In-Vehicle HUD Spatial Light Modulator with Segmented Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle head-up display systems face issues such as the need for multiple projectors, vibration-induced blurring, and high-speed optical path switching, which affect image quality and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A display system utilizing a phase-modulation-type spatial light modulator, a reflecting mirror with distinct reflection regions, and a control circuit to project high-definition images with low power consumption without movable parts susceptible to vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If two holographic optical elements are affixed to a front window to provide wide-range information display, then the display coverage is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase due to requiring two projectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate projectors and two holographic optical elements into a single projector system that sequentially projects images to different reflection regions. This merging approach maintains wide display coverage while reducing the number of projectors from two to one, thereby simplifying device complexity and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching between different reflection regions (first reflection region and second reflection region) on the same holographic optical element. By dynamically changing which region is active at any given time, the system achieves wide-range display coverage equivalent to having two separate elements, while using only one projector.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a scanning unit is moved to change screen size or luminance, then the display adaptability is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to vibration-induced blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning unit with a static holographic optical element that has multiple fixed reflection regions. Instead of mechanically moving parts to adjust display parameters, the system uses optical paths and reflection regions to achieve different screen sizes and luminance levels, thereby eliminating vibration-induced blurring while maintaining display adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic optical element is divided into multiple reflection regions (first reflection region and second reflection region), each corresponding to different display parameters. By selecting which region to activate, the system achieves variable screen sizes and luminance without mechanical movement, thus maintaining image clarity while providing adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical path switching is performed at high speed to display multiple images, then the display versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to high-speed shutter mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the high-speed shutter mechanism from the system. Instead of using a mechanical shutter to switch optical paths, the system uses fixed reflection regions on the holographic optical element that can be selectively activated. This removes the complex high-speed switching mechanism while maintaining the ability to display multiple images by controlling which reflection region is active.
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 achieves high-definition image display with low power consumption by using a phase-modulation-type spatial light modulator and a reflecting mirror with different reflection regions, reducing the need for multiple projectors and minimizing vibration-induced blurring.
Implementation Method 1
a projection device including a phase-modulation-type spatial light modulator element
Implementation Method 2
a reflecting mirror which reflects projection light of the projection device
Data Source
AI summary
This display system includes: a projection device including a phase-modulation-type spatial light modulator element, a light source radiating light to a display part of the element, and a control circuit controlling the element and the light source; and projecting reflection light of the part of the element; and a reflecting mirror reflecting projection light of the device. The control circuit displays, on the part of the element, a first pattern and a second pattern associated with display information having different definition degrees. The reflecting mirror includes a first reflection region causing reflection light of a portion where the first pattern is displayed to enter, and reflecting the light toward a first display region, and a second reflection region causing reflection light of a portion where the second pattern is displayed to enter, and reflecting the light toward a second display region.