Transparent Display Panel with Dynamic Orientation for Vehicle Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle display systems face challenges in efficiently displaying information to both inside and outside users without occupying excessive space, while maintaining a modern and uncluttered interior design, and protecting the display from external damage.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a transparent display panel that adjusts its light transmission and orientation based on the user's position, using a pixel matrix and control circuitry activated by sensors to ensure information is only visible to the intended user, and a blocking layer with adjustable light transmission to maintain transparency when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an extra display panel is added for outside communication, then communication functionality is improved, but space consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The existing display panel is made multi-functional by enabling it to display information to both inside and outside users. The display panel serves as the primary interface for inside users while also functioning as an external communication interface when activated, eliminating the need for a separate display device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel utilizes transparency changes (optical property modification) to switch between displaying information to inside users (transparent state) and outside users (opaque state). This allows the same physical panel to serve different functions without requiring additional display hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display panel is made transparent for outside visibility, then outside communication is improved, but display protection and readability for inside users deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutside communication capabilityVSAvoiddisplay protection and readability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel's transparency is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The control circuitry enables real-time switching between transparent and opaque states based on detection of outside users, allowing the system to optimize for either outside communication or inside readability/protection as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking layer is positioned selectively between the display panel and outside environment, allowing different regions of the display system to have different optical properties. The blocking layer can be activated in specific areas or fully, providing localized control over transparency and protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the display panel is positioned at the exterior of the vehicle, then outside accessibility is improved, but vulnerability to damage and environmental exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutside accessibilityVSAvoidvulnerability to damage and environmental exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking layer acts as an intermediary protective element between the display panel and the external environment. When activated, it blocks harmful factors such as snow, rain, and direct exposure while still allowing the display information to be visible to outside users through the transparent portions or when the blocking layer is selectively activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If the display panel displays information continuously, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous display operation, the system uses periodic or on-demand activation based on sensor detection. The control circuitry monitors for the presence of outside users and activates the display panel and blocking layer only when needed, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining information availability when users are present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables efficient two-sided information display with minimal space occupation, energy conservation, and enhanced user experience by ensuring information is only accessible to the intended user, while maintaining a clear view and protecting the display from external elements.

Implementation Method 1

a pixel matrix, wherein in a respective unactuated state each pixel element of the pixel matrix is transparent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission control:

Implementation Method 2

a blocking layer with adjustable light transmission to maintain transparency when not in use

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission adjustment:

Implementation Method 3

a sensor unit designed to identify a presence of at least one person at a predefined threshold distance from the display device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11562688B2Display device and a vehicle with the display device

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 AUDI AG

AI summary

A display panel has a first panel side and a second panel side, both capable of displaying graphic display object(s). The display panel has a pixel layer, control circuitry and a sensor unit which identify the presence of at least one person at a predefined threshold distance from the display device and whether the at least one person is on the first panel side or the second panel side. The control circuitry is adapted to enable the displaying of the graphic display object in accordance with a predefined display alignment in one of a first orientation and a second orientation based on a physical environment condition.