Adaptive Windshield Transparency Control for Vehicle Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle technologies lack an optimized method for controlling windshield transparency based on vehicle speed, user authentication, and surrounding conditions, which affects user convenience and security.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control device equipped with a sensing unit and processor that adjusts windshield transparency according to vehicle speed, user authentication, and environmental factors, allowing for dynamic changes in transparency and display of information on the windshield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the windshield transparency is made adjustable based on multiple conditions (vehicle speed, user authentication, surrounding environment), then user convenience and security are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindshield transparency adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The windshield transparency is made dynamically adjustable based on real-time detection of vehicle speed, user authentication status, and surrounding environmental conditions. The control unit continuously monitors these parameters and adjusts transparency accordingly, transforming a static component into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a detection unit for sensing vehicle speed and environmental conditions, an authentication unit for verifying user identity, and a control unit for adjusting transparency. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, managing overall system complexity through functional decomposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the windshield transparency is adjusted based on vehicle speed variations, then driving safety and convenience are improved, but the control precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving safetyVSAvoidtransparency adjustment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the transparency parameter of the windshield based on detected vehicle speed variations. When vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit adjusts the transparency to an adjusted state (either more transparent or more opaque depending on the mode), providing a simplified binary or multi-level adjustment rather than continuous fine-tuning, which reduces precision requirements while maintaining safety benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the windshield transparency is changed when users approach or leave the vehicle, then user convenience is improved, but the authentication system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidauthentication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication when a user approaches the vehicle. The detection unit identifies the approaching user, triggers authentication before the user needs to interact with the vehicle, and prepares the transparency state in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the user actually needs access, the authentication is already complete, enhancing convenience without requiring complex real-time interaction systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of information

If the windshield provides both transparency adjustment and information display functions, then user information access is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation accessibilityVSAvoidmultifunctional system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The windshield is designed as a multifunctional component that simultaneously provides transparency adjustment and information display capabilities. The same adjustable transparency mechanism serves dual purposes: controlling visibility for privacy/security and displaying driving information or notifications to the user, eliminating the need for separate display devices and reducing overall system complexity despite the expanded functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3515736B1Vehicle control device mounted on vehicle and method for controlling the vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3515736B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3515736B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3515736B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a vehicle control device provided in a vehicle and a control method of the vehicle. A vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a windshield provided in a vehicle, and formed to allow changing transparency, a sensing unit configured to sense information associated with the vehicle, and a processor configured to adjust the transparency of the windshield based on that information sensed through the sensing unit satisfies a preset condition.