Stepped Diffuser HUD for Multi-Plane Virtual Image Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up displays (HUDs) require multiple sets of optics to project images at different virtual image distances, leading to complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display system with a spatial light modulator and a stepped screen assembly, utilizing a diffractive pattern to project first and second picture content on different diffusers at distinct virtual image planes, achieved through a single optical system with varying optical powers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of optics are used to project images at different virtual image distances, then the projection capability for multiple image distances is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single optical system is designed to perform multiple functions by projecting different picture content to different virtual image distances. The optical system uses a diffractive optical element that can direct light to form multiple virtual images at different distances simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate optical sets for each distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The display content is segmented into different picture content layers, each associated with a specific virtual image distance. The diffractive optical element segments the light paths to direct different picture content to different virtual image planes, allowing one optical system to handle multiple distance projections.
2Device complexity
If a single optical system is used to project multiple images at different virtual image distances, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of image projection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A diffractive optical element acts as an intermediary component within the single optical system to precisely control light propagation. This element uses diffraction patterns to accurately direct different picture content to specific virtual image distances, maintaining projection precision without requiring multiple optical sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element uses variable diffraction parameters and optical path differences to precisely control the formation of virtual images at different distances. By adjusting the diffraction pattern parameters, the system maintains high projection precision for multiple image distances using a single optical system.
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 the projection of multiple images at different virtual image distances using a single optical system, reducing complexity and optimizing resource utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator arranged to display a diffractive pattern of first picture content and/or second picture content
Implementation Method 2
Light scattered from an object contains both amplitude and phase information. This amplitude and phase information can be captured on, for example, a photosensitive plate by well-known interference techniques to form a holographic recording, or 'hologram'
Implementation Method 3
an optical system having at least one optical element having optical power. The optical system and the screen assembly are arranged so that the first and second diffusers have different object distances to the optical system
Data Source
AI summary
A head-up display is described. A spatial light modulator is arranged to display a diffractive pattern of first picture content and/or second picture content. A screen assembly has first and second diffusers arranged in a stepped configuration so that the first diffuser is spatially offset from the second diffuser by a perpendicular distance. A light source is arranged to illuminate the diffractive pattern such that the first picture content is formed on the first diffuser and/or the second picture content is formed on the second diffuser. An optical system comprising at least one optical element having optical power is arranged so that the first and second diffusers have different object distances to the optical system.