Vehicle Head-Up Display Dual Optical System Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-up displays for vehicles face challenges in downsizing while maintaining the ability to project clear, large-screen virtual images without interfering with vehicle structures, and in effectively managing external light to prevent glare for the driver.

Innovation Solution

The head-up display is configured with a separation of first and second display devices, each with its own optical system, using mirrors and a Fresnel lens to project images onto the windshield, allowing for downsizing and precise control of image placement and light management, including the use of semi-transparent mirrors and combiners to reduce depth and width, and manage external light entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single optical system is used to project display images, then the device structure is simple, but the device size cannot be reduced and image placement flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical system structureVSAvoiddisplay device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into multiple independent optical systems (first optical system and second optical system), each projecting images to different positions on the windshield. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently and placed in different locations, reducing overall device volume while maintaining functional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the display device is downsized, then it causes no obstruction to the driver and does not interfere with vehicle structures, but the ability to project large-screen virtual images is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay device sizeVSAvoidvirtual image screen size

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the three-dimensional space within the vehicle by projecting images to different positions and orientations on the windshield. The first and second optical systems create virtual images at different locations (first image at first position, second image at second position), effectively using spatial dimensionality to achieve large-screen display from a compact device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If external light enters the display device, then the device can function normally, but glare is generated for the driver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoiddriver glare

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of external light entry into a beneficial feature by using semi-transparent mirrors and combiners that allow controlled light transmission. These optical elements are positioned to permit necessary light for device operation while reflecting or directing external light away from the driver's line of sight, thus eliminating glare.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical systems are used to project images to different positions, then image placement flexibility is improved, but the device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage placement flexibilityVSAvoidoptical system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs multiple optical systems with similar functional characteristics, where each system can project images to different positions on the windshield. The first optical system projects to a first position and the second optical system projects to a second position, allowing versatile image placement while maintaining standardized component designs that reduce overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration enables a compact head-up display that can project large-screen virtual images with clear visibility, reduces interference with vehicle structures, and minimizes glare from external light, enhancing the driver's experience by providing customizable display positions and sizes for each image region.

Implementation Method 1

a first optical system configured to reflect the image displayed by the display element and project the image onto the windshield

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a second optical system configured to reflect the image displayed by the display element and project the image onto the windshield

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

using mirrors and a Fresnel lens to project images onto the windshield

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS10234683B2Head-up display, and vehicle equipped with head-up display

Publication Date: 2019.03.19 PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYST CO LTD

AI summary

A head-up display is mounted to a vehicle having a windshield, and includes a display element configured to display an image, a first optical system configured to reflect the image displayed by the display element and project the image onto the windshield; and a second optical system configured to reflect the image displayed by the display element and project the image onto the windshield. The image projected with the first optical system is projected onto the windshield at a position below a position of the image projected with the second optical system.