Multi-Plane Projection Display Using Merged Optical Units

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection displays for vehicles struggle to easily represent virtual display images on multiple display planes at different distances, requiring complex adjustments and additional installation space.

Innovation Solution

A projection display system with a projection unit featuring a series of transparent display elements, such as LCD or TOLED, arranged along the beam path, allowing for offset virtual display planes to be generated using a common imaging optical unit, with a control unit to actuate pixels for transparency and color, reducing the need for multiple light sources and installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate projection systems are used to display images on multiple display planes, then the capability to represent virtual images at different distances is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to represent virtual images at different distancesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple projection capabilities into a single projection display device. One projection unit with a single light source projects images onto multiple display planes simultaneously by using a beam splitter and multiple projection lenses, eliminating the need for multiple separate projection systems and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The projection unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can project images onto different display planes (first and second display planes) using the same light source and projection unit, but with different projection lenses. This multi-functionality allows the system to display virtual images at various distances without requiring separate projection systems for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate projection systems are used to display images on multiple display planes, then the capability to represent virtual images at different distances is improved, but the installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to represent virtual images at different distancesVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple projection functions into a compact single-unit system. By using one projection unit with a beam splitter and multiple projection lenses arranged in different directions, the system achieves multi-plane projection capability while occupying significantly less installation space compared to multiple separate projection systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If multiple light sources are used for multiple display planes, then the luminance and image quality are improved, but the cost and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveluminanceVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple projection functions into a compact single-unit system. By using one projection unit with a beam splitter and multiple projection lenses arranged in different directions, the system achieves multi-plane projection capability while occupying significantly less installation space compared to multiple separate projection systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The projection unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can project images onto different display planes (first and second display planes) using the same light source and projection unit, but with different projection lenses. This multi-functionality allows the system to display virtual images at various distances without requiring separate projection systems for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient representation of virtual images on multiple display planes at varying distances with reduced installation space and cost, while maintaining high luminance and flexibility in image representation.

Implementation Method 1

projecting a display image on a windshield of a motor vehicle via a HUD panel field, alternatively via a separate, partially transparent combination surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

imaging the virtual display images in the plurality of display planes in dependence on the projection beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS11187911B2Projection display with representation in multiple display planes

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A projection display for providing virtual display images on a plurality of display planes which are offset to one another, includes a projection unit for producing a projection beam; and an optical imaging element which is designed to direct the projection beam onto a combination surface and to image, depending on the projection beam, the virtual display images into the plurality of display planes. The projection unit has a plurality of transparent display elements which are arranged so as to be spaced apart and one after the other along the beam path of the projection unit.