Vehicle HUD Spatial Sensing for Interactive Windshield Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Head-Up-Display (HUD) apparatuses for vehicles lack an interactive function that allows drivers to operate the projected screen while viewing it, and they require downsizing to fit between the steering and windshield.
Innovation Solution
An information display apparatus with a spatial sensing system that detects driver input in the space between the steering and windshield, enabling interactive operation by projecting images onto the windshield and using a combination of virtual-image and practical-image optical systems, along with a direct-view type image display on the instrument panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If HUD apparatus is downsized to fit between steering and windshield, then installation space requirement is satisfied, but interactive function capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the interaction space from the traditional 2D touchscreen surface to a 3D spatial region between the steering wheel and windshield. The spatial sensing apparatus detects obstacles in this volumetric space, enabling drivers to interact with the projected image through hand gestures or objects in mid-air, thus adding a dimensional aspect to the interaction interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial sensing apparatus as an intermediary between the driver and the projected image. This mediator detects obstacles in the spatial region and translates them into touch input signals, enabling indirect interaction without requiring direct contact with the projection surface or a physical touchscreen.
2Ease of operation
If interactive function is added to HUD apparatus, then driver operation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial sensing apparatus serves multiple functions: it detects driver hand gestures for interaction, monitors the spatial region for safety, and enables various input methods (direct touch, near-touch, gesture recognition). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing projected image on the windshield as both the display medium and the interaction interface. The same optical path and projection surface serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for separate touchscreen hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If spatial sensing apparatus is implemented, then interactive operation is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spatial sensing apparatus with the existing HUD optical system. The sensing apparatus shares the same mounting location, optical path, and control electronics with the projection system, consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated unit that reduces manufacturing costs compared to separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the detection sensitivity and sensing range parameters of the spatial sensing apparatus based on driving conditions and display content. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the use of more cost-effective sensors that can operate effectively within optimized parameter ranges rather than requiring high-end sensors with fixed broad capabilities.
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 interactive control of vehicle functions and navigation information with reduced driver point-of-view motion, enhancing safety and convenience by allowing interactive operation of the projected screen during driving.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element creating a collimated light flux from a light flux emitted from a light source
Implementation Method 2
an optical element which is made of a light-collecting lens element that receives a reflected light flux on obstacles among the light flux from this light emitting element
Implementation Method 3
a virtual-image optical system that displays a virtual image onto the forward part of the vehicle by causing the windshield glass of the vehicle to reflect light emitted from this apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An information display apparatus and a spatial sensing apparatus for the information display apparatus are provided, the information display apparatus enabling the selection/change of the lot of display images in small point-of-view motion so that an interactive function for a driver is achieved. An information display apparatus displaying information onto a vehicle includes: an information display apparatus displaying image information onto an image display region on a forward part of a driver seat of the vehicle; and a spatial sensing means detecting positional information of instruction made by a driver in a spatial region between the driver seat and the displayed image display region, and the information display apparatus includes a means displaying the instruction made by the driver onto the image display region on the forward part in response to the positional information of the instruction made by the driver, detected by the spatial sensing means.