Windshield Ambient Display Using Phosphor Film and Optic Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle displays do not effectively encourage drivers to maintain a forward gaze while providing essential information, and there is a need for cost-effective, transparent ambient displays that can be optimally located on windshields to enhance visual processing of this information.
Innovation Solution
The development of a windshield-integrated ambient display system comprising a light guide plate, light source, transparent phosphor film, and micro-optic array, which allows for adjustable chromaticity and luminance, coupled with a control module to optimize the display's positioning and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional in-vehicle displays are used to provide information to the vehicle operator, then information can be displayed, but the vehicle operator must divert gaze from the road to observe the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the display from a traditional 2D screen requiring direct viewing to a 3D spatial projection in the windshield's forward field of view. The display is positioned in the distance rather than close to the driver, allowing information to be perceived without lateral eye movement or head turning, thus eliminating distraction while maintaining information delivery.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ambient displays are positioned in the forward field of view to encourage forward gaze, then driver safety is improved, but the display must be substantially transparent to avoid obstructing the view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable chromaticity and luminance characteristics of the display to optimize visibility while maintaining transparency. The display can modify its color properties and brightness levels to ensure information is clearly visible against varying background conditions without creating a visual barrier that would obstruct the driver's forward view.
Solution Approach 2:
The display characteristics are made dynamically adjustable, allowing chromaticity and luminance to be modified in real-time based on viewing conditions. This dynamic adaptation ensures the display remains substantially transparent when not in use and provides optimal visibility when information needs to be conveyed, resolving the contradiction between transparency and visibility.
3Loss of information
If ambient displays are developed with adjustable chromaticity and luminance for optimal performance, then display quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves adjustable chromaticity and luminance by modifying electrical current parameters supplied to the light source rather than through complex mechanical or optical adjustment mechanisms. This electrical parameter control provides the needed display quality adjustments while keeping the overall system relatively simple and cost-effective.
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 enables drivers to process information without diverting their gaze, ensuring safety while minimizing costs by using a transparent and efficient ambient display system that can be optimally located on the windshield, enhancing visual awareness and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide plate and a light source optically coupled to the light guide plate such that the light emitted from the light source is received by the light guide plate
Implementation Method 2
The transparent phosphor film includes at least one phosphor. The chromaticity and luminance of the light emitted by the transparent phosphor film can be adjusted based on the electrical current received by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield includes a windshield body and an ambient display coupled to the windshield body. The ambient display includes a light guide plate and a light source optically coupled to the light source. Aside from the light source, the ambient display includes a transparent phosphor film and an optic array. The transparent phosphor film includes at least one phosphor. The optic array includes a plurality of lenses and is disposed between the light guide plate and the transparent phosphor film. The light guide plate is positioned relative to the optic array such that light emitted from the light source is directed toward the optic array. The chromaticity and luminance of the light emitted by the transparent phosphor film can be adjusted based on the electrical current received by the light source.