Thermal Management of Head-Up Displays Using Thermally Conductive Bezels

Abstract

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques for thermal management in a head-up display. The image generation unit includes a light source and a display unit arranged 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 image generation unit also includes a display surface, the display surface being disposed between the light source and the display surface. The image generation unit further includes a heat dissipation bezel disposed on a side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipation bezel being disposed on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, and dissipating heat from the display surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 414,424, filed October 7, 2022, entitled "THERMAL SOLUTION OF A HEADS-UP DISPLAY BY HIGH CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL," which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Field of Various Embodiments Various embodiments relate generally to head-up displays, and more particularly to thermal management of head-up displays using a thermally conductive bezel. [Background technology]

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art Vehicles can be equipped with head-up display systems for presenting information to vehicle occupants (e.g., driver, operator, passenger). Head-up display systems present information in a manner that allows occupants to continue to observe forward, toward the environment in front of the vehicle, without having to look down toward an instrument panel, dashboard, etc. Different types of vehicles can implement head-up displays to facilitate vehicle operators maintaining attention to the environment in front of the vehicle.

[0004] In head-up display systems, content is typically projected onto a transparent component (e.g., a vehicle windshield or a transparent display positioned between the vehicle occupant and the windshield), from which it reflects toward the vehicle occupant. A drawback of head-up display systems is that the image generation unit (PGU), which generates content for display to the vehicle occupant and includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other device, can be exposed to excessive heat. One heat source is ambient radiation (e.g., sunlight) reaching the LCD through one or more transparent or reflective surfaces included in the head-up display, such as a lens, mirror, or windshield, or through a transparent display positioned between the vehicle occupant and the windshield. Another heat source can be a backlight included in the PGU, such as an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted or affixed to a printed circuit board (PCB) positioned near one surface of the LCD. The backlight not only provides the necessary illumination for the LCD, but also transfers heat to the PGU as a by-product of its operation. If the temperature of the PGU increases beyond acceptable operating limits, the PGU may exhibit intermittent or degraded performance. In some cases, the PGU may stop working completely or may be permanently damaged.

[0005] One approach to addressing excessive solar radiation reaching the PGU is to reduce the reflectance and / or transmittance of the various surfaces included in the head-up display. For example, transparent components may include films, coatings, or other treatments on one or more exterior surfaces of the transparent component or between layers. Similarly, lenses or mirrors in the head-up display's optical path may include similar films, coatings, or treatments. Reducing the reflectance and / or transmittance of components in the head-up display's optical path attenuates the solar radiation incident on the LCD. A drawback of this approach is the increased cost of manufacturing components with additional films, coatings, or treatments compared to manufacturing the same components without them. Another drawback is that the reduction in transmittance and / or reflectance is bidirectional. In addition to attenuating solar radiation incident on the LCD, films, coatings, or other treatments also cumulatively reduce the intensity of content produced by projecting light through the LCD as the content is transmitted or reflected by various components in the head-up display's optical path. This reduction in intensity results in undesirable dimming of the content presented to the occupants compared to that achieved without the use of coatings, films, or other treatments on components in the optical path. Increasing the intensity of the backlight illumination applied to the LCD may increase the presentation intensity to compensate for the reduced content intensity, but this will generate additional heat within the PGU from the backlight. These drawbacks make this method less than desirable as a solution to excessive heat in the PGU.

[0006] Another method of addressing excessive heat in a PGU is to apply an active cooling device (e.g., an electric fan) to the PGU to remove accumulated heat by replacing heated air within or surrounding the PGU with cooler air from the active cooling device's intake vents. Disadvantages of this method include increased noise from the active cooling device, increased space required to replace 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 less than desirable as a solution to excessive heat in a PGU.

[0007] What is needed is an effective way to mitigate excessive heat within a head-up display system. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment illustrates an image generation unit including a light source and a display unit arranged 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 image generation unit also includes a display surface, the display surface being disposed between the light source and the display surface. The image generation unit further includes a heat dissipation bezel disposed on a side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipation bezel being disposed on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, and dissipating heat from the display surface.

[0009] One embodiment illustrates an image projection system including a light source and an image generation unit including a display unit arranged 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 image generation unit also includes a display surface, the display surface being arranged between the light source and the display surface. The image generation unit further includes a heat dissipation bezel arranged on a side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipation bezel being arranged on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, and dissipating heat from the display surface. The image projection system further includes one or more mirrors arranged to reflect content generated by the image generation unit and a transparent element arranged to receive content reflected by the one or more mirrors, the transparent element reflecting the content toward a user.

