Radar-Transparent Vehicle Display Pixel Layout for Front-End Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional external indication devices for vehicles, such as LCDs and OLEDs, are opaque to radar systems, making it impossible to integrate them in the front region of a vehicle's radar beam path, which is crucial for enhanced vehicle-to-environment communication, especially with the advancement of automated driving.
Innovation Solution
A radar-compatible external indication device with a pixel design that includes a diffuser arrangement transparent to radar beams and electrically controllable indication light sources or deflection elements, ensuring that radar radiation can propagate without interference, using very large pixels with indication light sources smaller than the radar wavelength and spaced further apart, and electrical supply lines orthogonal to radar polarization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional displays (LCDs or OLEDs) are used for external indication, then display functionality is achieved, but radar beam transmission is blocked due to opaque conductive layers
Solution Approach 1:
The display surface is divided into individually controllable pixels, each with its own light source and diffuser. This segmentation allows radar beams to pass through areas where pixels are not activated, while still providing display functionality where needed. The conductive elements are also segmented into pixel-level components rather than large continuous layers.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel has localized optical properties with diffusers that scatter light only in specific directions. The conductive layers and light sources are confined to local pixel regions rather than covering the entire display area, allowing radar beams to pass through inter-pixel regions while maintaining display quality in active regions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If front projection systems are used for external indication, then display in radar beam path is possible, but robustness in rear-end collisions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The external indication device is merged with the vehicle's existing front end structure, integrating the display function into a robust housing that provides both indication capability and collision protection. The display elements are embedded within a structurally sound assembly rather than being separate fragile components.
3Area of stationary object
If large-area electrically conductive layers are used for display, then display coverage is achieved, but radar transmission is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer is segmented into discrete pixel-level elements rather than large continuous areas. This allows radar beams to pass through the spaces between conductive elements while still providing sufficient conductive material within each pixel for effective light emission and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive structure employs a porous or mesh-like configuration at the pixel level, allowing radar waves to pass through the conductive elements while maintaining electrical conductivity for light emission. The porous structure provides both display functionality and radar transparency.
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
Enables the integration of external indication devices in the vehicle's radar beam path without impairing the radar function, allowing for effective communication with the surroundings while maintaining high display resolution and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each pixel comprising, within its indication surface region, a diffuser arrangement which is largely transparent to radar beams from the vehicle's own radar system
Implementation Method 2
an electrically controllable indication light source... The individual indication light source may comprise for example one or more light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Implementation Method 3
each pixel may also comprise a suitable deflection element on its back side, said deflection element deflecting light from an associated indication light source arranged away from the indication element into a predetermined main emission direction
Implementation Method 4
Dichroic mirrors in particular, which have a deflective effect only for selected light wavelengths and otherwise transmit electromagnetic radiation in wavelength ranges not used for the display
Data Source
AI summary
A radar-compatible external display device for a vehicle includes a display element for producing a light display external to the vehicle. The display element is disposed in the beam path of a radar system of the vehicle. Each pixel of the display element includes a transparent diffuser assembly and an electrically controllable light source or a deflecting element. Linear dimensions of the display light sources/deflecting elements are several times smaller than a predefined radar wavelength used in the radar system, while distances between adjacent light sources/deflecting elements are greater than said radar wavelength. As a result, radar radiation of the radar system of the vehicle propagates through the display element undisturbed.