AR HUD Eye Height Inference via Rotatable Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle multi-image augmented reality (AR) head-up displays (HUDs), existing systems often fail to accurately align far-plane and near-plane images with the driver's eye level, leading to a frustrating user experience due to the lack of effective viewer input-based control.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a fixed mirror for projecting the far-plane image and a rotatable mirror for the near-plane image, with processing circuitry adjusting the far-plane image's position based on the inferred eye height from the rotational angle of the rotatable mirror, and includes sensors and feedback mechanisms to refine the alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time eye tracking is used to control HUD image alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the rotatable mirror as an intermediary device to indirectly measure eye height. Instead of directly tracking the eye position with complex sensors, the system measures the mirror rotation angle required to align the near-plane image, which serves as a proxy for eye height position. This intermediary measurement approach simplifies the system while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a simplified copy of the eye tracking function by using mirror rotation angle as a surrogate measurement. Rather than implementing full eye tracking hardware, the patent copies the essential information (eye height position) through the mirror adjustment mechanism, achieving the same functional outcome with reduced complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual mirror adjustment is used for near-plane image alignment, then ease of operation is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the manually adjusted mirror position to automatically control the far-plane image alignment. The mirror rotation angle serves as feedback information that the processing circuitry uses to infer eye height and consequently adjust the far-plane image position, creating a closed-loop system that maintains precision while preserving manual operation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mirror adjustment performs dual functionality: it aligns the near-plane image directly and simultaneously provides the information needed to align the far-plane image automatically. The user's single action of adjusting the mirror serves both alignment tasks, eliminating the need for separate controls while maintaining precision.
3Device complexity
If fixed mirror is used for far-plane image projection, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different eye heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the far-plane image position dependent on the mirror rotation angle. Although the mirror itself is fixed for far-plane projection, the system dynamically adjusts which portion of the fixed mirror is used based on the inferred eye height, enabling adaptability without adding mechanical complexity to the far-plane projection path.
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
This solution enables precise alignment of HUD images with the driver's eye level, enhancing the user experience by eliminating the need for real-time eye tracking and allowing for manual adjustments and feedback-driven refinements.
Implementation Method 1
a fixed mirror to project a far-plane image at a first distance from an occupant of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable mirror to project a near-plane image at a second distance, closer than the first distance, from the occupant
Data Source
AI summary
A system to provide a multi-image head up display (HUD) in a vehicle includes a fixed mirror to project a far-plane image at a first distance from an occupant of the vehicle. Control of a position of display of the far-plane image is based on an eye height position of the occupant. The system also includes a rotatable mirror to project a near-plane image at a second distance, closer than the first distance, from the occupant. Control of a position of display of the near-plane image is based on a manual adjustment of a rotational angle of the rotatable mirror by the occupant. Processing circuitry automatically adjusts the position of display of the far-plane image based on inferring the eye height position of the occupant from the rotational angle of the rotatable mirror that controls the display of the near-plane image.