Rearward Display Mirror With Variable Reflectivity Against Headlight Glare
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems for vehicles face issues with visual recognition of displayed images due to fluctuations in brightness and glare from headlights, leading to difficulty in viewing and identifying the video or image, especially in connected cars where accessory devices can distract the driver.
Innovation Solution
A display system with an image capture device, a display device, a first and second illuminance sensor, an electro-optic layer with a transmissive-reflective layer, and an actuator that switches the electro-optic layer's posture between two modes, controlling brightness and image display based on sensor inputs to improve visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a display device is used to show rearward images, then the driver can view the rearward scene, but visual recognition is degraded due to brightness fluctuations and glare from headlights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable reflectivity layer (electro-optic layer) that can dynamically change its optical properties in response to environmental conditions. The layer transitions between different reflectivity states based on detected light levels, allowing the display to adapt to varying brightness conditions and reduce glare from headlights, thereby maintaining reliable visual recognition across different lighting environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the variable reflectivity layer by applying electrical voltage to control its reflectivity. By adjusting the reflectivity parameter of the electro-optic layer, the system optimizes the brightness and contrast of the displayed rearward image, ensuring clear visibility despite external light fluctuations and headlight glare.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electro-optic layer switches between two postures, then the driver can choose between displayed image and mirror image viewing modes, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single display device structure. The variable reflectivity layer serves dual purposes: it can function as a traditional rear-view mirror when in one posture, and as an electronic display when switched to another posture. This multi-functionality allows the driver to access both mirror image and displayed rearward camera images through the same device, reducing the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the traditional mirror function with the electronic display function into a single integrated unit. By combining the variable reflectivity layer with the display device and control circuitry, the system consolidates what would traditionally require separate components (mirror and electronic display) into one unified structure, thereby managing complexity while providing versatile viewing options.
3Illumination intensity
If the display brightness is increased to improve visibility, then the image becomes more visible, but glare from external light sources intensifies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of external light (headlight glare) into a useful control signal. The system uses illuminance sensors to detect the intensity of incoming light, and this detected information is used to automatically adjust the reflectivity of the variable reflectivity layer. By responding to the harmful light with increased reflectivity, the system blocks the glare while maintaining appropriate display brightness, effectively using the harmful stimulus to trigger a protective response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where illuminance sensors continuously monitor the light environment, and the control circuit adjusts the variable reflectivity layer's optical properties based on this feedback. When external light intensity increases (indicating potential glare), the system increases the layer's reflectivity to block the harmful light, thereby maintaining visibility without intensifying glare effects.
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 rearward images by adjusting brightness and reducing glare, ensuring clear viewing of displayed content even in varying light conditions, thereby improving driver focus and safety.
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
Implementation Method 2
a first illuminance sensor that detects brightness around the vehicle, and a second illuminance sensor that detects intensity of light emitted onto a front surface of the display device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying a rearward image of a vehicle includes varying reflectivity of an electro-optic layer for incident light to transmit a portion of the incident light and to reflect another portion of the incident light; displaying on a display at least the portion of the rearward image; and switching the electro-optic layer between a first posture and a second posture. When the electro-optic layer is in the first posture, at least the portion of the rearward image is displayed, and when in the second posture, the reflectivity of the electro-optic layer for the incident light varies between at least two values based on at least one of a first illuminance or a second illuminance. The first illuminance indicates brightness around the vehicle and the second illuminance indicates intensity of light emitted on a front surface of the electro-optic layer.