Combined HUD and Camera System via Shared Mirror Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head up displays (HUD) and driver monitoring cameras face challenges in optimal placement within a vehicle, as HUD systems occupy dashboard space and driver monitoring cameras have obstructed views and can be distracting.
Innovation Solution
Combining the driver monitoring camera with the HUD light field emitter, sharing the same optics such as mirrors, allowing the camera to capture the driver's face reflection from the windshield, either directly or through mirrors, while maintaining an unobstructed view and minimizing distraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the driver monitoring camera is mounted on the steering column or on top of the dash, then the camera can capture the driver's face, but the camera obstructs the driver's view of the road and creates visual distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driver monitoring camera with the HUD optical system by integrating the camera into the HUD module housing. The camera shares the same optical path as the HUD, using the same mirrors and windshield reflection to capture the driver's face image. This merging eliminates the need for separate camera mounting locations that would obstruct the driver's view, as the camera now operates through the existing HUD optical pathway without adding visual distractions.
2Ease of operation
If the HUD system occupies dashboard space for its package, then the HUD can display information to the driver, but the dashboard space becomes unavailable for other components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the driver monitoring camera into the existing HUD package, allowing both systems to share the same module housing and optical components. This integration enables the camera to be housed within the existing HUD dashboard space rather than requiring additional separate mounting locations, thereby optimizing dashboard space utilization while maintaining both HUD display functionality and driver monitoring capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate mounting locations are used for HUD and driver monitoring camera, then each system can function independently, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the driver monitoring camera with the HUD system by sharing common optical components including mirrors and the windshield reflection path. The camera is positioned within the HUD module housing and uses the same optical pathway, reducing the number of separate components and mounting locations required. This integration maintains independent functionality of both systems while reducing overall device complexity and simplifying installation.
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 addresses the placement issue by integrating the camera with HUD optics, enabling clear and unobstructed views for both the driver and the camera, enhancing safety and reducing visual distractions.
Implementation Method 1
At least one mirror is positioned to reflect the light field such that the light field is again reflected by a windshield of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the light field is again reflected by a windshield of the vehicle, and such that the light field is visible to a driver of the vehicle as a virtual image
Implementation Method 3
A driver monitoring camera is positioned to capture an image of a face of the driver that is reflected off of the windshield directly or including one or more mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
An optical arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a head up display light field emitter that emits a light field. At least one mirror is positioned to reflect the light field such that the light field is again reflected by a windshield of the vehicle, and such that the light field is visible to a driver of the vehicle as a virtual image. The at least one mirror has a transparent section. A driver monitoring camera is positioned to capture an image of a face of the driver through the transparent section of the at least one mirror.