HUD Optical System Volume Reduction via Inclined Element Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up display (HUD) systems face challenges in reducing the volume of their optical systems while enlarging the eyebox and field of view, leading to increased bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
The optical system is designed with a configuration where multiple optical elements are disposed at inclination angles relative to the image output unit and windshield, arranged along specific straight lines with preset distances, allowing virtual image light to be transferred efficiently through the windshield to the eyebox, utilizing a combination of reflective, refractive, and diffractive elements to optimize light path and reduce system volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional optical system configuration is used to enlarge eyebox and field of view, then the eyebox and field of view are enlarged, but the volume of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by arranging optical elements along inclined straight lines in three-dimensional space rather than conventional linear arrangements. The optical elements are positioned at specific distances from inclined lines in the ydzd plane, utilizing spatial dimensionality to achieve compact volume while maintaining enlarged eyebox and field of view parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by positioning multiple optical elements at different depths and inclinations within a compact volumetric arrangement. The optical elements are nested along inclined lines with preset distances, allowing the system to achieve extended optical paths and enlarged fields of view within a reduced overall volume
2Area of stationary object
If conventional optical system configuration is used to enlarge field of view, then the field of view is enlarged, but the volume of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning optical elements along inclined straight lines in the ydzd plane. This dimensional approach allows the field of view to be enlarged through optimized light paths while the overall system volume is reduced compared to conventional planar arrangements
3Volume of stationary object
If optical elements are arranged along straight lines with preset distances, then the volume is reduced, but the complexity of arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining specific geometric parameters including preset distances from the inclined straight lines and inclination angles. These parameter specifications provide systematic design rules that reduce arrangement complexity while achieving compact volume, transforming the complex optimization problem into a structured parameter-based configuration
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
This configuration effectively enlarges the eyebox and field of view while significantly reducing the volume of the optical system, achieving a fivefold reduction in volume compared to prior art while maintaining equivalent performance.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element, such as a reflective unit, for transferring the virtual image light
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of optical elements configured to transfer the virtual image light to a windshield
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an optical system for a head-up display (HUD) system. The optical system includes: an image output unit configured to output virtual image light; and a plurality of optical elements configured to transfer the virtual image light to a windshield; wherein the plurality of optical elements are each disposed at an inclination angle with respect to the image output unit and the windshield so that the virtual image light is transferred to an eyebox through the windshield; and at least some of the plurality of optical elements are arranged along a first straight line with the centers thereof having a distance within a preset range from the first straight line, and at least another some of the plurality of optical elements are disposed along a second straight line with the centers thereof having a distance within a preset range from the second straight line.