Transparent Display Virtual Window for Utility Vehicle Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicle operators face obstructed views due to components like boom structures, work tools, and chassis parts, which hinder their ability to see the operating environment effectively.
Innovation Solution
An enhanced visibility system is implemented, comprising a camera that captures images beyond obstructions and a display that presents a modified, unobstructed view to the operator, creating a virtual window effect by projecting the relevant portion of the captured image onto a display, allowing the operator to see through virtual transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If physical windows are removed to reduce manufacturing costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but operator visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cameras to capture images of the environment that would otherwise be visible through physical windows. These images are then displayed on transparent displays, creating a visual copy of the external scene. This allows the operator to see through the display as if looking through a window, while the physical window structure can be removed or minimized, reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical window structure with an electronic imaging and display system. Instead of relying on physical glass or transparent material to provide visibility, the system uses cameras, processors, and transparent displays to create a virtual window effect, substituting mechanical components with electronic ones.
2Ease of operation
If transparent displays are used to maintain visibility without physical windows, then operator visibility is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent display serves multiple functions: it provides visibility of the external environment, maintains structural integrity where physical windows would be, and can potentially display additional information overlays. The camera system also serves dual purposes of capturing images for the display and potentially for recording or analysis functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that receives images from cameras, processes them, and sends them to the transparent display. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the image processing function, rather than requiring direct connections between multiple cameras and multiple displays.
3Ease of operation
If cameras and displays are added to eliminate physical windows, then operator visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the visibility system into separate functional modules: camera modules positioned at different locations, a processing unit, and display modules. This segmentation allows for independent optimization of each component and simplifies installation and maintenance, as each module can be tested and replaced independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of various parameters including camera field of view, display brightness and transparency, and image processing parameters. This adaptability enables the system to be optimized for different operating conditions and environments, improving visibility while managing complexity through configurable parameters rather than fixed hardware configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced visibility system for utility vehicles is disclosed. The visibility system may enhance an operator's view from the utility vehicle by making an obstruction appear transparent to the operator.