DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates in general to a heads up display (HUD) for a vehicle, in particular but not exclusively to a method and a system for information display on the HUD screen of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventionally, a heads-up display (HUD) is provided on automobiles. The HUD includes a projector configured to project the information displayed on the instrument cluster on the projector. In a projection-type HUD, the image source is projected on the windshield/windscreen of the vehicle. The windshield may or may not be planer surface. Therefore, the image displayed on the windshield may vary or appear distorted.
SUMMARY
[0003] In an aspect of the present invention, a method for display of information on heads up display screen is disclosed. The method comprises of receiving, by a controller, an input from the rider for activating HUD mode. Based on the input from the rider, activating, by the controller, the HUD mode. The controller then determines inclination angle between HUD screen and display unit of instrument cluster. The controller determines pixel offset values for each pixel of image displayed on instrument cluster based on inclination angle between HUD screen and instrument cluster. Based on the pixel offset values, resizing of the image displayed on instrument cluster is carried out by the controller, by applying determined pixel offset values to each pixel. Thereafter, the resized image is inverted on instrument cluster, by the controller, based on one or more image processing techniques. Lastly, the controller projects a non-inverted view of resized image on HUD screen. As per an alternate embodiment, the desired angle of inclination between the HUD screen and the display unit is provided by a rider as an input.
[0004] In an aspect of the present invention a method for display of information on heads up display screen is comprising receiving, by a controller, an input from the rider for activating HUD mode. Based on the input from the rider, activating, by the controller, HUD mode. The controller then is receiving input, by the from the rider, for desired inclination angle between HUD screen and display unit of instrument cluster. Based on the input from the rider, the controller is determining desired inclination angle between HUD screen and display unit of instrument cluster. The controller is determining pixel offset values for each pixel of image displayed on instrument cluster based on inclination angle between HUD screen and instrument cluster. Based on the pixel offset values, resizing image displayed on instrument cluster, by the controller, by applying determined pixel offset values to each pixel. Thereafter, the resized image is inverted on instrument cluster, by the controller, based on one or more image processing techniques. Lastly, the controller is projecting non-inverted view of resized image on HUD screen.
[0005] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the present invention discloses an instrument cluster. The instrument cluster comprises : a display unit for displaying an image and a controller is communicatively coupled with the instrument cluster. The controller is configured to be coupled with a heads-up display screen. The controller is configured to receive, an input from a rider to activate a HUD mode. The controller activates the HUD mode based on the input from the rider. The controller determines desired inclination angle between the HUD screen and the instrument display unit of the instrument cluster. The controller determines pixel offset values for each pixel of an image displayed on the display unit of the instrument cluster. The controller resizes image displayed on the display unit of the instrument cluster based on determined pixel offset values. The controller inverts resized image on the display unit of the instrument cluster based on one or more image processing techniques, and projects a non-inverted view of the resized image on the HUD screen.
[0006] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the present subject matter and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present subject matter will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0007] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the method and system for information display on HUD screen, in accordance with the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present subject matter will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present subject matter. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the vehicle with a rider sitting thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a vertical axis refers to a top to bottom axis relative to the vehicle, defining a vehicle vertical direction; while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral direction. Further, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, defining the vehicle in a longitudinal direction. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a two wheeled straddle type vehicle having method and system for information display on a windscreen of a vehicle with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a rear view of a steering assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Figure 2 illustrates an instrument cluster, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the steering assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram representing operation of the steering assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Figure 5 illustrates a method of information display on a heads-up display (HUD) screen, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] Figure 6 illustrates a method of information display on the HUD screen, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00015] Conventionally, a HUD is implemented in vehicles by providing a separate projector which is configured to electronically receive information from an instrument cluster and display on itself. However, such HUD’s require a specialized projector screen which increase the cost of the vehicle. Additionally, such HUD arrangement may not suit all types of riders. In vehicles such as cars, the seat of the driver is adjustable, which allows the driver of different heights to view the HUD at a best or desired viewing direction by adjusting their seat.
[00016] However, in two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles, seat adjustment feature may not be available. In such scenario, rider with different height or seating posture have different requirements for viewing the HUD.
[00017] Another problem pertaining to HUD is displaying of the image on a non-planer projector. Various known HUD have attempted to resolve this problem. As per few known methods, display device is provided by which an image is projected on the windshield from the image source. In known methods, image superposition is achieved on the windscreen by creating a virtual image of the original image. In such systems, the image distortion is reduced by distorting the image to be super positioned in advance and displaying the distorted image on the display source so that distortion arisen in the virtual image is cancelled out when the rider views such image on a non-flat/non-planer surface.
