Vehicle Window Privacy via Synchronized Display Cycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display screens in vehicles can be a distraction to other drivers and compromise privacy for occupants, as they can be visible from outside the vehicle, posing safety and privacy concerns.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a display screen and a window configured to alternate between displaying and non-displaying states, with an electronic control unit (ECU) coordinating the states to ensure the display screen is obscured from outside viewers by making the window opaque when the screen is on and transparent when it's off, using a frequency undetectable to human vision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the display screen is made visible for use, then the screen can be viewed by occupants, but the screen becomes visible to outside viewers causing distraction and privacy loss

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprivacyVSAvoidscreen visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The window alternates periodically between opaque and transparent states at a frequency that creates a privacy effect while allowing screen content to be viewed by occupants. This periodic switching prevents outside viewers from seeing the screen content clearly while maintaining usability for internal occupants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The optical properties of the window are dynamically changed between opaque and transparent states through electrochromic or similar technology. This parameter change allows the window to adapt its transparency based on whether the display screen is active, resolving the contradiction between privacy and screen visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the window is made opaque to block the display screen view, then privacy is improved, but the driver's view through the window is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprivacyVSAvoiddriver's view
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The window alternates between opaque and transparent states in a periodic manner, creating an effective privacy barrier while allowing periodic visibility for the driver. The frequency and timing are designed to maintain driver awareness while preventing clear viewing of the display screen by outside observers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the window may have different optical properties or timing characteristics. The window can be segmented such that certain areas provide privacy while others maintain driver visibility, allowing simultaneous satisfaction of both privacy and driving safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the display screen is continuously on for visibility, then occupants can always view content, but distractions to other drivers increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen accessibilityVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen alternates between on and off states in synchronization with the window's opaque/transparent cycling. This periodic operation allows occupants to view content during transparent phases while preventing continuous visibility that would cause distraction to outside drivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronized operation of the window and display screen maintains continuous useful functionality for occupants while eliminating harmful continuous visibility to outside drivers. The system ensures that screen content is always accessible to occupants when needed while preventing distraction during critical driving moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system effectively reduces distractions for other drivers and enhances occupant privacy by ensuring the display screen is not visible from outside, while allowing the window to remain partially transparent for the driver's view.

Implementation Method 1

a window of the vehicle configured to alternate between an opaque state and a transparent state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS10391844B2Vehicle display screen safety and privacy system
Publication Date: 2019.08.27 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC
  • US10391844B2 patent drawing
  • US10391844B2 patent drawing
  • US10391844B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for improving safety while providing privacy for a vehicle. The system includes a display screen located within the vehicle, configured to alternate between a displaying state and a non-displaying state. The system includes a window configured to alternate between an opaque state and a transparent state. The system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to determine whether the display screen is powered on. The ECU is configured to alternate the display screen between the displaying state and the non-displaying state at a predetermined frequency when the display screen is powered on. The ECU is configured to alternate the window between the opaque state and the transparent state at the predetermined frequency, the display screen being in the displaying state when the window is in the opaque state and the display screen being in the non-displaying state when the window is in the transparent state.