Vehicle HUD Projector Dimming for Privacy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with heads-up displays (HUDs) project images that can be inadvertently seen by individuals outside the vehicle, particularly in low-light environments, due to the limited field of view defined by the eye-box, which is intended for the driver or passenger, leading to potential privacy and visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle image projection control system that adjusts the projection of images from HUDs by dimming, blurring, or stopping the image projection when conditions indicate that the image may be visible beyond the vehicle window, using a computing device with sensors to detect ambient light levels, potential viewers, and geographic location, and an electronically tintable layer to block the projection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the HUD projector projects images with high brightness and clarity for the driver, then the driver can see the information clearly, but the image may be inadvertently visible to individuals outside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of projector brightness based on detected ambient light conditions. The system uses light sensors to detect ambient light levels and dynamically adjusts the projector output accordingly, reducing brightness when conditions favor incidental projection and maintaining higher brightness when the driver needs clear visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the projection parameters (brightness, contrast, focal point) based on detected environmental conditions. By monitoring ambient light levels and adjusting projection parameters in real-time, the system optimizes the balance between driver visibility and prevention of incidental projection to outsiders
2Area of moving object
If the projector field of view is expanded to reach more occupants, then more passengers can see the HUD images, but the intended driver's view may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the projection system into multiple independent projectors, each dedicated to a specific seating position (driver, front passenger, rear passengers). Each projector is precisely aligned to serve its intended occupant, eliminating the need to expand a single projector's field of view and maintaining precise eye-box alignment for each user
3Duration of action of moving object
If the image projection is continuously active to provide information, then the driver has constant access to information, but energy is wasted and incidental projection risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic activation of the projector based on detected driving conditions and ambient light levels. Instead of continuous operation, the system activates the projector only when needed (when ambient light conditions are favorable and driving conditions require HUD information), reducing energy consumption and minimizing incidental projection risk while maintaining constant information availability when required
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
Effectively reduces the visibility of HUD images beyond the vehicle window, preventing unintended exposure of projected information, while ensuring the intended viewer within the vehicle can still access the necessary information without external interference.
Implementation Method 1
an electronically tintable layer to block the projection
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-integrated projector projects an image onto a window of a vehicle including a layer of holographic film. Upon detecting a sensed condition indicative of a possible projection of the image onto a surface beyond the window, projection of the image is adjusted to diminish a visibility of the projection of the image beyond the window independent of headlight actuation.