[00018] In another known HUD, a special wedge-shaped intermediate layer is used on the windscreen to change the geometry of the glass and provide optical correction needed for image reflection.
[00019] In another known HUD, a projector is provided which is configured to project distorted image onto the non-planar surface through a warp image circuitry. The warp image circuitry calculates the distances for moving coordinates of a portion of pixels within the image data. The portion of pixels is divided in vertices of polygons. After calculation of the distances between the polygon shaped coordinates, the circuitry calculates amount of distortion to be introduced into polygon sections of the image data on the non-planar surface. Thereafter, a core region is decided on the non-planar surface on which the image would be displayed.
[00020] However, all of the existing HUD depend on a specific type of projector. In two wheeled vehicles, provision of such specialized projector is not feasible. In cars due to availability of a large windscreen more area is available to project the image. Also, while determining the area to display, division in polygons is possible. However, in two wheeled vehicles, such flexibility is not available. Here providing a large or special windscreen is not possible due to economic and layout space constraints in addition to ergonomic restrictions and undesirable air drag dynamics. Also, for ensuring safety of the rider, a windscreen has to be provided which cannot be replaced by a large sized projector screen. None of the existing HUD cater to the necessities of a two wheeled vehicle.
[00021] Therefore, there is a need to provide a HUD which does not increase the cost of the vehicle much and neither disturbs the layout of the two wheeled vehicles.
[00022] The present invention aims to provide HUD for a two wheeled and three wheeled vehicles wherein the windscreen is not replaced. Also, the image is visible to the rider on the windscreen without distortions.
[00023] Another objective of the present invention is to ensure that the rider is able to adjust the image projection as per their height and posture requirements.
[00024] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00025] Figure 1 illustrates a partial rear view of a steering assembly (100) of a straddle type two wheeled vehicle. The steering assembly is positioned in a front portion of the two wheeled vehicle. As per the illustrated figure, the steering assembly (100) includes a handle bar (105) for steering a front wheel (not shown) of the two wheeled vehicle. The steering assembly (100) also includes an instrument cluster (103), a windscreen (101), one or more switches (104) and one or more rear view mirrors (106). The instrument cluster (103) includes a display unit (102) which displays information regarding various vehicle parameters. The windscreen (101) protects the instrument cluster and a rider from frontward winds directly hitting the face of the rider or prevent solid particles to hit the instrument cluster and the rider directly.
[00026] In a preferred embodiment, the windscreen (101) act as a projecting surface for a heads-up display (HUD) mode to display vehicle information from the display unit (102) by projecting it on the windscreen (101).
[00027] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the instrument cluster (103). As per an embodiment of the present invention, the positioning of the instrument cluster (103) can be adjusted through one or more input providing means. The one or more input means may be mechanical means, hydraulic means, electronic means or gesture based. As per an embodiment represented through illustrated image an adjustment mechanism (107) is provided. The switching mechanism (107) is also referred as a rotating switch (107). The switching mechanism (107) is a mechanical adjuster which manages the tilting of the instrument cluster (103). The display unit (102) covers a substantial area of the instrument cluster (103). The rotating switch (107) is provided on one side of the instrument cluster (103) which controls the positioning of the instrument cluster (103). As per the preferred embodiment, the inclination of the instrument cluster (103) from the steering assembly (100) can be adjusted through the rotating switch (107).
[00028] In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism (107) comprises a hole, the hole being capable of enabling a step-based tilting of the instrument cluster (103).
[00029] In another embodiment, the adjustment mechanism (107) comprises a hole, the hole being capable of enabling a hydraulic tilting of the instrument cluster (103).
[00030] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the steering assembly (100). As per an embodiment illustrated in figure 3, the axis of the windscreen (101) is disposed at an angle (a) away from the axis X passing through the display surface of the display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103) where axis X being along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The angle (a) represent the angular distance between the display unit (102) and the windscreen (101).
[00031] Figure 4 illustrates a block diagram representing operation of the steering assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As per the illustrated embodiment, the steering assembly (100) comprises a HUD screen (101) or a windscreen (101), a controller (108) and an instrument cluster (103). The display unit (102) is a part of the instrument cluster (103). As per an embodiment, the controller (108) is communicatively coupled with the HUD screen (101) and the instrument cluster (103). The rider inputs are transmitted to the controller through plurality of means. The rider may directly transmit his inputs to the controller (108) through one or more switches (104). In another embodiment, the rider transmits his inputs directly to the controller through audio commands. In another embodiment, the rider transmits inputs to the controller through predetermined commands through the instrument cluster (103). The predetermined commands may include gestures, selection of commands on the instrument cluster or any other like predetermined command. Similarly, the rider may adjust the HUD screen (101) manually which would change the inclination angle between the HUD screen (101) and the display unit (102).
