HEADS-UP DISPLAY VISOR DEVICE FOR AN AUTOMOBILE

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a heads-up display visor for a vehicle, such as an automobile, to provide driver assistance information to the driver. Features include a display screen that is sized and positioned relative to the driver's conventional sun visor, so as to eliminate the need to project images onto the windshield and/or to have a projector located on the vehicle dashboard. In certain embodiments, the heads-up display visor is portable, and is affixed to the driver's conventional sun visor by a clip, thereby allowing a driver to move the device from one vehicle to another.

Claims

1. A heads-up display visor for a vehicle comprising: a display screen comprising a rigid transparent screen upon which driver assistance information may be projected and reflected so that the driver assistance information is perceivable by a driver; a microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is operably connected to a battery; a projector; wherein the projector is operably connected to the battery; wherein the projector is operably connected to the microprocessor such that the microprocessor can transmit driver assistance information data to the projector; wherein the projector is capable of converting the driver assistance information data into a projection image of driver assistance information, and the projector is configured such that it projects the projection image of driver assistance information onto the display screen; a first connector member, hingedly connected to the display screen; a second connector member, connected to the first connector member; a clip, connected to the second connector member; wherein the clip is configured to removably attach the heads-up display visor to a conventional vehicle sun visor.

2. The heads-up display visor of claim 1 wherein the display screen comprises an emissive projector film applied to a rigid transparent substrate.

3. The heads-up display visor of claim 2 wherein the rigid transparent substrate comprises Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).

4. The heads-up display visor of claim 1 wherein the projector has a light source with a light source brightness output power of about 2 watts.

5. The heads-up display visor of claim 1 wherein the first connector member and the second connector member are connected such that the first connector member may extend outwardly from the second connector member by telescoping.

6. The heads-up display visor of claim 1 further comprising: a motion sensor, operatively connected to the microprocessor; wherein the motion sensor is aligned to sense motion that occurs beyond the driver's peripheral line of sight, wherein the peripheral line of sight is more than 45 degrees away from the driver's forward line of sight; wherein the microprocessor is operatively configured such that, upon receiving a motion detection signal from the motion sensor, the microprocessor will cause a visual warning signal to appear on the display screen to warn the driver about a hazard beyond the driver's peripheral line of sight.

7. The heads-up display visor of claim 1 wherein the projection image of driver assistance information comprises one or more of vehicle speed information, vehicle performance information, engine condition, tire condition, tachometer information, environmental conditions, heating and air conditioner settings, entertainment conditions, stereo settings, navigation information, maps, turn-by-turn directions, interface information with other devices, interface information to a smartphone, connectivity information, connectivity to a Bluetooth headset, connectivity to a voice command system, driving condition warnings, an indication that the road is slippery, an indication that a collision is imminent or an indication that the brakes should be applied.

8. The heads-up display visor of claim 1 wherein the battery is rechargeable.

9. The heads-up display visor of claim 8, and wherein the battery is operably connected to a solar cell for recharging.

10. The heads-up display visor of claim 8, further comprising a USB charging port, and wherein the battery is operably connected to the USB charging port for recharging.

11. The heads-up display visor of claim 1 further comprising an RFID capable emergency button.

12. The heads-up display visor of claim 1, wherein the display screen further comprises a ultra-violet (UV) light sensitive material and wherein upon exposure to UV light, the UV light sensitive material darkens to act as a sunscreen for the driver, and wherein upon a reduction in the intensity of the UV light exposure, the UV light sensitive material lightens.

13. The heads-up display visor of claim 1, further comprising a radio antenna and a processor sufficient to provide Bluetooth connectivity.

14. The heads-up display visor of claim 1, further comprising a microphone and a processor sufficient to provide voice command capability.

15. The heads-up display visor of claim 1, further comprising a digital camera and a processor sufficient to provide facial recognition capability to identify the driver as the owner of the heads-up display visor.