[0010] Further embodiments provide, among other things, a method of manufacturing an image generation unit, the method including disposing a display unit between a light source and a display surface, whereby 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 disposing the display surface between the light source and the display surface. The method further includes disposing a heat dissipation bezel on a side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipation bezel being positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, and the heat dissipation bezel dissipates heat from the display surface.

[0011] At least one technical advantage of the disclosed method relative to the prior art is that temperatures within the head-up display system are reduced without the need for active cooling devices or additional films, coatings, or treatments, or without the application of reflective treatments and / or reflective components within the head-up display system. Additionally, the complexity and manufacturing costs of the head-up display system are reduced. These technical advantages provide one or more technical improvements over prior art methods. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] To provide a detailed understanding of the method of the features of the various embodiments enumerated above, the inventive concepts briefly summarized above will now be described in more detail with reference to several embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the accompanying drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts and are therefore not intended to limit their scope in any way, as there may be other embodiments that are equally effective.

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computing system according to various embodiments.

[0014] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image projection system, according to various embodiments.

[0015] [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image generation unit (PGU) of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments.

[0016] [Figure 4] 4 is a front view of the display surface of the PGU of FIG. 3, according to various embodiments.

[0017] [Figure 5] 4 is a flow diagram of method steps for constructing a PGU, according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the various embodiments described. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the concepts of the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details.

[0019] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a computing system 100 configured to implement one or more aspects of various embodiments. As shown, computing system 100 includes, but is not limited to, a computing device 190 and input / output (I / O) device(s) 130. Computing device 190 includes, but is not limited to, one or more processing units 102, an input / output device interface 104, a network interface 106, an interconnect (bus) 112, storage 114, and memory 116. Memory 116 stores database(s) 142 and a HUD application 150. Processing unit(s) 102, input / output device interface 104, network interface 106, storage 114, and memory 116 may be communicatively coupled to each other via interconnect 112. In various embodiments, computing system 100 may display content to a user (e.g., a vehicle driver or operator) by projecting images such as text, graphics, icons, etc.

[0020] As described above, computing device 190 may include processing unit(s) 102 and memory 116. Computing device 190 may be a system-on-chip (SoC). In various embodiments, computing device 190 may be a head unit included in a vehicle system. In some embodiments, computing device 190, or the entire computing system 100, may be an aftermarket system or device added to a vehicle. In general, computing device 190 may be configured to coordinate the overall operation of computing system 100. Embodiments disclosed herein contemplate any technically feasible system configured to implement the functionality of computing system 100 via computing device 190. Various examples of computing device 190 include wearable devices (e.g., helmets, headsets, glasses, etc.), vehicle computing devices (e.g., head units, in-vehicle infotainment systems, driver assistance systems, aftermarket systems), etc.

[0021] The processor unit(s) 102 may include, without limitation, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (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), etc. Each processing unit 102 generally includes a programmable processor that executes program instructions and manipulates input data. In some embodiments, the processing unit(s) 102 may include any number of processing cores, memory, and other modules to facilitate program execution. In some embodiments, the processing unit(s) 102 may be configured to execute a HUD application 150 to provide heads-up display services. In some embodiments, the HUD application 150 may generate images including content based on information from various sources associated with the vehicle (e.g., a navigation system, an infotainment system, a driver assistance system), and cause the content images to be displayed via the computing system 100.

[0022] Storage 114 may include non-volatile storage for applications, software modules, and data, and may include fixed or removable disk drives, flash memory devices, and CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Blu-ray, HD-DVD, or other magnetic, optical, or solid-state storage devices. For example, HUD application 150 and database(s) 142 may be stored in storage 114 and then loaded into memory 116 as needed.

