Waveguide Display Integrating Head-Up and Head-Down Cockpit Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Head-Up Displays (HUDs) cannot provide a continuous view of the outside environment due to the opacity of the glare shield, and large area Head-Down Displays (HDDs) lack HUD capabilities, limiting the vertical field of view and integration of images from both systems in aircraft cockpits.
Innovation Solution
A waveguide-based display system is positioned above the glare shield, extending below it to cover the HDD, providing an integrated display that combines HUD and HDD images, offering an extended vertical field of view and seamless visibility by overlaying a virtual window image on the HDD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional HUD is used, then HUD capabilities are provided, but the view of the outside environment cannot be seen continuously due to the opacity of the glare shield
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide combiner extends in the vertical dimension from above the glare shield down through it to below the LAD, creating a three-dimensional optical path that bypasses the opacity limitation of the glare shield while maintaining HUD functionality
2Area of stationary object
If a large area head down display is disposed below the glare shield, then panoramic views and large display area are provided, but HUD capabilities are lost and image continuity with pilot's view is difficult to provide
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide combiner merges the optical paths of the HUD and LAD by extending through the glare shield, allowing both systems to function simultaneously with continuous image display from the pilot's perspective
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide combiner extends vertically through the glare shield to connect the HUD display above with the LAD display below, creating a continuous visual field that spans both display locations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the waveguide combiner extends below the glare shield to cover the LAD, then integrated display is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide combiner serves multiple functions: it acts as a HUD combiner above the glare shield, extends through the glare shield, and functions as a LAD combiner below, eliminating the need for separate optical systems for each display location
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 enhances the pilot's view by providing a continuous and extended vertical field of view, allowing earlier detection of real-world cues in low visibility conditions and improving decision-making with integrated HUD and HDD images.
Implementation Method 1
Light travels from the input grating to the output grating by total internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A method or system can be used with an aircraft or other vehicle. The system can include or the method can use a waveguide disposed above and below a top surface of a glare shield. The waveguide can be part of a head up display (HUD). The waveguide can be disposed to cover at least part of the head down display to provide an integrated display.