Stereoscopic HUD Simulation with Head-Tracking Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Evaluating the performance of head-up displays (HUDs) before prototyping is challenging due to the time-consuming and costly nature of the prototyping process, and current methods struggle to accurately simulate the optical system's performance, especially with head motion-induced distortions and parallax issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate and apply distortions to symbology images based on optical component design characteristics, creating modified images for various observer locations, which are then displayed stereoscopically with head tracking, allowing for real-time simulation of HUD performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a physical prototype HUD is built for evaluation, then accurate performance assessment is achieved, but development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of the HUD system through computer modeling, including optical models that simulate light propagation and image formation. These digital replicas allow comprehensive performance evaluation without building physical prototypes, maintaining measurement accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manufacturing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary performance evaluations through computer simulations before physical prototyping. By pre-assessing optical performance, identifying design issues, and optimizing parameters in the virtual model, the system prevents costly redesigns later in development, saving both time and resources.
2Loss of time
If computer modeling is used for HUD evaluation, then development time is reduced, but accuracy in simulating head motion effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic simulation capabilities that model head motion in real-time. The system calculates distorted images based on varying observer positions and head orientations, dynamically adjusting the optical path calculations to reflect actual viewing conditions. This allows accurate simulation of parallax, field of view changes, and symbology distortions during virtual evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies multiple parameters including observer position coordinates, head orientation angles, and optical component characteristics to simulate different viewing scenarios. By systematically changing these parameters, the model accurately predicts performance across the full range of expected head motions without requiring physical testing for each position.
3Loss of information
If detailed optical analysis is performed on HUD design parameters, then performance understanding improves, but complexity of visualization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary visualization layer that translates complex optical calculations into intuitive graphical representations. The system renders distorted images that directly show how symbology appears to observers at different positions, making abstract optical performance data immediately comprehensible without requiring deep expertise in optical physics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensions to the visualization by rendering images from multiple observer perspectives simultaneously. Instead of presenting tabular data or 2D graphs, the system creates 3D visualizations showing distorted symbology overlays on background scenes, allowing evaluators to intuitively grasp performance issues by viewing the rendered images from different angles and positions.
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
This approach enables cost-effective and timely evaluation of HUD performance by simulating distortions and parallax effects, providing a realistic view of how the HUD would function without the need for physical prototypes, thus saving resources and identifying issues early in development.
Implementation Method 1
The projection unit includes an optical system, and the combiner is typically an angled flat piece of glass located in front of the viewer that redirects a projected image from the projector
Implementation Method 2
the combiner is typically an angled flat piece of glass located in front of the viewer that redirects a projected image from the projector
Implementation Method 3
The performance typically changes with head motion in various combinations of losses in field of view, distortions, symbology shifting, and parallax (differences between what the two eyes see)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for simulating performance of a head-up display (HUD) are provided. An example method comprises receiving images of symbology for display by a head-up display, generating distortions to the images as perceived from observer locations through the head-up display, and the distortions are based on design characteristics of an optical component of the head-up display with respect to a model of a projection of the images. The method also includes applying the distortions to the images to generate modified images, and the modified images represent a view of the head-up display corresponding to respective observer locations. The method further includes providing, for stereoscopic display, the modified images overlaying onto a background image. An example system comprises a storage device, a head tracking device to determine the observer location, and a projector to project the modified images onto a display corresponding to the determined observer location.