[0023] The memory 116 may include a memory module or a collection of memory modules. The memory 116 typically includes storage chips, such as random access memory (RAM) chips, that store application programs and data for processing by the processing unit(s) 102. The processing unit(s) 102, the input / output 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 114 into the memory 116. While in the memory 116, the HUD application 150 may be executed by the processing unit(s) 102 to implement the functionality described in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] Database(s) 142 may store templates, display elements (e.g., text characters, graphics, shapes, etc.), and / or palettes of display elements that can be used by processing unit(s) 102 to generate images for display via computing system 100 and HUD application 150. That is, database(s) 142 may include one or more repositories of templates, display elements, display element palettes, etc. Database(s) 142, or portions thereof, may be stored in storage 114 and loaded into memory 116, as needed. In various embodiments, processing unit(s) 102 may be configured to retrieve the templates and / or display elements stored in database(s) 142 to generate images for display. For example, database(s) 142 may store templates, formats, etc. for displaying navigation information via computing system 100 and may display elements (e.g., alphanumeric characters, symbols, icons, graphics, etc.) that can be used to display the navigation information. HUD application 150 may retrieve these templates and elements and generate images including display elements arranged based on the templates to present the navigation information. In some embodiments, database(s) 142 may receive periodic updates (e.g., additional and / or updated character fonts, additional and / or updated symbols, additional and / or updated graphics, or additional and / or updated language display elements) from a remote computing system (e.g., a cloud computing system or a remote server system) via network interface 106 and a network (not shown) for at least a portion of the data stored in database(s) 142. In some embodiments, the display elements stored in database(s) 142 include one or more of text character fonts, one or more language fonts, shapes, icons, graphics, etc.In some embodiments, the templates stored in database(s) 142 include templates for arranging and displaying one or more of navigation information, vehicle speed information, infotainment media information (media playback information), vehicle state or status information, environmental information (e.g., weather, etc.).

[0025] In some embodiments, 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 specific objects in the environment. The sensor array can include an exterior sensor array and / or an interior sensor array. The exterior sensor array can include one or more sensor devices configured to perform measurements and / or acquire data related to the exterior of the vehicle (e.g., the environment around the vehicle). The interior sensor array can include one or more sensor devices configured to perform measurements and / or acquire data related to the interior of the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle cabin, the vehicle occupants). Examples of sensor devices include, but are not limited to, biometric sensors, physiological sensors, image sensors, acoustic sensors, environmental sensors, behavioral sensors, imaging devices, laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors, physical sensors (e.g., 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 (e.g., the driver, passengers), and / or the environment surrounding the vehicle. For example, the sensor array may collect biometric data related to the driver (e.g., heart rate, brain activity, skin conductance, blood oxygenation, pupil size, eye movement, galvanic skin response, blood pressure, average blood glucose, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the sensor array may generate sensor data related to the interior of the vehicle. For example, the sensor array may generate sensor data related to the presence of other occupants in the vehicle, the interior environment of the vehicle, vehicle operation, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor array may generate sensor data related to the environment outside the vehicle. For example, the sensor array may generate sensor data related to the weather outside the vehicle (e.g., exterior temperature), detection of objects near the vehicle (e.g., other vehicles, people, animals, etc.), detection of road features (e.g., lane markings, road signs, etc.), etc.More generally, the sensor array may be a source of information from which computing system 100 can generate images for display. For example, a driver assistance system may process sensor data obtained from the sensor array to generate information that is passed to HUD application 150. HUD application 150 may generate images that include content presenting the information obtained from the driver assistance system.

[0026] Input / output device(s) 130 may include devices (not shown) capable of receiving input (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-sensitive screen, a microphone, etc.) to provide input data to computing device 190. Input / output device(s) 130 may include devices capable of providing output (e.g., a display screen, one or more speakers, a haptic device, a touchless haptic device, etc.). One or more of input / output devices 130 may be incorporated into computing device 190 or may be external to computing device 190. Input / output device 130 may interface with computing device 190 via input / output device interface 104. In some embodiments, computing device 190 and / or one or more input / output device(s) 130 may be components of a head unit implemented in a vehicle. In some embodiments, HUD application 150 may obtain information from one or more systems and / or subsystems of the vehicle (e.g., a navigation system, an infotainment system, a driver assistance system) and display that information via computing system 100. More generally, computing system 100 and / or computing device 190 may interface with other systems in the vehicle to obtain display information.

[0027] In various embodiments, input / output device 130 includes a head-up display system 132. Head-up display system 132 can generate and project images for viewing by a user (e.g., a vehicle occupant). In some embodiments, head-up display system 132 can include one or more optical devices (e.g., lenses, prisms, mirrors, etc., or any combination thereof) that can affect the virtual image distance of the image projected by head-up display system 132. In some embodiments, head-up display system 132 can include an actuator or the like that can appropriately orient or reorient head-up display system 132 or its components (e.g., one or more optical devices within head-up display system 132). This actuator affects the projection angle of the image from head-up display system 132.

