Catadioptric system, apparatus, and method for producing images on a universal, head-up display
US7733572B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2027/0123
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A present novel and non-trivial system, apparatus, and method for employing a catadioptric optical system in a Head-Up Display (“HUD”) system are disclosed. A catadioptric optical module is configured to produce a large image size within a small space envelope by folding the optical path back through module and separating the paths by use of a beam splitter. Such module comprised of a beam splitter, collimating mirror, and correcting lens produces collimated beams of light from an image source providing either polarized or non-polarized beams of light. If polarized beams are provided, the module includes a quarter-wave retarder, and the configuration of the module permits the image source to provide either s-polarized or p-polarized beams. A combiner arm assembly comprising of at least one combiner receives the collimated beams, where the employment of a plurality of combiners extends the relatively small instantaneous field of view.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.