Vehicle Display Mirror With Adaptive Reflectivity for Glare Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems for vehicles face issues with visual recognition of displayed images due to fluctuations in brightness and glare from external light sources, which can distract drivers and impair their ability to view images effectively.
Innovation Solution
A display system with an electro-optic layer that switches between transmissive and reflective modes, controlled by illuminance sensors and an actuator, to optimize image visibility and reduce glare, using a transmissive-reflective layer and variable transmittance element to adjust light transmission and reflection based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a display device is used to show rearward images, then image visibility is improved, but glare from external light sources causes visual distraction and reduces effective visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic layer dynamically switches between transmissive and reflective modes based on ambient light conditions detected by illuminance sensors. In low-light conditions, the display operates in transmissive mode for optimal image visibility. In bright light conditions, it switches to reflective mode to reduce glare from external light sources such as sunlight or headlights, thereby maintaining effective visibility across varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the electro-optic layer by adjusting its transmittance and reflectivity properties. The control circuit modifies the electro-optic layer's state based on illuminance sensor readings, transitioning between high-transmittance/low-reflectivity (transmissive mode) and low-transmittance/high-reflectivity (reflective mode) to optimize the balance between image visibility and glare reduction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electro-optic layer switches between transmissive and reflective modes, then adaptability to different lighting conditions is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic layer serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transmissive display medium and a reflective mirror surface. The same layer dynamically adapts to different lighting conditions by switching between transmissive and reflective modes, eliminating the need for separate components for different viewing conditions and thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the added adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses illuminance sensors integrated within the display device to automatically detect ambient light conditions and trigger appropriate mode switching. The control circuit autonomously manages the electro-optic layer's state based on sensor feedback, enabling the system to self-adjust to lighting conditions without requiring manual intervention or complex external control mechanisms.
3Illumination intensity
If illuminance sensors and actuators are added to control the electro-optic layer, then image visibility under varying light conditions is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-optic layer is implemented as a thin film structure that can be integrated into the display device's existing architecture. This thin-film approach simplifies manufacturing compared to bulk optical components, as it allows for deposition techniques and integration with standard display fabrication processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity despite the added functional requirements.
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
Enhances image visibility by adapting to changing brightness levels and reducing glare, improving driver focus on displayed images and reducing distractions from external light sources.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic layer with a transmissive-reflective layer that transmits a portion of incident light and reflects another portion of the incident light, the electro-optic layer being configured to vary reflectivity of the incident light
Implementation Method 2
a first illuminance sensor that detects brightness around the vehicle, and a second illuminance sensor that detects intensity of light emitted onto a front surface of the display device
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a housing, an electro-optic layer, a display to display at least a portion of a rearward image, and an actuator to switch the electro-optic layer between first and second postures. In the first posture, the display displays the portion of the rearward image. In the second posture, the reflectivity of the incident light varies between at least first and second values based on at least one of a first illuminance or a second illuminance, and the second value is larger than the first value. In the first posture, the reflectivity of the incident light is equal to or more than the second value. The first illuminance indicates brightness around a vehicle and is detected by a sensor. The second illuminance indicates intensity of light emitted on a front surface of the display device and is detected by another sensor.