Multi-Eyebox Head-Up Display Using Tilted Multilayer Combiner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-up display devices can only project virtual images onto a single eyebox, limiting the driver's freedom of viewing angles and requiring adjustments for different driver heights or postures, which compromises convenience and safety.
Innovation Solution
A multi-eyebox head-up display device utilizing a multilayer combiner with stacked superimposed imaging plates, where the semi-reflective surfaces of each plate are tilted to generate multiple virtual images in different eyeboxes, allowing drivers to view information from various angles without adjusting the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single eyebox is used in the HUD device, then the optical structure can be kept simple, but the driver's viewing freedom is limited and adjustments are required for different drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The single eyebox is segmented into multiple eyeboxes (first eyebox and second eyebox) by using a multilayer combiner with tilted imaging plates. Each imaging plate creates a separate virtual image at a different position, allowing multiple drivers or viewing angles without increasing overall system complexity significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane eyebox to a multi-plane eyebox configuration by tilting the imaging plates at different angles. This creates virtual images at different spatial positions (different eyeboxes) while maintaining a compact optical structure, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the display output.
2Ease of operation
If the eyebox position is fixed for a single driver, then the optical structure remains simple, but the device requires adjustment for different driver heights and postures
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment function is segmented into multiple fixed eyebox positions instead of requiring a single adjustable mechanism. The multilayer combiner provides discrete eyebox positions (first and second eyeboxes) that correspond to different driver heights and postures, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adapts to different drivers through the multilayer combiner's inherent optical design. Each driver can naturally select their comfortable viewing position by looking at the appropriate eyebox, without requiring any active adjustment of the device itself. The system serves multiple users simultaneously through its optical architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual images are projected for different eyeboxes, then driver freedom is increased, but the optical structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging plates are merged into a single multilayer combiner assembly. The first and second imaging plates are positioned and tilted at specific angles relative to each other, working together to create multiple virtual images from a single optical source. This merged structure achieves multi-eyebox functionality without requiring separate projection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The multilayer combiner serves multiple functions simultaneously: it creates the first virtual image for one driver position, creates the second virtual image for another driver position, and maintains a compact form factor. This universal component handles multiple tasks that would traditionally require separate optical systems.
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
Enables drivers to comfortably view projected information from different angles and altitudes, enhancing driving convenience and safety by eliminating the need for frequent adjustments, while maintaining a simple structure and low fabrication costs.
Implementation Method 1
The semi-reflective surface of one superimposed imaging plate is tilted with respect to the semi-reflective surface of the adjacent superimposed imaging plate. While the reflected image is projected to the semi-reflective surface of the topmost superimposed imaging plate, the semi-reflective surface of the topmost superimposed imaging plate generates a virtual image.
Implementation Method 2
Simultaneously, the reflected image penetrates through the topmost superimposed imaging plate and reaches the lower superimposed imaging plate. The reflected image can further penetrate through the lower superimposed imaging plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-eyebox head-up display device and a multilayer combiner are disclosed. The device comprises a projector generates a projected image to a reflector. The reflector generates a reflected image to a multilayer combiner. The multilayer combiner includes at least two superimposed imaging plates, and the semi-reflective surfaces of the superimposed imaging plates are tilted to each other. While the reflected image is projected to the semi-reflective surface of the topmost superimposed imaging plate, the semi-reflective surface of the topmost superimposed imaging plate generates a virtual image. Simultaneously, the reflected image penetrates through the topmost superimposed imaging plate and reaches the lower superimposed imaging plate, and the semi-reflective surface of the lower superimposed imaging plate reflects the light to generate another virtual image. The present invention enables the driver to view the vehicular information at different viewing angles.