Vehicle HUD Signaling for Off-Screen Virtual Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for displaying virtual elements in vehicle head-up displays often fail to inform drivers about relevant objects outside their field of vision, leading to a lack of awareness regarding objects that cannot be correctly presented within the limited 'Eybox' area.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the three-dimensional coordinates of virtual elements using vehicle data sources like GPS and cameras, and signaling the driver if these elements are outside the display area, using visual or acoustic cues, to indicate their presence outside the field of vision, with virtual signaling elements displayed at the edges or corners of the display to avoid distracting the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the field of view is limited to a narrow eyebox area to achieve greater brightness through less light scattering, then brightness is improved, but the ability to display virtual elements outside the display area is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional display problem to a three-dimensional spatial representation by calculating and displaying the three-dimensional coordinates of virtual elements. This allows the system to indicate objects that exist in 3D space beyond the limited eyebox area, providing spatial context without requiring physical expansion of the display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signaling mechanism that mediates between the limited display area and the extended three-dimensional space. The signaling function acts as a bridge, informing drivers about virtual elements located outside the eyebox without requiring those elements to be physically displayed within the constrained area.
2Illumination intensity
If virtual elements are displayed only within the limited eyebox area, then display brightness is maintained, but drivers lack awareness of objects outside their field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the three-dimensional coordinates of virtual elements and provides signaling feedback to the driver about elements located outside the display area. This feedback loop ensures drivers remain informed about their environment without compromising display brightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The signaling function serves as an intermediary that conveys information about external objects to the driver without requiring those objects to be physically displayed within the eyebox. This intermediary mechanism preserves brightness while preventing information loss.
3Loss of information
If the display area is expanded to show more virtual elements, then situational awareness is improved, but light scattering increases and brightness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding the two-dimensional display area, the patent utilizes three-dimensional coordinate calculation to represent virtual element positions. This dimensional approach allows comprehensive spatial awareness to be conveyed through compact signaling rather than through physical display expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential spatial information from virtual elements and presents it through condensed signaling indicators within the limited display area. Rather than displaying all virtual elements directly, the system extracts and communicates their positional relationships through simplified visual cues.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for displaying a virtual element (10) in a display area (12) of at least one display device of a vehicle. A method in which virtual elements that lie outside the display area (12) of a display device (14) are perceptible to the driver with a certain distance or direction estimation is provided by signaling to the driver of the vehicle when the specific three-dimensional coordinates of the at least one virtual element (10) lie outside the display area (12) of the display device (14).