Multi-Focus HUD Using Single Spatial Light Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heads-up display systems require multiple display devices to create virtual images at different distances, leading to increased cost, power consumption, and spatial constraints due to shared optical components and separate LCD panels.
Innovation Solution
A heads-up display system utilizing a single spatial light modulator, such as a DLP device, with different subsets of modulating elements to generate two virtual images at distinct distances, sharing a common optical path and powered optics, and adjustable mirror configurations to vary image distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate LCD panels are used to generate virtual images at different distances, then multiple virtual images can be displayed simultaneously, but device complexity, cost, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single LCD panel is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions or zones that can be selectively activated to display different virtual images at different distances. This allows one display device to perform the function of multiple separate displays by dividing its imaging capability into distinct operational segments.
Solution Approach 2:
A single LCD panel is designed to serve multiple functions by generating different virtual images at different distances using the same physical display device. The panel acts as a universal imaging source that can adapt its output to create various focus planes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated displays for each focus distance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate LCD panels are used, then multiple virtual images can be displayed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple display functions are merged into a single LCD panel, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate power supplies and display devices into one unified imaging source. This merging reduces total power consumption by eliminating redundant power consumption from multiple separate LCD panels while maintaining the ability to display multiple virtual images at different distances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate LCD panels are used with shared optical components, then multiple virtual images can be generated, but spatial constraints and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical components and housing structure are merged into a single integrated unit that accommodates one LCD panel and generates all required virtual images through optical manipulation rather than requiring separate display devices. This integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components that need to be assembled and aligned, while still achieving multi-focus capability through the unified optical system.
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 reduces costs and power consumption while allowing for a more compact design and adjustable focus positions, enabling efficient presentation of multiple virtual images at different distances without the need for multiple display devices.
Implementation Method 1
A heads-up display system utilizing a single spatial light modulator, such as a DLP device, with different subsets of modulating elements to generate two virtual images at distinct distances
Implementation Method 2
The light from each display unit is then directed via a common optical relay path onto the surface of the windshield and then reflected into the driver's field of view
Implementation Method 3
first and second mirrors 112, 114 and a light transmitting HUD unit cover 116
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described for creating multiple different heads-up display (HUD) images at different apparent distances from a viewer using a single picture generator. First and second images are generated using respective first and second subsets of modulating elements of an array of image pixel modulating elements of a spatial light modulator. Light from the first and second images is directed along respective first and second optical paths onto a transparent display surface to form respective first and second virtual images at different apparent distances within a field of view of a viewer looking through the display surface. In a described example, the modulating elements are micromirrors of a digital micromirror device (DMD) and optical elements of the respective optical paths are relatively movable to set relative path lengths.