Virtual Screen Parameter Estimation for Head-Up Display Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-up display (HUD) systems rely on designed values for virtual screen parameters, which can be inaccurate and change during installation or use, leading to suboptimal display of virtual objects relative to real-world objects.
Innovation Solution
An estimation apparatus captures images of virtual and physical patterns using a reflector and viewpoint tracking camera to determine transformation and size parameters of the virtual screen, allowing for accurate rendering of virtual objects at target positions by minimizing differences between estimated and actual positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If designed values are used for virtual screen parameters, then the system is simple to implement, but the accuracy of virtual object alignment with real objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the virtual screen dynamically based on captured images. The estimation apparatus captures images of the reflector and virtual pattern, then updates the virtual screen parameters (position, size, orientation) to match the captured data, ensuring accurate alignment while adapting to installation variations and environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the estimation apparatus continuously captures images of the virtual pattern reflected by the reflector, compares the captured positions with target positions, and updates the virtual screen parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures high alignment accuracy between virtual and real objects.
2Device complexity
If virtual screen parameters are fixed during installation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of display accuracy deteriorates due to parameter changes during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the virtual screen parameters dynamic rather than fixed. The estimation apparatus captures images at different times and updates the virtual screen parameters in real-time or near real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changes during installation and use, thereby maintaining reliable display accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary capture of the virtual pattern and calculation of transformation parameters before displaying virtual objects. This preliminary action establishes accurate initial parameters that can be refined through subsequent updates, ensuring reliable alignment from the start.
3Measurement precision
If transformation parameters are calculated based on captured images, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reflector as an intermediary element that reflects both the virtual pattern and allows the estimation apparatus to capture images. The reflector serves as a mediator between the virtual display system and the measurement apparatus, simplifying the detection process while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual pattern that is a copy or representation of the physical environment, displayed through the reflector. By capturing and analyzing this virtual pattern, the system can calculate transformation parameters accurately without directly measuring complex physical geometries.
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 method ensures accurate alignment and display of virtual objects with real objects, enhancing the accuracy and stability of HUD systems by continuously updating virtual screen parameters based on real-time data.
Implementation Method 1
capturing, from a physical camera, a plurality of captured images representing a reflector reflecting a virtual pattern displayed on a virtual screen and a physical pattern displayed on a physical plane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for estimating a parameter of a virtual screen are disclosed. The method includes determining first transformation parameters of virtual cameras relative to a reference camera of the virtual cameras based on transformation parameters of the virtual cameras relative to a physical pattern, determining second transformation parameters of the virtual cameras relative to the reference camera based on transformation parameters of the virtual cameras relative to a virtual pattern, and estimating a size parameter of a virtual screen based on the first transformation parameters and the second transformation parameters.