Vehicle HUD Projection Alignment Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle information projection systems using head-up displays (HUDs) can cause positional errors in virtual images displayed on windshields, leading to discomfort for occupants due to vehicle inclinations during rapid deceleration or acceleration, as the virtual images may appear tilted relative to the actual scenery.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle information projection system that employs a HUD device with a first and second projection means to project virtual images at different focus distances on a windshield, using a display controller to adjust the position of the first virtual image based on vehicle behavior, such as acceleration, to maintain alignment with external objects and reduce positional errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the HUD device projects virtual images on the windshield without compensation, then the projection structure is simple, but positional errors occur during vehicle acceleration or deceleration causing viewer discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracy of virtual image with external objectsVSAvoidcomplexity of projection system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting vehicle acceleration/deceleration states and pre-calculating the required image position adjustments before the viewer experiences discomfort. The display controller proactively modifies the virtual image position based on detected vehicle behavior, preventing positional errors before they affect the viewer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic control. Instead of physically moving the projection system to compensate for vehicle motion, the system uses a display controller to electronically adjust the virtual image position on the windshield based on acceleration sensor data, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the HUD device uses a single projection means, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide information at different focus distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to display information at different focus distancesVSAvoidnumber of projection means
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection system is segmented into multiple independent projection means, each capable of projecting images at different focus distances. This segmentation allows the system to display different types of information (e.g., navigation at one distance, vehicle data at another) simultaneously without interfering with each other, enhancing adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system effectively suppresses positional errors of virtual images relative to external objects, allowing occupants to view information without discomfort by dynamically adjusting the projection based on vehicle behavior, ensuring accurate alignment and visibility.

Implementation Method 1

a projection device (HUD device) 100 which projects an information picture on a windshield 2a of a vehicle 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a concave mirror 30 which directs the information picture toward the windshield 2a

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3061642B1Vehicle information projection system, and projection device
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 NIPPON SEIKI CO LTD
  • EP3061642B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3061642B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3061642B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Positional error (erroneous display) of a virtual image displayed in correspondence to a specific object in a scenery outside a vehicle is suppressed so as to enable a viewer to recognize information without a sense of discomfort. A forward information acquisition unit (201) estimates the position of a specific object (W) outside a vehicle (2), and a first display means (11) generates an information picture about the specific object (W). A picture position adjustment means (30a) adjusts the position at which the information picture is projected in accordance with the position of the specific object (W) estimated by the forward information acquisition unit (201). A behavior detection means (204) detects a behavior of the vehicle (2), and the picture position adjustment means (30a) corrects the position at which the information picture is projected on the basis of the vehicle behavior detected by the behavior detection means (204).