Multi-focus heads-up display using single picture generator unit

摘要

Apparatus and methods are described for creating multiple different heads-up display (HUD) images at different apparent distances from a viewer using a single picture generator. First and second images are generated using respective first and second subsets of modulating elements of an array of image pixel modulating elements of a spatial light modulator. Light from the first and second images is directed along respective first and second optical paths onto a transparent display surface to form respective first and second virtual images at different apparent distances within a field of view of a viewer looking through the display surface. In a described example, the modulating elements are micromirrors of a digital micromirror device (DMD) and optical elements of the respective optical paths are relatively movable to set relative path lengths.

主权项

1. A method for creating multiple different heads-up display images at different apparent distances from a viewer, comprising:
generating a first image using a first subset of modulating elements of an array of image pixel modulating elements of a spatial light modulator; generating a second image using a second subset of modulating elements of the array of image pixel modulating elements of the spatial light modulator, the second subset of modulating elements separated from the first subset of modulating elements, such that the second image is separately generated from the first image; directing light from the first image along a first optical path onto a transparent display surface to form a first virtual image at a first apparent distance within a field of view of a viewer looking through the display surface; directing light from the second image along a second optical path, shorter than the first optical path, onto the transparent display surface to form a second virtual image at a second apparent distance within the field of view of the viewer looking through the display surface.