Windshield HUD Front Camera View for Hood-Blocked Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head up displays (HUDs) in vehicles do not provide the driver with a clear view of the space in front of the vehicle when the hood blocks the field of view, making it difficult to park, especially in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A HUD system that includes a front camera capturing images of the space in front of the vehicle, with a head up display module producing virtual images based on these captured images, allowing the driver to see what is directly in front of the vehicle without having to look away from the road.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver looks directly at the road through the windshield, then the driver maintains attention on the road, but the hood blocks the field of view of the space in front of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the space in front of the vehicle and displays these images on the HUD system. This creates a visual copy of the blocked area, allowing the driver to see what is in front of the vehicle without physically moving their head or eyes away from the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The HUD system acts as an intermediary between the camera capturing the blocked space and the driver's eyes. It projects the captured images onto the windshield, creating a virtual image that appears to be in the distance, allowing the driver to view the blocked area while maintaining their normal driving position and focus.
2Loss of information
If a display shows the video feed from the front camera, then the driver can see what is in front of the vehicle, but the driver must take their eyes off the road and pay attention to the display
Solution Approach 1:
The HUD system serves as an intermediary that bridges the camera feed and the driver's field of view. By projecting images onto the windshield at a position and angle that creates a virtual image in the distance, it allows the driver to see the camera feed within their existing field of view, eliminating the need to shift attention to a separate display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the two-dimensional camera image into a three-dimensional virtual image that appears to be located in the distance on the road. This dimensional transformation allows the image to be integrated into the driver's natural field of view rather than appearing as a separate flat display that requires focused attention.
3Device complexity
If conventional HUD mirrors and display are contained in a package beneath the dashboard, then the system is compact, but it cannot provide real-time camera images to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the existing HUD system: it maintains the original virtual image display capability while adding the ability to display real-time camera images. The same HUD optics, mirrors, and windshield projection system are used for both conventional navigation information and the new park assist camera feed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is configured to automatically activate the camera and HUD display function when parking conditions are detected, such as when the vehicle is stationary or moving at very low speeds. This preliminary setup ensures that the information is available immediately when needed without requiring additional activation steps.
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 drivers to easily park large trucks in tight spaces without contacting obstacles, providing a unique and safe perspective on the vehicle's surroundings by projecting relevant images onto the windshield.
Implementation Method 1
The light from the image is reflected from one or more mirrors. Next, the light from the mirrors is reflected from the windshield.
Implementation Method 2
A camera positioned and configured to capture images of a space in front of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A head up display arrangement is for a motor vehicle having a human driver. The arrangement includes a camera positioned and configured to capture images of a space in front of the vehicle. At least a portion of the space is blocked from view of the driver by a part of the vehicle. A head up display module produces virtual images that are visible to the driver. The virtual images are based on the images captured by the camera.