Vehicle Display Optics for Windshield Reflection Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices in vehicles can cause driver distraction due to image reflections on windshields at night, affecting driving ability and focus.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a light-emitting element layer that includes viewing angle control portions and reflecting portions to control vertical viewing angles, using layers with different refractive indices and opaque reflective materials to minimize reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light-emitting elements are used to provide bright display images, then display brightness and visibility are improved, but vertical reflections on windshields increase causing driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing viewing angle control portions with specific refractive indices at different locations above the light-emitting elements. These portions are strategically positioned to control light propagation in specific vertical directions, reducing reflections toward the windshield while maintaining display brightness for passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes optical parameters by using materials with different refractive indices for the viewing angle control portions. By selecting materials with specific refractive index values, the patent controls the refraction and reflection angles of emitted light, thereby reducing vertical reflections that cause windshield glare while preserving horizontal viewing angles.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If viewing angle control portions with different refractive indices are added to control vertical viewing angles, then shield reflections are reduced, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the viewing angle control function into multiple discrete portions positioned above different light-emitting elements. Each portion is an independent structure with specific refractive index properties, allowing modular control of light propagation angles without requiring a completely redesigned display structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures by combining viewing angle control portions made of materials with different refractive indices. These composite structures integrate optical control functions into the display assembly, achieving reflection reduction while maintaining a compact overall structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If reflecting portions with high reflectance are used to redirect light, then vertical reflections are minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing reflecting portions that utilize the natural reflection properties of existing display components. The reflecting portions are positioned to work with the light-emitting elements and viewing angle control portions already present in the display structure, eliminating the need for separate precision alignment systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If light-transmitting portions are added to enable wider horizontal viewing angles, then horizontal viewing angle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing light-transmitting portions that serve multiple functions: they enable wider horizontal viewing angles for passenger entertainment while simultaneously maintaining vertical reflection control. These portions are integrated into the existing display structure, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple optical functions.
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
Reduces windshield reflections by adjusting vertical viewing angles, enhancing driver safety by minimizing distracting reflections.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the viewing angle control portions may include a first layer having a first refractive index and a second layer having a second refractive index that is smaller than the first refractive index
Implementation Method 2
The reflecting portions include may an opaque reflective material. The opaque reflective material may include resin including white-color-based pigments. A reflectance of the reflecting portions with respect to the light emitted from each of the light-emitting elements may be 80% or more
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a substrate including a plurality of pixels; and a light-emitting element layer on the substrate. The light-emitting element layer includes: light-emitting elements in each pixel, configured to emit light, and arranged along a first direction; viewing angle control portions respectively on the light-emitting elements; and reflecting portions respectively on one side and another side of the light-emitting elements in a second direction crossing the first direction in a plan view