Dynamic Virtual Light Source for Graphic Meter Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphic meters fail to accurately replicate the texture and solidity of real-world vehicle instruments, particularly in changing light conditions due to static display elements and lack of dynamic light source simulation.
Innovation Solution
A graphic meter with a control unit that adjusts the position and brightness of a virtual light source in a virtual space based on vehicle course changes, such as steering angle and speed, to simulate the effect of changing sunlight on instrument displays, thereby dynamically updating highlight positions and intensities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a static virtual light source is used in the graphic meter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the texture and solidity reproduction of the instrument is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static virtual light source into a dynamic one that moves according to vehicle course changes. The control unit adjusts the virtual light source position based on steering angle and speed data, making the highlight positions on the instrument dynamic rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by adding movement capability to the light source without requiring multiple physical light sources, thereby maintaining relatively simple device structure while significantly improving texture reproduction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the position parameters of the virtual light source based on vehicle course information. The control unit changes the light source coordinates dynamically according to steering angle and speed, which in turn changes the highlight positions and intensities on the instrument display. This parameter-based control approach allows accurate texture reproduction while keeping the device complexity manageable through software control rather than hardware multiplication.
2Manufacturing precision
If the virtual light source position is updated frequently to match vehicle course changes, then the texture reproduction accuracy is improved, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by updating the virtual light source position at regular intervals based on vehicle course changes rather than continuously. The control unit processes course information (steering angle, speed) periodically and adjusts the highlight positions accordingly. This periodic update mechanism maintains accurate texture reproduction by synchronizing with vehicle dynamics while avoiding excessive processing time associated with continuous real-time updates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual light sources are used to cover different vehicle courses, then the adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a single movable virtual light source that adapts its position continuously according to vehicle course changes, rather than employing multiple fixed light sources for different courses. The control unit calculates the appropriate light source position based on current steering angle and speed, enabling the system to adapt to any driving condition with one dynamic element instead of multiple static ones, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphic meter mounted on a vehicle is provided with a display unit of an image display type, which displays an instrument of the vehicle, an acquisition unit which acquires a course information indicating a course of the vehicle and a control unit which is connected to the display unit and the acquisition unit. The control unit controls a display content of a highlight which is displayed in the instrument of the display unit based on a position of a virtual light source located in a virtual space projected on a plane surface. The control unit identifies a change of the course of the vehicle based on the course information acquired by the acquisition unit, and causes the virtual light source to move, according to a result of the identification.