16. The heads-up display visor of claim 1, further comprising a blood pressure reader.

17. The heads-up display visor of claim 1, wherein the display screen comprises dimensions of no more than about twelve inches wide and five inches high, such that when in use, the display screen is inside the driver's peripheral line of vision.

18. A heads-up display visor comprising: a display screen comprising a rigid transparent screen upon which driver assistance information may be displayed; a microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is operably connected to a power source, and wherein the microprocessor is operably connected to the display screen so as to cause the screen to display driver assistance information; a first connector member, hingedly connected to the display screen; a second connector member, connected to the first connector member; a clip; wherein the second connector member is connected to the clip; a battery; wherein the clip is connected to the second connector member and is further configured to removably attach the heads-up display visor to a conventional vehicle sun visor, such that the heads-up display visor is not permanently attached to a vehicle and is portable.

19. The heads-up display visor of claim 18 wherein the screen comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.

20. The heads-up display visor of claim 18 wherein the screen comprises a light emitting diode (LED) screen.

21. A heads-up display visor comprising: a display screen comprising a rigid transparent screen upon which driver assistance information may be displayed; a microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor is operably connected to a power source, and wherein the microprocessor is operably connected to the display screen so as to cause the screen to display driver assistance information; a first connector member, hingedly connected to the display screen; a second connector member, connected to the first connector member; wherein the second connector member is connected to the conventional sun visor of a vehicle.

22. The heads-up display visor of claim 21 wherein the heads-up display visor is integral to the conventional sun visor of a vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] In the descriptions that follow, like parts or steps are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an automobile, in the daylight, with an embodiment of the disclosed HUD Visor deployed in the driver's field of vision;

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an automobile, at night, with an embodiment of the disclosed HUD Visor deployed in the driver's field of vision;

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a side of an automobile, in the daylight, with an embodiment of the disclosed HUD Visor clipped to the existing automobile visor, and the HUD screen deployed in the driver's field of vision;

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic front view of an embodiment of the disclosed HUD Visor, which is built into the driver's automobile visor, and with the HUD screen in a closed position so that it is retracted into the driver's automobile visor;

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic front view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a deployed position;

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic front view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a second deployed position, suitable for drivers of shorter stature;

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic side view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a closed and retracted position;

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic side view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a first intermediate partially extended position, as it would be at an early point in the deployment process;

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic side view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a second intermediate partially extended position, as it would be at an a next point in the deployment process;

[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic side view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a third intermediate partially extended position, as it would be at an a next point in the deployment process immediately prior to swiveling downward, and further includes a magnified section showing further detail of the connection between the HUD screen and the main visor structure;

[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic side view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a first deployed position, as it would be used by taller drivers, with the HUD screen swiveled downward, and further includes a magnified section showing further detail of the connection between the HUD screen and the main visor structure;

[0040] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic side view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a second deployed position, as it would be used by shorter drivers, with the HUD screen swiveled downward, and further includes a magnified section showing further detail of the connection between the HUD screen and the main visor structure;

[0041] FIG. 13 illustrates a driver's view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a closed and retracted position in the main visor structure;

[0042] FIG. 14 illustrates a driver's view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a first intermediate partially extended position, corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 8;

[0043] FIG. 15 illustrates a driver's view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a second intermediate partially extended position, corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 9;

[0044] FIG. 16 illustrates a driver's view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a with the HUD screen in a third intermediate partially extended position, corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 10;

[0045] FIG. 17 illustrates a driver's view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, with the HUD screen in a with the HUD screen in a first deployed position, corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 11;

[0046] FIG. 18 illustrates a schematic top view of a second embodiment of the disclosed HUD Visor, which is removably affixed to the driver's automobile visor, and with the HUD screen in a closed position so that it is closed generally parallel to the driver's automobile visor;

[0047] FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic front view of the removable HUD Visor of FIG. 18, with the HUD screen in a first deployed position for taller drivers;

[0048] FIG. 20 illustrates a schematic front view of the removable HUD Visor of FIG. 18, with the HUD screen in a second deployed position for shorter drivers;

