Multi-depth Head-up Display via Tilted Image Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up displays in vehicles are limited by their fixed image depth and size, leading to cluttered information presentation and reduced efficiency, with challenges in compact installation and high installation costs.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that generates multi-depth virtual images using a tilted image realisation surface and projection optics, allowing for variable image depths and sizes, and includes an optional picture generation unit to correct for image distortion, with features like an electroluminescent layer and OLEDs for flexible displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed-depth image is projected onto the windscreen, then the display structure is simple, but the information presentation becomes cluttered and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces depth as a new dimension for information presentation by projecting images at multiple focal distances (e.g., 2m, 3m, 4m) onto the windscreen. This multi-depth capability allows different types of information to be displayed at different depths, creating a layered visual hierarchy that improves information efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple projection structure.
2Area of stationary object
If the HUD display size is limited, then the installation space requirement is reduced, but the display becomes cluttered with less relevant information
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the depth dimension through multi-focal projection, the system can present different categories of information at different distances from the viewer. Less critical information can be placed at greater depths, while critical information remains at optimal viewing depth, effectively organizing information hierarchy without increasing the physical display footprint.
3Device complexity
If all information is given equal prominence in a fixed-depth display, then the display is simple to implement, but the efficiency of information presentation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different focal distances to different regions or types of information displayed on the windscreen. By varying the depth of field across different information elements, the system creates local variations in visual prominence that guide user attention to critical information while maintaining overall system simplicity.
4Volume of stationary object
If the imaging system is installed in limited physical space in a vehicle, then the installation cost is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple projection functions into a single imaging system that can project images at multiple focal distances using one projection unit. This integration approach reduces the overall space required for installation while maintaining the multi-depth capability, thereby balancing system complexity with space efficiency.
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 and flexible presentation of information at varying depths on a head-up display, improving user experience and reducing system complexity and size, while maintaining image quality and adaptability to different environments.
Implementation Method 1
the image realisation surface comprises an electroluminescent layer
Implementation Method 2
the image realisation surface comprises an organic light-emitting diode
Implementation Method 3
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
An imaging system includes an image realisation device and projection optics for rendering a display image on a display screen. The image realisation device includes a first image realisation surface tilted relative to an optical axis such that a first point in a first region of the image realisation surface is at a first distance from the focal point of the projection optics and a second point in a second region of the image realisation surface is at a second different distance from the focal point of the projection optics. A first source image formed on the first region and projected through the projection optics renders the first display image on the display screen at a first apparent depth, and a second source image formed on the second region and projected through the projection optics renders the second display image on the display screen at a second apparent depth.