Vehicle Rearview Display With Switchable Electro-Optic Glare Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems for vehicles that capture and display images rearward of the vehicle face issues with visual recognition due to environmental brightness fluctuations and glare from headlights, leading to difficulties for drivers in viewing images effectively.
Innovation Solution
A display system with an image capture device, a display device, a transmissive-reflective electro-optic layer, and sensors to detect brightness and light intensity, allowing the system to switch between displaying images and mirror images based on environmental conditions, and controlling brightness to improve visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display device uses a fixed reflective surface (traditional mirror), then the driver can view rearward images, but the visual recognition is degraded under varying brightness conditions and headlight glare
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the display surface switchable between reflective and transmissive states. The electro-optic layer can dynamically change its optical properties based on environmental conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying brightness levels and reduce the impact of headlight glare, thereby improving visual recognition reliability under different lighting conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the optical parameters of the display surface. By changing the reflectivity and transmissivity parameters of the electro-optic layer in response to detected brightness levels, the system optimizes image visibility and reduces harmful effects of environmental lighting variations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display device switches between display mode and mirror image mode, then image visibility is improved under different conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional display device that can operate in multiple modes: display mode for showing rearward camera images and mirror image mode for reflecting ambient light. The electro-optic layer serves dual purposes by switching between transmissive and reflective states, allowing a single device to adapt to different lighting conditions without requiring separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing control circuits and sensors as mediators between the environmental conditions and the display surface. These intermediaries detect brightness levels and automatically control the switching of the electro-optic layer, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying the user interaction while maintaining system adaptability
3Illumination intensity
If the display brightness is increased to improve visibility, then image clarity improves, but the glare from headlights and environmental light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by dynamically adjusting the optical state of the display surface based on real-time brightness detection. When environmental brightness is low, the electro-optic layer switches to transmissive mode to allow display backlight to illuminate the image clearly. When environmental brightness is high or headlight glare is detected, it switches to reflective mode to reduce glare, automatically optimizing visibility without generating harmful light levels
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 visual recognition of displayed images by adjusting for brightness and reducing glare, ensuring clear image visibility for drivers under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic layer with a transmissive-reflective layer that transmits a portion of incident light and reflects another portion of the incident light, the electro-optic layer being configured to vary reflectivity of the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a housing with an opening; an electro-optic layer that includes a transmissive-reflective layer and configured to vary reflectivity of incident light; a display provided on the electro-optic layer; a control circuit that controls an operation of the display device; and an actuator that switches the electro-optic layer between first and second postures, wherein the control circuit: controls an operation of the display, generates a trimmed image matching a shape of the opening or a shape of the display, outputs the trimmed image to the display, controls the reflectivity of the electro-optic layer when the electro-optic layer is in the second posture, and does not control the reflectivity of the electro-optic layer when the electro-optic layer is in the first posture, and the display is visible to a driver through the electro-optic layer when the control circuit controls the display to display the trimmed image.