Transparent Vehicle Display with Safety Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle computer systems pose safety hazards due to distracted operators caused by obstructive display screens that inhibit the operator's field of vision, and previous screen blanking technologies do not adequately address the issue of visual obstruction even when not displaying information.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle computer system with a transparent display that automatically disables the screen during unsafe conditions and integrates safety sensors to control the display, allowing for larger, easier-to-read screens that do not obstruct the operator's view, and can implement augmented reality technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional LCD display screen is used in a vehicle computer system, then information can be displayed to the operator, but the display screen obstructs the operator's field of vision creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency technology to the display screen, transforming it from an opaque state (blocking vision) to a transparent state (allowing vision through). This enables the screen to display information while simultaneously allowing the operator to see through it, eliminating the visual obstruction problem while maintaining information display capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic display system that can automatically adjust between transparent and opaque states based on safety conditions. The display manager monitors vehicle operation parameters and automatically disables the display when unsafe conditions are detected, creating a dynamic adaptation between information display needs and safety requirements
2Ease of operation
If the display screen is made larger to improve readability and reduce visual strain, then information is easier to read, but the obstruction to the operator's field of vision increases
Solution Approach 1:
By making the display screen transparent, the patent allows the screen to be made larger without increasing visual obstruction. The transparency ensures that even a larger screen does not block the operator's view, thereby enabling improved readability while maintaining an unobstructed field of vision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the display from a two-dimensional opaque surface to a transparent medium that allows light transmission. This dimensional change in optical properties enables the display to occupy more visual space for better readability while remaining visually permeable, effectively adding a transparency dimension to the display design
3Reliability
If screen blanking technology is used to disable the display during unsafe conditions, then distracting information is prevented from being displayed, but the computer display screen still obstructs the operator's field of vision even when not displaying information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency technology to the display screen itself, not just the content. When the display is disabled or blanked, the screen remains transparent rather than becoming an opaque blank surface. This eliminates visual obstruction even when the display is not actively showing information, while still providing safety through automatic disabling during unsafe conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle computer system. The vehicle computer system gathers data from a safety sensor to determine whether the proper safety conditions are present for the vehicle operator to interact with the vehicle computer system. A safety controller receives safety condition data gathered from the safety sensor and instructs the display manager to disable the display of information to the vehicle operator during unsafe operating conditions. The vehicle computer system advantageously employs a transparent display screen to provide greater field of vision of the vehicle operator than could be provided by a traditional display screen.