Multilayer Vehicle Glass Opacity Control for Glare and Projection Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle display systems face issues with limited viewing angles, glare from sunlight, and reduced visibility due to ambient brightness, which affect the driving experience and usability of head-up displays in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer surface system that dynamically controls opacity based on ambient light conditions and occupant position, using sensors to track external light sources and adjust the opacity of glass surfaces like windshields and windows to reduce glare and maintain constant cabin brightness, allowing for improved media content projection and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing in-vehicle display screens are used, then the viewing experience is limited, but the system complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating multiple functional layers (electrochromic layer, liquid crystal layer, transparent conductive layers) into a single multilayer surface structure. This composite structure enables the surface to dynamically adjust optical properties (transparency, glare reduction) while maintaining structural integrity, thereby improving viewing experience without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The multilayer surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a display surface, a glare-reducing filter, a privacy control mechanism, and an ambient light manager. By integrating these functions into a single universal component, the system improves adaptability and viewing experience while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems.
2Illumination intensity
If display screens are made larger to improve viewing experience, then the visibility is improved, but the space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the multilayer surface's optical properties through electrochromic and liquid crystal layers that can change transparency and glare characteristics in real-time. This allows the system to maximize visibility when needed while maintaining a compact form factor, as the enhanced visibility is achieved through optical modulation rather than physical size increase.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sun visors are used to block direct sunlight, then the glare is reduced, but the ambient conditions inside the vehicle are not effectively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different regions of the multilayer surface to have different optical properties. The system can selectively adjust transparency and glare reduction in specific areas (e.g., driver's side vs. passenger's side, or upper vs. lower portions) based on local lighting conditions and occupant needs, providing both glare reduction and precise ambient condition control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (transparency, reflectivity, glare characteristics) of the multilayer surface dynamically in response to environmental conditions. This allows effective glare reduction while simultaneously controlling ambient lighting conditions inside the vehicle, overcoming the limitation of fixed-function sun visors.
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
Enhances the in-vehicle viewing experience by reducing glare, maintaining constant ambient conditions, and improving visibility for drivers and passengers, thereby aiding driving and entertainment.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic layer, a fourth transparent conductive layer in communication with the third transparent conductive layer and configured to control an amount of voltage applied to the electrochromic layer
Implementation Method 2
a liquid crystal layer, a second transparent conductive layer in communication with the first transparent conductive layer and configured to control an amount of voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first multilayer surface that includes a plurality of layers. The system further includes a plurality of sensors and circuitry. The circuitry receives a plurality of signals from the plurality of sensors and projection data associated with a media content projectable by a projection device. The projection data includes contrast control information associated with the media content. The circuitry determines ambient condition of an enclosed space based on the received plurality of signals. The circuitry selects one or more portions of the plurality of layers of the first multilayer surface based on the determined ambient condition or the projection data. The circuitry controls an opacity level of the selected one or more portions of the first multilayer surface to provide dynamic shade control in the enclosed space or improve contrast of the projected media content based on the determined ambient condition or the projection data.