Head-Up Display Optics for Switchable Single and Multi-Plane Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up display technologies cannot switch between imaging on a single image plane and multiple image planes using a single HUD, limiting user experience and flexibility in displaying different types of information.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display system that includes a picture generation unit, a reflector combination, and a removable lens combination, where the removable lens combination adjusts the visual distance of virtual images by moving between positions, allowing switching between single and multiple image planes, enabling the display of different pictures on distinct image planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single HUD is used to display pictures, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability is limited because switching between single image plane and multiple image planes cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable lenses that can dynamically adjust their positions along the optical path. By moving lenses between different positions, the system can switch between single image plane and multiple image plane configurations, enabling adaptability without requiring multiple fixed HUD systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a single HUD system that can perform multiple functions: displaying information on a single image plane or splitting it into multiple image planes. This is achieved through a configurable optical system with movable lenses and reflectors that can be adjusted to create different imaging configurations from one unified device.
2Productivity
If multiple image planes are displayed simultaneously, then the information display capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into modular components: a picture generation unit, movable lenses, reflectors, and multiple image planes. Each component can be independently controlled and adjusted, allowing the system to create multiple image planes on demand while maintaining a unified, manageable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically adjustable lenses and reflectors that can be positioned to either combine light paths for single image plane display or separate them for multiple image plane display. This dynamic reconfiguration allows multiple information displays without permanently increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If different pictures are displayed on different image planes, then the user experience is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates control systems that can detect the current optical configuration and adjust lens and reflector positions accordingly. By using feedback mechanisms, the system automatically manages the complexity of coordinating multiple image planes, presenting a simplified interface to users while handling the control complexity internally.
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 improved user experience by allowing seamless switching between different image planes for displaying various types of information, such as dashboard and navigation data, without overlapping images, enhancing the functionality and usability of the head-up display.
Implementation Method 1
The light ray is reflected to a windshield through the reflector combination. A virtual image of the target picture is generated on a side that is of the windshield and that is away from the reflector combination.
Implementation Method 2
a visual distance of the virtual image of the target picture may be changed when the removable lens combination is at a target position
Data Source
AI summary
A head-up display includes a picture generation unit and a first lens. The picture generation unit is configured to output a first light ray and a second light ray. The first light ray is used to output and display a first picture, and the second light ray is used to output and display a second picture. When the first lens is at the first position, the first light ray and the second light ray do not pass through the first lens. When the first lens is at the second position, the first light ray passes through the first lens. The head-up display can implement switching between a single image plane and a plurality of image planes.