Smart Glass Vehicle Windshield Markerless AR Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional windshield projections for augmented reality head-up displays in vehicles are distracting, require external devices, have limited intelligence, short lifespan, and low light efficiency, and result in unnecessary physical road signs that are costly to manufacture, install, and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A smart glass system using markerless augmented reality technology, integrated with a GPS navigation component, sensors, cameras, and a central database to display 3D road signs, barriers, and advertisements directly on the windshield, eliminating the need for external projectors and physical signs, and automatically activated when the vehicle is turned on.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional HUD projector devices are used to display information on the windshield, then information can be displayed to the driver, but the projection distracts and hinders the driver's normal line of vision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation display to driverVSAvoiddriver distraction and vision hindrance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the vehicle's windshield itself as the display medium, copying the display function directly into the existing transparent surface rather than projecting onto it. This eliminates the need for separate projector devices and allows information to be displayed without obstructing the driver's natural vision path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The display functionality is merged with the windshield structure itself. The smart glass integrates the display medium and the protective window into a single component, eliminating the need for external projector devices and reducing visual distraction while maintaining information display capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If external projector devices are used for HUD, then information display is enabled, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation display capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display medium with the windshield structure, eliminating the need for separate external projector devices. This integration reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining the information display capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The windshield serves multiple functions: it acts as both the protective window and the display medium. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated projector hardware, reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If physical road signs are installed on roadways, then drivers receive navigation information, but manufacturing, importing, installing and maintaining these signs incurs expensive costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation information deliveryVSAvoidmanufacturing and maintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical road signs with virtual information displayed on the windshield. This copying of navigation information from physical to digital format eliminates the need for manufacturing, installing, and maintaining physical signage infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical road signs with a digital display system on the windshield. This substitution eliminates the need for physical infrastructure while maintaining navigation information delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of information

If conventional HUD projector devices are used, then information can be projected on the windshield, but light efficiency is low causing difficulty for drivers during night time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation projection capabilityVSAvoidlight efficiency and night visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent displays information directly on the windshield surface rather than projecting it, which improves light efficiency and visibility during nighttime by eliminating the limitations of projection-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11525695B2Smart glass for vehicles

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 SULEIMAN AHMAD ALMOUSA AHMAD

AI summary

There is provided a system for displaying information to a user of a vehicle, including a smart glass for displaying the information as three dimensional (3D) elements, a navigation-assisting component and a central database, wherein the smart glass and the navigation-assisting component are in communication with the central database. This database stores the information and aids in sending and displaying relevant and updated information on the smart glass in real-time, depending on a location through which the vehicle is being maneuvered. Further, the information is displayed on the smart glass through markerless Augmented Reality (AR) technology, thereby eliminating a need for external devices or projectors for displaying the information.