Vehicle with an integrated media system and methods for using such a vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle (1) with an integrated media system (2), characterized in that the media system comprises a projection unit (4) integrated in the tailgate (7) or the rear end panel (8) and a projection surface (5), wherein the projection surface is provided by an existing vehicle surface, in particular the back of the rear seat or the floor covering of the trunk.

Description

[0001] The technical field of the invention is vehicle information and entertainment systems with integrated projection systems.

[0002] The state of the art includes several solutions in which projection systems are integrated into vehicles.

[0003] KR101850741B1 discloses a tailgate shielding device for a vehicle. According to one embodiment, the tailgate shielding device of a vehicle comprises: a shielding section installed on a rear ceiling of the vehicle to be selectively exposed and raised vertically, and a beam projector installed in the tailgate of the vehicle to be selectively exposed and configured to project an image onto a screen provided in the shielding section, the screen being usable as a curtain to cover a window formed in the tailgate.

[0004] DE 10 2023 120 969 A1 discloses a projector arrangement for a vehicle comprising a mounting mechanism that is selectively coupled to a rear door of the vehicle. The projector arrangement further includes a video projector that is coupled to the mounting mechanism. The video projector is configured to project image data in one direction towards the vehicle when the rear door is in an open position. A portable container selectively accommodates the mounting mechanism and the video projector.

[0005] DE 10 2023 113 498 A1 describes a modular trunk element that serves as an extendable or foldable storage structure for variable use of the cargo space.

[0006] DE 10 2023 003 959 A1 describes a vehicle with a projection device in which a control unit automatically regulates the projection brightness of a video projector directed at a reflective projection surface based on ambient brightness.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a media system for vehicles that makes it possible to play video content in the rear area of ​​a vehicle without using separate screens or additional components.

[0008] The invention relates to a vehicle with an integrated media system comprising a production unit, such as an LED projector, in the tailgate or rear panel, and a projection surface. The projection surface is provided by an existing vehicle surface, in particular the back of the rear seat or the floor covering of the trunk.

[0009] An LED projector is an electronic device that uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to project images or videos onto a surface. The tailgate is the rear part of a vehicle that can be opened to provide access to the trunk. The rear bumper trim is a fixed component at the rear of the vehicle that seals off the trunk.

[0010] The projection surface refers to an area within the vehicle that serves as a screen for projecting images or videos. In this case, an existing vehicle surface, such as the back of the seat or the floor covering, is used, eliminating the need for additional projection screens.

[0011] This eliminates the need for a separate projection surface or screen, reducing construction costs and making efficient use of existing vehicle space.

[0012] Advantageously, the projection surface can be used as part of the movable tailgate, so that the screen is available when the tailgate is open to project video data, such as movies or TV broadcasts, onto the projection surface.

[0013] A movable tailgate refers to a component at the rear of a vehicle that can be opened and closed, providing access to the trunk. In this case, the projection surface is an area of ​​the tailgate that serves as a screen for projecting video content.

[0014] This means that the screen is immediately available when the tailgate is opened, without any further measures being necessary to set up a projection surface.

[0015] Advantageously, the media system can be coupled with the vehicle's sound system, so that the sound from projected media content is output via the speakers integrated into the vehicle.

[0016] The vehicle's sound system comprises the speakers installed in the vehicle and the associated audio technology for outputting sounds and music. The coupling means that the media system, which controls the LED projector, is connected to the sound system to reproduce the sound from the projected media.

[0017] This allows the sound of the projected content to be played directly through the vehicle's sound system, resulting in improved audiovisual use.

[0018] Advantageously, the LED projector can be activated via a control unit that can be controlled either by a vehicle display or a mobile application.

[0019] A control unit is an electronic component that manages the functions of the LED projector. The vehicle display is a screen inside the vehicle that allows control of various vehicle functions. A mobile application is software on a mobile device that can also be used to control the projector.

[0020] This allows the LED projector to be controlled flexibly and conveniently either via the vehicle display or a mobile app.

[0021] Advantageously, the LED projector can be fixed in a bracket in the rear fairing and covered when not in use.

[0022] A bracket is a mechanical component that securely holds the LED projector in the rear panel. The cover is a protective cover that shields the projector from external influences when not in use and removes it from view.

[0023] This protects the projector when not in use and stores it invisibly, which increases its lifespan.

