HUD Obstacle Indicator Motion for Limited AR Display Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems with limited display areas struggle to effectively convey the approaching direction of obstacles to occupants, particularly in head-up display (HUD) systems, as described in PTL 1, where a line segment extending in the display area does not adequately solve the difficulty in determining the approaching direction of an obstacle.
Innovation Solution
A display control apparatus that acquires information about obstacles and generates an indicator image pointing towards the obstacle, which moves within the virtual image display area to approach the obstacle, allowing the occupant to easily determine the direction and distance of the obstacle through a seamless transition between first and second augmented reality (AR) modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a line segment extending in the display area is displayed (as in PTL 1), then the approaching direction of the obstacle can be indicated, but the display area is limited and the indicator cannot adequately show the obstacle's direction and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator image dynamically changes its position and size based on the relative distance to the obstacle. As the obstacle approaches, the indicator image moves and expands within the limited display area, providing continuous directional information without requiring a larger static display area. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the indicator information-rich while maintaining a compact display footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static line segment indicator to a two-dimensional indicator image that can expand and move across the display area. This dimensional enhancement allows the indicator to convey both direction and distance information simultaneously, overcoming the limitation of the one-dimensional line segment while working within the constrained display area.
2Loss of information
If only icons are displayed to indicate obstacles, then the display is simple and occupies minimal space, but the occupant cannot determine the approaching direction of the obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator is segmented into multiple visual elements including directional arrows, distance indicators, and obstacle type icons. These segmented elements work together to provide comprehensive directional information while maintaining a structured and organized display that does not excessively increase complexity. Each segment serves a specific function in conveying obstacle direction and characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator image serves multiple functions simultaneously: it indicates the direction of the obstacle, shows the relative distance, identifies the obstacle type, and provides continuous tracking as the obstacle approaches. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing rich directional information without requiring separate display elements for each piece of information, thus avoiding excessive complexity.
3Loss of information
If the indicator image moves to approach the obstacle in the virtual image, then the approaching direction can be effectively presented, but the transition between display modes must be seamless to avoid distracting the occupant
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator image begins to move and expand in advance as the obstacle approaches within a predetermined distance, rather than waiting for the obstacle to be very close. This preliminary action ensures that the occupant has sufficient time to perceive and react to the obstacle's direction and approach, while the gradual transition maintains display continuity and avoids sudden distractions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes parameters of the indicator image including its position, size, and brightness as the obstacle approaches. These parameter changes are implemented smoothly to maintain display continuity and avoid abrupt transitions that could distract the occupant. The gradual parameter adjustment ensures both effective obstacle location information presentation and reliable continuous display.
Data Source
AI summary
The display control apparatus for presenting information on a display unit presenting a virtual image in front of a moving body through a transparent member includes an information acquiring unit configured to acquire information about an obstacle around the moving body, a display image generation unit configured to generate, based on the information about the obstacle acquired by the information acquiring unit, data of an indicator image which points in a direction of the obstacle in the virtual image and which moves in the direction of the obstacle to approach the obstacle, and an output unit configured to output the indicator image generated by the display image generation unit to the display unit.