graphic (70) on the windscreen (12) of the vehicle (14), wherein the sight line graphic (70) has a curved underside profile (72) that follows a curvature (74) of a steering wheel (60). [6] Head-Up Display System (10) according to claim 5, wherein the line of sight graphic (70) includes one or more arrows (76) indicating a direction in which the line of sight graphic (70) is to be moved in order to align the curved underside profile (72) of the line of sight graphic (70) with the curvature (74) of the steering wheel (60). [7] Head-Up Display System (10) according to claim 5, wherein the line of sight graphic (70) changes color to indicate that the driver's (18) eye position is not in the horizontally aligned center (C) of the eye frame (50). [8] Head-up display system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers (20) are configured to execute instructions to: to instruct the graphics projection module (22) to generate one or more distortion graphics (80) on the windscreen (12) of the vehicle (14). [9] Head-Up Display System (10) according to claim 8, further comprising a Head-Down Display (40) with a screen (66), wherein the Head-Down Display (40) is in electronic communication with the one or more controllers (20). [10] Head-up display system (10) according to claim 9, wherein the one or more controllers (20) are configured to execute instructions to: to instruct the head-down display (40) to display one or more calibration controls (86) on the screen (66).

Images