[0028] The network (not shown) may enable communication between 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 networks (WiFi), cellular protocols, and / or near field communication (NFC). The network may be any technically feasible type of communication network that enables data exchange between computing device 190 and remote systems or devices, such as servers, cloud computing systems, cloud-based storage, 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, among others. Computing device 190 may connect to the network via network interface 106. In some embodiments, network interface 106 is hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software configured to connect to and interface with one or more networks.

[0029] 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 geographic location of computing device 190 (e.g., the current location of a vehicle). The location module may determine the location of computing device 190 by obtaining geographic location data (e.g., from a global positioning satellite system such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Glonass, Galileo, or Beidou) and / or by determining location based on sensor data from a sensor array (e.g., dead reckoning). The location module may also cross-reference the obtained and / or determined geographic location with a navigation database, which may be stored in database(s) 142, and may determine address information corresponding to the geographic location.

[0030] In some embodiments, computing device 190 can pair with and communicate with another nearby computing device. The other computing device can connect to computing device 190 using any suitable wired (e.g., USB cable) or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) connection via input / output device interface 104 and / or network interface 106 and one or more networks. HUD application 150 on computing device 190 can communicate and interface with an application on the other computing device. For example, HUD application 150 can communicate with and interface with a navigation application on the other computing device to obtain navigation information, which HUD application 150 can then use to generate images for display.

[0031] In some embodiments, computing system 100 is an augmented reality display system. Computing system 100 displays content in conjunction with the environment external (e.g., ahead) of the vehicle. That is, computing system 100 can display content that a vehicle occupant perceives as overlaid on the environment external to the vehicle as seen by the user. For example, HUD application 150 can generate an image showing a navigation route ahead of the vehicle and landmarks along the route. HUD application 150 can position and display content in combination with an image of the environment in front of the vehicle, allowing the user to view the environment and the content together.

[0032] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image projection system 200, according to various embodiments. The image projection system 200 generates and projects an image for viewing by a user. In various embodiments, the user may be the driver or another occupant of the vehicle. 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, an image generation unit (PGU) 202 and a mirror 206.

[0033] In operation, PGU 202 generates content including an image. The generated content propagates along optical path 204 and is reflected off mirror 206. The generated content further propagates along optical path 208 and is reflected off reflective surface 210. The generated content then propagates along optical path 212 to reach a user's eye 216. The generated content includes a virtual image 214 that appears to the user as if the virtual image 214 were at a virtual distance 218 from the user's eye 216.

[0034] Although only one mirror is shown, image projection system 200 may include multiple mirrors, one or more of which may be optionally repositioned or reoriented. Furthermore, any of the multiple mirrors may be flat, concave, convex, or any other suitable shape.

[0035] The reflective surface 210 can be a surface that reflects various light patterns. The reflective surface 210 can be a transparent surface, such as a vehicle windshield. The reflective surface 210 can be a translucent or opaque surface, such as a dedicated mirror or display surface. The reflective surface 210 can reflect light to cause a user to see an image in a specific location. In some embodiments, the reflective surface 210 can reflect light having certain wavelengths while allowing other wavelengths to pass through. In some embodiments, the reflective surface 210 can include two pieces of glass or plastic with a transparent interlayer sandwiched between them.

[0036] 3 is a cross-sectional view of a 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 (e.g., one or more LEDs 306A-306E), a printed circuit board (PCB) 304, a heat sink 302, a heat dissipation bezel 316, one or more heat dissipation connectors 318 (e.g., one or more heat dissipation connectors 318A, 318B), and a PGU housing 320.

[0037] The LEDs 306 are mounted on the PCB 304 to form a light source that provides backlight illumination to the display unit 310 through a lens 308. In some embodiments, the LEDs 306 may be an array of red, green, and blue LEDs arranged such that the combined backlight illumination provided by the LEDs 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 LEDs 306 and the PCB 304 so that the combined backlight illumination has a uniform intensity. In alternative embodiments, the LEDs 306 may be replaced or augmented by one or more lighting devices that utilize lighting technologies such as electroluminescent panels (ELPs) or cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) instead of using LEDs 306.

