Display Privacy Filter Switching for Driver Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display systems with switchable privacy filters struggle to completely obscure content from drivers while maintaining readability for passengers, leading to safety concerns due to residual image discernibility despite low luminance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that control image reproduction by switching between viewing modes, acquiring parameters influencing contrast, and adapting contrast settings to ensure content is not discernible to drivers while remaining readable for passengers, using a backlight-based concept with adjustable luminance and contrast adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a static privacy filter is used to restrict the driver's view of the passenger display, then the driver cannot discern the display content, but the driver also cannot view the display when needed and the display cannot show information intended for the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic privacy filter system that can switch between different privacy levels based on real-time detection of observer positions. The system uses cameras and processors to identify whether a driver or passenger is viewing the display, and automatically adjusts the privacy filter accordingly - providing full visibility to passengers while blocking driver views when appropriate, and allowing driver access when no passenger is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameters of the privacy filter dynamically by switching between different filter states (transparent vs. opaque at specific angles). The privacy filter's light-blocking properties are adjusted in real-time based on detected viewing angles and observer positions, allowing the display to adapt its visibility characteristics to different user scenarios.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a switchable backlight with two backlights is used to implement privacy function, then the field of view can be restricted for the driver, but the system complexity increases and the display cannot maintain good image quality in both modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the privacy filter control with the existing backlight control system. Instead of adding a completely separate mechanism, the privacy functionality is integrated into the display's existing architecture by controlling the backlight's operation in conjunction with the privacy filter, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the same privacy effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The backlight system is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides illumination for the display in normal operation and simultaneously works with the privacy filter to create the privacy effect when needed. The same backlight components are used for both standard display functionality and privacy mode, eliminating the need for separate dedicated privacy lighting systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the privacy function is activated with restricted field of view emission, then the driver cannot view the display, but the image contrast for observers outside the restricted field of view deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by adjusting the privacy filter's opacity selectively for different viewing zones. The system maintains high image quality and contrast for the passenger zone (within the restricted field of view) while applying strong privacy blocking for the driver zone (outside the restricted field of view). This localized approach ensures that privacy protection does not degrade the viewing experience for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors observer positions and viewing angles using cameras and sensors, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the privacy filter's activation level. By receiving real-time feedback about who is viewing the display from what angle, the system can maintain optimal image contrast for passengers while ensuring privacy protection for drivers, preventing information loss for authorized viewers.
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
Effectively reduces visible luminance and contrast for drivers, ensuring passenger displays are not readable to drivers while maintaining readability for passengers, even with varying seating positions and ambient conditions, thus enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
The second backlight is arranged above the first backlight and the optical waveguide thereof is designed to be transparent, such that it is light-transmissive to the light emitted by the first backlight. The first backlight has the task of emitting light that is as focused as possible for the passenger.
Implementation Method 2
The second backlight has the task of emitting light which is visible to driver and passenger equally. By way of example, an optical waveguide of the second backlight has specific microstructures for coupling out light.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method, a computer program comprising instructions and an apparatus for controlling the image reproduction of a display apparatus. The disclosure furthermore relates to a display apparatus in which a method according to the disclosure is realized. In a first step, the display apparatus is switched from a first operating mode with emission into a large field of view to a second operating mode with emission into a restricted field of view. Moreover, parameters are acquired which influence a contrast of the image reproduction that is perceivable by an observer situated outside the restricted field of view. A contrast for the image reproduction is adapted on the basis of the acquired parameters. Optionally, the image reproduction of the display apparatus can be interrupted if an impermissible head position of the observer is ascertained.