Optical Superimposition via Dichroic Filter for Vehicle Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing onboard display systems for vehicles struggle to seamlessly integrate real and synthetic images due to limitations in modifying the behavior of the optical shooting system, leading to difficulties in calibrating the superimposition of synthetic images onto real images, which restricts true integration and flexibility in image representation.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves acquiring both real and synthetic images using a shooting device and superimposing them in the analogue domain, utilizing a dichroic filter to separate chromatic components and combine them, with an image generator/projector device generating the synthetic image and adjusting parameters based on the composite image processed by a digital signal processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic processing and control unit superimposes images digitally, then image superimposition can be achieved, but true integration between shooting device and display device cannot be realized and calibration is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the image superimposition function directly into the optical shooting device by adding a projection system that overlays synthetic images onto the real scene at the optical level. This combining of functions at the optical domain enables true integration between the shooting device and display device, eliminating the need for separate digital processing units while achieving seamless calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projection system as an intermediary component between the display device and the shooting device. This intermediary projects synthetic images onto the optical path of the shooting device, enabling integration without requiring direct modification of either the shooting device or display device architecture, thus managing complexity while achieving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturer acquires shooting device from different supplier, then equipment availability is improved, but modification of optical shooting system behavior is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image processing system into independent modules: the existing shooting device remains unchanged while a separate projection system is added. This segmentation allows the shooting device to be acquired from any supplier without requiring modification, while still enabling the desired adaptability through the added projection capability that works with any standard shooting device.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system is designed as a universal interface that can work with any standard shooting device from different suppliers. By creating a multi-functional system where the projection unit can interface with various shooting devices without requiring supplier-specific modifications, the patent achieves both ease of manufacture and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If synthetic images are pre-stored in unmodifiable way, then device simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in image representation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the synthetic image content dynamic and modifiable by allowing the projection system to receive and display updated synthetic images from external sources such as navigation systems or scenario databases. This dynamic capability enables flexibility in image representation while maintaining relative device simplicity by using standard software updates rather than hardware modifications.
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 approach enables precise calibration and integration of real and synthetic images, allowing for enhanced representation of composite images with adjustable parameters, improving the display of auxiliary information like reference systems and pictograms, enhancing driving aids such as parking assistance and obstacle detection.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a dichroic filter to separate chromatic components and combine them
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an arrangement for superimposing images, particularly for representing images on an onboard display device for a vehicle, comprising in combination: - a device (C) for shooting an environmental scene, operating at visible wavelengths and adapted to acquire a real image (Ir) representative of the scene through the incidence of a first optical beam (b1); - a device (PJ) for generating/projecting a synthetic image (Is), which device (PJ) is arranged upstream of the shooting device (C) and is adapted to form a second optical beam (b2); - a dichroic filter (DF) for separating out the fundamental chromatic components of the first and second optical beams (b1, b2) and adapted to channel onto a common optical path, incident upon the shooting device (C), the real image (Ir) and the synthetic image (Is) in respectively complementary spectral regions; and - display means (D) for presenting to an observer a composite image (I) as a superimposition of the real image (Ir) and of the synthetic image (Is).