Transparent Display Glazing With Peripheral Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of transparent display screens in vehicle windows is hindered by the lack of effective artificial backlighting, which renders information invisible in low natural light conditions, such as at night or in tunnels, without compromising the transparency of the glazing.
Innovation Solution
A side glazing system incorporating a transparent display screen with a light-guide substrate and peripheral light-emitting diodes, where the light source is coupled with the substrate to emit radiation that is extracted through diffusing elements or texturing, ensuring minimal visibility and maintaining transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a transparent display screen is integrated in vehicle window glazing, then information can be displayed to users while maintaining transparency, but the screen becomes invisible in low natural light conditions such as at night or in tunnels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating a light guide substrate with extraction means (such as diffusing elements or texturing) into the glazing structure before the actual display is needed. This pre-configured optical infrastructure allows the system to quickly provide artificial backlighting when natural light becomes insufficient, without requiring complex real-time adjustments. The light guide and extraction means are prepared in advance to ensure the transparent screen remains visible in varying lighting conditions.
2Loss of information
If artificial light sources are added to provide backlighting for the transparent screen, then visibility of information is improved in low light conditions, but the complexity of the glazing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display functionality with the glazing structure itself by integrating the light guide substrate and extraction means directly into the window assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate backlighting components, reducing overall system complexity. The transparent screen, light guide, and extraction means work as an integrated unit, where the glazing serves dual purposes: structural/window function and display/backlighting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The glazing system achieves multi-functionality by combining several functions into a single integrated structure: the light guide substrate serves both as an optical element for distributing light and as part of the glazing assembly; the extraction means simultaneously provides light diffusion and maintains the transparency of the overall window. This universal design allows the same components to fulfill multiple roles, reducing the total number of parts needed.
3Loss of information
If extraction means are integrated into the light guide substrate, then artificial backlighting effectiveness is improved, but the transparency and sharpness of rear field of vision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing extraction means (such as localized diffusing elements or selective texturing) at specific positions on the light guide substrate, rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This localized approach allows light extraction to occur only where needed for display visibility, while other areas maintain their original transparency and optical clarity. The extraction means are strategically positioned to provide backlighting without interfering with the sharpness of the rear field of vision.
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
Provides effective artificial backlighting that is simple to implement and does not obstruct natural light passage, preserving the transparency and sharpness of the rear field of vision.
Implementation Method 1
a light source located on the periphery of said guide substrate, in particular opposite an edge of said substrate... the light source... cooperate with the light-guide substrate by emitting its light radiation within it so that the guide substrate transmits this radiation
Implementation Method 2
a means for extracting the radiation emitted by the light source... an extraction means such as a layer applied to one surface (or both surfaces) and/or by any treatment or differential texturing of a surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a glazing (1), in particular the side glazing of a transport means, comprising a transparent display screen (2) located only in a portion of the glazing, at least one light guide substrate (6) located further outside than said screen, at least one light source (10) located at the periphery of said substrate (6), in particular facing an edge of said light guide substrate (6), and a means for extracting the radiation emitted by the light source, said light source preferably being formed from a plurality of light-emitting diodes.