Head-Up Display Optical Path Control for Sunlight and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head up display (HUD) systems using augmented reality (AR) face issues with increased sunlight exposure due to wider display regions, leading to potential damage and operating noise from drive mechanisms, which is particularly disruptive in silent hybrid and electric vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A head up display apparatus that includes a controller to judge door unlock and ignition signals to control the operation of the drive mechanism, adjusting the mirror angle and enabling a non-projection mode when the user is outside the vehicle to minimize noise and sunlight exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the opening on the projection optical path is widened to increase the display region in an AR-HUD, then the display region is widened, but sunlight is more likely to enter through the optical path and damage the display panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by moving the projection optical path away from the optical path of incident sunlight before sunlight can cause damage. The drive mechanism adjusts the projection optical path in advance when sunlight incidence is detected or anticipated, preventing the harmful effect before it occurs. This is achieved by controlling the projection optical path to be separated from the sunlight optical path when the vehicle is parked or when sunlight incidence is high.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the projection optical path adjustable rather than fixed. A drive mechanism is introduced to dynamically change the position or angle of the projection optical path based on sunlight conditions, vehicle state, and usage requirements. This allows the system to adapt between a fixed projection path during normal operation and an adjusted path during parking or sunlight exposure to prevent damage while maintaining display functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If drive mechanisms are used to adjust the optical path of incident sunlight to prevent display panel damage, then the display panel is protected from sunlight, but the drive mechanism generates operating noise that causes discomfort to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the drive mechanism to operate only at specific times when necessary, rather than continuously or unnecessarily. The controller activates the drive mechanism based on detected conditions such as vehicle parking state, sunlight incidence levels, and ignition status. By operating the drive mechanism periodically and conditionally rather than continuously, the system achieves sunlight protection while minimizing noise generation during periods when the user is present in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect vehicle state, sunlight conditions, and usage patterns, then using this information to control when the drive mechanism operates. The controller receives feedback from various sensors (light sensors, vehicle state sensors) and adjusts the projection optical path accordingly. This feedback-based control ensures the drive mechanism operates only when necessary for protection, avoiding unnecessary noise generation while maintaining effective sunlight blocking.
3Ease of operation
If the drive mechanism operates in response to turning on the ignition to adjust the projection optical path, then the projection optical path is properly positioned for display, but the operating noise causes discomfort to the user in silent hybrid and electric vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adjusting the projection optical path in advance during vehicle startup sequences when the user may not yet be fully present or aware. The drive mechanism operates based on ignition state and vehicle startup conditions, positioning the optical path before the user would be affected by noise. This preliminary positioning ensures display readiness while minimizing user-perceived noise, as the adjustment occurs during the startup phase rather than during active use when the user is seated and sensitive to noise.
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 approach suppresses user discomfort from operating noise and protects the display panel from sunlight damage by optimizing the operation of the drive mechanism based on user presence and vehicle state.
Implementation Method 1
The video display displays a video and emits video light of the displayed video. The video light projector projects the video light emitted from the video display to a display region, thereby making the projected video light visually recognized as a virtual image.
Implementation Method 2
The video light projector includes a drive mechanism and projects the video light emitted from the video display to a display region
Data Source
AI summary
A head up display apparatus capable of suppressing discomfort to a user caused by an operating noise while preventing damage by sunlight is provided. Further, it contributes to “Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages” in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Thus, a video light projector 6 includes a drive mechanism 14 and projects video light emitted from a video display 11 to a display region 8, thereby making the projected video light visually recognized as a virtual image. A controller judges whether or not a door unlock signal which is one of information related to a transportation is received, and judges whether or not to cause the video display 11 to start displaying the video by operating the drive mechanism 14 in the video light projector 6 based on a display start condition when the door unlock signal is received.