Windshield HUD Optical Layout for Compact Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-up display (HUD) systems face challenges in miniaturization while maintaining high visibility and reducing distortion and aberration of virtual images, requiring larger apparatus sizes and increased complexity due to the need for multiple mirrors and complex optical path arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An information display apparatus using a concave mirror with a concave surface and a transmissive optical element with a concave surface, optimizing the shape and position of the optical element to correct distortion and aberration, and arranging the video display apparatus to incline relative to the optical axis, thereby forming virtual images with high visibility and reducing the overall size of the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the object point is caused to approach the focal point to enlarge the virtual image, then the magnification increases, but the radius of curvature of the concave mirror becomes smaller, resulting in a smaller mirror size and a reduced effectively viewable range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical path folding mirror to fold the optical path, effectively increasing the optical distance without increasing the physical footprint of the apparatus. This allows achieving the required magnification and viewable range while maintaining a compact mirror size suitable for vehicle installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the radius of curvature and focal length parameters of the concave mirror to achieve the desired balance between magnification and viewable range. By carefully selecting these optical parameters, the system attains adequate image enlargement while preserving sufficient mirror area for an acceptable field of view.
2Measurement precision
If the distance from the concave mirror to the virtual image becomes larger to obtain desired magnification, then the magnification improves, but the dimension of the information display apparatus becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path folding mirror redirects the light path at an angle, effectively creating a longer optical path within a shorter physical space. This allows the virtual image to be formed at the required distance for proper magnification while keeping the overall apparatus compact enough for vehicle installation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the dimension between the video display apparatus and the concave mirror is increased to reduce distortion, then the image quality improves, but the apparatus size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the optical path, the system achieves the necessary separation distance between the video display apparatus and the concave mirror for optimal image quality and minimal distortion, while maintaining a compact overall apparatus volume suitable for vehicle installation.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple mirrors and complex optical path arrangements are used to correct distortion and aberration, then the image quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple optical elements into a more integrated configuration. The optical path folding mirror serves both to compact the apparatus and to contribute to the correction of optical aberrations, reducing the need for separate correction elements and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave mirror is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: forming the virtual image, providing magnification, and contributing to the correction of distortion and aberration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated correction elements, thereby simplifying the optical system.
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 enables the formation of virtual images with reduced distortion and aberration, achieving miniaturization of the HUD system while maintaining high image quality and visibility for drivers.
Implementation Method 1
a concave mirror with a concave surface... reflecting light emitted from the flat panel display
Implementation Method 2
a transmissive optical element with a concave surface, optimizing the shape and position of the optical element to correct distortion and aberration
Data Source
AI summary
A small information display apparatus capable of displaying video information on a windshield as a virtual image is provided. An information display apparatus configured to display video information of a virtual image on a windshield of a conveyance includes: a liquid crystal panel arranged as a video display apparatus configured to form the video information; and a virtual image optical system provided with a windshield for displaying the virtual image at a front of the conveyance by reflecting video of the liquid crystal panel by means of the windshield. The virtual image optical system is configured by arranging a concave mirror and an optical element between the concave mirror and the video display apparatus.