External Head-Up Display Using Decentered Lens for Compact Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up display devices for vehicles are limited by their internal mounting type, requiring installation before vehicle release, and face challenges with compact design due to size and vibration issues, leading to degraded image quality and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display device featuring a decentered aspheric single lens and a partially used combiner, which reduces component sizes and aberrations, allowing for a more compact design that can be externally mounted on vehicles with limited space between the windshield and dashboard, and includes a rotatable combiner for adjustable reflection angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional internal mounting type HUD devices are used, then image quality can be maintained, but the device cannot be installed in vehicles with limited space between windshield and dashboard
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate components: a beam splitter mounted on the windshield and a projection unit positioned in the limited space between dashboard and windshield. This segmentation allows the system to function effectively in constrained spaces while maintaining image quality through optimized optical paths for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension between dashboard and windshield to position the projection unit, rather than requiring horizontal space. By arranging components along the vertical axis and optimizing the optical path angle, the system accommodates limited installation space while preserving display performance.
2Volume of stationary object
If component sizes are reduced for compact design, then external mounting becomes possible, but image quality degrades due to aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
An asymmetric optical design is employed where the beam splitter and projection unit are positioned at specific asymmetric angles and locations. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the optical path for compact configurations, reducing aberrations that would normally occur in smaller, more symmetric designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes specific optical parameters including the angle of incidence on the beam splitter, the focal length of projection lenses, and the distance between components. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high image quality in a compact form factor suitable for external mounting.
3Ease of operation
If conventional HUD devices are used, then driver information can be displayed, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter serves multiple functions: it reflects projected images to the driver, transmits outside scenery, and can be positioned at various angles to accommodate different vehicle types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining display effectiveness.
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 solution enables a compact, externally mountable head-up display with improved image quality and reduced manufacturing costs, capable of being installed in vehicles with limited space and providing a clear, stable virtual image to the driver without obstructing their field of vision.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element decentered with respect to an optical axis of the display unit, the optical element magnifying the image and transmitting the image
Implementation Method 2
a combiner provided in front of a driver, the combiner providing the driver with the transmitted magnified image
Data Source
AI summary
An external mounting type head up display device for a vehicle, which can be mounted irrespective of kind of vehicle, is disclosed. The head up display device includes a display unit to convert a signal into an image and output the image, an optical element decentered with respect to an optical axis of the display unit, the optical element magnifying the image and transmitting the image, and a combiner provided in front of a driver to provide the driver with the transmitted magnified image.