Automotive Theater Using Transparent Optical Element for Virtual Image Projection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-car entertainment systems face challenges due to dimensional constraints and suboptimal viewing distances, leading to viewer fatigue, as they cannot provide a large field of view image effectively.
Innovation Solution
An automotive theater apparatus that includes an image generating device, a surface structure, and a substantially transparent optical element, which projects images onto a vehicle's sunroof, allowing users to view a virtual image at an optimal distance while also seeing the natural scene outside, using a supporting device and driving mechanism to position the optical element for enhanced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a large display is used to provide a large field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device cannot be installed in conventional vehicles due to dimensional constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional planar display to a volumetric virtual image space. By using optical elements (concave mirror, convex lens, or Fresnel lens) to project images onto the windshield, the system creates a three-dimensional virtual image space that extends into the vehicle cabin, effectively increasing the field of view without adding physical display area constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical elements (concave mirror, convex lens, or Fresnel lens) as intermediaries between the image source and the viewer. These optical elements project the image onto the windshield, creating a virtual image that appears at a distance from the viewer, thereby enabling a large field of view without requiring a physically large display device.
2Length of moving object
If the display is positioned closer to the viewer, then the device can be installed in conventional vehicles, but the viewing distance is not optimized causing viewer fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements act as intermediaries that create a virtual image at an optimized viewing distance. The concave mirror, convex lens, or Fresnel lens projects the image onto the windshield, forming a virtual image that appears several feet in front of the viewer, thereby optimizing viewing distance and reducing eye strain without requiring the display to be physically positioned far away.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual image in three-dimensional space at an optimized distance from the viewer. By projecting the image onto the windshield and using optical elements to form a virtual image at a specific distance (e.g., 2-4 feet), the system achieves optimal viewing distance without being constrained by physical display placement.
3Area of moving object
If the windshield is used as the display surface, then a large field of view is achieved, but the natural scene outside cannot be seen simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the optical elements or specific regions of the windshield semi-transparent or transparent in certain conditions. This allows the displayed image to be visible in specific areas or under certain lighting conditions while maintaining visibility of the natural scene outside, enabling both functions to coexist in different spatial or temporal contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical properties (transparency/opacity) of the windshield or optical elements based on lighting conditions. The system can adjust the transparency of the display surface to match ambient light levels, allowing the image to be visible when needed while maintaining visibility of the external scene when the display is not active or under different lighting conditions.
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
Enables a large field of view image to be displayed at an optimal viewing distance, reducing viewer fatigue and integrating seamlessly with entertainment systems, while allowing simultaneous viewing of both the projected image and the natural scene, enhancing the in-car entertainment experience.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially transparent optical element... configured to enable the user to view a virtual image of the generated image
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive theater apparatus and a related operating method are disclosed. In one aspect, an example embodiment is disclosed that includes an image generating device configured to generate an image and a surface structure whereon the image is formed. The example embodiment further includes a substantially transparent optical element configurable to be positioned in a line-of-sight of a user, wherein the substantially transparent optical element is configured to enable the user to view a virtual image of the generated image.