[0038] The PCB 304 further includes a driver circuit for controlling the illumination of the LEDs 306. Through the driver circuit, the PCB 304 can turn the LEDs 306 on or off, thereby varying the intensity of the backlight illumination. The PCB 304 can control the illumination of the LEDs 306 individually or collectively, including by controlling LEDs mounted in 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) mounted on a surface of the PCB 304 and positioned adjacent to the LEDs 306. These reflectors or light guides reflect or shape a portion of the combined backlight illumination so that the combined backlight illumination has a uniform intensity.

[0039] The lens 308 is disposed between and substantially parallel to the PCB 304 and the display unit 310. The lens 308 transmits backlight illumination from the LEDs 306 and the PCB 304 and may be constructed of any suitable transparent or translucent material (e.g., plastic, glass, polycarbonate). In some embodiments, the lens 308 may be a collimating lens positioned so that backlight illumination incident on the lens 308 exits the lens 308 as rays that are substantially parallel to one another. In alternative embodiments, the lens 308 may be a diffusing lens positioned so that backlight illumination passing through the lens 308 has a uniform intensity across the surface of the lens 308. In some embodiments, the lens 308 may 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 the other wavelengths of light.

[0040] The content projected by PGU 202 is generated by display unit 310 as a pattern of areas with different levels of transparency by controlling an array of electrodes within display unit 310. For example, a fully transparent area allows backlight illumination generated by one or more LEDs 306 and PCB 304 to pass through display unit 310 without changing its brightness. As another example, a partially translucent area allows backlight illumination to pass through display unit 310 while attenuating its brightness. As yet another example, a fully opaque area does not allow backlight illumination to pass through that area. In some embodiments, a partially translucent area can change the color of backlight illumination passing through that area. In some embodiments, display unit 310 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), such as a thin film transistor (TFT) LCD. The display unit 310 can generate content at any suitable resolution.

[0041] Backlight illumination that is projected through display unit 310 to generate content for display is further projected through adhesive layer 312. Adhesive layer 312 may include any suitable transparent or translucent adhesive and may be disposed throughout all or a portion of the space between display unit 310 and display surface 314. In alternative embodiments in which display surface 314 is directly attached to display unit 310, for example, by a mounting bracket positioned to apply a clamping force to display unit 310 and display surface 314, adhesive layer 312 may be omitted.

[0042] The display surface 314 can be any suitable transparent material (e.g., plastic, glass, polycarbonate). In some embodiments, the display surface 314 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 the other wavelengths of light. The display surface 314 can include an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare from light incident on a surface of the display surface 314 opposite the display unit 310.

[0043] The heat dissipating bezel 316 is attached to a first portion of the display surface 314 that is not used to propagate content generated from the PGU 202. In various embodiments, the heat dissipating bezel 316 surrounds a second portion of the display surface 314 onto which generated content is projected from the PGU 202.

[0044] 4 is an exemplary front view of display surface 314. As shown, display surface 314 includes, but is not limited to, an unused portion 402 and a used portion 404.

[0045] The used portion 404 of the display surface 314 corresponds to the portion of the display surface 314 where content is generated using the display unit 310. The content may include, for example, current vehicle speed 406, current speed limit 408, and navigation data 410. It is understood that the example content shown in Figure 4 is representative only, and that different types and / or arrangements of content are possible in other embodiments. Although Figure 4 shows the used portion 404 centrally located within the display surface 314, the used portion 404 may be located anywhere within the display surface 314.

[0046] The unused portion 402 of the display surface 314 corresponds to a portion of the display unit 310 where no content is generated. As shown in connection with FIG. 3 above, the heat dissipating bezel 316 can be attached to the entire unused portion 402 or to a portion of the unused portion 402.

[0047] 3, the heat dissipating bezel 316 conducts heat away from the display surface 314 and may comprise any thermally conductive material. In various embodiments, the heat dissipating bezel 316 comprises a graphite sheet. The heat dissipating bezel 316 may be attached to the display surface 314 with any suitable thermally conductive adhesive (not shown), or may be placed in direct contact with the display surface 314 and attached to the display surface 314 via pressure applied by, for example, one or more clamps or mounting brackets.

[0048] One or more heat dissipation connectors 318 are coupled to the heat dissipation bezel 316. The heat dissipation connector(s) 318 comprise a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum, steel, magnesium, copper). The heat dissipation connector(s) 318 conduct heat away from the heat dissipation bezel 316. As shown, the heat dissipation connector(s) 318 can be positioned adjacent to one or more portions of the heat dissipation bezel 316 in contact with corresponding outer edges of the heat dissipation bezel 316. In various embodiments, the heat dissipation connector(s) 318 can be positioned at corners of the heat dissipation bezel 316, along part or all of one or more outer edges of the heat dissipation bezel 316, or can completely surround the outer edge of the heat dissipation bezel 316. In alternative embodiments, the heat dissipation connector(s) 318 can be attached to a surface of the heat dissipation bezel 316 such that the heat dissipation bezel 316 is positioned between the heat dissipation connector(s) 318 and the display surface 314.

