Dynamic Window Transparency Control for Personalized Shading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shading systems in vehicles and buildings do not dynamically adapt to changing positions and light conditions, failing to provide individualized comfort and protection from sunlight and glare.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize sensors to detect the position of individuals and objects within a defined area, adjusting the transparency of surface elements like windows on a pixel-by-pixel basis to dynamically control light entry, considering individual requirements and external light conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional blinds or curtains are used for shading, then basic light blocking is achieved, but the system cannot dynamically adapt to changing positions and light conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic adaptation to changing positions and light conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the window surface into multiple independently controllable surface elements (pixels or segments), allowing each element to be controlled separately based on the position of objects and light conditions. This segmentation enables dynamic adaptation without requiring a completely complex system redesign, as each element can be independently adjusted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of surface element transparency through electronic actuators that can change the optical properties of each surface element in real-time. This allows the shading system to adapt continuously to changing positions of objects and varying light conditions, transforming a static shading system into a dynamic one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If uniform shading of the entire window is applied, then maximum protection from sunlight is achieved, but individual comfort requirements of different occupants cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual comfort controlVSAvoidUV exposure and glare
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different transparency settings to different regions of the window based on the position of occupants and objects. Each surface element can have its transparency independently adjusted, allowing areas where occupants are located to have optimal shading while other areas remain more transparent. This local quality approach ensures individual comfort requirements are met without compromising protection in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect the positions of occupants and objects, and this information feeds back to the control unit which adjusts the transparency of surface elements accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that shading is continuously optimized based on real-time conditions, balancing individual comfort with protection from harmful UV radiation and glare.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Illumination intensity

If high transparency surface elements are used, then maximum natural light is achieved, but protection from UV radiation and glare is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural light transmissionVSAvoidUV radiation and glare
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters of surface elements dynamically by adjusting their transparency levels. Surface elements can switch between different transparency states (transparent, translucent, opaque) based on the need to either maximize natural light or block UV radiation and glare. This parameter change capability allows the system to optimize both light transmission and protection against harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If pixel-by-pixel control of surface elements is implemented, then precise shading control is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshading precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a universal control unit that can manage multiple surface elements with different transparency requirements. This single control unit performs multiple functions: detecting object positions, calculating optimal shading patterns, and controlling individual surface elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each surface element, thereby managing complexity while maintaining precise shading control.

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

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

Provides fully dynamic shading that maximizes comfort by minimizing glare and UV exposure, ensuring personalized light conditions and improved readability of displays.

Implementation Method 1

controlling at least one area of the at least one surface element of the area, which is adjustable with respect to its transparency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransparency adjustment: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentEP4373682B1Method and device for shading an object located in a region
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP4373682B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for a shading a person and/or a living organism and/or an object located in a region, said region being at least partly delimited by at least one surface element. The method (100) has the steps of detecting (101) the position of at least one person and/or at least one living organism and/or at least one object located in the region in at least one previously defined sector of the region and actuating (106) the transparency of at least one region of the surface element in order to shade the at least one sector of the region.