Air Floating Video Display Using Convex Mirror and Polarization Splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-up display (HUD) systems face challenges in expanding the driver's viewable region while maintaining high visual recognition and resolution, particularly due to the need for larger apparatus sizes to achieve high magnification and the issue of external light interference from windshields with varying curvature radii, which complicates design and application across different vehicle models.
Innovation Solution
An air floating video display apparatus using a configuration that includes a polarization splitter, a retroreflection optical member with a waveplate, and reflection mirrors to project a specific polarization wave video light, allowing for adjustable display positioning and reduced susceptibility to external light interference, thereby enhancing viewability and resolution without relying on the windshield's optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the virtual video generating position is set distant and high magnification is achieved, then the driver's line-of-sight movement is reduced, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a convex mirror with a specific curvature radius to achieve high magnification of the virtual video. The curved reflection surface enables the system to generate a magnified virtual image at a distant position without requiring a large apparatus size, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving distant virtual video positioning and maintaining compact apparatus dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the curvature radius of the convex mirror and the distance between the video display apparatus and the mirror to optimize the virtual video generating position. By changing these parameters, the system achieves high magnification and distant positioning while maintaining a compact apparatus size, thereby reducing driver's line-of-sight movement without increasing apparatus volume.
2Manufacturing precision
If the concave mirror shape is designed to correct virtual video magnification based on windshield curvature, then the magnification is corrected, but the design becomes difficult to finalize and apply across different vehicle models
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a concave mirror that requires customization for each windshield curvature, the patent inverts the approach by using a convex mirror. This inversion allows the use of a standardized mirror design that can be applied across different vehicle models without requiring design changes, while still achieving proper magnification correction through the convex mirror's inherent optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex mirror design serves multiple functions: it provides high magnification, corrects virtual video positioning, and maintains a standardized design that can be universally applied across different vehicle models. This universal design eliminates the need for customization while achieving the required magnification correction, thereby improving adaptability without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If external light enters the HUD apparatus through the windshield, then the light is collected by the concave mirror and may damage the liquid crystal display panel, but adding protective measures increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of external light entering through the windshield into a beneficial outcome. By using a convex mirror instead of a concave mirror, the system naturally redirects external light away from the liquid crystal display panel, preventing damage without requiring additional protective optical elements. This design choice maintains reliability while avoiding increased system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a high-resolution, adjustable air floating video display that is not affected by windshield curvature variations, improving applicability across different vehicle models and reducing ghost image and blur issues, while maintaining high light use efficiency and power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflection optical member (2) having a retroreflection surface provided with a waveplate
Implementation Method 2
a retroreflection optical member (2) having a retroreflection surface provided with a waveplate
Implementation Method 3
a polarization splitter (101) in a space connecting the video source and the retroreflection optical member
Implementation Method 4
a light source configured to supply light having specific polarization directionality to the video source
Data Source
AI summary
A compact air floating video display apparatus providing a highly visually recognized air floating video less susceptible to external light and having fewer ghosts is provided. The air floating video display apparatus includes: an opening portion having a transparent member configured to transmit video light of a specific polarization wave therethrough; a display panel serving as a video source; a light source configured to supply light having specific polarization directionality to the video source; a retroreflection optical member having a retroreflection surface provided with a waveplate; one or more reflection mirrors; a polarization splitter arranged in a space connecting the video source and the retroreflection optical member.