Vehicle Imaging Device Large Aspect Ratio Projection Optical System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle imaging devices lack a structure to provide a large aspect ratio for displaying driving-related information or entertainment content on a windshield, and there is a need for a compact, thin design that does not obstruct the driver's view.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle imaging device with a projection optical system comprising a cover, a picture generation unit, a screen panel, and mirrors to reflect and transmit light, allowing images with a large aspect ratio to be displayed on the windshield, utilizing a reflective structure and a screen panel offset to one side or another side, and incorporating an ultra short throw projector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large aspect ratio is used to display driving-related information on the windshield, then the information display capability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inclined screen panel that tilts relative to the horizontal plane, transforming the optical path in three-dimensional space. This allows the projection system to achieve a large aspect ratio display area on the windshield while maintaining a compact device footprint, effectively solving the contradiction between display capability and structural complexity by utilizing spatial dimensionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple optical components (projection unit, mirrors, screen panel) into a nested configuration where components are arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner. The projection unit is positioned to project onto the inclined screen panel, which is itself integrated into the dashboard structure, creating a nested arrangement that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining large aspect ratio display capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a compact and thin design is used for the vehicle imaging device, then the driver's view is maintained, but the space for arranging optical components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined screen panel creates a tilted optical path that utilizes the vertical and depth dimensions within the dashboard. This allows the optical components to be arranged in a three-dimensional configuration rather than a flat two-dimensional layout, enabling a compact and thin device design that does not obstruct the driver's forward view while providing sufficient space for all necessary optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mirrors to dynamically redirect light paths within the compact dashboard space. The mirrors enable the optical system to fold the light path, effectively increasing the usable space for optical components without increasing the physical footprint of the device, thus maintaining an unobstructed driver's view.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple image modules are used to achieve large aspect ratio, then the display area is improved, but the image continuity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single projection unit that projects beyond the boundaries of a single screen panel, utilizing partial projection onto adjacent screen panels. This partial action approach allows the system to achieve a large overall display area while maintaining image continuity, as the single projection source ensures consistent image quality and seamless transitions across multiple panels without the discontinuities that would result from using multiple separate projection modules.
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 device provides a compact, thin vehicle imaging system capable of displaying a large aspect ratio image, enhancing driver information visibility while maintaining a clear view and overcoming limitations of image continuity using a single image module.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror arranged on one side of the PGU, and configured to reflect the light generated to the one side so that the reflected light is transmitted to the screen panel
Implementation Method 2
a screen panel arranged between the PGU and the cover, and configured to reflect light generated by the PGU so that an image by the reflected light passes through the cover
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle imaging device comprises: a cover that forms the exterior of a dashboard of a vehicle; a picture generation unit (PGU) disposed within the dashboard and forming light on one side; a screen panel disposed between the PGU and the cover and configured to reflect light formed by the PGU so as to allow an image to pass through the cover via the reflected light; and a mirror disposed on one side of the PGU and reflecting the light formed on the one side and transmitting same to the screen panel, wherein the image formed by light reflected from the screen panel may be displayed in a specific area of a windshield of a driver's seat of the vehicle with a width in one axial direction greater than a length in the other axial direction.