Head-Up Display Viewpoint Detection Without Infrared Lighting

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-up display systems require dedicated infrared light sources for viewpoint detection, increasing costs and complexity, and are not optimal for environments with insufficient visible light.

Innovation Solution

A head-up display apparatus that uses existing interior light or the light source of the HUD apparatus to detect the driver's viewpoint position with a visible light detector, eliminating the need for additional light sources and allowing for effective control of virtual projection images without generating unnecessary white light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated infrared light source and infrared camera are installed for viewpoint detection, then viewpoint detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewpoint detection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the existing interior light device and HUD light source to serve dual functions: their primary function (illumination and image display) and a secondary function (as illumination sources for viewpoint detection). This eliminates the need for dedicated infrared light sources while maintaining viewpoint detection capability, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by having the viewpoint detection function utilize resources already present in the vehicle (interior light device and HUD light source) rather than requiring separate dedicated components. The existing infrastructure serves itself by providing illumination for both its original purpose and for viewpoint detection, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a dedicated infrared light source is installed for viewpoint detection, then viewpoint detection capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewpoint detection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling the existing interior light device and HUD light source to serve dual functions: their primary function (illumination and image display) and a secondary function (as illumination sources for viewpoint detection). This eliminates the need for dedicated infrared light sources while maintaining viewpoint detection capability, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service by having the viewpoint detection function utilize resources already present in the vehicle (interior light device and HUD light source) rather than requiring separate dedicated components. The existing infrastructure serves itself by providing illumination for both its original purpose and for viewpoint detection, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the HUD light source is used for viewpoint detection, then additional dedicated light sources are eliminated, but unnecessary white light may be generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidunnecessary white light

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by controlling the HUD light source to operate in alternating modes: displaying the virtual image during normal operation and switching to viewpoint detection mode when needed. The controller selectively activates the light source for viewpoint detection only when required, avoiding continuous operation that would generate unnecessary white light, thus eliminating harmful effects while maintaining the benefits of using the HUD light source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 provides a practical and economical head-up display system capable of reliably detecting and adjusting the driver's viewpoint position, even in low-light environments, without the need for dedicated infrared light sources, enhancing both usability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a driver's viewpoint detector configured to detect a viewpoint of the driver... by irradiating a face of the driver with light of the interior light device or light of the light source of the image display unit as illumination light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12158579B2Head-up display apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 MAXELL LTD

AI summary

A head-up display apparatus configured to project an image on a windshield to display a virtual image to a driver includes an image display unit including a light source and a display element and configured to form the image. A display device is configured to project and reflect image light onto the windshield to display the virtual image in front of the windshield. A driver's viewpoint detector is configured to detect a viewpoint of the driver; and a movement mechanism is configured to move a position of the virtual image based on information of the viewpoint of the driver detected by the driver's viewpoint detector. The driver's viewpoint detector detects the viewpoint of the driver by irradiating the face of the driver with the interior light or light of the light source of the image display unit as illumination light at night.