Transit Vehicle Heads-Up Display Projector System
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a heads-up display (HUD) system specifically designed for transit industry vehicles to present operational information to drivers, as existing HUD technologies are not tailored for these vehicles and do not address their unique operational requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a projector connected to a mobile data terminal, which displays transit data on the windshield of a transit industry vehicle, allowing drivers to interact with the information using steering wheel buttons, gestures, and voice commands, while also enabling supervisors to configure the displayed data and functionality based on vehicle type and operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile data terminal with screen is used to display transit data, then operators can interact with transit data, but operators must divert attention from the road to view the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects transit data from a 2D screen interface onto the 3D windshield surface, allowing drivers to view information in their natural line of sight without diverting attention from the road. The projector transforms the display dimension from handheld screen to windshield projection, solving the attention diversion problem while maintaining data accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projector as an intermediary device between the mobile data terminal and the driver. The projector receives data from the MDT and projects it onto the windshield, serving as a mediator that enables drivers to access transit data without directly interacting with the MDT screen, thus eliminating the need to divert attention from the road.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If HUD is implemented for transit vehicles, then driver safety is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing mobile data terminal, which already serves multiple functions for transit vehicle operations, and adds HUD projection capability to it. By making the MDT a multi-functional device that combines data terminal operations with windshield projection, the system avoids adding separate dedicated HUD hardware, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining driver safety benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing mobile data terminal in the transit vehicle serves itself by projecting its own display content onto the windshield through the integrated projector. The MDT's existing processing and display capabilities are repurposed to generate and project HUD information, eliminating the need for separate information processing systems and reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of information
If all transit data is displayed on HUD, then driver access to information is improved, but information overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different display qualities and information densities to different regions or aspects of the HUD projection. Critical safety-related information is displayed with higher prominence and clarity in key areas of the windshield, while less critical data is displayed with lower prominence. This local differentiation ensures drivers receive essential information without being overwhelmed by all available data simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective projection of only the most critical transit data elements onto the windshield rather than displaying all available information. The system filters and prioritizes data, showing only essential information such as route guidance, stops, and safety-critical alerts, while leaving detailed operational data on the MDT screen for when drivers need comprehensive information.
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 safe and efficient means for drivers to access critical transit data and perform operational tasks without diverting attention from the road, enhancing driver safety and operational efficiency by presenting relevant information in a configurable and user-friendly manner.
Implementation Method 1
a projector, operably connected to a mobile data terminal, configured to produce an image on a transit industry vehicle heads-up display located on a windshield of the transit industry vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for heads-up display of transit industry vehicle information is provided. Information originating from various transit agency systems and arriving at transit industry vehicles may be selectively displayed on a heads-up display. Control and configuration of the information displayed on a heads-up display may be determined by a transit agency and may relate to data displayed on on-board mobile data terminals.