[0049] FIG. 21 illustrates a schematic side view of the removable HUD Visor of FIG. 18, with the HUD screen in a closed position that is generally parallel to the driver's automobile visor, and a separate call-out illustration of a schematic side view of the HUD Visor attachment clip;

[0050] FIG. 22 illustrates a schematic side view of the removable HUD Visor of FIG. 18, with the HUD screen in a deployed position that is generally perpendicular to the driver's automobile visor, so that it is in the driver's field of vision, and a separate call-out illustration of a schematic side view of the HUD Visor attachment clip;

[0051] FIG. 23 illustrates a driver's view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 18, with the HUD screen in a first deployed position, corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 19;

[0052] FIG. 24 illustrates a driver's view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 18, with the HUD screen in a second deployed position, corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 20;

[0053] FIG. 25 illustrates a top view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, in place in a vehicle, with the HUD screen in a closed and retracted position, and further illustrating a typical driver's field of vision;

[0054] FIG. 26 illustrates a top view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, in place in a vehicle, with the HUD screen in a first intermediate position, and further illustrating a typical driver's field of vision;

[0055] FIG. 27 illustrates a top view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, in place in a vehicle, with the HUD screen in a second intermediate position, and further illustrating a typical driver's field of vision;

[0056] FIG. 28 illustrates a top view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 4, in place in a vehicle, with the HUD screen in a deployed position, and further illustrating a typical driver's field of vision;

[0057] FIG. 29 illustrates a schematic top view of another embodiment of a HUD Visor including a miniature projection device for projection of information onto the transparent screen of the HUD Visor;

[0058] FIG. 30 illustrates a schematic front view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 29, in an unfolded configuration, but with the screen and projector in a closed position;

[0059] FIG. 31 illustrates a schematic front view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 29, in an unfolded configuration with the screen and projector in an open and activated position;

[0060] FIG. 32 illustrates a schematic side view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 29, in a folded configuration with the screen and projector in a closed position; and

[0061] FIG. 33 illustrates a schematic side view of the HUD Visor of FIG. 29, in an unfolded configuration with the screen and projector in an open and activated position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0062] Embodiments described herein relate to a heads-up display or HUD visor for vehicles, particularly automobiles. In general, the HUD visor is either integral to, or affixed to, the conventional driver's side sun visor.

[0063] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a HUD visor 10, in a deployed position, are illustrated. In FIG. 1, the HUD visor 10 is deployed during daytime hours. The HUD visor 10 is equipped with a light sensor (not shown) and based on the output of that light sensor, and/or based on driver input, the HUD display screen 14 may be tinted to reduce road glare and improve the driver's vision. In FIG. 2, the HUD visor 10 is deployed during nighttime hours. The HUD visor 10 light sensor has sensed the lack of light and has transitioned to remove the tint for nighttime driving conditions. When deployed, the HUD visor display screen 14 may be adjusted upwardly or downwardly by the driver to account for driver height and ensure that the HUD visor display screen 14 is in the driver's field of view. All embodiments disclosed herein are generally transparent and enable a driver to see through them, so as to observe road conditions. At the same time, all embodiments disclosed herein include electronics such as a microprocessor, a connection to a power source in the vehicle, (or a battery and recharging port), memory and expected electrical connections to enable the presentation of digital information on the HUD display screen 14 during operation. Suitable electronics may include liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) or other known screen display technologies. Information presented on the HUD display screen 14 may include, without limitation, vehicle speed information, vehicle performance information, such as engine condition, tire condition, and tachometer information, environmental conditions, such as heating and air conditioner settings, entertainment conditions, such as stereo settings, navigation information, such as maps or turn-by-turn directions, interface information with other devices, such as interface information to a smartphone, connectivity information, such as connectivity to a Bluetooth headset or a voice command system, or driving condition warnings, such as indications that the road is slippery, or that a collision is imminent and the brakes should be applied.

