Vehicle Windshield Display With Switchable Viewing Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display systems that project information onto the windshield can distract the driver when the passenger uses them, compromising road safety.
Innovation Solution
A display system for vehicles with a windshield featuring a transparent viewing area and an opaque masking area, equipped with a screen that can operate in two modes: a restricted viewing angle mode to prevent driver distraction and a free viewing angle mode for passenger visibility, using a reflective layer to project images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screen emits light within a wide angular range to allow passenger viewing, then the passenger can see the display, but the driver is distracted and road safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the viewing function by providing two separate backlights with different emission angles. The first backlight provides wide-angle illumination for passenger viewing, while the second backlight provides narrow-angle illumination for driver viewing. This segmentation allows the system to serve multiple viewing needs simultaneously without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different backlight sources based on the desired viewing mode. The control unit can activate either the first backlight, the second backlight, or both together, allowing the emission angle to be adjusted in real-time according to whether passenger viewing, driver viewing, or both are required.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the screen emits light within a narrow angular range to prevent driver distraction, then road safety is improved, but the passenger cannot see the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the illumination function into two distinct backlight sources: one optimized for narrow-angle driver viewing and another for wide-angle passenger viewing. This allows the system to provide appropriate viewing angles for each occupant type without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating two backlights that can be activated independently or together. This universal design allows the same display to serve both driver and passenger needs, adapting to different usage scenarios without requiring separate display systems.
3Device complexity
If a single backlight is used for the screen, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different viewing requirements of driver and passenger
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one complex adjustable backlight, the patent segments the function into two simple, fixed-angle backlights. Each backlight is optimized for a specific viewing angle, and the control unit manages their independent operation, achieving adaptability through modular simplicity rather than complex adjustment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If both backlights are activated simultaneously, then both driver and passenger can view the display, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit dynamically selects which backlight(s) to activate based on the current viewing requirements. When only the driver needs to view the display, only the second backlight is activated. When only the passenger needs to view, only the first backlight is activated. Both are activated only when both occupants need to view, optimizing energy consumption for each scenario.
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 allows passengers to view information without distracting the driver, enhancing safety by ensuring the display is only visible to the intended occupant in the desired mode.
Implementation Method 1
The windshield is equipped in the display area with a reflective layer which is suitable for reflecting the radiation from the screen (at least partially), thereby generating a display image
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5(a)~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a display system for a vehicle, comprising - a windshield (10), which has a transparent see-through region (D) and an opaque masking region (M), and - a screen (20), which is directed at a display region (A) located in the masking region (M), wherein: the windshield (10) is equipped, in the display region (A), with a reflection layer (4) suitable for reflecting the radiation of the screen (20) in order to produce a display image; the screen (20) is suitable for being operated in a first operating mode and in a second operating mode; in the first operating mode the screen emits light in a first angle range (β1), and in the second operating mode the screen emits light in a second angle range (β2), the first angle range (β1) being smaller than the second angle range (β2).