Vehicle Parameter Display Using Segmented LED Intensity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern vehicles face challenges in displaying parameter values clearly due to scattering effects from light-emitting elements, leading to decreased readability and increased risk of operating errors.

Innovation Solution

A device with at least two light-emitting elements that can be activated in basic and display intensities, where all elements are illuminated at a basic intensity to prevent overlighting and enhance contrast, allowing for intuitive parameter value output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light-emitting elements are illuminated with high intensity to improve visibility, then display readability is improved, but scattering effects occur that make it difficult to detect the displayed value

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay intensityVSAvoiddetectability of displayed value
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into multiple light-emitting elements that can be independently controlled. Each element can be activated or deactivated based on the parameter value to be displayed, allowing precise control over which segments emit light and which remain dark, thereby avoiding scattering effects while maintaining readability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the display have different illumination characteristics. The patent applies local quality by controlling each light-emitting element individually, so that only the necessary segments are illuminated with high intensity while others remain dark or emit minimal light, preventing unwanted scattering in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light-emitting elements are used to display parameter values, then display capability is improved, but overlighting effects occur that create perceptible gradients and blur the display

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter value display capabilityVSAvoiddisplay clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination state of light-emitting elements is made dynamic rather than static. The system can switch between different activation states (fully on, fully off, or intermediate states) depending on the parameter value being displayed, allowing the display to adapt to different measurement ranges while maintaining clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the illumination parameter of light-emitting elements dynamically. By adjusting the activation state of each element based on the parameter value, the system achieves versatile display capability without creating harmful overlighting effects that would blur the display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If light-emitting elements are deactivated to save energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but contrast and visibility are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddisplay contrast
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of illuminating all light-emitting elements continuously, the patent applies partial action by activating only the specific elements needed to display the current parameter value. This reduces energy consumption significantly while maintaining or even improving display contrast, since fewer elements are competing to emit light.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The display system uses a segmented approach where individual light-emitting elements act as independent units. By selectively activating copies of the same basic element (light-emitting diode) in different patterns, the system achieves energy efficiency without sacrificing overall display contrast or visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 solution effectively conceals overlighting effects, providing clear and easy-to-read parameter value displays, reducing the risk of operating errors and improving driving comfort.

Implementation Method 1

The device (2) comprises at least two light-emitting elements (La, Lb, Lc, Ld, Le), namely a first and a second light-emitting element. At least one basic activation state and one display activation state can be activated for each of the at least two light-emitting elements.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3947006B1Device and method for outputting a parameter value in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3947006B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3947006B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3947006B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for outputting a parameter value in a vehicle (1), which device comprises at least two lighting elements (La to Le), specifically a first and a second lighting element (La to Le). At least one basic activation state and one display activation state can be activated for each of the at least two lighting elements (La to Le). In the basic activation state, the lighting elements (La to Le) emit light at a basic intensity, and in the display activation state, they emit light at a display intensity, wherein the display intensity is greater than the basic intensity. The device further comprises a control unit (3) which is designed to activate either the basic activation state or the display activation state for the at least two lighting elements (La to Le) in such a way that the parameter value is output. In the method for outputting a parameter value in a vehicle (1), either a basic activation state or a display activation state is activated for at least two lighting elements (La to Le) in such a way that the parameter value is output. In the basic activation state, the lighting elements (La to Le) emit light at a basic intensity, and in the display activation state, they emit light at a display intensity, wherein the display intensity is greater than the basic intensity.