Windshield Display Obstruction Detection for Recessed HUD Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reflective display systems in vehicles, such as PHUD, suffer from foreign objects obscuring display images due to their placement on the instrument panel, making safety-relevant information invisible and difficult to detect.

Innovation Solution

A reflective display system with a detection sensor system that includes image capture sensors and brightness sensors to detect foreign objects on the display surface by analyzing display properties and comparing them with expected characteristics, signaling a fault if obstruction is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the display unit is placed in a recess on the instrument panel to prevent direct glare, then driver eye safety is improved, but foreign objects can obscure the display image without being readily visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect glare to driver eyesVSAvoiddisplay image obscured by foreign objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses detection sensors to continuously monitor the display surface for foreign objects and provides feedback to the control unit, which then alerts the driver through visual or acoustic signals. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to detect and respond to obstructions that would otherwise go unnoticed in the recessed display configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces detection sensors as an intermediary element between the display unit and the environment. These sensors act as mediators that detect foreign objects on the display surface and transmit this information to the control unit, enabling indirect monitoring of the display surface without requiring direct visual inspection by the driver.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If a cover glass is used to protect the display surface, then display protection is improved, but new reflections of ambient light are created that impair image perceptibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay surface protectionVSAvoidambient light reflections
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the protective function from a physical cover glass and implements it through a software-based detection and alert system. By removing the cover glass element, the system eliminates the source of problematic reflections while maintaining protection through active monitoring and driver notification of foreign objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the display is positioned to be invisible from the normal visual position to prevent direct viewing, then glare is reduced, but foreign objects lying in the optical path are not detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect light to eyesVSAvoidforeign object detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from two-dimensional visual detection by the driver to three-dimensional sensing using detection sensors positioned in different spatial locations. This dimensional change allows the sensors to detect foreign objects on the display surface from angles and positions not visible to the driver, enabling detection without compromising the invisible display design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Automated detection of foreign objects on the display surface, ensuring visibility of safety-relevant information by alerting occupants to display obstructions.

Implementation Method 1

The display is reflected on the inside of the windshield, allowing the reflected image to be perceived by a vehicle occupant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4337487B1Method and device for operating a windshield display system with a covered display detection, and windshield display system
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4337487B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4337487B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a reflection display system for displaying a display image for a vehicle occupant of a motor vehicle by reflecting the display image on a windshield, comprising: - a display unit which is designed to display the display image on a display surface; - a detection sensor system for detecting the displayed display image on the display surface; and - a control unit which is designed to actuate the display unit for displaying purposes, ascertain detection information on the basis of the detected displayed display image, ascertain the presence of a foreign object on the display surface of the display unit on the basis of the displayed display image and on the basis of the detection information, and signal a disruption of the display if the presence of a foreign object on the display surface of the display unit has been ascertained.