Vehicle Display Optical Path Control for Luminance Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle display systems face challenges in integrating multiple displays effectively, particularly in reducing luminance differences between projection images on screens and those reflected on windshields, and in operating these displays in a unified manner.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus that includes a picture generation device, an optical path separator, a light transmittance changer, and a signal processing device to control light transmittance, allowing for the output of projection images to both screens and windshields, with the signal processing device adjusting luminance and frame rates to minimize differences and integrate displays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a projection image is displayed on both a screen and a windshield using separate display devices, then information can be provided to both driver and passenger, but the luminance difference between the two projection images becomes significant and the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay coverageVSAvoidluminance difference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple display functions (screen display and windshield HUD display) into a single integrated display device. The projection unit projects images to both the screen and windshield simultaneously, while the optical path separator divides the projection image to direct different portions to different destinations. This merging approach provides uniform luminance control across both display areas and reduces system complexity by using one light source and control system instead of separate display devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical path separator acts as an intermediary component that divides the projection image from the projection unit into different optical paths. It separates the light into a first projection image for the screen and a second projection image for the windshield, enabling simultaneous display to multiple locations while maintaining consistent luminance characteristics through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate display devices are used for screen and windshield projection, then display functions can be independently optimized, but the integrated operation of multiple displays becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple display functions into a single integrated display device that includes a projection unit, optical path separator, screen, and windshield. This unified structure enables coordinated control of all display areas through one system, allowing features like synchronized content display, unified luminance adjustment, and integrated operation modes that would be difficult to achieve with separate display devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated display device provides multi-functionality by simultaneously serving as both a screen display device and a windshield HUD display device. The single projection unit can display various types of information (navigation, vehicle status, entertainment) to both the screen and windshield, enabling the system to adapt to different usage scenarios and user needs while maintaining a unified control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables the reduction of luminance differences between projection images on screens and those reflected on windshields, facilitating the integration of multiple displays in a vehicle while optimizing display settings based on external and internal illumination.

Implementation Method 1

an optical path separator configured to reflect a first projection image corresponding to a part of the projection image from the picture generation device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a light transmittance changer configured to change light transmittance of the first projection image reflected from the optical path separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmittance modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP4467377A1Display apparatus for vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4467377A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4467377A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4467377A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a display apparatus for a vehicle. According to an embodiment of the display apparatus for a vehicle includes: a picture generation device; an optical path separator to reflect a first projection from the picture generation device; a light transmittance changer to change light transmittance of the first projection image; a screen onto which the first projection image passing is projected; and a signal processing device to control light transmittance of the light transmittance changer, wherein the picture generation device outputs a second projection image to a windshield. Accordingly, a luminance difference between the first projection image projected onto the screen and the second projection image reflected on the windshield may be reduced while implementing a plurality of displays in an integrated manner.