Curved-Surface Display Layout for Distortion-Free Image Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display apparatuses struggle to accurately project images on curved surfaces, such as vehicle windshields, without distortion, especially in direct projection systems where pixels are arranged uniformly, leading to distorted images.
Innovation Solution
The display apparatus employs non-uniformly spaced display elements arranged in a fan-shaped matrix to reflect image light on a curved surface, adjusting the spacing to correct for distortion and maintain the intended image shape, using a combination of fan-shaped blocks to accommodate varying curvatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If display elements are arranged uniformly to efficiently organize pixels, then manufacturing and control are simplified, but the image displayed on a curved surface becomes distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by arranging display elements at non-uniform intervals in the radial direction while maintaining uniform intervals in the circumferential direction. This asymmetric radial arrangement compensates for the curvature of the windshield, causing light rays to reflect at angles that preserve the rectangular shape of the displayed image despite the curved surface geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the spacing between display elements specifically in the radial direction while keeping circumferential spacing uniform. Different regions of the display have different element densities - closer spacing in the center and wider spacing at the edges - to account for the varying curvature and reflection geometry across the windshield surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flat combiner is used to reduce distortion, then the display elements can be arranged uniformly, but the system cannot accommodate curved windshield surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using optical elements to correct distortion after uniform arrangement, the patent inverts the approach by pre-distorting the display element arrangement itself. The non-uniform spacing is designed specifically to counteract the curvature effect, so that when light reflects off the curved surface, the image appears undistorted to the viewer.
3Manufacturing precision
If non-uniform spacing is used to correct distortion on curved surfaces, then image shape accuracy is improved, but the complexity of arranging and controlling display elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into two independent directional components: uniform circumferential spacing and non-uniform radial spacing. This segmentation allows the complex three-dimensional curved surface problem to be broken down into manageable one-dimensional spacing patterns in each direction, simplifying the overall design and control.
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 approach allows for distortion-free projection of images on curved surfaces by adjusting the spacing of display elements, ensuring the projected image matches the intended shape, even with varying windshield curvatures, and facilitates easy replacement of failed elements.
Implementation Method 1
the image light emitted from the plurality of display elements is reflected on the curved surface to display a target image
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To easily display an image with reduced distortion on a screen having a curved surface.[Solving Means] A display apparatus includes a plurality of display elements that emits image light to a screen having a curved surface, the plurality of display elements being arranged at non-uniform intervals therebetween such that the image light emitted from the plurality of display elements is reflected on the curved surface to display a target image.