Head-Up Display Projection Optics for Inclined Virtual Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up displays (HUDs) can be improved to enhance the perception of depth and improve cognitive understanding for observers by optimizing the projection of virtual images to create a more natural augmented reality experience.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display system that projects images onto a reflective object, such as a windshield, using a projection optical system with specific optical elements to incline the virtual image, making the upper side appear farther away and increasing the intensity of combined power in the left-and-right direction compared to the up-and-down direction, thereby enhancing the perception of depth and reducing optical aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the virtual image is inclined to make the upper side appear farther away, then the perception of depth is improved, but the intensity of combined power in the left-and-right direction becomes greater than in the up-and-down direction, which may cause optical aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the projection optical system with different combined power intensities in different directions. Specifically, the intensity of combined power in the left-and-right direction is made greater than in the up-and-down direction, creating an asymmetric optical system that generates an inclined virtual image. This asymmetric configuration allows the upper side of the virtual image to appear farther away, thereby improving depth perception while managing optical aberrations through controlled asymmetry in the optical path.
2Measurement precision
If the intensity of combined power in the left-and-right direction is increased, then the virtual image inclination is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection optical system is segmented into multiple optical elements, including at least one reflective optical element and one refractive optical element. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required virtual image inclination and combined power intensity distribution without requiring a single complex optical component. By dividing the optical system into functional segments, the patent manages device complexity while maintaining the ability to create an inclined virtual image with enhanced left-and-right power intensity.
3Reliability
If the projection optical system uses multiple optical elements, then the virtual image quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the projection optical system with optical elements that perform multiple functions. The reflective optical element and refractive optical element work together to simultaneously achieve image projection, virtual image inclination, and controlled combined power distribution. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to improve virtual image quality through the collaborative action of multiple elements while avoiding the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity.
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 system allows for a more natural and enhanced perception of depth in the virtual image, reducing optical aberrations and improving cognitive understanding for the observer, while allowing for a more compact design in certain vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
projects an image onto an object capable of at least reflecting light, and forms a virtual image on a side opposite an observer with respect to the object
Implementation Method 2
a projection optical system that guides the image projected onto the object, and forms the virtual image
Data Source
AI summary
A head-up display that projects an image onto an object capable of transmitting or reflecting light, and forms a virtual image on a side opposite an observer relative the object, is a head-up display that includes: an image generation device that projects the image; and a projection optical system that guides the image projected onto the object, and forms the virtual image. The projection optical system includes a first optical element and a second optical element provided in order along a light path on which the image generation device projects the image. The virtual image is inclined to cause an upper side of the virtual image, in an up-and-down direction of the virtual image as viewed by the observer, to appear farther away. An intensity of combined power in a left-and-right direction of the virtual image as viewed by the observer is greater than that of the up-and-down direction.