Windshield Display Testing via Fiber-Optic Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield display testing systems for vehicles require a dedicated camera with a specific location, limiting display placement options and impairing vehicle interior spaces.
Innovation Solution
A display and testing system utilizing a light source, fiber-optic cables, a piezoelectric actuator, and a photodetector to project and test images on a windshield display, allowing for flexible display placement without the need for a dedicated camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated camera is used to test the display, then the display functionality can be tested, but the camera location is limited and interior space is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the testing function from a dedicated camera and relocates it to a portable device positioned outside the vehicle. The camera is no longer fixed inside the vehicle but can be positioned externally, allowing the display to be tested from various locations and enabling greater flexibility in display placement within the vehicle interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary component that reflects the display output to the camera. This mirror acts as a mediator between the display and the external camera, enabling the camera to capture display images without being positioned directly in front of the display, thus solving the location flexibility problem while maintaining testing capability.
2Reliability
If a dedicated camera is installed in the vehicle interior, then display testing is enabled, but vehicle interior space is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is extracted from the vehicle interior and positioned outside the vehicle. This removal of the camera from the interior space eliminates the space occupation and visual impairment issues while maintaining the display testing function through the use of a mirror to reflect the display output to the external camera.
3Reliability
If the display is placed in areas detectable by the dedicated camera, then testing can be performed, but display location options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror serves as an intermediary that extends the camera's viewing capability. By positioning the mirror at strategic locations within the vehicle interior, the external camera can capture displays placed in various locations including areas that would otherwise be invisible to the camera, thereby significantly increasing display placement options.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of the mirror adds a reflective dimension to the testing system. Instead of requiring the camera to be positioned directly in line with the display, the mirror creates an indirect optical path, allowing displays to be placed in three-dimensional space throughout the vehicle interior while still being testable from the external camera position.
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 more flexible placement of vehicle displays and improves interior space utilization by eliminating the need for a dedicated camera, while effectively testing the functionality of the display surface.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber-optic cable having a first fiber end and a second fiber end opposite the first fiber end, the first fiber end receiving the light from the light source and directing the light from the light source to the second fiber end, and the second fiber end emitting the light to the display surface
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric actuator coupled to the fiber-optic cable adjacent the second fiber end, wherein the piezoelectric actuator is actuated to vibrate the second fiber end to project an image on the display surface
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector configured to detect light, wherein the second fiber end receives the image reflected from the display surface and directs the image to the first fiber end, the first fiber end emits and directs the image to the photodetector, and the photodetector detects functionality of the display surface
Data Source
AI summary
A display and testing system for a vehicle having a display surface. A light source emits a light when activated. A fiber-optic cable with opposite first and second fiber ends. The first fiber end receives light from the light source is directed to the second fiber end which emits the light to the display surface. A piezoelectric actuator is coupled to the fiber-optic cable adjacent the second fiber end and when actuated vibrates the second fiber end to project an image on the display surface while the light source is activated. A photodetector is configured to detect light and the second fiber end receives the image reflected from the display surface and directs the image to the first fiber end. The first fiber end emits and directs the image to the photodetector. The photodetector detects functionality of the display surface based on the image while the light source is activated.