Combiner Alignment Detector Using Visible Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combiner alignment detectors for head-up displays suffer from low sensitivity and directionality awareness, and they can interfere with night vision imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an illuminated reticle spatially coupled to the relay lens assembly and an optical sensor coupled to the combiner or a mirror, using light emitting diodes and diffusers to emit light at specific wavelengths, allowing for precise alignment detection without interfering with night vision systems, and incorporating a control module to determine the position and distance of the combiner relative to the relay lens assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared or near infrared emitters are used in current combiner alignment detectors, then alignment detection can be performed, but sensitivity is low and directionality awareness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light source from infrared/near-infrared to visible spectrum (400-700nm), specifically using blue LEDs around 450nm. This parameter change enables the use of color filtering to achieve high directionality awareness and sensitivity while eliminating interference with night vision systems that operate in the infrared spectrum
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using color filters that are spatially positioned to detect specific directional light patterns from the reticle. Each detector is equipped with filters that respond only to specific wavelengths and directions, creating localized sensitivity zones that provide precise directional awareness for alignment detection
2Measurement precision
If infrared or near infrared emitters are used in current combiner alignment detectors, then alignment detection can be performed, but night vision imaging systems are polluted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational wavelength from infrared to visible spectrum (400-700nm), specifically using blue LEDs around 450nm. This parameter change separates the alignment detection function from the night vision infrared spectrum, eliminating interference while maintaining alignment detection capability through visible light detection with appropriate color filters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the alignment detection function from the infrared spectrum and relocates it to the visible spectrum. By using visible light with specific wavelengths and color filters, the system separates alignment detection operations from night vision operations, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without mutual interference
3Measurement precision
If the illuminated reticle is coupled to the relay lens assembly, then movement of the relay lens assembly results in commensurate movement of the reticle for accurate alignment detection, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illuminated reticle with the relay lens assembly by spatially coupling them, so that movement of the relay lens assembly automatically results in commensurate movement of the reticle. This merging eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms and reduces system complexity while maintaining high alignment detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the inherent movement characteristics of the relay lens assembly to automatically position the reticle. The reticle's coupled configuration allows it to self-adjust its position in response to relay lens assembly movement, eliminating the need for additional actuators or control systems and simplifying the overall device architecture
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 provides improved sensitivity and directionality awareness for combiner alignment, reducing interference with night vision systems and enhancing the accuracy of head-up display imagery alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The illuminated reticle comprises a light emitting diode and a diffuser
Implementation Method 2
the illuminated reticle is configured to emit light at a wavelength equal or less than 500 nm
Implementation Method 3
The optical sensor is configured to detect a light pattern emitted from the illuminated reticle
Implementation Method 4
the mirror is configured to reflect light from the illuminated reticle to the optical sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for detecting an alignment of a relay lens assembly (108) and a combiner (104) of a head-up display is disclosed. The system includes an illuminated reticle (128) spatially coupled to the relay lens assembly (108), an optical sensor (124) spatially coupled to the combiner (104), and a control module (604) configured to receive an input from the optical sensor (124), determine a position of the combiner (104) relative to the relay lens assembly (108) based on the received input; and generate an output based on a determined position of the combiner (104) relative to the relay lens assembly (108). In another system, the illuminated reticle (128) is spatially coupled to the combiner (104), and the optical sensor (124) is spatially coupled to the relay lens assembly (108). The system may also participate in a feedback loop with the head-up display to reduce jitter in the head-up display.