HUD Display Panel Current Monitoring for Malfunction Shutdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional HUD systems rely on expensive image sensors and processor-intensive image analysis, which are slow and prone to errors, especially in bright light conditions, making them ineffective for quickly detecting display panel malfunctions that can obstruct a driver's view.

Innovation Solution

A method that measures the current drawn by a display panel and compares it to a threshold value to determine if it's malfunctioning, allowing for quick shutdown or reset of the light source without external sensors, thus avoiding image analysis-related issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If image sensors and image analysis techniques are used to detect HUD malfunctions, then detection capability is provided, but system cost, processing time, and power consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalfunction detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex image analysis systems. Instead of using full image sensors and processors, it isolates the critical measurement (light intensity at specific locations) and implements only that function, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex image sensors with simple, inexpensive photodetectors or existing display pixels used as sensors. These simple sensors perform the detection function adequately without requiring sophisticated processing equipment, effectively using cheap components to replace expensive ones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If image analysis techniques are used to detect HUD malfunctions, then malfunction detection is achieved, but processing speed decreases due to computational intensity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalfunction detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential measurement needed for detection (light intensity comparison) from the full image analysis process. By measuring only specific parameters rather than analyzing entire images, the system achieves rapid detection without computational overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/computational image analysis system with a direct optical measurement approach. Instead of capturing and processing images through software algorithms, the system uses photodetectors to directly measure light intensity, providing instantaneous detection without computational delay

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If image sensors are used to monitor the windshield, then malfunction detection is possible, but power consumption increases due to continuous image acquisition and analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential monitoring function from continuous image capture. Instead of continuously acquiring and analyzing full images, the system performs simple light intensity measurements at specific locations, dramatically reducing power consumption while maintaining monitoring capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces power-hungry image sensors and processors with simple photodetectors that consume minimal power. These simple sensors provide adequate monitoring capability without the high energy demands of conventional image analysis systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If conventional image analysis systems are used, then HUD display monitoring is provided, but the system is confused by bright exterior light levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay monitoring accuracyVSAvoidinterference from bright light
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by measuring light intensity at specific, controlled locations on the windshield rather than analyzing the entire field of view. By focusing measurements on specific regions where HUD reflections appear, the system avoids confusion from bright exterior light in other areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary action by having the display panel intentionally display known test patterns or reference images before actual operation. This allows the system to establish baseline light intensity values under various conditions, enabling it to distinguish between normal variations and actual malfunctions even in bright light environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach enables rapid detection of display panel failures without external sensors, reducing processor load and avoiding confusion from bright light levels, providing a safer and more efficient HUD system.

Implementation Method 1

A current monitoring unit measures a current that the display panel draws when displaying an image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current measurement: Ohmmeter

Data Source

PatentEP4293654A1Detection of a malfunctioning display using power measurement
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP4293654A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293654A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293654A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In various embodiments, a computer-implemented method comprises measuring a current drawn by a display panel, determining whether the current exceeds a threshold value, and upon determining that the current exceeds the threshold value, causing a light source associated with the display panel to shut off.