Switchable Window Projection for Driver and Pedestrian Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle information display systems, such as head-up displays, are limited in providing a wide range of information directly in the driver's line of sight and do not effectively convey important safety information to both the operator and external observers, like pedestrians.
Innovation Solution
A projection system integrated into a vehicle's window using a switchable foil or film with controllable transparency, combined with projectors and a controller, allows for the display of various types of information, including safety warnings and camera views, on different sections of the window, optimizing visibility for the driver and external observers based on light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a head-up display or additional screen device is used to provide information to the driver, then information is presented to the operator, but the viewing angle and visibility for external observers (pedestrians, passersby) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional head-up displays that project information only within the driver's cabin to a window-based projection system that displays information on the vehicle's exterior windows. This dimensional change allows information to be visible both to the driver inside the vehicle and to external observers (pedestrians, passersby) outside the vehicle, effectively expanding the viewing angle coverage from a single interior dimension to multiple exterior and interior dimensions simultaneously.
2Loss of information
If the window is made opaque to display information clearly, then information visibility is improved, but the driver's view through the window is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically controllable window structure that can switch between transparent and opaque states. The window includes a switchable foil or film that can be controlled to change its optical properties in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize the balance between information display clarity and light transmission based on operational requirements - making the window opaque when information display is needed and transparent when the driver needs clear visibility through the window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the window by incorporating a switchable foil or film that can alter its transparency. This parameter change allows the window to transition between different optical states (transparent/opaque or various transparency levels) to suit different operational conditions, thereby resolving the contradiction between information display clarity and light transmission.
3Loss of information
If the window is made opaque to display information, then information is visible, but sunlight enters the vehicle causing glare and reducing visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically controllable window with switchable optical properties to address the harmful effect of sunlight glare. By making the window opaque when displaying information to external observers, the system simultaneously blocks sunlight from entering the vehicle, thereby eliminating the glare problem. The dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different environmental conditions and operational modes, resolving the contradiction between information visibility and glare prevention.
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 the operator's overview with detailed information in direct line-of-sight while providing critical safety information to external observers, such as pedestrians, and serves as a sunblind, improving safety and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a switchable foil or film on or in at least parts of a window of the vehicle, wherein a degree of transparency of the switchable foil or film is controllable by an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
at least one projector, which is able and arranged to display information on the switchable foil or film
Data Source
AI summary
A projection system for a vehicle, especially a working vehicle, is disclosed. The projection system includes a switchable foil or film on or in at least parts of a window of the vehicle, wherein a degree of transparency of the switchable foil or film is controllable by an applied voltage; at least one projector, which is able and arranged to display information on the switchable foil or film; and a controller, which is able and adapted to control the degree of transparency and to control the at least one projector.