HUD Optical Shutter Control for Sunlight Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-up displays (HUDs) using augmented reality (AR) face challenges in balancing the need for a wide display region with sunlight protection, as widening the display opening increases sunlight exposure, potentially damaging the display panel, while complete blockage of sunlight interrupts the HUD's use.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display apparatus with a blocking mechanism that adjusts the optical path using reflection mirrors and a drive mechanism to block sunlight while allowing image projection, incorporating solar radiation sensors to detect sunlight intensity and control operational modes to prevent panel damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the opening size is widened to expand the display region, then the display area is improved, but sunlight exposure increases causing potential damage to the display panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a movable shutter unit that can dynamically change the size of the transparent window portion based on sunlight conditions. The shutter unit includes multiple shutters that can be adjusted to different positions, allowing the system to adapt the opening size dynamically - larger when sunlight is not an issue, and smaller or closed when sunlight protection is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between display area and sunlight protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the transparent window portion size is reduced to block sunlight, then sunlight protection is improved, but the projected optical path is blocked causing HUD unusability
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter unit is divided into multiple individual shutters (first shutter, second shutter, etc.) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to create different opening patterns - for example, partially opening certain shutters while keeping others closed - thereby achieving both sunlight blocking and optical path transmission simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between protection and usability.
3Reliability
If complete blockage of sunlight is implemented to prevent damage, then display panel protection is improved, but the time zone during which HUD cannot be used increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing complete blockage of sunlight, the patent uses partial action by adjusting the shutter positions to block only the necessary amount of sunlight that would cause damage. The control unit calculates the appropriate opening size based on sunlight intensity and panel temperature, allowing the HUD to remain operational with reduced but sufficient protection, thus minimizing the loss of usable time while maintaining reliability.
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 effectively prevents sunlight damage to the display panel and ensures user convenience by minimizing sunlight exposure during high-intensity conditions without interrupting HUD functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A head-up display apparatus with a blocking mechanism that adjusts the optical path using reflection mirrors
Implementation Method 2
incorporating solar radiation sensors to detect sunlight intensity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided is a head-up display apparatus capable of preventing damage due to sunlight and ensuring user convenience. A reflection mirror M1 reflects an image created by a display panel 64 and projects it onto a display region. A solar radiation sensor 66 detects a sunlight intensity when a position of sun 60 exists within a predetermined detection range. A blocking mechanism 67 forms a projected light path of an image between the display region and the display panel 64 when being turned off, and blocks the projected light path of the image and an incident light path of the sunlight which is direction opposite thereto when being turned on. A protection processor controls ON / OFF of the blocking mechanism 67 based on an estimated temperature of the display panel 64, which is estimated by using a sunlight intensity from the solar radiation sensor 66, luminance of a light source 65, and an ambient temperature.