HUD Optical Layout Using Polarization and Beam Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up display (HUD) systems face challenges in miniaturization and modularization, particularly with the use of LED collimators for generating parallel light, which limits their efficiency and suitability for incorporation into narrow vehicle dashboard spaces.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display apparatus featuring a solid light source, a collimating optical system, a lighting optical system with polarizing and expanding capabilities, and a concave mirror to project image light onto a windshield or combiner, allowing for a downsized and efficient image display module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional LED collimator is used to generate parallel light, then the light emitting efficiency is improved, but the apparatus size cannot be sufficiently miniaturized and modularized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (collimation, polarization, beam expansion) into an integrated optical system that works in conjunction with the LED collimator. This merging of functions allows the system to achieve miniaturization while maintaining high light emitting efficiency, as the combined optical elements work synergistically rather than as separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lighting optical system that expands the light beam in width, effectively utilizing the lateral dimension to reduce the overall apparatus volume. By expanding the beam width through polarization and optical expansion, the system achieves compact sizing without sacrificing light output efficiency.
2Volume of moving object
If the apparatus is miniaturized for dashboard incorporation, then the space requirement is reduced, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into distinct functional modules: the LED collimator module, the lighting optical system with polarization elements, and the display apparatus. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized and manufactured separately using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while enabling the compact integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with multi-functional elements that perform multiple operations simultaneously. For example, the lighting optical system both polarizes and expands the light beam, reducing the need for separate components and thereby lowering manufacturing costs and complexity despite the miniaturized form factor.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact image display apparatus is designed, then it can be incorporated into narrow dashboard spaces, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges collimation, polarization, and beam expansion functions into an integrated optical system that operates in conjunction with the LED collimator. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby decreasing optical system complexity while achieving compact sizing for dashboard incorporation.
4Reliability
If conventional optical systems are used, then the image projection function is achieved, but the modularization and maintenance capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the head-up display system into distinct modular components: the image display apparatus, the optical system, and the concave mirror assembly. This modularization maintains reliable image projection while enabling easy maintenance and replacement of individual modules, as each can be serviced independently without affecting the entire system.
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
The solution enables a compact, cost-effective HUD apparatus that can be easily integrated into vehicle dashboards, providing efficient image projection and maintenance capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating optical system converting, into substantially parallel light, light from the solid light source
Implementation Method 2
an optical member, the optical member polarizing a direction of a light beam generated by the collimating optical system
Implementation Method 3
a concave mirror reflecting the image light corrected by the optical system to project it onto the windshield or combiner
Data Source
AI summary
A HUD system and light source apparatus can be manufactured with miniaturization at low cost. A head-up display apparatus includes: an image display apparatus generating image light to be projected; an optical system performing predetermined correction to the image light emitted from the image display apparatus; and a concave mirror reflecting the image light corrected by the optical system to project it onto a windshield or combiner. The image display apparatus includes: a solid light source; a collimating optical system converting, into parallel light, the light from the solid light source; a lighting optical system configured by an optical member that polarizes a direction of a light beam generated by the collimating optical system and simultaneously expands a width of the light beam; and a display apparatus, the image display apparatus being configured to be arranged across and opposite the optical system on an optical axis of the concave mirror.