Windshield display system for an automobile

A windshield display system, comprising:

• first and second optically transparent windshield plies, the first and second windshield plies having opposed inner surfaces;
• exposed photosensitive material positioned between the inner surfaces of the first and second windshield plies, the photosensitive material having wavelength selective properties;
• and
• an interlayer of optically transparent material covering the photosensitive material and positioned between the inner surfaces of the first and second windshield plies.

A method of forming a windshield with an internal holographic combiner, comprising the steps of:

• positioning wavelength selective material adjacent to one surface of an optically transparent ply;
• covering, under pressure, the wavelength selective material with an optically transparent interlayer to form a windshield assembly comprising the optically transparent ply, the wavelength selective material, and the optically transparent interlayer;
• heating the windshield assembly to an intermediate temperature level within a range of about 40.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. within 3 to 7 minutes;
• holding the temperature of the windshield assembly at the intermediate level for about 10 to 20 minutes;
• heating the windshield assembly from the intermediate temperature level to a maximum temperature level within a range of about 100.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. within about 5 to 15 minutes;
• holding the temperature of the windshield assembly at the maximum temperature level for about 70 to 110 minutes;
• and
• cooling the windshield assembly to room temperature within about 5 to 15 minutes.

An optical display system for installation in a vehicle having a windshield formed of two optically transparent plies having opposed inner surfaces and bonded together to form a unitary structure, comprising:

• image source means for providing light image information;
• optical element means for displaying the image information to an observer, the optical element means comprising a combiner that includes wavelength selective material positioned between the inner surfaces of the plies and a first interlayer of optically transparent material covering the wavelength selective material and positioned between the inner surfaces of the first and second plies, the wavelength selective material being manufactured to reflect the light image information;
• and
• image projecting and aberration correcting means for directing the image information toward the optical element means and correcting for optical aberrations in the image information, thereby to display the image information to the observer.

A method of forming a windshield with an internal holographic combiner, comprising the steps of:

• positioning wavelength selective material adjacent to one surface of an optically transparent ply;
• covering the wavelength selective material with an optically transparent interlayer to form a windshield assembly comprising the optically transparent ply, the wavelength selective material, and the optically transparent interlayer;
• heating the windshield assembly from a first temperature to an intermediate temperature that is higher than the first temperature;
• holding the temperature of the windshield assembly at the intermediate temperature;
• heating the windshield assembly from the intermediate temperature to a maximum temperature that is higher than the intermediate temperature;
• holding the temperature of the windshield assembly at the maximum temperature;
• and
• cooling the windshield assembly to room temperature.