[0024] The projection surface is integrated behind a floor cover in the trunk, which can be removed or pushed away manually or automatically as needed, so that the projection surface underneath can be exposed.

[0025] The floor cover is a component that covers the trunk floor and ensures a flat loading area. Manual or automatic removal means that this cover can be moved either by hand or by a mechanism to reveal the projection surface underneath.

[0026] This keeps the projection surface protected and invisible when not in use, and does not impair the functionality of the trunk.

[0027] Advantageously, the projection surface can be designed so that it can be rolled up or folded and stored inside the vehicle when not in use.

[0028] The rolled or folded projection surface describes a flexible screen that can be folded or rolled up to save space when not in use.

[0029] This allows the projection surface to be stored away in a space-saving manner when not in use, without blocking valuable storage space.

[0030] Advantageously, the media system can be designed in such a way that, by means of a control device, the image size and focus of the LED projector are automatically adjusted to the dimensions of the available projection surface by automatically detecting the dimensions of the available projection surface and automatically adjusting the image size and focus of the LED projector.

[0031] A control device is an electronic unit that regulates the settings of the LED projector. Automatic dimension detection means that the LED projector independently detects the size of the available projection surface and adjusts the image projection accordingly.

[0032] This ensures the LED projector is optimally adjusted without the user having to make manual adjustments, which increases ease of use and image quality.

[0033] Advantageously, the projection surface can have a light-reflecting coating, which improves the quality of the projected images.

[0034] A light-reflecting coating is a special surface treatment of the projection surface that reflects the projected light better, thus increasing the image quality.

[0035] This optimizes image quality through improved light reflection, resulting in a clearer projection.

[0036] Advantageously, the LED projector can have an automatic brightness adjustment that regulates the brightness based on the ambient light conditions.

[0037] Automatic brightness adjustment means that the LED projector automatically adjusts the brightness of its projection to optimally display the image depending on the ambient brightness.

[0038] This ensures that the projection remains clearly visible regardless of lighting conditions, improving the flexibility and usability of the media system.

[0039] A further aspect of the invention is a method for using the vehicle described above to play video content. In particular, the method enables the simple and efficient use of an integrated media system, which is integrated into the tailgate or rear panel of the vehicle, to play video content in the exterior area.

[0040] The process begins with opening the tailgate, which automatically or manually deploys a screen integrated into the tailgate as a projection surface. The screen can be rolled out or unfolded to create a surface for projecting video content.

[0041] The projection unit installed in the tailgate or rear panel is then activated. This unit, often an LED projector, is permanently integrated into the tailgate or rear panel and positioned so that it can be aimed directly at the screen.

[0042] The projection unit is aligned with the screen to enable the playback of the desired video data, such as films or TV broadcasts. The image data is projected directly onto the screen, which is positioned to display the projected content clearly and sharply.

[0043] The process also includes coupling the projection unit with the vehicle's sound system. This coupling allows the audio from the projected video content to be played back through the vehicle's integrated speakers, thus ensuring a comprehensive audiovisual experience for the users.

[0044] A further step in the process involves the automatic adjustment of the image size and brightness of the projection. These adjustments are made based on the dimensions of the screen and the ambient light conditions. This ensures that the projected image is always displayed optimally, regardless of external conditions, and that the content is always clearly visible.

[0045] This method offers a simple and efficient way to play video content in the rear of a vehicle without the need for additional screens or external speaker systems.

[0046] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention with an integrated media system; Fig. 2 an alternative embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention with an integrated media system; Fig. 3 another embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention with an integrated media system.

[0047] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a vehicle 1 with an integrated media system 2 installed in the rear section 3 of the vehicle. The media system 2 comprises an LED projector or projection unit 4 integrated into the tailgate 7 and a projection surface 5 provided by unrolling a screen 6. The tailgate 7 is open by 90 degrees so that the integrated screen 6 can be pulled out of the tailgate 7 and hangs down like a curtain. The LED projector 4 is permanently integrated into the tailgate 7 and aligned with the screen 6 so that the projected image falls precisely onto the projection surface 5.

[0048] The screen 6 serves as a projection surface 5 and is positioned so that it becomes automatically available when the tailgate 7 is opened. The LED projector 4, or projection unit, projects video data, such as films or TV broadcasts, directly onto this screen 6, while the sound is played back via the vehicle's integrated sound system. The LED projector 4 is controlled via a central control unit, which can be operated either through the vehicle display or a mobile application.

