Head-Up Display Mirror Switching for Sunlight Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased size of augmented reality head-up display screens and display distances in vehicles leads to a higher risk of sunlight damage to the image source, posing a fire hazard due to focused sunlight.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display apparatus with a first mirror, a second mirror that can move between operating and protection positions, a light sensor, and a controller to manage sunlight exposure, along with a housing and light shields to block sunlight from reaching the image source, ensuring durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the screen size and display distance of the augmented reality head-up display are increased, then the driver's field of view and visibility are improved, but the amount of sunlight entering the apparatus increases, creating a fire hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting sunlight intensity in advance using a light sensor and proactively controlling the second mirror to block sunlight before it reaches the image source. This prevents the harmful effect from occurring rather than reacting after damage begins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the second mirror) that can be positioned between the sunlight source and the image source to block the harmful light. The mirror acts as a controllable intermediary that selectively allows or blocks sunlight based on detected conditions
2Reliability
If the screen size and display distance are increased, then the augmented reality display performance is improved, but the risk of fire damage to the image source increases due to focused sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a light sensor to continuously monitor sunlight intensity and feeding this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the second mirror position accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the system responds dynamically to changing sunlight conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary protection by detecting sunlight intensity in advance and activating the mirror positioning mechanism before sunlight can cause damage to the image source, preventing the fire hazard from occurring
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a second mirror is added to block sunlight, then the image source is protected from sunlight damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second mirror serves multiple functions: it reflects image light during normal operation and blocks sunlight when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components solely for sunlight blocking, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity
4Adaptability or versatility
If the second mirror is made movable to switch between operating and protection positions, then sunlight blocking capability is achieved, but the device complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the second mirror movable rather than fixed, allowing it to switch between different positions (operating and protection) based on sunlight conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables adaptability while using a relatively simple mechanical positioning mechanism
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 effectively prevents sunlight damage to the image source by blocking sunlight, enhancing the durability and safety of the display apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror located above the image source, and having a predetermined transmittance
Implementation Method 2
a second mirror facing the first mirror, and selectively moving, by a driving unit, between an operating position and a protection position... the protection position may be a position in which light transmission is blocked
Implementation Method 3
a light sensor located behind the first mirror, and configured for detecting sunlight
Implementation Method 4
the light shield may have a low-reflection plating layer coated on a surface thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A head-up display apparatus includes an image source including a display; a first mirror located above the image source, and having a predetermined transmittance; a second mirror facing the first mirror, and selectively moving, by a driving unit, between an operating position and a protection position; a light sensor located behind the first mirror, and configured for detecting sunlight; and a controller electrically connected to the driving unit and configured for controlling the driving unit based on the sunlight detected by the light sensor, wherein the operating position is a position in which light transmission is allowed between the image source and a windshield, and the protection position is a position in which light transmission is blocked between the image source and the windshield.