Heads-Up Display Calibration Using IR Markers for Combiner Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heads-up displays (HUDs) face challenges in maintaining accurate augmented-reality rendering due to changes in the curvature of the optical combiner, particularly in dynamic environments, leading to compromised spatial reconstruction and a non-immersive viewing experience.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using infrared-responsive markers to determine the curvature of the optical combiner by capturing IR images, detecting marker deformations, and employing a processor to calculate the curvature, enabling dynamic compensation of geometrical aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the field of view and viewing area of the HUD are increased, then the user experience is improved, but the curvature of the optical combiner becomes highly significant and compromises spatial reconstruction accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines the curvature of the optical combiner by capturing images of IR-responsive markers at different positions and calculating curvature based on detected deformations. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing curvature conditions, maintaining spatial reconstruction accuracy even when the viewing area is large. The processor continuously updates curvature information to compensate for geometrical aberrations across the extended field of view.
2Device complexity
If static and pre-defined curvature compensation techniques are employed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to stresses and alterations over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback by continuously capturing images of IR-responsive markers and using the detected deformations to determine current curvature of the optical combiner. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for curvature changes caused by thermal expansion, mechanical stress, and other environmental factors, significantly improving reliability compared to static pre-defined compensation techniques.
3Reliability
If dynamic curvature determination using IR markers is implemented, then the reliability and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses IR-responsive markers as intermediaries to indirectly measure the curvature of the optical combiner. Instead of directly measuring complex curvature parameters, the system captures images of markers whose deformations encode curvature information. This intermediary approach simplifies the measurement process while maintaining high reliability and accuracy in curvature determination.
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
Provides a simple, accurate, and reliable method to determine the curvature of the optical combiner, enhancing the realism and immersiveness of the viewing experience by correcting geometrical aberrations in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-reflective surface of the optical combiner faces the at least one IR camera
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an infrared (IR) light source(s); IR camera(s); an optical combiner, wherein a set of IR-responsive markers are located in at least one of: (i) within the optical combiner, (ii) on a semi-reflective surface of the optical combiner; and processor(s) configured to: control the IR camera(s) to capture IR image(s) of the optical combiner, whilst controlling the IR light source(s) to emit IR light towards the optical combiner; detect at least a subset of the set of IR-responsive markers in the IR image(s); for a given IR-responsive marker detected in the IR image(s), determine a deformation in a shape of the given IR-responsive marker with respect to a reference shape; and determine a curvature of the optical combiner, based on respective deformations in shapes of IR-responsive markers in at least said subset.