Head-Up Display Image Scaling for Low-Viewpoint Distortion Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head-up display systems distort virtual objects due to the driver's low viewpoint, making them difficult to recognize.

Innovation Solution

The method involves scaling objects based on the vehicle's orientation and the object's orientation, using trigonometric functions to correct distortion, ensuring objects are displayed in a realistic and recognizable manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If objects are displayed using a conventional head-up display system, then the driver can receive navigation information without taking eyes off the road, but the virtual image content is distorted due to the driver's low viewpoint

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver's ability to receive information without distractionVSAvoidimage display accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-distorting the virtual image content based on the driver's viewpoint geometry before projection. The processing unit determines the distorted position of each pixel according to the driver's eye position and windshield geometry, so that when the image is projected through the windshield, the distortion is optically corrected and the driver perceives an undistorted image at the correct location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of image pixel positions by applying a distortion correction transformation. The processing unit calculates corrected pixel coordinates by reversing the optical distortion that occurs when projecting through the windshield at a low angle. This parameter transformation ensures that the projected image appears undistorted to the driver despite the low projection angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the driver's viewpoint is kept low for safety, then the driver maintains proper road positioning, but the virtual image content becomes distorted and difficult to recognize

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver safetyVSAvoidobject recognizability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary distortion correction by pre-calculating the optimal image geometry based on the driver's eye position and the windshield's optical properties. The processing unit applies position and size adjustments to the virtual image content before projection, ensuring that the driver perceives clear, recognizable objects without needing to change their head position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the virtual image is projected into the driver's field of vision, then the driver can see navigation information overlaid on reality, but the image appears distorted due to the low projection angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaugmented reality display capabilityVSAvoidvirtual object shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the geometric parameters of the virtual image (pixel positions, object dimensions, orientation) based on the projection geometry. The processing unit calculates corrected parameters that compensate for the low-angle projection distortion, ensuring that arrows, text, and other navigation elements maintain their intended shape and orientation when viewed by the driver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4061666B1Method for displaying an object through a head-up display display system and a head-up display display system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4061666B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4061666B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4061666B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for displaying an object through a head-up display display system (1). The method consists of generating image data of an object (30) for display for a head-up display display system (1). The method also consists of determining a spatial orientation (R1) of the vehicle. The method further consists of processing the image data of the object (30) by scaling the extent of the object (30) in accordance with the spatial orientation (R1) of the vehicle. Furthermore, the method consists of projecting an image of the scaled object (50) into a field of view (26) of a driver of the vehicle. Additionally, a corresponding head-up display display system (1) is disclosed. A computer program product and a vehicle (100) with head-up display display system (1) are also disclosed.