Virtual Image Display Device Astigmatism Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing head-up display technologies require a large viewing distance to minimize double images, which is not ideal and can be improved regardless of the viewing distance to enhance virtual image visibility.

Innovation Solution

A virtual image display device with a display unit positioned nearer the focal point within the meridional plane of a composite optical system formed by the projection optical system and the virtual image presentation plate, utilizing a combination of a convex lens and a concave mirror to align light paths and reduce astigmatism, thereby eliminating double images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a large viewing distance is used to reduce double images, then double image occurrence is reduced, but the viewing distance requirement becomes excessive and visibility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedouble image occurrenceVSAvoidviewing distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters by positioning the display unit at a specific location between the meridional and sagittal focal points, and by adjusting the curvature radius of the concave mirror, to eliminate double images without requiring excessive viewing distance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a virtual image presentation plate (windshield) to create a virtual image that appears at a comfortable viewing distance, effectively copying the display content to a position where double images are eliminated while maintaining visibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the display unit is positioned at the focal point to eliminate double images, then double image occurrence is reduced, but astigmatism increases and visibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedouble image occurrenceVSAvoidastigmatism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different optical characteristics to different regions by positioning the display unit at a specific point between the meridional and sagittal focal points, creating a localized optimal viewing zone that reduces both double images and astigmatism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetric positioning relative to the two focal points (meridional and sagittal) to balance the optical path differences, thereby reducing astigmatism while eliminating double images

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional optical arrangements are used, then the system is simple, but double images occur and visibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a concave mirror with a specific curvature radius to focus light and eliminate double images, using curved optical surfaces to achieve better image quality without excessive system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 configuration reduces the occurrence of double images and improves the visibility of virtual images, allowing for clearer presentation of information at any viewing distance without the need for expensive wedge glasses, while maintaining high resolution and reducing astigmatism.

Implementation Method 1

a projection optical system that includes at least a concave mirror (18) for reflecting the image display light toward a virtual image presentation plate (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3534202B1Virtual image display device
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 JVC KENWOOD CORP
  • EP3534202B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3534202B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A virtual image display device 10 includes: a display unit 14 that generates an image display light L by modulating an illumination light; and a projection optical system 16 that includes at least a concave mirror 18 for reflecting the image display light L toward a virtual image presentation plate 22. The display unit 14 is provided at a position nearer a focal point 26m within a meridional plane of a composite optical system 20 formed by the virtual image presentation plate 22 and the projection optical system 16 than a focal point 26s within a sagittal plane of the composite optical system 20.