Head-Up Display Optical Path Separation for Dual Virtual Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up display devices require multiple picture generation units to display both short-distance and long-distance virtual images, leading to increased device size.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display device utilizing a single picture generation unit with an optical path adjuster, such as a prism, to separate light into two paths with zero optical power, allowing for the creation of both short-distance and long-distance virtual images without increasing the device size, along with a reflector system to direct the light effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two picture generation units are used to display both short-distance and long-distance virtual images, then both virtual images can be displayed, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate picture generation units into a single integrated unit. This single unit displays both the first virtual image (short-distance) and the second virtual image (long-distance) by using an optical path adjuster to differentiate the optical paths of the two images, thereby reducing device size while maintaining the capability to display both types of virtual images
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical path adjuster as an intermediary component between the single picture generation unit and the display medium. This adjuster has substantially zero optical power and gradually separates the optical paths for short-distance and long-distance images, enabling one picture generation unit to perform the function of two while controlling device size
2Volume of moving object
If light rays are emitted in parallel from one picture generation unit, then device size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to generate distinguishable virtual images at long and short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path adjuster serves as an intermediary that takes parallel light rays from the single picture generation unit and gradually separates them into distinct optical paths. This separation allows the formation of distinguishable virtual images at different distances while maintaining the compact device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict between short-distance and long-distance image formation by introducing an additional dimensional factor through the optical path adjuster. This component creates gradual path separation in a dimension perpendicular to the parallel light propagation, enabling distinguishable images at different distances without increasing device volume
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 generation of distinguishable short-distance and long-distance virtual images by a single picture generation unit, reducing the device's size and enhancing design flexibility while minimizing infrared light emission to prevent temperature increases.
Implementation Method 1
an optical path adjuster disposed on an optical path of at least one of the first light and the second light and having light transmission properties and substantially zero optical power. The optical path adjuster is configured to gradually separate the first light and the second light
Implementation Method 2
a reflector configured to reflect both the first light and the second light and allow each light to reach a point of view of the operator
Data Source
AI summary
A head-up display device (10) includes one picture generation unit (20) that emits both first light (L1) and second light (L2) and includes an optical path adjuster (40) disposed in an optical path of at least one of the first light (L1) and the second light (L2) and having light transmission properties and substantially zero optical power. The optical path adjuster (40) gradually separates the first light (L1) and the second light (L2) as compared with a state before at least one of the first light (L1) and the second light (L2) enters the optical path adjuster (40) in such a manner that the first light (L1) creates a first virtual image (V1) in a position closer to an operator and the second light (L2) creates a second virtual image (V2) in a position farther from the operator than the first virtual image (V1).