Multi-Depth AR Display Using Segmented Image Realisation Surface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-up displays in vehicles are limited by their fixed image depth and size, leading to cluttered information presentation and reduced efficiency, with limited physical space and high installation costs.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that generates multi-depth virtual images using an image realisation surface with multiple regions, each at different distances from the focal point of the projection optics, allowing for separate control of image depths and increased information density, along with optional features like electroluminescent layers and beam splitters for enhanced flexibility and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed depth image is projected onto the windscreen, then the display structure is simple, but the information presentation becomes cluttered and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple depth planes, with different information types projected at different depths. Critical information appears at one depth while secondary information appears at another depth, allowing the user to process information hierarchically without clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the depth dimension to the traditional 2D display, creating a 3D multi-plane display system. This allows information to be organized not just horizontally and vertically but also in depth, significantly increasing information capacity without increasing screen area.
2Loss of information
If the HUD size is increased to display more information, then information density improves, but the physical space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the depth dimension, the system packs more information into the same physical footprint. Multiple layers of information are stacked in depth rather than spreading out horizontally, effectively increasing information density without requiring more dashboard or windscreen area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display components are added to achieve multi-depth functionality, then display functionality improves, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single projection system is designed to perform multiple functions by projecting images at different depths using adjustable optical elements. The same hardware platform delivers both 2D and 3D multi-plane display capabilities, eliminating the need for separate projection systems for each depth plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically adjustable optical elements (such as deformable mirrors or liquid crystal lenses) that can change their focal properties in real-time. This allows a single static projection system to create multiple dynamic depth planes, replacing what would otherwise require multiple fixed projection systems.
4Device complexity
If all information is given equal prominence at fixed depth, then the display is simple to implement, but user efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the display at different depths are assigned different visual qualities and prominence levels. Critical safety information is projected at a depth that ensures maximum visibility and attention, while secondary information is placed at other depths with appropriate visual weighting, creating a hierarchical information architecture that improves user efficiency.
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 provides a more efficient and space-effective display by allowing multiple images to be projected at varying depths, improving information density and reducing physical size and component count, while maintaining image quality and intensity.
Implementation Method 1
the image realisation surface comprises an electroluminescent layer
Implementation Method 2
projection optics for rendering a display image on the display screen, wherein the display image is a virtual image corresponding to the source image
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of surfaces arranged to direct light from the image realisation surface towards the projection optics
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system for generating multi-depth virtual images on a display screen includes an image realisation device for forming a source image, and projection optics for rendering a display image on the display screen. The display image is a virtual image corresponding to the source image. The image realisation device includes an image realisation surface having a first and second region, and the image receiving surface and the projection optics are arranged such that a first point in the first region of the image receiving surface and a second point in the second region of the image receiving surface are at a different distance from a focal point of the projection optics. A plurality of surfaces are arranged to direct light from the image realisation surface towards the projection optics.