Liquid Crystal Window Glare Reduction via Selective Pixel Darkening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display and light blocking technologies fail to effectively address glare issues in vehicles by uniformly darkening windows, which can obstruct vision and limit the use of windows for both light blocking and display purposes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal array mounted on windows with a controller that selectively darkens specific areas to block glare, allowing for dynamic light management and display functionality, including grayscale exterior displays and projection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire window is uniformly darkened to block glare, then glare reduction is improved, but vision through the window deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window is divided into multiple independently controllable LC pixel elements arranged in a grid pattern. Each pixel can be selectively darkened or kept transparent, allowing the system to segment the light blocking function across different regions of the window rather than uniformly darkening the entire surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the window are assigned different optical properties (transparent or darkened) based on local requirements. The controller selectively applies darkness to specific pixels in the glare direction while maintaining transparency in other regions, creating local quality variations that simultaneously achieve glare reduction and preserve vision.
2Illumination intensity
If selective area darkening is implemented to block glare, then vision through the window is preserved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LC pixel array serves multiple functions: it acts as both a display element and a light blocking element. The same pixels that can display information can also be darkened to block glare, eliminating the need for separate dedicated glare blocking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the window's own LC pixel structure to perform glare blocking without requiring additional external components. The existing display capability of the LC pixels is leveraged to provide the light blocking function, making the system self-sufficient and reducing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If liquid crystal arrays are mounted on windows, then light blocking capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LC pixel array is integrated directly into the window structure, merging the display/light blocking function with the window itself. This combination eliminates the need for separate glare blocking devices and simplifies the overall manufacturing process by treating the window as a multi-functional component.
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 solution effectively reduces glare for drivers and passengers while enabling the use of windows for both light blocking and display functions, enhancing visibility and comfort without uniformly darkening the entire window.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid crystal array has a plurality of liquid crystal (LC) pixels, each of which is selectively darkenable
Implementation Method 2
each of which is selectively darkenable
Data Source
AI summary
A light blocking screen includes a liquid crystal array mounted to a window. The liquid crystal array has a plurality of liquid crystal (LC) pixels, each of which is selectively darkenable. A controller is operatively connected to the liquid crystal array and configured to darken a set of the LC pixels, such that the darkened set of LC pixels limits light passage through the window in one or more selected areas. The LC pixels need not limit light passage through the entire window. The controller may determine a location of a glare source relative to the window and a location of a user proximate the window, and then darken the set of the LC pixels in an area between the glare source and the user, such that the glare source is limited from shining onto the user. The screen may be incorporated into vehicles or buildings.