Vehicle Virtual Image Display Switching to Reduce Night Reflections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle display devices with virtual image capabilities can cause visual fatigue and unwanted reflections, especially during night driving, as they require three-dimensional effects that may not be desirable for all situations.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a semi-transparent first surface creating a virtual image and a second visible surface, offering a second mode where all information is displayed on a two-dimensional plane without the three-dimensional lighting effects, allowing users to opt out of virtual image display when desired.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a virtual image display mode is used with a semi-transparent display surface and display source, then the three-dimensional visual effect and information presentation capability are improved, but visual fatigue and unwanted reflections increase especially during night driving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay mode adaptabilityVSAvoidvisual fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display device dynamically switches between two display modes: a first mode using a semi-transparent display surface with a display source to create a virtual three-dimensional image, and a second mode using an opaque display surface without the display source to show a two-dimensional image. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to adjust to different driving conditions (e.g., night driving vs. daytime) to reduce visual fatigue while maintaining versatile display capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the optical parameters of the display surface by switching between a semi-transparent state (first display surface) and an opaque state (second display surface). This parameter change allows the display device to eliminate unwanted reflections and visual fatigue during night driving by transitioning to the opaque mode, while maintaining the ability to provide three-dimensional visual effects when conditions are favorable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If a semi-transparent display surface is used to create a virtual image, then the three-dimensional visual effect is improved, but unwanted reflections and visual fatigue are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirtual image three-dimensional effectVSAvoidunwanted reflections
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display device dynamically switches between two display modes: a first mode using a semi-transparent display surface with a display source to create a virtual three-dimensional image, and a second mode using an opaque display surface without the display source to show a two-dimensional image. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to adjust to different driving conditions (e.g., night driving vs. daytime) to reduce visual fatigue while maintaining versatile display capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the optical parameters of the display surface by switching between a semi-transparent state (first display surface) and an opaque state (second display surface). This parameter change allows the display device to eliminate unwanted reflections and visual fatigue during night driving by transitioning to the opaque mode, while maintaining the ability to provide three-dimensional visual effects when conditions are favorable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If all information is displayed on a two-dimensional plane without three-dimensional effects, then visual fatigue is reduced and reflections are minimized, but the information presentation capability and ergonomics are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual fatigueVSAvoidinformation presentation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display device dynamically switches between two display modes: a first mode using a semi-transparent display surface with a display source to create a virtual three-dimensional image, and a second mode using an opaque display surface without the display source to show a two-dimensional image. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to adjust to different driving conditions (e.g., night driving vs. daytime) to reduce visual fatigue while maintaining versatile display capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is designed to perform multiple functions through two display modes: the first mode provides enhanced three-dimensional visual presentation for better information comprehension during daytime, while the second mode provides a reflection-free two-dimensional display during night driving. This multi-functionality ensures the device adapts to different operational requirements, maintaining ease of operation across various conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a first display surface and second display surface are used separately, then the versatility of information display is improved, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay surface versatilityVSAvoiddisplay device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device combines a first display surface (semi-transparent) and a second display surface (opaque) into a single integrated structure. The control unit coordinates both surfaces to display information in two different modes: a first mode using only the first display surface with a display source to create a virtual three-dimensional image, and a second mode using only the second display surface without the display source to show a two-dimensional image. This merging approach maintains versatility while managing device complexity through unified control.

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

Enables the user to view all necessary information without three-dimensional effects, reducing visual fatigue and minimizing reflections, thus improving ergonomics and usability, particularly during night driving or when three-dimensional effects are undesirable.

Implementation Method 1

a first display surface (2) which is semi-transparent and which is designed to create a virtual image obtained by reflection of an image produced by a display source (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4264356B1Vehicle display device with parameterisable virtual image
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4264356B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle display device (1) comprising a first display surface (2) and a second display surface (3) which are different, the first display surface (2) being semi-transparent and configured to generate a virtual image obtained by reflection of an image produced by a display source (6), the second display surface (3) being visible through the first display surface (2), the display device (1) comprising a first display mode in which at least one first information item is displayed on the first display surface (2) and at least one second information item is displayed on the second display surface (3), characterised in that it further comprises a second display mode in which the at least one first information item and the at least one second information item are displayed on the second display surface (3) and in which the display source (6) is switched off.