[0049] The PGU housing 320 surrounds at least the sides of the various components of the PGU 202. In some embodiments, one or more of the heat-dissipating bezel 316, the heat-dissipating connector(s) 318, the display surface 314, the display unit 310, the lens 308, the PCB 304, and the heat sink 302 are attached to the interior and / or one or more interior surfaces of the PGU housing 320. The PGU housing 320 may include an upper opening that exposes at least 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 constructed at least in part from a thermally conductive material (e.g., aluminum, steel, magnesium, copper) to help the PGU housing 320 dissipate heat from the heat-dissipating connector(s) 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.

[0050] 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 posts and / or fins to increase the surface area and thermal conductivity of the heat sink 302. The heat sink 302 may be constructed from a thermally conductive material (e.g., copper, aluminum, aluminum alloy) and radiates heat to the ambient environment outside the PGU housing 320. In various embodiments in which the heat sink 302 is attached to the PGU housing 320, the heat sink 302 also conducts heat away from or to the PGU housing 320, depending on the relative temperatures of the heat sink 302 and the PGU housing 320.

[0051] 5 is a flow diagram of method steps for constructing a PGU 202, according to various embodiments. Although the method steps are described in conjunction with the systems of FIGS. 1-4, one 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.

[0052] Method 500 begins at step 502 with obtaining components of PGU 202, including but not limited to display components, heat dissipation bezel 316, heat dissipation connector(s) 318, and PGU housing 320. Display components include but are not limited to LEDs 306, PCB 304, heat sink 302, lens 308, display unit 310, and display surface 314.

[0053] In step 504, the display components are assembled. The LEDs 306 are attached to a surface of the PCB 304. Alternatively, the LEDs 306 are pre-attached to the surface of the PCB 304. The heat sink 302 is attached to a second surface of the PCB 304 opposite the surface to which the LEDs 306 are attached or pre-attached. The lens 308 is disposed between the LEDs 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 attached directly to the display unit 310 using a mounting flange, bracket, or using one or more fasteners such as screws, bolts, or clips.

[0054] In step 506, the assembled display components are installed within PGU housing 320. The assembled display components may be attached to a bracket or flange disposed between the assembled display components and PGU housing 320. Alternatively, the assembled display components may be installed within a chassis, and the chassis may be attached to one or more interior surfaces of PGU housing 320 by one or more brackets, flanges, or the like.

[0055] At step 508, the heat dissipating bezel 316 is attached to the unused portion 402 of the display surface 314 of the display unit 310. As shown in connection with Figures 3 and 4 above, the heat dissipating bezel 316 can be attached to the entire unused portion 402, or to a portion of the unused portion 402. The heat dissipating bezel 316 can be attached to the unused portion 402 of the display surface 314 with any suitable thermally conductive adhesive, or can be placed in direct contact with the display surface 314 and attached to the display surface 314 via pressure applied by, for example, one or more clamps or mounting brackets.

[0056] At step 510, one or more heat dissipation connector(s) 318 are connected to the heat dissipation bezel 316. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat dissipation connector(s) 318 may be positioned adjacent to one or more portions of the heat dissipation bezel 316, in contact with corresponding outer edges of the heat dissipation bezel 316. In various embodiments, the heat dissipation connector(s) 318 may be positioned at corners of the heat dissipation bezel 316, along part or all of one or more outer edges of the heat dissipation bezel 316, or may completely surround the outer edge of the heat dissipation bezel 316. In alternative embodiments, the heat dissipation connector(s) 318 may be attached to a surface of the heat dissipation bezel 316 such that the heat dissipation bezel 316 is positioned between the heat dissipation connector(s) 318 and the display surface 314.

[0057] At step 512, one or more heat dissipation connector(s) 318 are coupled to the PGU housing 320. The heat dissipation connector(s) 318 may be attached to the PGU housing 320 using suitable fasteners, such as screws, clips, or bolts. In alternative embodiments, the shape and physical dimensions of the PGU housing 320 may position and constrain the heat dissipation connector(s) 318 to interface directly with the PGU housing 320 without the need for fasteners.