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 4-12, an embodiment of the HUD visor 10 that is integrated into a conventional driver's side automobile visor 12 is illustrated. Dimensions of this embodiment of the HUD visor 10 that are provided on FIGS. 4-12 are preferred, as they enable the HUD visor 10 to be conveniently directly in front of the driver's eyes, and they are helpful in addressing the peripheral vision issues discussed further below. However, it should be understood that the dimensions shown are non-limiting to the scope of embodiments of the invention, unless specifically claimed. The HUD visor 10 of FIGS. 4-12 may include a motor (not shown) to automatically deploy the HUD screen 14 upon activation of the automobile or user instructions. Alternatively, the HUD visor 10 may be deployed by hand by a driver.

[0065] With reference to FIGS. 13-17, a driver's perspective view of the integrated HUD visor 10, when the HUD display screen 14 is deployed and adjusted for driver height, is shown. This driver's height adjustability is accomplished, in the disclosed embodiment, by use of first connector 16 and a second connector 18. The first connector 16 is connected to the display screen 14. Preferably, the first connector 16 is connected to the display screen 14 by a hinge, or a ball joint, which allows the display screen to be adjusted as to its orientation to the driver's vision. Preferably, the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 are connected via a telescoping arrangement, by which one or the other of the first connector 16 and the second connector 18 can recede within the other. The second connector 18 is connected to the conventional driver's side automobile visor 12.

[0066] With reference to FIGS. 18-22, a second embodiment of the HUD visor 40 that is portable, and which may be clipped onto any exiting automobile visor 42, is illustrated. Dimensions of this embodiment of the HUD visor 40 that are provided on FIGS. 18-22 are preferred, but should be understood as non-limiting to the scope of the embodiments, unless specifically claimed. The portability of the HUD visor 40 is achieved, in part, by the use of a visor clip 44, which may be removably affixed to an existing automobile visor 42, as shown. The HUD visor 40 of FIGS. 18-22 may include a motor (not shown) to automatically deploy the HUD display screen 46 upon activation of the automobile or user instructions. Alternatively, the HUD visor display screen 46 may be deployed by hand motion of a driver.

[0067] With reference to FIGS. 23-24, a driver's perspective view of the portable HUD visor 40, when the HUD display screen 46 is deployed and adjusted for driver height, is shown. Adjustability of the HUD display screen 46 for height and angle is accomplished by the same structures discussed above with respect to the HUD visor 10, with a principal difference being that the second connector 48 is connected to the visor clip 44.

[0068] With reference to FIGS. 25-28, a top view of the integrated HUD visor 10 is illustrated, with lines 60, 62 indicating the normal field of view 64 of a driver in a moving automobile, and showing how the HUD display screen 14, when deployed, includes a significant portion of that field of view.

[0069] In some embodiments, the HUD visor 10, 40 is linked to motion sensors and/or cameras on the exterior of the automobile, (not shown) including sensors and/or cameras that cover a field of view that is outside the normal field of view 64 of the driver. Upon sensing or determining that an objectsuch as a car or pedestrian 68is outside of the driver's normal field of view 64, and may or may not be in the driver's peripheral view, but is moving toward the front of the car and may pose a collision hazard, a warning is displayed on the HUD display screen 14, 46 for the driver. Preferably, the warning indicates the direction from which the hazard is approaching, e.g., left or right.

[0070] According to a study by the Virginia Tech transportation institute (VTTI), navigating using a cell phone or screen that is not in the driver's line of vision, among other distractions, takes a driver's eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds at a time. At 55 mph, this is the equivalent of driving blind for the length of an entire football field. Embodiments disclosed herein alleviate this problem.

[0071] With reference to FIGS. 29-33, a third embodiment of the HUD visor 80 is provided. This HUD visor 80 embodiment includes a display screen 82. The display screen 82 includes a transparent substrate, with a film overlay that is an emissive projector film, which responds to and/or reflects the light projected by a projector 84, such that information is displayed on the display screen for the driver. The transparent substrate may be any suitable material, including but not limited to Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Other suitable materials include but are not limited to a blend of Acrylonitrile Styrene and Polycarbonate Arylesor (ASA+PC Blend), Polyamide (PA), Phenolharz, Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) and Plexiglas.

