Head-Up Display Dual-Space Imaging via Real Specular Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up display devices cannot display images both inside and outside a vehicle's windshield, limiting the driver's field of view and the flexibility in positioning displayed information.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display device featuring an imaging optical system with a semitransparent substrate and a reflective screen, such as a windshield, that forms real and virtual images based on the object's position relative to the optical system and the viewer, allowing images to be seen inside or outside the vehicle by adjusting the distance between the object and the imaging optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional head-up display device uses a virtual image reflected by a windshield, then the driver can see the displayed image in the outside space of the vehicle, but the driver cannot perceive the displayed image in the inside space of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a first optical system (for inside space display) and a second optical system comprising the windshield reflection (for outside space display). This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently for its specific function, resolving the contradiction by enabling dual-space display capability without requiring a single overly complex optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield serves as an intermediary element that performs dual functions: it acts as a reflective screen for the second optical system to create virtual images in the outside space, while simultaneously allowing light transmission for the first optical system to form real images in the inside space. This intermediary role of the windshield enables the contradiction resolution by mediating between the two opposing display requirements.
2Measurement precision
If the distance between the object of view and the imaging optical system is shorter than the distance between the reflective screen and the imaging optical system, then the driver sees a virtual image at the outside of the reflective screen, but the image cannot be formed inside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its imaging mode based on object distance. When the object of view is positioned at different distances relative to the imaging optical system, the system automatically transitions between forming real images (for inside space display) and virtual images (for outside space display). This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by enabling precise image position control while maintaining flexibility in display location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the key parameter of image type (real vs. virtual) based on the object distance parameter. By controlling the distance between the object of view and the imaging optical system, the system transitions between different imaging modes, allowing precise control over where the image appears (inside or outside the vehicle) while maintaining adaptability to different display requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a head-up display device wants to display images both inside and outside the vehicle, then the driver's field of view and flexibility are enhanced, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is given universal functionality by making it serve dual purposes: it acts as a reflective screen for the second optical system to display images in the outside space, and simultaneously functions as a transparent medium allowing the first optical system to display images in the inside space. This multi-functionality of the windshield resolves the contradiction by enabling dual-space display capability without adding separate components, thus avoiding increased system complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the position of the displayed image is fixed, then the optical system is simpler, but the driver cannot freely set the position of the displayed image with respect to the windshield
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic image position adjustment by allowing the object of view to be positioned at different distances from the imaging optical system. This dynamic positioning capability enables the driver to freely set the image position (inside or outside the vehicle) without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device 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
Enables the driver to see images both inside and outside the vehicle, enhancing the flexibility and effectiveness of the head-up display by positioning the image perception within the vehicle or outside, depending on the object's distance to the imaging system.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging optical system of real specular image for defining a space where a viewer exists and the inside space of the dashboard, the imaging optical system of real specular image including a semitransparent substrate with a plane of symmetry, the imaging optical system of real specular image forming a real image of the object of view in the space of the viewer with light passing through the substrate
Implementation Method 2
a reflective screen arranged in the space of the viewer, the reflective screen reflecting light beams of the real image of the object of view supplied from the imaging optical system of real specular image to guide the reflected light beams to the viewer
Data Source
AI summary
A head-up display device placed on an upper surface of a dashboard, includes: an object of view arranged in an inside space of the dashboard; an imaging optical system of real specular image for defining a space where a viewer exists and the inside space of the dashboard, the imaging optical system of real specular image including a semitransparent substrate with a plane of symmetry, the imaging optical system of real specular image forming a real image of the object of view in the space of the viewer with light passing through the substrate; and a reflective screen arranged in the space of the viewer, the reflective screen reflecting light beams of the real image of the object of view supplied from the imaging optical system of real specular image to guide the reflected light beams to the viewer, while allowing formation of an image to be seen by the viewer.