Vehicle Head-Up Display Optics for AR Road and Vehicle Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up display systems in vehicles only provide virtual images, failing to incorporate real images recognized by the driver, which limits their ability to maintain focus on the road, increasing the risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle head-up display device and method that uses multiple image generation units and optical induction parts, including triangular prisms and lenses, to superimpose three-dimensional virtual images on real images or backgrounds, allowing for the display of flat and stereoscopic images recognizable by the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional head-up display projects only virtual images on windshield glass, then the display structure is simple, but the driver cannot obtain real image information recognized by sight, reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges virtual image projection and real image capture into a single integrated display system. The projector projects virtual images while the imaging unit captures real images, and both are superimposed on the windshield glass through the optical system, allowing the driver to see both virtual and real information simultaneously without separate display devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an imaging unit as an intermediary component that captures real images from the driver's viewpoint and feeds them into the projection system. This intermediary real image data is then combined with virtual information and projected through the optical system, enabling the driver to see both real and virtual images superimposed on the windshield
2Loss of information
If the driver lowers eyes to check front instrument panel, then vehicle information is visible, but the driver cannot continuously keep eyes on the road, increasing accident risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions vehicle information display from the horizontal plane (front instrument panel in front of driver) to the vertical plane (windshield glass above driver's line of sight). By projecting information onto the windshield, the display moves into the driver's upward field of view, allowing simultaneous observation of road ahead and vehicle information without eye level changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the real-world view captured by the imaging unit and superimposes it on the windshield along with virtual information. This copied real image serves as a reference for the driver's natural forward view, eliminating the need to shift attention to separate instruments while maintaining awareness of vehicle status
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple image generation units are used to provide flat and stereoscopic images, then augmented reality capability is achieved, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical system to perform multiple functions through a unified structure. The same optical system guides both virtual images from the projector and real images from the imaging unit onto the windshield glass, eliminating the need for separate optical paths for different image types and reducing overall system complexity despite multiple image sources
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 implementation of augmented reality in head-up displays by providing a combination of near and far images, enhancing the driver's perception of vehicle information and road conditions, thereby improving safety by maintaining focus on the road.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical unit formed by bonding two triangular prisms coated with a transparent material, and configured to guide the images of the first and second image units in one direction
Implementation Method 2
A reflective coating layer is formed in a bonding region of the first optical unit
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle head-up display device may include a plurality of first image generation parts embedded in a vehicle body, and configured to provide flat and stereoscopic images in multiple directions, a first optical induction part configured to guide an image signal, provided by the first image generation parts, in one direction, and a first display part configured to implement the image signal, provided by the first optical induction part, as an image recognizable by a driver, thereby implementing augmented reality of a head-up display.