Multi-depth AR Display with Switchable Image Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-up displays (HUDs) in vehicles are limited by their fixed image depth, leading to cluttered information presentation and reduced efficiency, with limited physical space and high installation costs, due to the need for external image generation and complex optics.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with multiple image realization surfaces along the optical axis, each with switchable transparent and image realization states, allows for the generation and projection of multi-depth virtual images, enabling flexible depth control and reduced system complexity by integrating image generation and projection optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed-depth projection system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the information presentation efficiency is reduced and the display is cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the projection system into multiple image realisation surfaces positioned at different depths along the optical axis. Each surface can independently display information at a specific depth, segmenting the monolithic projection into layered depth planes. This allows information to be organized by depth rather than competing for the same 2D space, improving presentation efficiency without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D head-up display to 3D multi-depth display by adding the depth dimension (z-axis) as a fourth dimension for information organization. Multiple image realisation surfaces are positioned at different distances from the projection lens along the optical axis, creating virtual images at varying depths. This dimensional expansion allows information to be spatially separated along the depth axis, reducing clutter and improving efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If multiple projection systems are installed to achieve multi-depth display, then the depth resolution is improved, but the system size and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image generation and projection functions into a single integrated system. One projection lens projects images onto multiple image realisation surfaces simultaneously, and these surfaces are combined in a compact stacked arrangement along the optical axis. This consolidation achieves multi-depth display capability without requiring multiple separate projection systems, thereby reducing overall system size and installation complexity while maintaining high depth resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where multiple image realisation surfaces are stacked closely together along the optical axis, with each surface nested within the optical path of the single projection lens. This nested configuration allows multiple depth planes to be packed into a compact volume, achieving high depth resolution without proportionally increasing system size.
3Reliability
If external image generation devices are used, then the image quality is good, but the installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the projection lens serve multiple functions: it projects images onto multiple image realisation surfaces at different depths and generates all necessary images internally. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external image generation devices, reducing installation cost and system complexity while maintaining image quality through the integrated optical path and synchronized image generation.
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 enhances the range and resolution of virtual image depths, improves information presentation efficiency, and reduces system size and cost by eliminating the need for external image generation and redirecting optics, while maintaining image quality across varying distances.
Implementation Method 1
each region being selectively switchable between a transparent state and an image realisation state such that the source image may be selectively formed on a region of the first or second image realisation surface and projected through the projection optics rendering the display image on the screen of the display screen at a first or second apparent depth
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
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an image realisation device for forming a source image and projection optics for rendering a display image on a display screen, wherein the display image is a virtual image corresponding to the source image. The projection optics have an optical axis, and the image realisation device includes a first image realisation surface at a first distance along the optical axis and a second image realisation surface at a second, different distance along the optical axis. The first and second image realisation surfaces overlap, and the first and second image realisation surfaces include multiple regions, each region switchable between a transparent state and an image realisation state such that the source image may be formed on a region of the first or second image realisation surface and projected through the projection optics to render the display image on the display screen at a first or second apparent depth.