[0072] The HUD visor 80 also includes a microprocessor (not shown) that is operably connected to a battery (not shown). The projector 84, is operably connected to the battery and the microprocessor, so that the microprocessor can transmit driver assistance information data to the projector 84. In turn, the projector 84 may convert the driver assistance information data into a projection image of driver assistance information, and the projector 84 then projects the projection image of driver assistance information onto the display screen 82. The projector 84 has a light source with a light source brightness output power of about 2 watts. Suitable projectors and compatible emissive projector film to fulfill these roles are commercially available from Sun Innovations, Inc. of Freemont, Calif. https://www.sun-innovations.com.

[0073] As with other embodiments described herein, the HUD visor 80 includes a first connector member 86 hingedly connected to the display screen 84, a second connector member 88 connected to the first connector member 86, a clip 90, and connected to the second connector member 88. The first connector member 86 and the second connector member 88 are in a telescoping arrangement. The clip 90 is configured to removably attach the heads-up display visor 80 to a conventional vehicle sun visor.

[0074] The HUD visor 80 may project a variety of types of information helpful to a driver, including one or more of vehicle speed information, vehicle performance information, engine condition, tire condition, tachometer information, environmental conditions, heating and air conditioner settings, entertainment conditions, stereo settings, navigation information, maps, turn-by-turn directions, interface information with other devices, interface information to a smartphone, connectivity information, connectivity to a Bluetooth headset, connectivity to a voice command system, driving condition warnings, an indication that the road is slippery, and an indication that a collision is imminent or an indication that the brakes should be applied.

[0075] The HUD visor 80 may have a rechargeable battery, or may accept conventional non-rechargeable alkaline batteries. In some embodiments, the HUD visor 80 is operably connected to a solar cell for recharging the rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the HUD visor 80 may include a USB charging port, and wherein the battery is operably connected to the USB charging port for recharging. The HUD visor 80 may include an RFID capable emergency button (not shown). The HUD visor display screen 84 can include an ultra-violet (UV) light sensitive material, such that upon exposure to UV light, the UV light sensitive material darkens to act as a sunscreen for the driver, and wherein upon a reduction in the intensity of the UV light exposure, the UV light sensitive material lightens. The HUD visor 80 can include a radio antenna and a processor sufficient to provide Bluetooth connectivity, a microphone and a processor sufficient to provide voice command capability, a digital camera and a processor sufficient to provide facial recognition capability to identify the driver as the owner of the HUD visor 80, and/or a blood pressure reader.

[0076] Advantages and benefits of the embodiments disclosed herein are many and varied. There is no projection onto the windshield of a vehicle, thus eliminating the problem of a dirty or rain-soaked windshield interfering with the driver's ability to see information projected onto the windshield. There is no projector on the vehicle dashboard, thus simplifying use and construction, in that it does not need to be built into a vehicle dashboard, nor does it need to be placed onto a dashboard by suction cups, Velcro, glue or other affixing means. Embodiments having a visor clip are portable, so they can be moved from one vehicle to another. Preferred embodiments described herein are sized such that the display screen is only in the driver's arc of forward vision. This placement and dimension will reduce distracted driving by a user of these embodiments, when compared to driver assistance devices that are dashboard-mounted, center-console mounted, or which display on the windshield, because there is no need for the driver to look away from the road in order to see information on the display screen. Certain embodiments herein are operatively linked to motion sensors in the vehicle (or which are separately placed by the driver), so that the motion sensor data can be sent to the display screen in a way that provides a driver with an alert that there is an oncoming hazard approaching from outside the line of the driver's vision, toward the vehicles direction of travel, such as a pedestrian, or a deer. Certain other embodiments include a display screen that has UV-light sensitive coating, or composition, such that the display screen can darken to act as a sunscreen for the driver, when driving in bright sunlight conditions.

[0077] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments disclosed.

[0078] Insofar as the description above discloses any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.