HUD Projection Control for Pupil Position Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-up display devices struggle to accurately set the display position of virtual images relative to the viewer's pupil position, affecting the driver's ability to view information effectively.
Innovation Solution
A projection control device and method that includes a projector, imager, and detection unit to project a reference position determination image and detect the relative positional relationship of the pupil with respect to the virtual image, allowing for precise adjustment of the display position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference position determination image is projected on the viewer to detect pupil position, then measurement precision of pupil position is improved, but the viewer may be distracted from the reference image projection process
Solution Approach 1:
The system projects the reference position determination image periodically or intermittently rather than continuously, allowing pupil position detection at specific intervals while minimizing continuous visual distraction to the driver. The projection can be triggered by detection cycles or specific conditions, balancing measurement needs with driver attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary detection mechanism where the imager captures the reference image reflected from the combiner rather than directly projecting on the driver's face. This indirect approach allows accurate pupil position detection through image processing while reducing direct visual distraction, as the driver views the actual HUD information through the combiner while the system secretly captures the reference image for analysis.
2Reliability
If the display position of the virtual image is set at a correct position with respect to the viewer, then visibility of information is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detection and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The combiner serves multiple functions: it acts as the optical element for displaying HUD information to the driver, and simultaneously serves as a reflective surface for the imager to capture the reference position determination image. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection hardware, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining accurate pupil position detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing optical path and combiner structure to perform self-detection of pupil position. The reference image projected through the same optical system that displays HUD information is captured by the imager using the combiner's reflective properties, allowing the system to automatically detect and adjust display position without requiring separate calibration hardware or complex additional mechanisms.
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 accurate alignment of virtual images with the viewer's pupil position, enhancing the visibility of information for the driver without distracting them from the reference image projection process.
Implementation Method 1
an imager capable of capturing a video of the viewer
Implementation Method 2
a projector of a head-up display device to project a display image such that a virtual image thereof is viewed in front of a line of sight of the driver
Data Source
AI summary
A projection control device includes a projection controller configured to control a projector of a head-up display device to project a display image such that a virtual image thereof is viewed in front of a viewer, a video data acquisition unit configured to acquire a captured video captured by an imager capable of capturing a video of the viewer, and a detection unit configured to detect a relative positional relationship of a pupil position of the viewer with respect to the virtual image, wherein the projection control unit is further configured to control the projector to project a reference position determination image on the viewer, and the detection unit is further configured to detect the relative positional relationship of the pupil position of the viewer with respect to the virtual image based on the captured video obtained by capturing the reference position determination video projected on the viewer.