Head-Up Display Optical Adjuster for Projection Distance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-up display devices lack the ability to easily adjust the projection distance of virtual images, which can lead to suboptimal viewing experiences for drivers, especially in varying speed conditions and environments.

Innovation Solution

A head-up display device that includes a display, a first optical member, a second optical member, and an adjuster, where the adjuster moves the first optical member to adjust the projection distance and inclination angle, allowing for flexible projection of virtual images based on vehicle speed and environmental information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the projection distance of the virtual image is changed, then the viewing experience for different driving conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection distance adjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the distance adjustment function and inclination angle adjustment function into a single integrated adjuster mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to change projection distance, directly resolving the technical contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjuster is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously controls both the distance between optical members and the inclination angle of the first optical member. This multi-functionality allows the device to adapt to different driving conditions without requiring separate mechanisms for each adjustment type, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the distance between optical members is changed to adjust projection distance, then the virtual image positioning is improved, but the alignment precision becomes more difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirtual image position accuracyVSAvoidoptical member alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows real-time modification of both distance and inclination angle during device operation. This dynamic capability enables continuous optimization of virtual image position accuracy without being constrained by fixed manufacturing tolerances, effectively resolving the contradiction between position accuracy and alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjuster modifies multiple parameters simultaneously - both the distance between optical members and the inclination angle of the first optical member. By changing these parameters in a coordinated manner, the system maintains optimal alignment and image quality across different projection distances, overcoming the limitations of fixed precision manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If only the distance between optical members is adjusted, then the projection distance changes, but the image quality deteriorates due to improper inclination angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection distance adjustment efficiencyVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent recognizes that distance adjustment and inclination angle adjustment are asymmetric operations with different effects on image quality. By providing independent control over both parameters through the integrated adjuster, the system can optimize each parameter separately according to its specific requirements, thereby maintaining high image quality while efficiently adjusting projection distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adaptively modify both distance and inclination angle in real-time based on the required projection distance. This dynamic optimization ensures that image quality is maintained across the full range of projection distances, resolving the contradiction between adjustment efficiency and image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 the projection of virtual images at optimal distances for improved visibility and reduced driver distraction, enhancing the usability of the head-up display device across different driving conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The first optical member reflects the light incident from the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The second optical member reflects or transmits the light reflected by the first optical member such that the virtual image is projected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10613325B2Head-up display device having optical member inclination angle adjustment, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.04.07 PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYST CO LTD
  • US10613325B2 patent drawing
  • US10613325B2 patent drawing
  • US10613325B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A head-up display device projects a virtual image. The head-up display device includes a display, a first optical member, a second optical member, and an adjuster. The display outputs light that becomes a display image corresponding to the virtual image. The first optical member reflects the light incident from the display. The second optical member reflects or transmits the light reflected by the first optical member such that the virtual image is projected. The adjuster moves the first optical member to adjust a projection distance of the virtual image. The adjuster changes a distance between the first optical member and the second optical member and an inclination angle of the first optical member with respect to the display according to the projection distance of the virtual image.