Vehicle Display Panel With Real Hologram Hover Controls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle display systems with tangible knobs and switches are bulky, costly, and complex, especially in confined spaces, and often obstruct the image on the display or require separate light sources for holographic configurations.

Innovation Solution

A display panel with a holographic optical element that creates a real hologram image, using a sensor to detect finger position changes and adjust vehicle functions, eliminating the need for additional light sources and simplifying assembly by integrating a light-transmissive hover touch capacitive sensor and computer-generated holographic layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If reflective style holography is used, then holographic switch functionality is achieved, but device complexity and assembly cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholographic switch functionalityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical reflective holographic systems with a simpler transmission holographic system. The transmission hologram is created by placing a holographic optical element between the display screen and the viewer, which directly modulates light from the screen without requiring separate light sources or complex reflective arrangements. This substitution reduces assembly complexity while maintaining holographic switch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen serves multiple functions: it displays information and simultaneously acts as the light source for creating the transmission hologram. The holographic optical element integrates both the holographic pattern and the light modulation function into a single component, eliminating the need for separate reflective elements and light sources, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If tangible knobs and switches are used, then vehicle function control is achieved, but they obstruct the display image and protrude into the cabin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle function controlVSAvoiddisplay image area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the control interface by projecting a transmission hologram that appears to float above the display screen. This holographic representation of knobs and switches allows users to interact with virtual control elements that do not physically obstruct the display or protrude into the cabin, while still providing tactile-like interaction through hover touch detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat display controls to three-dimensional holographic controls that appear to extend into the viewer's space. The transmission hologram creates a volumetric image that can be interacted with through hover touch detection in three-dimensional space, providing enhanced ease of operation without physical protrusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate display is incorporated onto the knob, then control functionality is enhanced, but configuration difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidconfiguration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the display function and the control interface function into a single integrated system. The transmission hologram is created using the existing display screen as the light source, and the holographic optical element is directly positioned over the screen area. This integration eliminates the need for separate displays on physical knobs, simplifying configuration and reducing costs while maintaining enhanced control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution provides a streamlined, cost-effective, and contamination-minimized interface for controlling vehicle functions, such as HVAC and infotainment systems, with proportional adjustments displayed on the screen, enhancing user interaction without direct touch and reducing component protrusion into the cabin.

Implementation Method 1

a holographic optical element configured to create a real hologram image... The light from the display screen creates the real hologram image with the holographic optical element being located between the display screen and the real hologram image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHolography: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

The sensor is a light-transmissive hover touch capacitive sensor... A sensor is configured to detect a position of a user's finger with respect to the real hologram image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20240270074A1Display panel for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.08.15 CLARION CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

A display panel for a vehicle includes a holographic optical element configured to create a real hologram image. A sensor is configured to detect a position of a user's finger with respect to the real hologram image. A display screen is configured to emit light through the holographic optical element. The light from the display screen creates the real hologram image with the holographic optical element being located between the display screen and the real hologram image.