Hybrid AR Windshield Display for Edge-to-Edge Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality head-up displays (AR-HUDs) for vehicles face a limited field-of-view issue, known as the keyhole issue, where they can only highlight a small area of the windscreen, failing to alert drivers to objects outside their direct line of sight, and increasing the eye relief to improve this is challenging due to larger optical component sizes.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid AR-HUD system that combines a primary graphic projection device using visible light and a secondary graphic projection device using excitation light to generate images on a windscreen with dispersed light emitting particles, creating an edge-to-edge augmented reality view by coordinating images between a primary and secondary area of the windscreen, with controllers managing the graphical representations to track and highlight objects of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the field-of-view of the AR-HUD is increased, then the ability to highlight objects in peripheral field is improved, but the eye relief distance increases making the system more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the windscreen into multiple display areas: a first area displaying a first image and a second area displaying a second image. This segmentation allows each projection device to cover a smaller angular range while collectively providing edge-to-edge coverage, resolving the contradiction between wide field-of-view and manageable optical component size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane projection to a multi-plane projection system where images are displayed at different depths (first image plane and second image plane). This dimensional approach enables expanded field-of-view without proportionally increasing optical component dimensions in the traditional single-plane configuration
2Area of stationary object
If a single projection device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field-of-view remains limited to a small keyhole area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection function into multiple specialized projection devices, each responsible for specific display areas. The first projection device handles the first area while the second projection device handles the second area, enabling comprehensive windscreen coverage without requiring a single overly complex projection system
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple projection devices work together in a unified system to achieve multi-functionality: collectively providing edge-to-edge display coverage, supporting both primary and secondary image planes, and maintaining compatibility with existing windscreen structures while expanding overall system capability
3Volume of moving object
If the eyebox size is increased, then the acceptable viewing volume is improved, but the optical component sizes become very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple image planes at different depths, effectively adding a depth dimension to the display volume. This allows the eyebox to be distributed across different focal planes rather than requiring a single large-volume optical system, reducing the size of individual optical components while maintaining acceptable viewing volume
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 system provides an expanded field-of-view from edge-to-edge, allowing for seamless tracking and highlighting of objects across the entire windscreen, eliminating the need for an eyebox and enabling the AR-HUD to be used as a primary instrument, enhancing driver awareness without the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the light emitting particles in the windscreen emit visible light in response to absorbing the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid augmented reality head-up display system for displaying graphics upon a windscreen of a vehicle includes a windscreen having a transparent substrate including light emitting particles dispersed within, a primary graphic projection device for generating a first set of images upon the windscreen of the vehicle based on visible light, and a secondary graphic projection device for generating a second set of images upon a secondary area the windscreen of the vehicle based on an excitation light. The first set of images are displayed upon a primary area of the windscreen. The light emitting particles in the windscreen emit visible light in response to absorbing the excitation light. The first set of images displayed upon the primary area of the windscreen cooperate with the second set of images displayed upon the secondary area of the windscreen to create an edge-to-edge augmented reality view.