Vehicle Mirror Display Orientation Control for Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle-mountable display devices do not effectively address the visibility of the image display for drivers, particularly when switching between rearview mirror and display modes, and lack consideration for improving visibility during mode transitions.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle-mountable display device with an orientation controller that adjusts the image display unit's orientation to improve visibility, allowing it to switch seamlessly between rearview mirror and display modes, and includes features like gradual brightness and contrast adjustments during transitions to enhance user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the image display unit is mounted at a fixed position for rearview mirror mode, then the rearview mirror function is stable, but the visibility of the image display for drivers is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverearview mirror function stabilityVSAvoidimage display visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the image display unit's orientation adjustable rather than fixed. The orientation controller dynamically changes the display unit's angle between rearview-mirror-mode orientation and display-mode orientation based on the operational mode, allowing the system to optimize both rearview stability and display visibility in different conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the orientation parameter of the image display unit. The orientation controller adjusts the physical angle/position parameter of the display unit to improve visibility during display mode while maintaining appropriate orientation for rearview mirror mode, directly addressing the visibility problem

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If the image display unit orientation is optimized for display mode, then the image visibility is improved, but the rearview mirror function is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage display visibilityVSAvoidrearview mirror function
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two distinct orientations based on operational mode. The orientation controller receives mode information and automatically adjusts the display unit's orientation to the appropriate configuration, ensuring both display mode and rearview mirror mode function optimally without permanent compromise to either

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The image display unit serves multiple functions (rearview mirror and image display) and the orientation controller manages the transition between functional states. The single display unit is made universal through controlled reorientation, allowing it to fulfill both rearview and display requirements effectively

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

3Illumination intensity

If the image display unit is made adjustable for visibility, then the visibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage display visibilityVSAvoidorientation control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a driving unit and orientation controller to dynamically adjust the image display unit's orientation. This dynamic adjustment mechanism, while adding components, provides automated control that improves visibility without requiring manual intervention, and the system integrates seamlessly with the existing mode switching functionality

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 solution enhances the visibility of the image display for drivers by optimizing the orientation and operational settings during mode changes, ensuring a smooth transition and improved user experience, especially in abnormal conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a half mirror 111 covering a front surface of the image display 112

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3118063B1Vehicle-mounted display device
Publication Date: 2018.06.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3118063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3118063B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3118063B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle-mountable display device includes an image display unit configured to be mounted to a position of an inner rearview mirror in a cabin of a vehicle, a driving unit for driving the image display unit, and an orientation controller for controlling the driving unit to control an orientation of the image display unit. The orientation controller is configured to turn the orientation of the image display unit into a rearview-mirror-mode orientation when the image display unit operates at a rearview mirror mode in which the half-mirror is used as a rearview mirror. The orientation controller is configured to turn the orientation of the image display unit into a display-mode orientation different from the rearview-mirror-mode orientation when the image display unit operates at a display mode in which the image display displays the captured image. A normal line of the half mirror at the display-mode orientation is closer to a driver than the normal line of the half mirror at the rearview-mirror-mode orientation. The vehicle-mountable display device improves visibility of the image display for a driver.