Dual-Function Combiner HUD for Infrared Occupant Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up displays (HUDs) in vehicles have limitations in monitoring the occupant, as the field of view for infrared cameras is too small to capture the entire face, restricting the ability to implement an effective occupant monitoring system.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function combiner HUD that reflects infrared light while maintaining transparency to visible light, using a combiner with specific regions to reflect infrared energy for occupant monitoring, while projecting a virtual image for the driver, enhancing the field of view for infrared cameras to capture the entire face.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional HUD combiner is used to reflect visible light for the driver display, then the driver can see the virtual image, but the field of view for infrared cameras is too small to capture the entire face
Solution Approach 1:
The combiner is divided into distinct functional regions: a first region for reflecting visible light to create the virtual image for the driver, and a second region for reflecting infrared light to enable occupant monitoring. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between driver display and infrared camera field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the combiner are given different optical properties: the first region has properties optimized for visible light reflection, while the second region has properties optimized for infrared light reflection. This local differentiation of quality enables the combiner to simultaneously satisfy both driver display requirements and occupant monitoring requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the combiner reflects infrared light for occupant monitoring, then the infrared camera can capture the entire face, but the combiner must be designed with specific infrared-reflecting regions
Solution Approach 1:
The combiner is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously serves as a visible light reflector for the HUD and an infrared light reflector for occupant monitoring. By integrating both functions into a single component, the system achieves versatility without requiring separate devices, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible light reflection function and infrared light reflection function are merged into a single combiner component. This consolidation allows the system to achieve dual functionality with one element, resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity by efficiently combining functions rather than adding separate components.
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 the use of HUDs to serve both as a conventional display for the driver and an occupant monitoring system, allowing for a wider field of view and potentially three-dimensional data capture of the occupant's face, thereby improving occupant monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A combiner is positioned and configured to reflect the light field such that the light field can be viewed by the human occupant as a virtual image
Implementation Method 2
The combiner has a region configured to reflect infra-red energy emitted by a face of the occupant such that the infrared energy is received by the infrared camera
Data Source
AI summary
A head up display arrangement is for a motor vehicle having a human occupant. A light source emits a light field. An infrared camera detects infrared energy. A combiner is positioned and configured to reflect the light field such that the light field can be viewed by the human occupant as a virtual image. The combiner has a region configured to reflect infra-red energy emitted by a face of the occupant such that the infrared energy is received by the infrared camera.