Multi-Plane HUD Projector Using Shared 2D Scanner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HUD systems struggle to align projected images with a driver's focus, leading to blurry or distorted images, especially when dealing with multiple virtual distances such as near-field and far-field visual information.
Innovation Solution
A HUD system that utilizes a multi-source laser beam scanning display system with two or more RGB laser modules sharing a single 2D scanner and display controller, allowing for the generation of images at multiple virtual distances, ensuring alignment with different focus areas of the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single focal point is used for projection, then the projection structure is simple, but images at different virtual distances cannot be focused simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the projection system into multiple independent optical paths, each with its own focus lens configured for a specific virtual distance (near-field, mid-field, far-field). This segmentation allows each optical path to be optimized for its designated distance while sharing common components like the light source and scanner, thereby achieving multi-distance focusing capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal light source and 2D scanner that serve multiple optical paths simultaneously. Each optical path uses the same core components but differs in focus lens configuration, enabling a single system to project images at multiple virtual distances. This multi-functionality approach achieves adaptability while controlling device complexity through component sharing.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple independent projection systems are used for different distances, then focusing accuracy for each distance is high, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple projection functions into a single integrated system by combining multiple optical paths that share common components (light source, 2D scanner, control unit). Each optical path maintains its own focus lens for distance-specific optimization, ensuring high focusing accuracy while reducing overall system complexity and cost through component consolidation and resource sharing.
3Manufacturing precision
If different focal lengths are used for different virtual distances, then image quality at each distance is optimized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal light source and 2D scanner across all optical paths, requiring only different focus lenses for each virtual distance. This approach optimizes image quality at each distance through specialized lenses while minimizing manufacturing cost by reusing expensive components like the laser light source and scanner mechanism across multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by configuring each optical path's focus lens with a specific focal length matched to its target virtual distance (near-field, mid-field, or far-field). This localized optimization ensures image quality is tailored to each distance requirement while the overall system maintains cost efficiency through shared components and modular architecture.
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 achieves high image quality and fidelity by projecting images in focus with a particular viewing direction of the driver, catering to both near-field and far-field virtual distances, while maintaining low manufacturing costs due to shared components.
Implementation Method 1
a 2D scanner arranged on the first optical path and the second optical path, wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the first light transmitter and steer the first plurality of light beams along the first optical path according to a 2D scanning pattern
Implementation Method 2
a first focus lens arranged on the first optical path between the first light transmitter and the 2D scanner, wherein the first focus lens is configured to focus each light beam of the first plurality of light beams onto a first focal point located at a first distance downstream from the 2D scanner
Implementation Method 3
at least one diffuser arranged at a first focal point of the first plurality of light beams and at a second focal point of the second plurality of light beams, wherein the at least one diffuser is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the 2D scanner and diffuse the first plurality of light beams onto the HUD reflector
Implementation Method 4
the HUD reflector is configured to project the first plurality of light beams received from the at least one diffuser onto the first virtual plane to render the first image to be perceived at the first virtual image distance
Data Source
AI summary
A head-up display (HUD) system includes a first light transmitter configured to transmit first light beams on a first optical path; a second light transmitter configured to transmit second light beams on a second optical path; a two-dimensional (2D) scanner arranged on the first optical path and the second optical path; a first focus lens, arranged on the first optical path between the first light transmitter and the 2D scanner, configured to focus the first light beams onto a first focal point located at a first distance downstream from the 2D scanner along the first optical path; and a second focus lens, arranged on the second optical path between the second light transmitter and the 2D scanner, configured to focus the second light beams onto a second focal point located at a second, different distance downstream from the 2D scanner along the second optical path.