[0058] As discussed above and further emphasized herein, Figure 5 is merely an example that should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. In some embodiments, the heat dissipating bezel 316 is pre-attached to the display screen 314 by the manufacturer. In such embodiments, step 508 is omitted.

[0059] In summary, excessive temperatures within a vehicle head-up display system can be mitigated by attaching a heat-dissipating bezel to a portion of the display surface of an image generating unit (PGU). The heat-dissipating bezel is attached to some or all of the portion of the display surface not being used to display images. The heat-dissipating bezel surrounds the portion of the display surface used to display images. The heat-dissipating bezel can be attached to the display surface with any suitable thermally conductive adhesive or can be placed in direct contact with the display surface and attached via pressure applied by, for example, one or more clamps. The heat-dissipating bezel absorbs heat from the display unit and conducts the heat to one or more heat-dissipating connectors coupled to the heat-dissipating bezel. The one or more heat-dissipating connectors are further coupled to the housing of the PGU and / or other components of the head-up display system and conduct heat from the heat-dissipating bezel to the housing. A heat sink can also be attached to the housing to help remove heat from the housing.

[0060] At least one technical advantage of the disclosed method relative to the prior art is that temperatures within the head-up display system are reduced without the need for active cooling devices or additional films, coatings, or treatments, or without the application of reflective treatments and / or reflective components within the head-up display system. Additionally, the complexity and manufacturing costs of the head-up display system are reduced. These technical advantages provide one or more technical improvements over prior art methods.

[0061] 1. In some embodiments, an image generation unit comprises a light source and a display unit arranged 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 image generation unit further comprising a display unit arranged between the light source and the display surface, and a heat dissipation bezel arranged on a side of the display surface opposite the display unit and over one or more portions of the display surface onto which the generated content is not projected, the heat dissipation bezel conducting heat from the display surface.

[0062] 2. The image generating unit of clause 1, wherein the heat dissipation bezel comprises a graphite sheet.

[0063] 3. An image generating unit as described in clause 1 or 2, wherein the heat dissipating bezel is attached to the display surface using a thermally conductive adhesive disposed between the heat dissipating bezel and the display surface.

[0064] 4. An image generating unit described in any one of clauses 1 to 3, further comprising one or more heat dissipation connectors and a housing, wherein the one or more heat dissipation connectors are coupled between the heat dissipation bezel and the housing.

[0065] 5. An image generating unit described in any one of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising a heat sink coupled to at least one of the light source or the housing.

[0066] 6. An image generating unit as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the one or more heat dissipation connectors are arranged along one or more outer edges of the heat dissipation bezel.

[0067] 7. An image generating unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the heat dissipation bezel is disposed between the one or more heat dissipation connectors and the display surface.

[0068] 8. An image generating unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes mounted on a printed circuit board.

[0069] 9. An image generating unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the display unit is a thin film transistor liquid crystal display.

[0070] 10. The image generating unit of any of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising a lens disposed between the light source and the display unit.

[0071] 11. An image generation unit according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the image generation unit is used to generate projection content for a head-up display.

[0072] 12. In some embodiments, an image projection system includes: an image generation unit including a light source and a display unit arranged to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit configured to generate content for display when light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit; a display surface arranged between the light source and the display surface; a heat dissipating bezel arranged on a side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipating bezel being disposed on one or more portions of the display surface onto which the generated content is not projected and conducting heat away from the display surface; one or more mirrors arranged to reflect the content generated by the image generation unit; and a transparency arranged to receive the content reflected by the one or more mirrors, the transparency reflecting the content towards a user.

[0073] 13. The image projection system of clause 12, wherein the heat dissipation bezel comprises a graphite sheet.

[0074] 14. The image projection system of clause 12 or 13, wherein the heat dissipating bezel is attached to the display surface using a thermally conductive adhesive disposed between the heat dissipating bezel and the display surface.

[0075] 15. An image projection system described in any of clauses 12 to 14, further comprising one or more heat dissipation connectors and a housing, wherein the one or more heat dissipation connectors are coupled between the heat dissipation bezel and the housing.

[0076] 16. An image projection system according to any one of clauses 12 to 15, wherein the one or more heat dissipation connectors are arranged along one or more outer edges of the heat dissipation bezel.

