Windshield Virtual Display Optics for Multifocal 3D HUD Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D display technologies, such as VR and AR headsets, often cause eye strain, nausea, and fatigue due to increased bulk and optical aberrations, and lack effective methods for producing immersive, multifocal images without requiring gaze redirection.
Innovation Solution
Integrated virtual display systems that utilize ambient light and field evolving cavities to create monocular and multifocal images, allowing for immersive 3D displays with adjustable monocular depth and reduced eye strain, using optical elements like field evolving cavities, modulation matrices, and ambient light sensors to enhance image quality and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If series of refractive elements are used to produce virtual images at depth behind the display device, then the image depth perception is improved, but the device bulk and optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refractive elements from the traditional headset-mounted configuration and relocates them to the windshield or dashboard surface. This separation allows the optical functionality to be maintained while eliminating the bulk from the user-worn device, transferring the volume to the vehicle's existing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional volumetric display approach to a two-dimensional surface display on the windshield. By using the windshield surface as the display medium and projecting light patterns onto it, the system achieves depth perception through optical illusions rather than physical depth, effectively moving the problem from the depth dimension to the surface dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional VR/AR display technologies are used, then immersive 3D images are produced, but eye strain, nausea, and fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the windshield as an intermediary medium between the light source and the user's eyes. Instead of placing displays directly in front of the eyes (which causes strain), the system projects images onto the windshield, which then acts as a natural viewing surface. This intermediary approach leverages the existing windshield structure to provide a comfortable viewing distance and angle, eliminating the need for users to maintain fixed gazes at close-range displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing windshield and ambient lighting conditions as self-service resources. By adapting to the natural light environment and using the windshield's inherent properties for light reflection and projection, the system eliminates the need for additional heavy optical components and active gaze-redirection mechanisms that cause fatigue in traditional VR/AR systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If ambient light is used as the light source, then energy consumption is reduced, but control over image quality and consistency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic light source selection system that automatically adapts between ambient light and active backlighting based on environmental conditions. The system monitors ambient light levels and adjusts the illumination strategy in real-time, using ambient light when sufficient and switching to active backlighting when needed, thereby maintaining image quality consistency while minimizing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the illumination parameters dynamically based on ambient light conditions. By adjusting the intensity, color temperature, and activation state of the backlight according to the measured ambient light levels, the system maintains consistent image quality across varying environmental conditions while optimizing energy usage to match the actual lighting requirements.
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 system provides immersive, fatigue-free 3D displays with adjustable depth perception, enhancing user experience by minimizing eye strain and enabling interactive, multifocal images using ambient light and optical engineering techniques.
Implementation Method 1
an optical component called a field evolving cavity, which folds light back and forth for multiple round trips with the cavity, to make the light source appear farther from the viewer
Implementation Method 2
A series of refractive elements can produce such an image
Implementation Method 3
Electronic circuitry measures the ambient light and provides signaling to the display system
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a display system comprises a set of reflective or semi-reflective elements. A display emits light such that one portion of the light travels a first path through the display system, and another portion travels a second path, which includes a reflection from a windshield. The two portions form virtual images that are simultaneously viewable in a headbox. In some embodiments, the source of light that forms the image is an ambient source, and the display system is at least in part a sunlight-driven display system. In some embodiments, virtual images have a monocular depth that is far from a viewer. In some embodiments, the virtual images are closer to a viewer, and a gesture camera captures information about gestures made by a viewer, said gestures modifying the virtual images or some property or dynamics of the vehicle.