Dual Head-Up Display Apparatus for Driver and Passenger Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive head-up displays (HUDs) are limited in size due to packaging constraints, preventing passengers from viewing the virtual image produced by the head-up display apparatus, as the eyebox is only accessible to the driver.
Innovation Solution
A dual-view head-up display apparatus that utilizes a single image source to generate two separate virtual images, one for the driver and one for the passenger, using an image splitter and multiple imaging assemblies with mirrors and light guides to project these images onto spatially separated combiners, allowing both users to view different information simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single imaging mirror is used in the head-up display apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced and packaging requirements are simplified, but the eyebox is only accessible to the driver and passengers cannot view the virtual image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single imaging function into two separate imaging mirrors (first imaging mirror and second imaging mirror), each responsible for directing light to a specific user position. This segmentation allows the driver and passenger to each have their own optimized viewing path, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and multi-user accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The head-up display apparatus is designed to serve multiple users (driver and passenger) simultaneously through the dual mirror configuration. Each mirror performs the same basic function of imaging and light direction, but they are positioned to serve different user groups, achieving universality in user service capability.
2Area of stationary object
If the imaging mirror size is limited due to packaging requirements, then the device fits within vehicle constraints, but the eyebox becomes inaccessible to passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space constraint by utilizing the vertical dimension and lateral positioning within the vehicle cabin. The first imaging mirror is positioned to serve the driver, while the second imaging mirror is positioned to serve the passenger, effectively using spatial dimensionality to overcome the area limitation of individual mirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the imaging function into two separate mirrors with different positions and orientations, the system allows each mirror to be smaller while collectively covering the viewing needs of both driver and passenger, thus resolving the contradiction between mirror size and eyebox accessibility.
3Device complexity
If a single image source is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but only one virtual image can be generated for a single user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single image source output into two separate image paths using the first and second imaging mirrors. Each mirror creates a distinct virtual image for its designated user, enabling dual-view capability while maintaining a single image source, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and multi-user functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging mirrors act as intermediaries between the single image source and the two users. They split and redirect the light paths to create separate virtual images, enabling one image source to serve multiple users without requiring multiple image generators.
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 passengers to view separate and distinct information without the need to look at the center console, providing an improved viewing angle and distance compared to conventional infotainment screens, while maintaining continuous perception of the virtual images.
Implementation Method 1
The first imaging assembly reflects light from the image source to form a first virtual image on a first combiner. The second imaging assembly reflects light from the image source to form a second virtual image on a second combiner.
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a head-up display apparatus (1). An image source (3) is provided for generating a composite image comprising a first image (IMG1) and second image (IMG2). An image splitter configured to separate the first image (IMG1) from the second image (IMG2). A first imaging assembly (5) is arranged to project the first image (IMG1) generated by the image source (3) to produce a first virtual image (VIMG1); and a second imaging assembly (7) is arranged to project the second image (IMG2) generated by the image source (3) to produce a second virtual image (VIMG2). The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle (V) incorporating a head-up display apparatus (1).