Head-Up Display Optics for Multi-Depth Virtual Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up display apparatuses face limitations in size expansion and design flexibility due to screen image division and the need for enlarged combiners for self-luminous type display panels, which restricts the size and usability of virtual images.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display apparatus utilizing a combination of first and second projection apparatuses, where the first projection apparatus employs a concave mirror to project a magnified virtual image and the second projection apparatus uses a self-luminous layer excited by ultraviolet light to generate a second virtual image, allowing for adjustable depth perception and increased expandability without significant volume increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a screen image generated by one drawing device is divided into two images, then multiple virtual images can be displayed, but the size of each virtual image is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single drawing device's output into two separate drawing devices, with each device dedicated to generating one virtual image. This segmentation allows each virtual image to utilize the full capability of its dedicated drawing device, thereby maintaining large image size while enabling multiple virtual images to be displayed simultaneously at different depths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces depth as an additional dimension by displaying virtual images at different distances from the user's viewpoint. The first drawing device generates a virtual image at a first depth, while the second drawing device generates a virtual image at a second depth, allowing multiple large virtual images to coexist without competing for the same spatial area
2Area of stationary object
If two drawing devices are disposed to eliminate the limitation in regard to the size of each virtual image, then large virtual images can be displayed, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light paths from two separate drawing devices through a beam combiner, allowing both virtual images to be projected through a single optical path to the user. This combining approach enables large virtual images from two drawing devices while maintaining a compact overall device structure, as the drawing devices can be positioned close together and share common optical components
3Adaptability or versatility
If an image generated by the self-luminous type display panel is displayed as a virtual image, then the image can be displayed, but the maximum size of the virtual image becomes the actual size of the display panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam combiner as an intermediary component that receives light from the self-luminous type display panel and redirects it to form a virtual image on the windshield. This intermediary allows the virtual image to be projected to a much larger size than the physical display panel, as the light is optically expanded and displayed across the larger windshield surface
4Area of stationary object
If a combiner is required for the virtual-image projection surface to enlarge the image on the self-luminous type display panel, then the image can be enlarged, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam combiner serves multiple functions: it combines light from two different drawing devices, acts as a partial reflector and partial transmitter, and enables virtual image projection without requiring separate optical paths for each device. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the presence of the combiner, as it eliminates the need for additional beam splitters, mirrors, and separate optical assemblies
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
Enables high design freedom and excellent expandability by projecting multiple virtual images with different perceived depths, enhancing user information display without increasing device size, and allowing for adjustable image placement and brightness.
Implementation Method 1
a concave mirror configured to reflect the first display light and thereby emit reflected light
Implementation Method 2
a self-luminous layer configured to let the reflected light pass therethrough and generate second display light different from the first display light
Data Source
AI summary
A head-up display apparatus projects a plurality of virtual images of which depths perceived by a user are different from each other. The head-up display apparatus includes a first projection apparatus and a second projection apparatus. The first projection apparatus includes a first display-light emitting unit configured to emit first display light, and a concave mirror configured to reflect the first display light and thereby emit reflected light thereof, and is configured to enable the user to perceive a first virtual image by projecting the reflected light onto a virtual-image display unit. The second projection apparatus includes a second display-light generation unit configured to let the reflected light pass therethrough and generate second display light different from the first display light, and is configured to enable the user to perceive a second virtual image by projecting the generated second display light onto the virtual-image display unit.