Holographic Windshield Data Projection for Distortion Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head-up displays using curved windshields as projection surfaces in vehicles suffer from image distortions and poor optical parameters due to large field angles, leading to unclear and ergonomically suboptimal display of data for drivers.

Innovation Solution

An optical component comprising a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a first direction, with a deflection device adjusting light beams in a second direction perpendicular to the first, utilizing optical arrangements like cylindrical lenses or liquid crystal lenses to correct distortions and project data through a windshield as a waveguide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a curved windshield is used as a projection surface at a large angle, then data can be projected onto the windshield, but image distortions occur and optical parameters deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindshield as projection surfaceVSAvoidimage distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the windshield. The combiner hologram is positioned at a specific location with optimized local optical characteristics, while the projection surface maintains its curved geometry. This local optimization allows the system to accommodate the curved windshield shape without suffering from image distortions, as each region is designed to handle its specific optical requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a combiner hologram as an intermediary element between the light source and the windshield projection surface. This intermediary component performs optical functions such as beam combining and wavefront correction, enabling the system to project clear images onto the curved windshield while maintaining good optical parameters. The combiner acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflict between the curved projection surface and image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a projection surface is used on the windshield, then data can be displayed, but the display becomes unclear and ergonomically suboptimal due to curvature and viewing angle variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata display capabilityVSAvoidimage clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display system into distinct functional components: a light source unit, a combiner hologram, and a projection surface on the windshield. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the combiner hologram handles beam manipulation and wavefront correction, while the projection surface provides the display area. This modular approach enables clear image projection despite the curved windshield geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a direct 2D projection approach to a 3D optical path manipulation approach. By using a combiner hologram that works in three-dimensional space to manipulate light beams and correct wavefronts before they reach the curved projection surface, the system achieves clear images that account for the complex spatial relationships and viewing angle variations in the vehicle environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 efficient, distortion-free data projection onto a curved windshield, enhancing image clarity and ergonomic viewing for drivers by compensating for windshield curvature and improving optical transmission.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing optical arrangements like cylindrical lenses or liquid crystal lenses to correct distortions and project data through a windshield as a waveguide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

project data through a windshield as a waveguide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a deflection device for adjustably deflecting the light beams in a second direction, wherein the second direction differs from the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3271775B1Data projection system
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 CARL ZEISS JENA GMBH
  • EP3271775B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3271775B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3271775B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an imaging device for a data projection system and an optical component and a corresponding data projection system. The imaging device comprises a multitude of imaging elements (10) arranged in a first direction of light and a deflection device (11) for deflecting light beams in a second direction. The optical component can be a windshield which is provided with holograms.