Vehicle Head-Up Display Control Modes for Adaptive Content Sizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current head-up displays in vehicles are static and cannot be adjusted to meet individual user preferences, leading to potential distractions and reduced user comfort and safety.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a head-up display that allows users to adjust the total size, size of content elements, and zoom based on user actions and selected control modes, using data processing apparatuses, control elements, and projectors to project content onto a transparent glass pane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the head-up display is made static with fixed configuration, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the adaptability to different user preferences and conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to user preferencesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head-up display transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where display parameters (total size, content element size, zoom) can be adjusted in real-time based on user actions and selected control modes, enabling adaptability without permanently increasing physical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts display parameters (size, zoom, content element dimensions) through software control rather than physical reconfiguration, allowing multiple display states without adding mechanical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the head-up display provides detailed content with large size and high zoom, then the information visibility is improved, but the driver distraction increases and road safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation visibilityVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display dynamically adjusts its size and zoom levels based on detected driver state and environmental conditions, reducing information size when driver attention is compromised while maintaining visibility when conditions are safe

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors driver state and environmental conditions, using this feedback to automatically adjust display parameters that optimize information visibility while minimizing distraction risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the head-up display allows multiple adjustable parameters (total size, content element size, zoom), then the adaptability to user needs is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability to user needsVSAvoidcontrol simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct control modes, each handling specific adjustment scenarios, allowing complex multi-parameter control to be broken down into manageable, context-specific operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Control modes act as intermediaries between user actions and display parameter adjustments, translating simple user inputs into coordinated changes across multiple display parameters without requiring direct complex control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4678450A1Method for controlling a head-up display of a vehicle, data processing apparatus, computer program, computer-readable storage meduim, system for controlling a head-up display, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP4678450A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4678450A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4678450A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a head-up display of a vehicle (10). The method comprises obtaining first data (D1) indicative of a user action, obtaining second data (D2) indicative of one control mode out of at least two control modes of the head-up display and causing one or more of adjusting a total size of a content displayable by the head-up display, adjusting a size of a content element displayable by the head-up display, and adjusting a zoom of a content element displayable by the head-up display based on the first data (D1) and based on the second data (D2). Moreover, the disclosure relates to a corresponding data processing apparatus (20), a corresponding computer program (38), and a corresponding computer-readable storage medium (36). Furthermore, the disclosure is directed to a system (25) for controlling a head-up display of a vehicle (10) and to a vehicle (10) comprising such system (25).