[0077] 17. An image projection system according to any one of clauses 12 to 16, wherein the heat dissipation bezel is disposed between one or more heat dissipation connectors and the display surface.

[0078] 18. An image projection system according to any one of clauses 12 to 17, wherein the transparent component is a windshield of a vehicle.

[0079] 19. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing an image generation unit includes disposing a display unit between a light source and a display surface so as to be positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit being further configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit; disposing the display surface between the light source and the display surface; and disposing the heat dissipation bezel on a side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipation bezel being positioned on one or more portions of the display surface where the generated content is not projected, and dissipating heat from the display surface.

[0080] 20. A method of manufacturing an image generating unit according to clause 19, wherein the heat dissipating bezel comprises a graphite sheet.

[0081] The descriptions of various embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

[0082] Aspects of the present embodiments 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, all of which may be generally referred to herein as a "module," "system," or "computer." Also, any hardware and / or software technique, process, function, component, engine, module, or system described in this disclosure may be implemented as a circuit or set of circuits. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable medium(s) having computer-readable program code embodied therein.

[0083] Any combination of one or more computer-readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The 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. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media would include an electrical connection having one or more communication lines, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable PROM (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. 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.

[0084] Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It is understood that each block of 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. The instructions, when executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, enable implementation of the function / act specified in the block(s) of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. 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.

[0085] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, including one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). 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 simultaneously, or the blocks may possibly be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, may be implemented by a special-purpose hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or acts, or a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0086] While the forgoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which scope is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. an image generation unit, A light source and a display unit arranged 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; and a display surface, the display unit being disposed between the light source and the display surface; a heat dissipation bezel disposed on a side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipation bezel being disposed on one or more portions of the display surface onto which the generated content is not projected; The heat dissipating bezel conducts heat away from the display surface of the image generating unit.

2. The image generating unit of claim 1 , wherein the heat dissipating bezel comprises a graphite sheet.

3. The image generating unit of claim 1 , wherein the heat dissipating bezel is attached to the display surface using a thermally conductive adhesive disposed between the heat dissipating bezel and the display surface.

4. an image generation unit, one or more heat dissipation connectors; and a housing, The image generating unit of claim 1 , wherein the one or more heat dissipating connectors are coupled between the heat dissipating bezel and the housing.

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

6. The image generating unit of claim 4 , wherein the one or more heat dissipating connectors are disposed along one or more outer edges of the heat dissipating bezel.

7. The image generating unit of claim 4 , wherein the heat dissipating bezel is disposed between the one or more heat dissipating connectors and the display surface.

8. The image generating unit of claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes mounted on a printed circuit board.

9. 10. The image generating unit of claim 1, wherein the display unit is a thin film transistor liquid crystal display.

10. The image generating unit of claim 1 , further comprising a lens disposed between the light source and the display unit.

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

12. 1. An image projection system, comprising: an image generation unit, A light source and a display unit arranged 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; and a display surface, the display unit being disposed between the light source and the display surface; the image generation unit with a heat dissipation bezel located on a side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipation bezel being located on one or more portions of the display surface onto which the generated content is not projected, and directing heat away from the display surface; one or more mirrors arranged to reflect the content generated by the image generation unit; a transparent component positioned to receive the content reflected by the one or more mirrors, the transparent component reflecting the content toward a user.

13. The image projection system of claim 12 , wherein the heat dissipation bezel comprises a graphite sheet.

14. 13. The image projection system of claim 12, wherein the heat dissipating bezel is attached to the display surface using a thermally conductive adhesive disposed between the heat dissipating bezel and the display surface.

15. 1. An image projection system, comprising: one or more heat dissipation connectors; and a housing, The image projection system of claim 12 , wherein the one or more heat dissipating connectors are coupled between the heat dissipating bezel and the housing.

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

17. The image projection system of claim 15 , wherein the heat dissipation bezel is disposed between one or more heat dissipation connectors and the display surface.

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

19. 1. A method for manufacturing an image generating unit, comprising: disposing a display unit between the light source and a display surface such that the display unit is positioned to receive light emitted by the light source, the display unit being further configured to generate content for display when the light emitted by the light source is projected through the display unit; disposing the display surface between the light source and the display surface; and disposing a heat dissipating bezel on a side of the display surface opposite the display unit, the heat dissipating bezel being disposed on one or more portions of the display surface onto which the generated content is not projected, and dissipating heat from the display surface.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the heat dissipating bezel comprises a graphite sheet.

Images