Head-Up Display Image Formation Position Adjusting Mirror

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head-up display devices are bulky and costly due to the use of multiple displays and a half mirror, which reduces the efficiency of display light usage.

Innovation Solution

A compact head-up display device with a projection unit and an image formation position adjusting mirror that converts projection light into multiple beams with different image formation distances, allowing for the display of images at various distances using a single display and two screens positioned at different distances from the projection surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple displays and a half mirror are used to achieve multiple display distances, then the display functionality is improved, but the device volume and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay distance variationVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple displays into a single display by using an image formation position adjusting mirror that can change the image formation distance. This allows one display to produce multiple virtual images at different distances, eliminating the need for multiple separate display units and reducing device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image formation position adjusting mirror serves multiple functions: it reflects light from the single display, adjusts the image formation distance to create multiple display distances, and enables one display component to fulfill the role previously requiring multiple displays, thereby reducing overall device complexity and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple displays and a half mirror are used to achieve multiple display distances, then the display functionality is improved, but the device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay distance variationVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple displays into a single display by using an image formation position adjusting mirror that can change the image formation distance. This allows one display to produce multiple virtual images at different distances, eliminating the need for multiple separate display units and reducing device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The image formation position adjusting mirror serves multiple functions: it reflects light from the single display, adjusts the image formation distance to create multiple display distances, and enables one display component to fulfill the role previously requiring multiple displays, thereby reducing overall device complexity and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a half mirror is used to overlap transmitted and reflected light, then multiple display distances are achieved, but the light efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay distance variationVSAvoiddisplay light efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the distance-adjustment function from the optical path by using an image formation position adjusting mirror that actively changes the image formation distance. This eliminates the need for a half mirror that would split and waste light, as the single mirror can direct all light to form images at different distances by adjusting its position or angle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the passive half-mirror optical splitting system with an active image formation position adjusting mechanism. Instead of using a half mirror that inherently loses 50% of light, the system uses a controllable mirror that can direct full light intensity to form multiple virtual images at different distances, thereby improving light efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a compact, cost-effective head-up display device with high light efficiency, enabling the display of images at multiple distances while reducing the complexity and cost associated with multiple displays.

Implementation Method 1

an image formation position adjusting mirror configured to receive the projection light emitted from the display, convert the projection light into a plurality of beams of projection light having different image formation distances by changing an image formation distance of at least a part of the incident projection light, and reflect the plurality of beams of projection light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10302939B2Projection device and head-up display device

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 NIPPON SEIKI CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention is compact and inexpensive, has good light efficiency, and enables a display image having a plurality of display distances to be displayed. A display emits projection light for displaying a display image at a predetermined position, and an image formation position adjusting mirror receives the projection light emitted from the display, performs conversion into a plurality of first projection light and second projection light that have different image formation distances by changing the image formation distance of the projection light that is at least part of the incident projection light, and reflects the first projection light and the second projection light to project the first projection light and the second projection light onto a first screen and a second screen.