Fluorescent Material Vehicle Window Display UV Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for displaying information on vehicle windshields using UV light struggle with visibility in bright conditions and are costly, particularly for lower-priced vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system using fluorescent material applied in symbol-shaped patterns on vehicle windows, illuminated by non-imaging UV light sources, allowing for the cost-effective display of simple, predetermined information like turn signal indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a UV laser is used to illuminate fluorescent material on the windshield, then complex indeterminate information such as maps or navigation information can be displayed, but the system becomes prohibitively expensive for lower-priced automobiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive UV laser system with inexpensive UV light sources (such as UV LEDs or fluorescent tubes) that have shorter operational lifetimes but provide sufficient functionality for displaying simple predetermined information. This substitution dramatically reduces system cost while maintaining adequate performance for basic indicator displays in lower-priced vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the display system by using fixed, predetermined information patterns rather than dynamically generated complex images. This parameter change allows the use of simpler, cheaper UV illumination sources that cannot support complex dynamic displays but are sufficient for basic indicator symbols, thereby reducing system cost.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a UV laser is used to illuminate fluorescent material on the windshield, then images can be displayed with altered direction and intensity according to scanning patterns, but the image may not be sufficiently distinguishable when bright sunshine is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent material in specific localized patterns corresponding to predetermined information symbols at fixed locations on the windshield. Rather than attempting to display complex images that require broad illumination coverage, the system uses localized fluorescent patterns that can be more intensely and selectively illuminated, improving distinguishability against bright sunlight backgrounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or intermittent UV illumination of the fluorescent material to enhance image distinguishability. By illuminating the fluorescent symbols periodically or only when needed rather than continuously, the system creates distinct temporal patterns that improve visibility and distinguishability of the displayed information against varying ambient light conditions including bright sunshine.
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 a clear and understandable display of simple information without interfering with the driver's view, using inexpensive UV light sources and minimizing cognitive load, while being suitable for lower-priced vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescent material that is generally transparent and fluoresces when illuminated with ultraviolet (UV) light
Data Source
AI summary
A system to selectively display a symbol at a location on a vehicle window. The system includes an arrangement of a fluorescent material at the location, wherein the fluorescent material: a) is sufficiently transparent in the absence of ultraviolet (UV) light, b) fluoresces when illuminated with UV light, c) and has a shape corresponding to the symbol, and a UV light source configured to illuminate the location with UV light to display the symbol. Such a system may use unfocused UV light sources to illuminate the symbol shaped fluorescent material as opposed to focused UV light sources such as UV lasers.