Vehicle Roof Window Projection for External Status Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face challenges in providing adequate display options for vehicle information, as traditional visual indicators on the dashboard become cramped with increasing information, and some information may distract the driver or be irrelevant, while existing head-up displays do not effectively utilize the space above the windshield for external visibility.
Innovation Solution
An optically transmissive roof window is used to project an image from an optical element located in the rear portion of the overhead console, allowing for additional display space inside the vehicle and visibility of vehicle states from outside, utilizing a light source such as LEDs and a waveguide to emit light towards the roof window, creating a semitransparent image representative of the vehicle's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If visual indicators are placed on the dashboard, then driver visibility of vehicle information is improved, but the available display space becomes cramped as information quantity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the display from the traditional 2D dashboard surface to a 3D spatial arrangement using the overhead console and roof window area. The optical element projects light through the semitransparent roof window, utilizing the vertical space above the driver's field of view rather than consuming horizontal dashboard real estate. This dimensional transition resolves the space constraint while maintaining information visibility.
2Ease of operation
If head-up display projects information in the windshield, then driver focus is maintained without refocusing, but the display space remains limited and cannot provide external visibility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of projecting information onto the windshield surface, the patent utilizes the vertical space above the windshield by positioning the optical element in the overhead console. The semitransparent roof window serves as the projection medium, creating a display that floats in the space above the driver's head. This approach expands display area while maintaining the head-up display benefit of not requiring driver focus adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof window serves dual functions: it maintains its traditional role as a light-transmissive window while simultaneously serving as a projection medium for the display system. The semitransparent material allows it to function both as an optical window for natural light and as a projection surface for vehicle information, eliminating the need for separate display components.
3Loss of information
If display information is increased, then more vehicle status information is provided, but driver distraction increases and critical information may be obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the display in the vertical dimension above the driver's head through the roof window, separating it from the driver's primary line of sight to the road. This spatial separation allows comprehensive vehicle information to be displayed without competing with critical driving visual cues, reducing distraction while maintaining information completeness.
4Area of stationary object
If optical element is placed in the rear portion of overhead console, then additional display space is utilized and external visibility is enabled, but the space is cramped and not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repurposes the overhead console's rear portion, which traditionally serves only as structural space, into a functional mounting location for the optical element. This unused space becomes a dual-purpose area that houses both the optical component and provides the necessary projection path through the roof window, eliminating the need for additional dedicated display structure.
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 provides additional display options for vehicle information inside the vehicle and allows external visibility of the vehicle's state without distracting the driver, enhancing convenience by allowing occupants to check the vehicle's status from outside without needing to reposition themselves.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element (17) attached to a rear portion (11) of the overhead console (7), the optical element (17) facing the roof window (3)... the optical element (17) is arranged to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source (19) such that an image (23) representative of the optical signal and the shape of the optical element (17) is visible through the roof window (3) from the interior of the vehicle (1)
Implementation Method 2
The roof window which otherwise is traditionally only used for allowing light to enter the interior of the vehicle... may also be used for providing additional display space for displaying information to the occupants of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
a light source (19) for emitting light receivable by the optical element (17), the light source (19) is configured to emit the light when an electric system of the vehicle is powered on
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle (1) comprising an optically transmissive roof window (3), an overhead console (7) arranged in an overhead position with respect to a driver position (9) in the vehicle, an optical element (17) attached to a rear portion of the overhead console, the optical element facing the roof window, a light source for emitting light receivable by the optical element, the light source is configure to emit the light when an electric system of the vehicle is powered on. The optical element is arranged to receive at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source such that an image (23) representative of the optical signal and the shape of the optical element is visible through the roof window from the interior of the vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for providing an image indicative of a state of a vehicle.