Vehicle Display Assembly with Integrated Iris Scan Sensor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current display systems for vehicles lack integrated image sensing capabilities that can effectively capture and process biometric data, such as iris scans, for identification purposes, especially in conditions requiring near-infrared illumination, while maintaining a conventional appearance and minimizing visual distraction.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus with an electrochromic element and an imager module comprising an image sensor and light source, where the image sensor captures reflected near-infrared light from the display emission, allowing for iris scan identification and integration within the display surface, with the image sensor and light sources positioned to minimize visual impact by being enclosed within the display perimeter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an image sensor and light source are integrated within the display surface for iris scan identification, then biometric sensing capability is improved, but visual distraction and disruption of display appearance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiometric sensing capabilityVSAvoidvisual distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The image sensor and light source are nested within the display surface by positioning the image sensor behind the display element and integrating the light source within the display structure. This nesting allows the sensing components to be hidden within the display perimeter, enabling biometric identification while maintaining a conventional appearance and minimizing visual distraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The image sensor is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the display surface - specifically behind the display element rather than on the front surface. This dimensional repositioning allows the sensor to capture light transmitted through the display while remaining invisible to users, thus adding sensing capability without creating visual distraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the image sensor is positioned within the display perimeter to minimize visual impact, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the complexity of integrating multiple components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display element and image sensor are merged into a single integrated assembly where the sensor is positioned directly behind the display element. The light source, control circuitry, and sensor are combined within the same housing structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies integration while maintaining aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying visual information through the display element, capturing biometric data through the image sensor, and providing illumination through the integrated light source. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated structure, reducing overall system complexity despite the multiple capabilities.

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

3Measurement precision

If the electrochromic element selectively transmits display emission for iris scanning, then identification accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrochromic element operates in periodic cycles, switching between transparent and opaque states only when biometric identification is required. During normal display operation, the element remains in its default state. This periodic activation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous operation, while maintaining high identification accuracy when the transparent state is activated for iris scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables effective iris scan identification and display of image data, including a preview of the eyes, while maintaining a conventional rearview mirror appearance and integrating image sensing capabilities without significant visual distraction.

Implementation Method 1

an electrochromic element abutting the display element. The electrochromic element is configured to selectively transmit the display emission therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

The image sensor is configured to capture image data in a field of view directed through the electrochromic element. The light source is configured to transmit an emission through the electrochromic element. The image sensor is configured to capture image data comprising reflected light from the emission through the electrochromic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-infrared light reflection and detection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3603051B1Display assembly incorporating an image sensor
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 GENTEX CORP
  • EP3603051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3603051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3603051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle display device is disclosed. The device comprises an image sensor comprising an imager configured to capture image data and a display. The display comprises a plurality of display elements forming a display surface. The display surface forms a display perimeter. The display elements surround the image sensor on the display surface such that the image sensor is disposed within the display perimeter.