RV Digital Window Layout for Exterior Viewing Without Privacy Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles face challenges in optimizing space usage for entertainment systems and balancing privacy with the desire to view external surroundings, as traditional television setups consume floor space and compromise privacy.
Innovation Solution
A digital window system that includes a display assembly mounted on an interior-facing surface and a camera with an optical image sensor mounted on an exterior-facing surface, communicatively coupled to provide a live view of the exterior without the need for dedicated floor-standing cabinets, allowing for flexible positioning and enhanced privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional television setup is used for entertainment, then entertainment functionality is provided, but floor space is consumed and privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical television with a digital display that shows camera feeds from exterior-mounted cameras. This copying approach allows occupants to view exterior surroundings on interior displays without needing physical windows or floor-standing TV cabinets, thus eliminating floor space consumption while maintaining entertainment and viewing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical television system with an electronic/digital system consisting of exterior cameras, wiring, and interior display screens. This replacement eliminates the need for physical TV cabinets and floor space while providing both entertainment and exterior viewing capabilities through digital means
2Ease of operation
If traditional windows are used to view exterior surroundings, then viewing capability is provided, but privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras mounted on the exterior to capture images and video feeds, which are then displayed on interior screens. This creates a digital copy of the exterior view that can be viewed inside the vehicle without actual windows, allowing occupants to see outside while remaining hidden from outside observers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cameras and display screens as intermediary devices between the occupants and the exterior environment. These intermediaries transmit visual information from outside to inside the vehicle without creating direct optical pathways (windows) that would allow two-way visibility, thus preserving privacy while enabling viewing
3Ease of manufacture
If floor-standing cabinets are used for television, then entertainment system is housed, but usable space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the viewing function from interior space by mounting cameras on the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. This removes the need for interior cabinets or dedicated entertainment spaces, freeing up usable floor space while maintaining the ability to view exterior surroundings and provide entertainment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the viewing apparatus from the interior three-dimensional space to the exterior surface of the vehicle. By mounting cameras on exterior surfaces and displaying feeds on interior screens, the system utilizes the vehicle's exterior dimensionality, thereby preserving interior usable space for other purposes
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
The digital window system increases usable space by eliminating the need for floor-standing cabinets and provides a private viewing experience of the exterior environment without compromising interior privacy, allowing occupants to view the surroundings without being visible from outside.
Implementation Method 1
The camera includes an optical image sensor, is communicatively coupled to the display
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational vehicle includes a body that houses an interior living space that is separated from an exterior space by a wall. The wall includes an interior-facing surface and an exterior-facing surface. The recreational vehicle also includes a digital window system, which has a display assembly and a camera. The display assembly includes a display and mounted to the interior-facing surface. The camera includes an optical image sensor, is communicatively coupled to the display, and is mounted to the exterior-facing surface.