[0049] The LED projector 4 is fixed in a bracket within the rear panel 8, ensuring stable projection alignment. When the tailgate 7 is closed, the screen 6 can be rolled up and stored compactly inside the vehicle, remaining invisible when not in use. The image size and focus of the LED projector 4 automatically adjust to the dimensions of the screen 6 to guarantee optimal projection. The screen 6 can also be equipped with a light-reflecting coating to further enhance image quality.

[0050] The projector's brightness automatically adjusts to the ambient light conditions to guarantee optimal visibility at all times.

[0051] This arrangement creates a space-saving and easy-to-use media system 2 that makes it possible to play video content for users 9 in the rear area 3 of the vehicle 1 without the need for separate components such as screens or additional displays.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a vehicle 1 with the integrated media system 2, in which a projection unit or LED projector 4 is integrated in the rear area 3. In comparison to the embodiment from Fig. 1. The projection surface 5 shown is provided by a net 10, in this case a mosquito net, which hangs down like a curtain when the rear is open. The net 10 extends over the entire rear area of ​​the vehicle and acts as a temporary screen 6. The net 10 can also be made of white to allow for better projection or replaced by a special screen material that is better suited for projecting media content.

[0053] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of the vehicle 1 with an integrated media system 2. In this illustration, two possible positions for the projection surface 5 are shown, which is realized by a flexible screen 6 in the trunk.

[0054] In the left-hand illustration, a screen 20 is mounted in a vertical position behind the rear seats, serving as a projection surface. This screen 20 can either be permanently installed or unfolded or rolled out as needed. The LED projector 4, which is integrated either into the tailgate 7 or the rear panel 8 of the vehicle 1, projects the image onto this projection surface 5 of the screen 20.

[0055] The illustration on the right shows a second possible arrangement of a screen 21, which is mounted at an angle. The angle of the screen is flexible and can be adjusted to ensure optimal projection of images or videos. This adjustable angle allows for precise alignment of the projection onto the respective projection area 5 on the screen 21. The LED projector 4, which is installed either in the tailgate 7 or in the rear panel 8, projects the content onto the screen 21. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 vehicle 2 Media system 3 Rear area 4 LED projectors / projection unit 5 projection surface 6 canvases 7 Tailgate 8 Rear fairing 9 users 10 Net / Mosquito net 20 Vertically mounted screens behind the rear seats 21 Slanted Canvas

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1) with an integrated media system (2), characterized by , that the media system comprises a projection unit (4) integrated in a tailgate (7) or a rear end panel (8) and a projection surface (5), wherein the projection surface is provided by an existing vehicle surface, wherein the projection surface (5) is integrated behind a floor cover of a trunk, wherein the floor cover can be manually or automatically removed or slid away as required, so that the projection surface (5) underneath is exposed. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by , that the media system (2) is coupled with a vehicle sound system, so that the sound from projected media content is output via speakers integrated in the vehicle (1). [3] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the projection unit (4) is activated via a control unit which can be controlled either by a vehicle display or a mobile application. [4] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the projection unit (4) is fixed in a holder in the rear fairing (8) and can be covered by a cover when not in use. [5] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the projection surface (5) is designed so that it can be rolled up or folded and stored inside the vehicle (1) when not in use. [6] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the media system (2) is designed such that, by means of a control device, the image size and focus of the projection unit (4) are automatically adjusted to the dimensions of the available projection surface (5) by automatically detecting the dimensions of the available projection surface (5) and automatically adjusting the image size and focus of the projection unit (4). [7] Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the projection surface (5) has a light-reflecting coating which improves the quality of the projected images. [8] Method for using a vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for playing back video content, comprising the following steps: opening the tailgate (7) to provide a screen (6) as a projection surface (5); activating the projection unit (4) integrated in the tailgate (7) or the rear panel (8); aligning the projection unit (4) with the screen (6) to project video data, such as movies or TV broadcasts, onto the screen (6); coupling the projection unit (4) with a vehicle sound system to play back the sound of the projected content through speakers integrated in the vehicle (1); and automatically adjusting the image size and brightness of the projection to the dimensions of the screen (6) and ambient light conditions.

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