[00032] Figure 5 illustrates a method of information display on a heads-up display (HUD) screen (101), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The illustrated embodiment represents a method for display of information on heads up display screen (101) comprising following steps. At step 201, the controller (108) is receiving an input from the rider for activating HUD mode. The input from the rider may be received by an audio command, a gesture-based command, a switch operated command, a hand operated command or a like command. The input may be selected by the rider manually or the input may be received as per predetermined commands. The predetermined commands include, different preadjusted profiles for different riders. In such preadjusted profiles, different inclination angle between the HUD screen (101) and the display unit (102) may be selected for different riders. Similarly, different display unit configuration may be selected for different profiles or the display unit (102) may be configured as per the weather, atmospheric light or other natural conditions. At step 201A, the controller activates HUD mode based on input received. At step 202, the controller (108) determines inclination angle between the HUD screen (101) and the display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103). At step 203, the controller (108) determines pixel offset values for each pixel of image displayed on the instrument cluster (103) based on inclination angle between the HUD screen (101) and the instrument cluster (103). A step 204, the controller (108)resizes image displayed on the instrument cluster (103) by applying determined pixel offset values to each pixel. The resizing of the image is pertinent due to different shape and size of the HUD screen (101) and the display unit (103) of the instrument cluster (103). At step 205, the controller (108) inverts resized image on the instrument cluster (103) based on one or more image processing techniques. At step 206, the controller (108) projects a non-inverted view of resized image on the HUD screen (101).
[00033] Figure 6 illustrates a method of information display on the HUD screen (101), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 6 illustrates a method for display of information on the heads up display screen (101) comprising following steps. At step 201, the controller (108) receives an input from the rider for the activating HUD mode. The input from the rider may be received by an audio command, a gesture-based command, a switch operated command, a hand operated command or a like command. At step 201A, the controller (108) activates HUD mode based on input from the rider received at step 201. At step 202A, the controller (108) receives the input from the rider, for desired inclination angle between the HUD screen (101) and the display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103). The input from the rider may be received by an audio command, a gesture-based command, a switch operated command, a hand operated command or a like command. At step 202B, the controller (108) determines desired inclination angle between the HUD screen (101) and the display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103). At step 203, the controller (108) determines pixel offset values for each pixel of image displayed on the instrument cluster (103) based on inclination angle between the HUD screen (101) and the instrument cluster (103). A step 204, the controller (108) resizes image displayed on the instrument cluster (103) by applying determined pixel offset values to each pixel. The resizing of the image is pertinent due to different shape and size of the HUD screen (101) and the display unit (103) of the instrument cluster (103). At step 205, the controller (108) inverts resized image on the instrument cluster (103) based on one or more image processing techniques. At step 206, the controller (108) projects non-inverted view of resized image on the HUD screen (101).
[00034] The claimed steps as discussed herein are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies.
[00035] Prior to the present invention, a separate projector was used. But as per an embodiment of the present invention, the windscreen itself act as a HUD screen. Also, prior to the present invention, the projector screen was provided by the vehicle manufacturer, whereas the rider had no control. While, every rider has different requirements as per their height and seating posture. Therefore, the present invention discloses a HUD which is configured as per angle of inclination between the display unit of the instrument cluster and HUD screen. Also, the present invention provides an advantage that each of the pixels of the image displayed on the display unit is determined as per offset values determined based on angle of inclination between the HUD screen and the display unit. Based on the pixel offset values the image is resized. The configuration enables rider to have a personalized HUD configuration.
[00036] Also, the rider can give inputs through audio command, a gesture-based command, a switch operated command, a hand operated command or a like command. The provision of above-mentioned command channels enables the rider to have a comfortable experience in riding. Additionally, the image inversion is carried through one or more image processing techniques comprising one of a vertical image inversion, a horizontal image inversion, a simultaneous horizontal and vertical image inversion and a like image inversion technique. The configuration regarding image inversion enables rider to utilize horizontal inversion or vertical inversion together or individually based on the requirement and the manner the rider wants the information to be displayed.
