Vehicle Window HUD With Dynamic Transmittance for Low-Visibility Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
In adverse weather conditions or environments with reduced visibility, such as heavy rain or snow, the surrounding environment of a vehicle may not be adequately visible to the occupant, making it difficult to notice objects like pedestrians, and existing vehicle display systems struggle to effectively communicate information due to low visibility.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle display system that includes a first display device inside the vehicle to show a surrounding environment image on the window and a display control unit to adjust the window's transmittance based on conditions, allowing the occupant to view the environment through the image instead of the direct field of view, and a second display device to emit light patterns on the road surface, with the control unit managing both to enhance visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a white light pattern is drawn on a road surface to improve visibility, then the information can be displayed to the occupant, but the visibility decreases when snow is accumulated on the road surface making the light pattern difficult to view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a window as an intermediary medium between the external environment and the occupant. The window can display surrounding environment images and adjust its transmittance to compensate for poor external visibility conditions such as snow accumulation on the road surface, ensuring the occupant can always view the surrounding environment clearly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the display dimension from the road surface (external dimension) to the window (internal dimension). By displaying surrounding environment images on the window and adjusting window transmittance, the system provides visibility information in a different spatial dimension that is not affected by road surface conditions.
2Loss of information
If the window transmittance is lowered to display surrounding environment image, then the occupant can view the environment clearly in adverse conditions, but the natural visibility through the window is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the window transmittance dynamic rather than static. The display control unit adjusts the window transmittance based on predetermined conditions such as surrounding environment brightness and vehicle speed, allowing the window to adapt its transmittance level to optimize both display visibility and natural light transmission under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmittance parameter of the window based on surrounding environment conditions. By adjusting this physical parameter dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between displaying the surrounding environment image and maintaining adequate natural light transmission to the occupant.
3Reliability
If multiple display devices are used to ensure visibility in all conditions, then the visibility is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the window serve multiple functions: it acts as both a natural viewing portal and an active display surface for surrounding environment images. The window with adjustable transmittance combines the functions of a passive transparent barrier and an active visual information display device, reducing the need for separate dedicated display systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the window structure with the display function. Instead of adding separate display devices, the system integrates the display capability into the existing window, combining the structural element with the information presentation function to reduce overall system complexity.
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 system effectively prevents a decrease in visibility of the surrounding environment by displaying critical information on the windows and road surface, ensuring the occupant can perceive the environment clearly, even in adverse conditions, thereby enhancing safety and communication between the vehicle and its occupant.
Implementation Method 1
control the first display device such that the surrounding environment image is displayed on the window and lower a transmittance of the window according to a predetermined condition
Implementation Method 2
a second display device configured to emit a light pattern toward a road surface outside the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
A display system (4) provided in a vehicle and comprising: an HUD (42) positioned inside the vehicle and configured so as to display, on the vehicle window, a surrounding environment video indicating the environment surrounding the vehicle; and a display control unit (43) controlling the HUD (42) such that the surrounding environment video is displayed on the window in accordance with prescribed conditions associated to the vehicle or the environment surrounding the vehicle and configured so as to reduce the transmittance of the window.