Vehicle HUD Activation Based on Windshield Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle heads-up displays (HUDs) face challenges in efficiently operating when the windshield is not in its home position, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and potential distractions due to unwanted light emission.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a display transmitter, a sensor responsive to the windshield's position, and a controller that adjusts the display transmitter's operation based on the presence and position of the windshield, ensuring the HUD is only active when the windshield is in a position to reflect the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display transmitter operates continuously, then the HUD information is always available to the driver, but energy is wasted when the windshield is not in position to reflect the display
Solution Approach 1:
The display transmitter operation is made dynamic by continuously monitoring windshield position via a sensor and adjusting operational state accordingly. The system transitions between active and inactive states based on real-time windshield position feedback, ensuring the display only operates when the windshield is in the correct position to reflect light, thereby eliminating wasted energy while maintaining HUD availability when conditions are suitable
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor provides continuous feedback about windshield position to the controller, which then adjusts the display transmitter operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the display transmitter is activated only when the windshield is in the proper position, preventing energy waste while ensuring reliable HUD functionality when conditions permit
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display transmitter emits light when the windshield is absent or mispositioned, then the system remains operational, but unwanted light emissions cause distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors windshield position in advance to prevent unwanted light emission before it occurs. By detecting the windshield's presence and position beforehand, the system can preemptively prevent the display transmitter from emitting light when the windshield is absent or mispositioned, thereby eliminating the potential for driver distraction while maintaining system readiness
3Use of energy by moving object
If a sensor system is added to detect windshield position, then selective operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor acts as an intermediary between the windshield and the display transmitter, providing simple positional information that triggers appropriate operational responses. This intermediary component enables sophisticated selective operation and energy management without requiring complex control logic, as the sensor's straightforward detection capability suffices to activate or deactivate the display based on windshield position
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 solution enables selective operation of the HUD, reducing energy consumption and preventing unwanted light emissions, while ensuring that the display is only visible when the windshield is in a suitable position.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor responsive to the one or both of a position of the windshield and the presence of a reflective surface associated with the windshield and onto which light is emitted from the display transmitter
Implementation Method 2
a display transmitter having an output through which light is emitted onto at least part of the windshield
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a vehicle has a windshield, a display transmitter having an output through which light is emitted onto at least part of the windshield, a sensor responsive to the one or both of a position of the windshield and the presence of a reflective surface associated with the windshield and onto which light is emitted from the display transmitter, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the display transmitter and is operable to change a mode of the display transmitter when the sensor does not detect the windshield in a home position or when the sensor does not detect the presence of the reflective surface.