Optical Faceplate for 3D Vehicle Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display technologies in vehicles are limited to two-dimensional flat surfaces, lacking the perceived value and 3-dimensional detail of analogue instruments, and are often cost-intensive and restrictive in design due to technological and cost constraints.

Innovation Solution

An optical faceplate is used with a two-dimensional display, featuring a contact surface and a three-dimensional display surface connected by an optic light guide material, enabling the creation of a 3D display surface using conventional 2D display technologies, which can be more flexible and cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional 2D display technologies are used, then cost-effectiveness is maintained, but the display lacks 3-dimensional detail and perceived value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoid3-dimensional detail
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

An optical faceplate with light-guiding material is introduced as an intermediary component between the 2D display and the user. This faceplate contains optical elements (such as microlenses or light guides) that redirect light from the flat display surface to create a perceived 3D effect, allowing conventional 2D displays to achieve analogue instrument appearance without requiring expensive 3D display technology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical faceplate adds a third dimension to the light propagation path by using vertical light guidance structures within the faceplate. Light from the 2D display is redirected through the optical elements in the faceplate to create depth perception and 3D visual effects, effectively transforming a 2D display into a 3D visual experience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible 3D display surfaces are created using other concepts, then design flexibility is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The optical faceplate is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then integrated with various 2D display types. The faceplate contains segmented optical elements (such as arrays of microlenses or light guide structures) that can be configured in different patterns to achieve different display geometries and designs, allowing flexibility without requiring the entire display system to be custom-built

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical faceplate serves multiple functions: it creates 3D visual effects, provides mechanical support, enables different display geometries (circular, rectangular, curved), and can be integrated with various 2D display technologies. This multi-functionality allows a single component design to achieve design flexibility across different applications without requiring expensive custom 3D display systems for each configuration

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

This solution allows for the creation of a 3D display surface that enhances user interaction and perception, providing a more immersive and functional interface while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of 2D display technology, with improved design flexibility and tactile experience.

Implementation Method 1

an optic light guide material provided between the contact surface and the three dimensional display surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical light guide: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentEP3916442A1Optical faceplate for a two dimensional display and a display system
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3916442A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3916442A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3916442A1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

An aspect relates to an optical faceplate (10) for use with a two dimensional display (21). The optical faceplate (10) comprises a contact surface (11) at a bottom side of the optical faceplate (10) for contacting the two dimensional display (21). The optical faceplate (10) further comprises a three dimensional display surface (12) at a top side of the optical faceplate (10), and an optic light guide material provided between the contact surface (11) and the three dimensional display surface (12).