Transparent Display Contrast Control With Sensor-Driven Dimmable Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transparent or translucent displays struggle to provide adequate contrast in varying environmental conditions, such as light intensity and weather, making visual content indiscernible due to their inability to generate sufficient visual aids.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a dimmable layer with sensors that monitor environmental parameters, allowing for adjustable contrast by controlling input voltage to ensure visibility of visual content through a combination of smart glass technologies and display control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If transparent or translucent displays are used to maintain visibility of the environment, then transparency is improved, but visual content contrast deteriorates in varying environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransparencyVSAvoidvisual content contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the dimmable layer's light transmission properties based on real-time environmental sensing. The system continuously adjusts the contrast enhancement level according to ambient lighting conditions, ensuring optimal visibility while maintaining environmental transparency when conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the display system by introducing a dimmable layer that can dynamically adjust its light transmission characteristics. By controlling the input voltage to the dimmable layer, the system modifies the contrast between visual content and background, effectively resolving the contradiction between transparency and contrast.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If a dimmable layer is added to enhance contrast, then visual content visibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual content visibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dimmable layer as an intermediary component between the transparent display and the environment. This layer acts as a mediator that selectively enhances contrast when needed while maintaining the inherent transparency of the display, adding functionality without fundamentally redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors monitor environmental lighting conditions and provide input to the display control. The display control automatically adjusts the dimmable layer's operation based on sensor data, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying user interaction despite the added complexity of the dimmable layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensors and display control are added to dynamically adjust contrast, then adaptability to environmental conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to environmental conditionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the display system to self-adjust to environmental conditions through integrated sensors and automated control logic. The system monitors its own operating environment and automatically modifies its contrast enhancement level without requiring external control or manual adjustment, achieving adaptability through self-service operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional display system that can operate in multiple modes: fully transparent, contrast-enhanced, and partially transparent. The same hardware components (dimmable layer, sensors, display control) serve multiple functions including environmental sensing, contrast adjustment, and transparency maintenance, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances visibility of visual content by dynamically adjusting contrast based on environmental conditions, ensuring the content remains discernible across different lighting and weather scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

a first dimmable layer positioned relative to a first surface of the display layer... a display control configured to control an input voltage to the first dimmable layer to operate the first dimmable layer to provide a degree of contrast

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS20240021127A1Transparent and translucent displays and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2024.01.18 SUPERNAL LLC

AI summary

A display includes at least one substantially transparent structural layer, a display layer configured to present visual content, and a first dimmable layer positioned relative to a first surface of the display layer. The display may include at least one sensor configured to monitor a parameter corresponding to a characteristic of an environment in which the display is provided. The display may include a display control configured to control an input voltage to the dimmable layer to operate the dimmable layer to provide a degree of contrast based on values of the parameter provided by the at least one sensor.