Windshield Projection Screen With Eye-Tracked Distortion Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicular displays face challenges in increasing size without obstructing the driver's view and providing effective user experience due to the transparency of windshields, which causes light distortion and reduced luminance of projected images.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a projector and eye tracking sensor that refracts light to correct image distortion based on the driver's gaze direction, using a transparent screen with inclination angle patterns to direct light towards the driver, and a processor for image warping to ensure clear visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a projector is used to display images on the windshield, then the display size is increased and driver view is maintained, but light distortion and reduced luminance occur due to windshield transparency
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent screen is introduced as an intermediary between the projector and the windshield. The screen is positioned closer to the projector and designed with specific optical properties to maintain image luminance while allowing the driver to see through it. This intermediary surface solves the problem of light distortion by providing a dedicated projection surface that doesn't have the same transparency issues as the windshield itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent screen has different optical properties in different regions - it is designed to be more opaque in the projection area to maintain luminance, while remaining transparent in areas where driver visibility is needed. This local variation in optical properties allows simultaneous achievement of high luminance in the display area and clear view through the windshield area.
2Manufacturing precision
If lower power projection is used to prevent light transmission to exterior and reduce distortion, then distortion is reduced, but luminance and visibility are diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent screen acts as an intermediary that allows higher power projection without the harmful effects of light transmission to the exterior. The screen is designed to reflect and redirect light back toward the driver while blocking transmission through the windshield. This enables the use of higher projection power to maintain luminance while the screen prevents the distortion and light transmission issues that would occur with direct windshield projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the projection surface from the windshield (external dimension) to an internal transparent screen positioned within the vehicle cabin. This dimensional change allows the projection system to operate independently from the windshield's optical properties, enabling higher power projection with controlled light paths that prevent exterior transmission while maintaining high luminance on the display surface.
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 visibility and user experience by providing a high-luminance, high-resolution image on the windshield without obstructing the driver's view, improving aesthetics and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent screen, attached to at least a part of the windshield, and configured to refract light of a projection towards a driver of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and method are disclosed. The electronic device includes a transparent screen, attached to at least a part of the windshield, and configured to refract light of a projection towards a driver of the vehicle, a projector configured to project an image onto the transparent screen, an eye tracking sensor configured to detect a gaze direction of the driver by tracking left and right eyes of the driver, a memory storing a program including one or more instructions for controlling the electronic device, a processor. The processor implements the method, including: altering the image projected onto the transparent screen based at least on the detected gaze direction, to correct distortion of the image as perceivable by the driver when the image is projected onto the transparent screen.