Waveguide HUD With Integrated Interior Camera for Driver-Adaptive Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive systems with interior cameras and head-up displays (HUDs) require significant space, are costly to manufacture, and lack integration and functional connection, with HUDs not utilizing valuable information from interior cameras.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an interior camera under a waveguide-type HUD, using a waveguide for projecting light via a mirror into the user's eye, with a camera and light source placed below the waveguide, and integrating an eye position detector and picture generator to adapt and optimize the image display based on the user's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate interior camera and HUD systems are used, then functional independence is maintained, but space requirement and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the interior camera and HUD into a single integrated unit. The camera is positioned beneath the waveguide, sharing the same housing and optical path. This merging eliminates the need for separate installations, reducing both manufacturing cost and spatial requirements while maintaining functional independence through modular design elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves multiple functions: the waveguide acts as both the HUD optical element and the camera mounting structure; the same housing provides protection for both components; the processor handles both image capture from the camera and image generation for the HUD. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional mirrors and lenses are used in HUD, then optical performance is achieved, but space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical optical elements (mirrors and lenses) with a waveguide-based optical system. The waveguide uses total internal reflection and diffraction grating structures to guide and project images, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining optical performance. This substitution significantly reduces the space requirement and simplifies the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide itself is a thin, flat optical element that replaces thick mirror and lens assemblies. Its planar structure allows for compact integration beneath the display surface, reducing the overall height and depth of the HUD system while maintaining reliable optical projection performance through precision-engineered internal structures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If camera and light source are placed below waveguide, then visibility to user is prevented, but space requirement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the camera and light source in the vertical dimension beneath the waveguide, rather than placing them horizontally in the user's field of view. This dimensional repositioning allows the components to be hidden from the driver's direct line of sight while still functioning effectively. The waveguide's transparency enables the camera to capture images through it, and the light source to illuminate without being visible, all within a compact vertical footprint.
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 space requirements, lowers manufacturing costs, enhances image quality by compensating for windshield distortions, and enables interactive content adjustment based on the driver's position, while improving energy efficiency and visibility.
Implementation Method 1
using a waveguide for projecting light via a mirror into a user's eye to generate a virtual image
Implementation Method 2
the optical system is formed not by conventional mirrors and/or lenses, but from special holographic layers
Implementation Method 3
The IR LEDs are illuminating the area where the driver shall be, while his/her body is reflecting this IR lighting back to the IR camera
Implementation Method 4
Usually infrared or ultraviolet light is used, so that the driver not only does not see the light source but also is not disturbed by the light emitted by this light source
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to a Head-Up-Display, especially for use in a vehicle.According to the invention such Head-Up-Display is using a waveguide (101) for projecting light via a mirror (108) into a user's eye (110) to generate a virtual image VI. A camera (106) is placed below the waveguide (101).