Vehicle Headlight Projection Optical System for Road Image Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headlight devices with projection functions struggle to display images on road surfaces in a way that is easily recognizable by drivers and pedestrians, especially when the vehicle is in motion, as the projected images appear small and difficult to view.
Innovation Solution
A headlight device with a projection optical system that includes a coaxial lens system, free-form surface lenses, and a free-form surface mirror, which enlarges and projects images onto the road surface, ensuring they are visible to drivers and pedestrians, using a light source, lighting optical system, image display element, and image signal controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional projection device displays an image on the road surface, then the projection function is achieved, but the image appears small and is difficult to be visually recognized by the driver or pedestrian
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple functional components: a lighting optical system for condensing light, an image display element for forming the optical image, and a projection optical system for enlarging and projecting the image. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high image visibility while managing system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D projection to a multi-dimensional optical system that incorporates both horizontal and vertical lens groups with different focal lengths. This dimensional approach enables the system to project large-scale images on the road surface by manipulating light paths in multiple spatial dimensions, significantly improving image visibility
2Ease of operation
If the projection image is enlarged to be readily recognized, then image visibility is improved, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection optical system employs asymmetric lens configurations with different focal lengths for horizontal and vertical directions. The horizontal lens group has a first focal length while the vertical lens group has a second focal length, creating an asymmetric optical path that efficiently enlarges the image for better recognition while optimizing the overall system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system incorporates movable lens groups that can adjust their positions independently along the optical axis. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize image projection for different viewing conditions and distances, improving ease of operation while the modular movable components help manage system complexity through standardized actuation mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If the image is displayed according to vehicle running state changes, then adaptability is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image signal controller receives feedback about the vehicle's running state and dynamically adjusts the projection parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to different driving conditions (such as speed, acceleration, and road conditions) by modifying the projected image characteristics, improving versatility while using standardized sensor integration to manage control complexity
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 effectively projects images that are readily recognizable, contributing to improved road safety by preventing traffic accidents through enhanced visibility during various vehicle states.
Implementation Method 1
a projection optical system configured to enlarge the optical image formed by the image display element and project the enlarged optical image onto a road surface, the projection optical system including a coaxial lens system having a refractive action
Implementation Method 2
a free-form surface lens, and a free-form surface mirror from a side of the image display element
Implementation Method 3
a free-form surface lens, and a free-form surface mirror from a side of the image display element
Implementation Method 4
a lighting optical system that condenses light emitted from the light source device
Data Source
AI summary
A headlight device (1) having a projection function includes a light source device (2), a lighting optical system (3), an image display element (4), an image signal controller (6), and a projection optical system (5). The projection optical system (5) includes a coaxial lens system (11) having a refractive action, a free-form surface lens (12), and a free-form surface mirror (13) from the image display element (4) side. In this way, an image that can be readily visually recognized by a driver or a pedestrian may be projected onto a road.