[00037] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Rather, the features are disclosed as embodiments of the present subject matter.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

100: Steering Assembly
101: HUD Screen/Windscreen
102: Display Unit
103: Instrument Cluster
104: One or more switches
105: Handlebar
106: One or more rear view mirrors
107: Adjustment Mechanism/Rotating Switch
108: Controller

,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A method for display of information on a Heads Up display (HUD) screen (101) for a two or three wheeled vehicle, the vehicle including an instrument cluster (103), the instrument cluster (103) having a HUD screen (101) and a display unit (102), the method comprising steps of:
receiving, by a controller (108), an input for activating heads up display (HUD) mode (step 201);
activating, by the controller (108), the HUD mode (Step 201A);
determining, by the controller (108), inclination angle (a) between the HUD screen (101) and the display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103) (Step 202);
determining, by the controller (108), pixel offset values for each pixel of an image displayed on the instrument cluster (103) based on the inclination angle between the HUD screen (101) and the instrument cluster (103) (Step 203);
resizing, by the controller (108), the image displayed on the instrument cluster (103) by applying determined pixel offset values to each pixel (204);
inverting, by the controller (108) the resized image, and displaying the inverted resized image on the instrument cluster (108) based on a one or more image processing techniques (step 205); and
projecting, by the controller (108), non-inverted view of the inverted resized image on the HUD screen (101).
2. A method for display of information on a Heads Up display (HUD) screen (101) for a two or three wheeled vehicle, the vehicle including an instrument cluster (103), the instrument cluster (103) having a HUD screen (101) and a display unit (102), the method comprising steps of:
receiving, by a controller (108), an input from the rider for activating HUD mode (step 201);
activating, by the controller (108), HUD mode (step 201A);
receiving input, by the controller (108), from the rider, for desired inclination angle between a HUD screen (101) and a display unit (102) of a instrument cluster (103) (202A);
determining, by the controller (108), desired inclination angle between the HUD screen (101) and the display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103) (step 202B);
determining, by the controller (108), pixel offset values for each pixel of image displayed on the instrument cluster (103) based on inclination angle between HUD screen and the instrument cluster (103) (step 203);
resizing by the controller (108), image displayed on the instrument cluster (103), by applying determined pixel offset values to each pixel (step 204);
inverting by the controller (108), resized image on the instrument cluster (103), based on one or more image processing techniques (step 205); and
projecting non-inverted view of resized image, by the controller (108), on the HUD screen (101) (step 206).
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input received by the controller (108) for activating HUD mode (step 201) is based on a predetermined command by the rider.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein input received by the controller (108) for activating HUD mode (201) being based on a manual command from the rider, the manual command comprises one or more of: an audio command, a gesture-based command, a switch operated command, and a hand operated command.
5. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein input received by the controller (108) for inclination angle between the HUD screen (101) and the display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103) is based on a manual command from the rider, the manual command comprises one or more of: an audio command, a gesture-based command, a switch operated command, and a hand operated command.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more image processing techniques comprises one of a vertical image inversion, horizontal image inversion, simultaneous horizontal and vertical image inversion.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, the method comprises rotating the instrument cluster (103) based on receiving input from the rider, wherein the non-inverted view projected on the HUD screen (101) being adapted based on the rotation of the instrument cluster (103).

8. An instrument cluster (103)comprising:
a display unit (102) for displaying an image;
a controller (108), the controller (108) being communicatively coupled with the instrument cluster (103), and a heads-up display (HUD) screen (101),
wherein the controller (108) being configured for:
receiving an input from a rider for activating a HUD mode,
activating the HUD mode based on the input from the rider,
determining desired inclination angle (a) between the HUD screen (101) and the instrument display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103),
determining , pixel offset values for each pixel of an image displayed on the display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103),
resizing the image displayed on the display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103) based on determined pixel offset values,
inverting the resized image on the display unit (102) of the instrument cluster (103) based on one or more image processing techniques, and
projecting a non-inverted view of the resized image on the HUD screen (101).
9. The instrument cluster (103) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the heads-up display screen (101) comprises a windscreen.
10. The instrument cluster (103) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the instrument cluster (103) comprises a slot on a first side of the instrument cluster (103) for accommodate an adjustment mechanism (107), the adjustment mechanism (107) being configured to tilt the instrument cluster (103).
11. The instrument cluster (103) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the adjustment mechanism (107) comprises a hole, the hole being capable of enabling a step-based tilting of the instrument cluster (103).
12. The instrument cluster (103) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the adjustment mechanism (107) comprises a hole, the hole being capable of enabling a hydraulic tilting of the instrument cluster (103).
13. The instrument cluster (103) as claimed in claim 8, wherein instrument cluster being mounted on a steering assembly (100) of a two or three wheeled vehicle, the steering assembly (100) comprises a plurality of switches (104), the plurality of switches (104) being configured to provide a user input to the controller (108).
14. The instrument cluster (103) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the instrument cluster (103) being configured to be rotated by the controller (108).
15. The instrument cluster (103)) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the instrument cluster (103) being configured to be rotated by a rider command.