Glare Elimination via Directionally Shadable Screen and Rotational Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera and optic control systems face challenges in managing image shake, glare, and exposure differentials, particularly in dynamic environments, and existing technologies do not effectively address these issues to enhance image quality and user safety.
Innovation Solution
The development of a variably directionally shadable screen and actuating system, combined with electromagnetically actuated optical control techniques, including rotational lenses and sensors, to manage camera, user, and environmental movement, and reduce glare by dynamically shaping and directing light to prevent excessive brightness from reaching the observer's field of vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a semi-transparent canopy is used for HUD display, then the pilot can observe environmental information and display information simultaneously, but glare from bright light sources (e.g., sun) can reach the pilot's field of vision and cause discomfort or safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical element (such as a liquid crystal variable retarder or electrochromic layer) positioned between the bright light source and the observer's field of vision. This intermediary dynamically modulates the light transmission properties of the canopy, blocking harmful glare while maintaining transparency for normal observation, thus resolving the contradiction between dual observation capability and glare protection
2Reliability
If conventional 3-D imaging methods are used, then virtual objects can be created, but the realism is limited and distracting interceding objects (e.g., finger blocking touch screen) remain visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating depth-varying optical properties across different regions of the display. Virtual objects at different depths are rendered with different transparency and focus characteristics, allowing the system to selectively obscure interceding objects (like fingers) that appear at intermediate depths while maintaining realistic appearance of virtual objects at various depth planes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a depth dimension to conventional 2-D displays by implementing multi-planar virtual object rendering. By distributing visual information across multiple depth planes and using focus-tunable optics, the system creates realistic 3-D perception and can selectively hide interceding objects by placing virtual content in front of or behind them in the depth dimension
3Productivity
If camera systems are used in dynamic environments, then visual information can be captured, but image shake and exposure differentials exceed the capabilities of standard optical sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic compensation by introducing actively controllable optical elements (such as variable aperture mechanisms, electronic shutters, or focus-tunable lenses) that respond in real-time to detected camera motion and lighting conditions. These dynamic elements adjust optical parameters during exposure to counteract shake and maintain consistent exposure across varying conditions, resolving the contradiction between capturing dynamic visual information and maintaining image quality stability
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 effectively reduces glare and enhances image quality by dynamically managing light, preventing excessive brightness and improving the realism of 3-D imaging while reducing the appearance of distracting objects, thereby improving user safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal variable retarder, positioned to overlie a selected region of the canopy
Implementation Method 2
modulating a polarization state of light passing through the canopy
Implementation Method 3
an electrochromic layer, positioned to overlie another selected region of the canopy
Data Source
AI summary
New optic control systems are provided that manage camera, user or environmental movement and other factors impacting optical and resulting image quality. In some aspects of the invention, a variably, directionally shadable screen and actuating system is provided, which prevents and limits problematic glare for an observation point. In other aspects of the invention, a matrix of specialized pixels creates variably-directed light from a plurality of angle-directable, shiftable sources, which aids in creating virtual, 3-D objects of greater realism than conventional 3-D imaging methods and aid in reducing the appearance of distracting interceding objects (e.g., finger blocking a touch screen). In these aspects, existing images and objects viewed through a screen may be enhanced and overlaid with effects and demonstrative information related to the overlaid images and objects and an environment. In still other aspects of the invention, electromagnetically actuated optical control techniques, including rotational lenses and sensors, are provided.