Anisotropic Diffusing Patterns for Vehicle Display Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems projecting images onto semi-transparent screens in vehicles, such as aircraft cockpits, face challenges with low transparency and luminosity during daylight due to isotropic diffusing films that do not account for varying light incidence angles, leading to inefficient image projection and solar scattering.
Innovation Solution
A display system with a screen featuring regularly distributed diffusing patterns oriented to match the projector's incidence angles, minimizing solar scattering and optimizing light diffusion towards the observer, using cylindrical, quarter-spherical, or prismatic holes with specific diffusing and retroreflective structures to manage light rays effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an isotropic diffusing film is used to spread projected light, then light diffusion is achieved, but transparency is reduced and image brightness is low during daylight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating anisotropic diffusion where different regions of the diffusing surface have different optical properties. The micro-prisms are oriented to preferentially diffuse light in the direction of the observer while maintaining transparency in other directions, thus achieving both image brightness and light transmission simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the diffusing film by introducing micro-prismatic structures with specific orientation angles. By adjusting the orientation parameter of these micro-prisms, the system optimizes the balance between diffusing projected light toward the observer and transmitting ambient light, thereby improving image brightness without proportionally reducing transparency
2Ease of operation
If a diffusing film is used to project images, then light diffusion occurs, but solar scattering increases causing reduced transparency and increased dazzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating directionally selective diffusion through oriented micro-prisms. These micro-prisms are configured to diffuse light primarily in the direction of the observer while minimizing diffusion toward the sun, thus reducing solar scattering and dazzle while maintaining image visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of sunlight into a beneficial one by using the oriented micro-prismatic structure to reflect and diffuse solar rays away from the observer's line of sight. The same structural feature that diffuses projected light also redirects solar glare, turning a harmful factor into a benefit by reducing dazzle and improving comfort
3Illumination intensity
If isotropic diffusion is used to spread light in all directions, then light distribution is achieved, but diffusion efficiency toward the observer is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by orienting micro-prismatic structures in specific directions rather than using uniform isotropic diffusion. Each micro-prism is angled to redirect light toward the observer's position, concentrating diffusion efficiency in the desired direction while reducing complexity compared to more complex adaptive optical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the diffusing structures to optimize light diffusion efficiency. By adjusting the angle and orientation of micro-prisms, the system directs a higher proportion of diffused light toward the observer, improving diffusion efficiency without requiring complex active control mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances transparency and image brightness while reducing solar scattering, ensuring optimal image visibility and minimizing dazzle, even in bright conditions by aligning diffusing patterns with the projector's light incidence, thus improving the overall display efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
the optical patterns comprise at least one diffusing surface oriented so as to diffuse the light rays having at least the mean incidence in one or more directions corresponding to said determined location of the observer
Implementation Method 2
a second inclined flat part comprising retroreflective microstructures, the angle of inclination of the second flat part being substantially 45 degrees
Data Source
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AI summary
The general field of the invention is that of display systems comprising an image projector (P) and an associated display screen (E), said display system intended for use by an observer located at a predetermined position, said display screen having two transparent and substantially parallel faces, said display screen having on at least one of its transparent faces a plurality of regularly distributed light-diffusing patterns (10). The image projector according to the invention illuminates the screen from a plurality of angles of incidence determined by the position and size of the display screen, said angles of incidence centered on a mean angle of incidence, the diffusing patterns comprising at least one diffusing surface (12) oriented so as to diffuse light rays having at least the mean angle of incidence in one or more directions corresponding to said predetermined position of the observer.Several embodiments are described.