Sun glare is a major hazard for drivers, often causing temporary blindness that leads to accidents. Two Kettering University Computer Science students, Omar Ibnouf ’27, a graduate of Delta International School in Saudi Arabia, and Jiten Ponnam ’27, a graduate of Athens High School in Athens, Michigan, have spent months developing an innovative solution: a pixel-blocking system that dynamically shades the sun while keeping the driver’s view clear.
Their AI-driven display technology, currently being tested on a school bus in partnership with International Motors LLC, uses real-time sun and eye detection to determine precisely where glare hits a driver’s eyes. The system then selectively darkens pixels on a transparent LCD screen, blocking only the sun while maintaining complete visibility of the road ahead.
From Concept to Working Prototype
“We wanted to reduce distractions and make driving safer,” Ibnouf said. “Our system detects the sun’s position, finds where it hits the driver’s eyes, and blocks only that specific glare — helping reduce accidents caused by temporary blindness.”
The current prototype consists of:
An outward-facing camera that detects the sun’s position
An inward-facing camera that tracks the driver’s eyes
AI-powered software that calculates 3D coordinates to align the shading
An LCD screen that dynamically adjusts pixels to block the sun
Ponnam explained the technical challenge behind making the system work. “The hardest part wasn’t just writing the Python code — it was getting all the components to communicate with each other in real-time,” he said.
Mehrdad Zadeh, Ph.d., Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, advised the students on the project. “Students gain real-world problem-solving skills, apply STEM knowledge, and work with emerging technologies like AI when tackling projects like this,” Zadeh said. “The project enhances teamwork and communication while fostering innovation and critical thinking. Students also gain ethical awareness and exposure to future tech careers, making learning more engaging and purposeful.”
Next Steps: Smarter, Slimmer, and Scalable
The system is currently being tested with a large LCD screen mounted on the exterior of a school bus windshield. However, the students are working toward a thinner, more transparent version that would be integrated directly into vehicle windshields.
“In the future, this could be in all cars,” Ponnam said. “We’re looking at flexible, transparent LED screens to make it lighter, easier to install, and more cost-effective for manufacturers.”
The students are also aware of potential legal challenges, such as window tinting laws. However, they are working with International Motors’ legal team to ensure compliance while maintaining visibility.
A Future of Safer Roads
While the current focus is on reducing sun glare for school bus drivers, the technology has broader applications. The team envisions integrating heads-up displays, pedestrian detection alerts, and adaptive shading for different lighting conditions.
At Kettering University, students don’t just study technology — they build real-world solutions. Whether through Co-op experiences or hands-on research, they create the curve instead of following it.
