Transparent Vehicle Display Optics for Unidirectional Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information display systems face challenges in improving light utilization efficiency, leading to high power consumption and inadequate high-resolution image display, particularly in vehicle information displays, and are limited by the inclination angle of windshields, obstructing the driver's view when displaying information inside or outside the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An information display system that includes an image projection apparatus with a light direction changing unit and a transparent sheet, converting image light into narrow diffusion angle with specific polarization, allowing unidirectional display inside or outside the vehicle, reducing power consumption and enhancing image resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional light diffusion layers with binders and fine particles are used, then image display is achieved, but light utilization efficiency is poor and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the light diffusion layer by using inorganic particles with specific refractive indices and controlling particle size distribution, replacing organic binders with inorganic matrices, and optimizing layer thickness to improve light utilization efficiency and reduce power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of inorganic particles (such as silica, titania, or zirconia) dispersed in inorganic binder matrices, creating a light diffusion layer that achieves superior light scattering efficiency with reduced energy loss compared to conventional organic-based diffusion layers
2Volume of moving object
If small-sized liquid crystal display elements are used to reduce set size, then device size is reduced, but projection image resolution becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the optical performance in the light diffusion dimension by optimizing particle size distribution and refractive index contrast, allowing small display elements to achieve high effective resolution through improved light scattering control rather than simply increasing element size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by using particles with specific size ranges and refractive indices in different regions of the light diffusion layer to enhance local light scattering efficiency, thereby improving overall image resolution from compact display elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If image projection apparatus is arranged between steering and windshield, then vehicle integration is achieved, but image light cannot reach driver's eyes when windshield inclination is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability through optical elements that can adapt to different windshield inclination angles, allowing the light projection system to maintain effective image delivery to the driver's eyes across various windshield configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a light diffusion layer with optimized particle distribution as an intermediary between the projection apparatus and the windshield, enabling the system to compensate for large windshield inclination angles by controlling light scattering patterns to ensure images reach the driver's line of sight
4Adaptability or versatility
If display is mounted inside vehicle to show information externally, then external information display is achieved, but driver's view is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light diffusion function into a separate layer positioned between the display element and the windshield exterior, allowing the display to show information externally while the segmented light diffusion structure prevents direct line-of-sight obstruction for the driver
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light diffusion layer as an intermediary that selectively scatters light in outward directions while maintaining transparency to inward-directed light from the driver's perspective, enabling external display functionality without obstructing the driver's view of the road
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 system achieves high-resolution image display with reduced power consumption and enables unidirectional information display through vehicle windows without obstructing the driver's view, improving light utilization efficiency and flexibility across various windshield angles.
Implementation Method 1
converting image light into narrow diffusion angle with specific polarization
Implementation Method 2
displaying an image to inside or outside of a store (space) by reflecting on or transmitting through a transparent member
Data Source
AI summary
An information display system for unidirectionally displaying an image via a transparent projected member provided in a space includes an image projection apparatus configured to generate and project image light by modulating a light flux from a light source, a transparent sheet provided on an inner surface of a display region set on a part of the projected member, and a light direction changing panel configured to change a direction of the image light from the image projection apparatus toward the transparent sheet of the display region, and the transparent sheet includes a retardation plate, an absorption type polarization plate that absorbs a specific polarized wave, and a transparent diffusion sheet material having a light diffusion function, and projects the image light whose direction has been changed by the light direction changing unit to the inside or the outside of the space.