Dynamic Positioning Control System for Vehicle Windshields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image-generating systems and electrochromic dimming technologies struggle with dynamic control of image positioning and dimming on transparent substrates, particularly in vehicles, where sun glare and headlight glare require adaptive solutions to maintain visibility and safety.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic positioning control system (DPCS) that integrates an image processor and dimming controller with light sensors and electrodes, allowing for independent movement and sizing of images and dimming areas on transparent substrates, such as windshields, to dynamically adjust based on light conditions and user input, ensuring optimal visibility and privacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional image-generating systems are used on transparent substrates, then images can be displayed, but dynamic control of image positioning and sizing is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic control of image positioning and sizingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of image-generating elements by enabling independent movement and resizing of multiple images on the transparent substrate through a control system that responds to user input and sensor data, transforming static display capabilities into adaptive, reconfigurable imaging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrochromic dimming is applied to the entire substrate, then visibility control is achieved, but selective positioning of dimming areas is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselective positioning of dimming areasVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrochromic dimming capability into multiple independently controllable areas on the transparent substrate, allowing selective positioning and independent control of dimming zones through separate electrode connections and control logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables different regions of the transparent substrate to have different dimming states simultaneously, allowing specific areas to be dimmed while other areas remain transparent, providing localized control over light transmission properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If static image positions are used on the substrate, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to light conditions and user needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptive positioning based on light conditionsVSAvoiduser control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors that detect light conditions and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts image positions and dimming areas to optimize visibility and reduce glare without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic repositioning of images and dimming areas in response to changing light conditions and user input, allowing the system to adapt to different environmental scenarios and user preferences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 DPCS effectively mitigates sun glare and headlight glare by dynamically positioning and sizing images and dimming areas, enhancing driver safety and visibility while maintaining the ability to see traffic signals and other important information, and providing privacy shielding.

Implementation Method 1

otherwise transparent glass or plastic substrate materials have also been developed that are capable of reducing the visual transmissivity of an overall area via electrochromic means thereby controlling or regulating a transparency of the material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS11941779B2Dynamic positional control system
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 CHASE ARNOLD
  • US11941779B2 patent drawing
  • US11941779B2 patent drawing
  • US11941779B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A dynamic positioning control system having a transparent or semi-transparent substrate, an image processor, and one or more image-generating elements operatively connected to the image processor configured to simultaneously generate a plurality of images within an overall image-generating-capable field area of the substrate is provided. A dynamic positioning control system having a transparent or semi-transparent substrate, a dimming controller, and a plurality of electrodes operatively connected to the dimming controller configured to dim one or more areas on or within the substrate within an overall electrochromic dimming-capable field area is also provided. The image processor and the dimming controller may be separate elements or may be a single controller.