Beam Combiner for Panoramic HUD Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for demonstrating the operation of a head-up display (HUD) in a cockpit lack the ability to simulate a realistic panoramic view combined with informative data, failing to provide an immersive experience for the audience.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a concave panoramic projection screen, multiple panoramic projectors, a beam combiner, and an auxiliary projector that projects a panoramic image and auxiliary informative data in synchrony, with the beam combiner combining and focusing the images to create a realistic cockpit view, making the HUD appear closer to the audience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional projection screen is used to display HUD information, then the informative data can be displayed, but the panoramic view and informative data cannot be combined in a realistic cockpit view
Solution Approach 1:
The beam combiner merges the panoramic image from the first projector and the auxiliary informative data from the second projector into a single combined image that simulates the actual HUD view in a cockpit, allowing both elements to coexist in one display plane
Solution Approach 2:
The beam combiner acts as an intermediary optical element that receives light from both projectors and directs the combined image to the audience, enabling the integration of multiple information sources without interference
2Reliability
If the auxiliary image is projected at the same distance as the panoramic image, then the projection setup is simpler, but the HUD does not appear realistic since it should appear closer to the pilot
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the display system are assigned different optical properties - the beam combiner has specific reflective and transmissive characteristics that allow it to focus the auxiliary image at a different apparent distance than the panoramic background, creating the realistic depth perception of a cockpit display
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projectors and optical elements are used to create a realistic combined image, then the immersive experience is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam combiner performs multiple functions simultaneously - it transmits the panoramic image, reflects the auxiliary informative data, and focuses both into a unified combined image, reducing the need for separate optical paths and elements
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 system effectively simulates the operation of an actual HUD by projecting a panoramic view of an aircraft cockpit, allowing the audience to see informative data against a distant background, enhancing the realism and immersion of the experience.
Implementation Method 1
by reflecting the auxiliary image toward the audience
Implementation Method 2
by transmitting at least part of the panoramic image toward the audience
Implementation Method 3
such that the auxiliary image is focused as being located on an image plane located at a distance of between 2-4 meters from the viewers
Data Source
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AI summary
System for displaying an auxiliary image on a head up display, the system including a panoramic projection screen, at least one projector for projecting a panoramic image on the panoramic projection screen, a beam combiner located between the panoramic projection screen and the audience, and a projector for projecting the auxiliary image toward the beam combiner, the panoramic image being viewed by an audience, the beam combiner producing a combined image of the panoramic image and the auxiliary image, for the audience, by transmitting at least part of the panoramic image toward the audience, and by reflecting the auxiliary image toward the audience, such that the auxiliary image appears closer to the audience than the panoramic image.