Omnidirectional 3D HUD for Aircraft Using Active Shutter Glasses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional head-up displays (HUDs) in aviation have limited field of view (FOV) and are restricted to a direct forward placement, making it difficult for pilots to see essential information during crosswind landings or when the runway is outside the visible area.
Innovation Solution
An omnidirectional HUD system using a 3-D projector and active shutter glasses that projects HUD layouts onto a windshield or other surfaces, allowing for a wider FOV and enabling non-forward facing displays by synchronizing images to appear at optical infinity or other desired distances, thereby enhancing pilot visibility and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional HUD with optical collimator and angled glass combiner is used, then the display provides focused optical projection, but the field of view is limited and cannot display runway outside the forward FOV
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional forward-facing 2D display to a 360-degree omnidirectional display system that projects images onto multiple surfaces including side windows, rear windows, and overhead panels. This dimensional expansion allows the display to wrap around the driver's field of view, providing runway and flight information from all directions while maintaining optical infinity focus through specialized optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The omnidirectional HUD system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays flight information, runway overlays, and navigation data across multiple surfaces; it provides both 2D and 3D visualization modes; and it accommodates multiple drivers with independent display configurations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the display system adaptable to various viewing angles and information requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the HUD is placed directly in front of the pilot, then the optical projection is optimized, but the display cannot be seen from side angles during crosswind landings
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple projection zones on different surfaces (side windows, rear windows, overhead panels, and forward windshield). Each segment maintains optimized optical projection quality for its specific viewing angle while collectively providing comprehensive coverage. This segmentation allows each display surface to be optimized for its local viewing conditions while the aggregate system provides omnidirectional coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional HUD components are used, then the optical infinity projection is achieved, but the size of the HUD and viewable area are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized omnidirectional optics and reflective surfaces as intermediaries between the projection source and the driver's eyes. These intermediary components maintain optical precision across multiple reflection points and surfaces, enabling the system to achieve optical infinity projection quality while expanding the viewable area to encompass all directions around the driver.
4Device complexity
If a single HUD display is used, then the system is simple, but multiple pilots cannot see customized information simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The omnidirectional HUD system implements local quality by providing customized display content to different drivers based on their specific positions and requirements. Each driver receives tailored flight information, runway overlays, and navigation data optimized for their seating position and operational needs, while the system maintains unified optical infrastructure. This allows simultaneous customization for multiple users without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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 provides a wider field of view and flexibility in display placement, allowing pilots to see critical flight information and runway overlays simultaneously, even during crosswind landings, and enables separate displays for multiple pilots, reducing crew workload and increasing customization options.
Implementation Method 1
a 3-D projector configured to project a first 3-D head-up display (HUD) layout onto a windshield or other surface
Implementation Method 2
a first pair of active shutter 3-D glasses configured to synchronize with the 3-D projector to present the first 3-D HUD layout to a first user
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and aircraft are provided. The systems and aircraft include a controller, a projection surface, and at least one pair of active shutter 3-D glasses. The 3-D projector is configured to project a first 3-D HUD layout onto a projection surface. The projection surface is configured for displaying the 3-D HUD layout. The controller is operatively coupled with the 3-D projector and is configured to control the projector to project the 3-D HUD layout onto the projection surface. The first pair of active shutter 3-D glasses is configured to synchronize with the 3-D projector to present the first 3-D HUD layout to a first user.