Vehicle Head-Up Display Luminosity Control via Anticipatory Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up display brightness control systems in vehicles are inadequate in terms of safety and comfort due to imprecise ambient luminosity detection, especially under dynamic conditions such as daytime driving, nighttime driving, and passage through tunnels, leading to potential distractions for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A system that anticipates changes in luminosity by using exterior and interior luminosity sensors, combined with geo-location, weather, and video data to determine a future luminosity setpoint, allowing for adaptive brightness adjustment, and includes a manual adjustment mechanism for fine-tuning based on individual driver preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If ambient light is detected using a light sensor installed on the vehicle to adjust display brightness, then the brightness control is automated, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to external interference such as headlights of oncoming vehicles, streetlights, and other light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives light sensor data and filters out interference from external light sources. The control unit analyzes the characteristics of detected light (intensity, direction, spectral properties) to distinguish between relevant ambient light (sky, environment) and interfering light (headlights, streetlights), thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors display brightness effectiveness and adjusts the interpretation of sensor data accordingly. By feedback from driver behavior (e.g., whether the driver is actually distracted or not) and display performance metrics, the system refines its algorithm to better distinguish relevant ambient light from interference, improving measurement precision over time while maintaining automation.
2Reliability
If the brightness of the projected image is adjusted significantly between daytime and nighttime driving to avoid disrupting driving, then driver safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for automated brightness control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the brightness control function with existing vehicle systems such as the ambient light detection system already present in modern vehicles for automatic headlight control or interior lighting. By integrating the head-up display brightness control with these existing systems, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the safety benefits of automated brightness adjustment between daytime and nighttime conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only controls head-up display brightness but also processes ambient light data for other vehicle systems, stores lighting condition profiles for different driving scenarios, and potentially controls other display elements in the vehicle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining driver safety through comprehensive lighting management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the brightness sensor is positioned to detect ambient light, then the system can adapt to current conditions, but it fails to anticipate upcoming brightness changes such as entering a tunnel or approaching a lit area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by using multiple light sensors positioned at different locations and angles, including sensors that detect light conditions in the path of vehicle travel. The control unit processes data from these sensors to predict upcoming brightness changes (such as approaching a tunnel entrance or a lit area) and adjusts the display brightness in advance, before the vehicle actually enters the changed lighting condition, thereby reducing the time loss associated with brightness adaptation.
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
Enhances driver safety and comfort by providing timely and accurate brightness adjustments that anticipate changing luminosity conditions, reducing distractions and allowing for personalized brightness settings, thus improving the overall driving experience.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor 50 for the brightness of the displayed image 16
Implementation Method 2
an external brightness sensor capable of evaluating the brightness towards the front of the vehicle and beyond the image displayed on the display
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for controlling the luminosity of a head-up display (36) of a vehicle, said display (36) being configured to display an image, said system comprising means (32) for assessing luminosity connected to means (34) for determining a luminosity instruction for the display (36). The system is characterised in that said means (32) for assessing luminosity are capable of assessing the external luminosity towards the front of the vehicle and beyond the image displayed on said display (36), and in that said determination means (34) are capable of determining the luminosity instruction in accordance with the external luminosity assessed and of transmitting same to the display (36).