Virtual Retinal Display for Presbyopic Drivers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera-monitor-systems (CMS) in vehicles struggle with presbyopia, making it difficult for older drivers to view displayed images clearly, as the distance between the monitor and the driver's eyes varies and their accommodation ability decreases with age, often requiring bifocal or varifocal eyeglasses.
Innovation Solution
A virtual retinal display system that projects images onto the retina at a virtual distance, using an exit pupil expander and relay optics to create the impression of images being far away, with adjustable diopter settings and eye tracking for personalized focus, and incorporates technologies like micro LCD and LED matrices for enhanced viewing angles and clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional camera-monitor system is used to display images to the driver, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but older drivers with presbyopia cannot view the images clearly because the fixed monitor distance does not accommodate decreasing accommodation ability with age
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the display distance adjustable through diopter settings in the virtual retinal display system. This allows the optical parameters of the display to be changed dynamically to accommodate different accommodation abilities of drivers with age, thereby resolving the contradiction between image clarity for older drivers and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (virtual retinal display with exit pupil expander and relay optics) between the camera and the driver's eye. This intermediary creates a virtual image at infinity that can be viewed clearly by older drivers without requiring them to accommodate, thus improving image clarity while managing system complexity through modular optical design.
2Ease of operation
If the monitor is positioned at a fixed distance from the driver's eyes, then the device structure is simple, but drivers with presbyopia require bifocal or varifocal eyeglasses to see the display clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual retinal display system enables parameter changes by adjusting diopter settings to project the virtual image at different optical distances. This allows drivers with presbyopia to view the display clearly at a comfortable distance without requiring corrective eyewear, improving ease of operation while the modular optical design manages device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the display system adaptable and adjustable through diopter settings and eye tracking. The system dynamically adjusts optical parameters based on the driver's accommodation ability and head position, enabling clear viewing without corrective eyewear while managing complexity through intelligent control.
3Reliability
If a virtual retinal display with adjustable diopter settings and eye tracking is implemented, then image clarity and viewing comfort for older drivers is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the virtual retinal display system into modular components: camera module, exit pupil expander, relay optics, and control system. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete system, thereby improving image clarity for presbyopic drivers while facilitating easier manufacturing and quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing the virtual retinal display system to serve multiple functions: it provides clear images for drivers of all ages, accommodates different accommodation abilities through diopter adjustment, enables eye tracking for personalized focus, and maintains a compact form factor. This multi-functionality justifies the increased manufacturing complexity by delivering superior performance across diverse user needs.
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 virtual retinal display system provides clear and detailed images at a comfortable distance for drivers, improving visibility and reducing the need for corrective eyewear, while allowing for head movement without losing the display view, thus enhancing driving safety and usability for older drivers.
Implementation Method 1
A virtual retinal display system that projects images onto the retina at a virtual distance, using an exit pupil expander and relay optics to create the impression of images being far away
Implementation Method 2
using an exit pupil expander and relay optics to create the impression of images being far away
Data Source
AI summary
A vision system of a vehicle includes at least one camera disposed at a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The at least one camera is operable to capture image data. A display disposed in the vehicle and viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The display is operable to display images derived from image data captured by the at least one camera. The display is a virtual retinal display that displays images at a virtual distance from the driver. When viewing images displayed by the virtual retinal display, the driver has the impression that the virtual distance from the driver's eyes to the displayed images is greater than the distance from the driver's eyes to the virtual retinal display.