Head-Up Display Depth via Single Light Source and Split Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up display devices require multiple displays to generate a sense of depth, leading to increased costs and larger device sizes due to longer optical paths for different images.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display device with a single light-emitting device, a reflecting mirror with different shaped surfaces, and screens with varying optical paths, along with a converging lens to efficiently direct light without increasing device size, allowing for the generation of depth in virtual images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two displays are used to emit different types of images, then a sense of depth can be generated in the virtual image, but the cost of components becomes high and the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate displays into a single light-emitting device. The single display emits light that is then split into two different optical paths using a beam splitter and mirrors, effectively replacing the need for two separate displays while maintaining the ability to generate depth perception through different optical path lengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path into two different lengths using beam splitters and mirrors. The single light-emitting device's output is divided into two paths: one path reflects off a first mirror to a first screen, and another path reflects off a second mirror to a second screen. This segmentation creates different optical path lengths from a single source, enabling depth generation without requiring two displays
2Device complexity
If two displays are used to emit different types of images, then a sense of depth can be generated in the virtual image, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate displays into a single light-emitting device. The single display emits light that is then split into two different optical paths using a beam splitter and mirrors, effectively replacing the need for two separate displays while maintaining the ability to generate depth perception through different optical path lengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a beam splitter to divide the optical path into two different dimensional paths. One path reflects off a first mirror at a certain angle to reach a first screen, while another path reflects off a second mirror at a different angle to reach a second screen. This dimensional separation of optical paths enables different path lengths within a compact space, generating depth perception without increasing overall device size
3Ease of manufacture
If different optical path lengths are used to generate depth, then a sense of depth is achieved, but multiple displays are required increasing component cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate displays into a single light-emitting device. The single display emits light that is then split into two different optical paths using a beam splitter and mirrors, effectively replacing the need for two separate displays while maintaining the ability to generate depth perception through different optical path lengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the optical path lengths by adjusting the positions and angles of mirrors and screens. The distance from the beam splitter to the first screen and from the beam splitter to the second screen can be independently adjusted, allowing precise control of the optical path length difference. This parameter adjustment enables depth generation while using a single, cost-effective display component
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 a low-cost, compact head-up display device capable of generating a sense of depth with efficient light utilization and improved light distribution, reducing the need for multiple displays and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting mirror reflecting light emitted from the light-emitting device
Implementation Method 2
a lens capable of converging light is provided between the screen through which the curved surface reflected light passes and the light-emitting device
Data Source
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AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a compact and low-cost head-up display device capable of creating a sense of depth in a virtual image. This head-up display device (70) includes a light-emitting device (12), a reflecting mirror (30), and a screen (40). The reflecting mirror (30) includes two reflecting surfaces that are a first reflecting surface (31) having a flat shape and a second reflecting surface (32) having a curved shape. The screen (40) is composed of a first screen (41) through which the light reflected from the first reflecting surface (31) passes, and a second screen (42) through which the light reflected from the second reflecting surface (32) passes. The first screen (41) and the second screen (42) are disposed so that the length of a first optical path (L1) in which the light emitted from the light-emitting device (12) reaches the first screen (41) is different from the length of a second optical path (L2) in which the light emitted from the light-emitting device (12) reaches the second screen (42).