Integration of Projector

Abstract

The invention provides a system for projecting light onto an interior surface of a car passenger compartment comprising: a projector comprising a light source and a lens, wherein the lens focuses the

Description

Introduction 5 The present invention relates to a system for projecting a static or moving image onto an interior surface of a car passenger compartment. Background to the Invention 10 Various proposals have been made for providing interior lighting in motor vehicles, including cars, to generate a particular ambience or mood. EP 4011704 A1 describes a light emitting assembly comprising two or more light emitters and a lens. Variation of the intensity of light emitted from the light emitters is 15 used to create illumination of changing pattern and intensity, which may be used, for LO example, to create a relaxing ambience for passengers in the vehicle. However the nature of the lighting effects is limited. A greater range of interior illumination can be provided using interior projection. ¢^20 However, when using projection within a vehicle, there is a need that the projected light is confined to the passenger compartment. The projected light should be substantially excluded from the driver’s compartment and field of view to avoid dazzling or otherwise distracting the driver. The projected light should also be confined to the interior of the vehicle, to avoid stray light passing through the windows 25 and distracting other road users. Thus, there is a need for the lighting to be confined to particular surfaces or regions of the vehicle within the passenger compartment. 30 It is also desirable for the projection system to be out of sight, and substantially invisible to the passenger during normal use of the vehicle. This is particularly important in the context of luxury cars, where a high level of finishing and integration of technology is expected. Thus, there is also a need to provide effective integration of the projection system. Summary of the Invention Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for projecting 5 light onto an interior surface of a car passenger compartment comprising: a projector comprising a light source and a lens, wherein the lens focuses the light emitted by the light source to provide a cone shape and a throw distance; a finisher panel comprising an aperture that permits passage of light emitted by the light source, 10 wherein the projector is mounted within an internal compartment of the passenger compartment such that it is substantially not visible from the passenger compartment, wherein the cone shape and throw distance are selected to provide illumination of a predetermined interior surface of the car, wherein the interior surface is a car headliner, wherein the projector or the constituent components of the projector 15 are mounted on one or more brackets, and wherein the brackets are provided with a LO foam layer between the bracket and the projector or the constituent components of the projector for reducing vibration. The cone shape and throw distance are determined by the optics of the lens and the ^"">20 relative positions and orientations of the light source and lens, based on the well-established laws of optics. The cone shape and throw distance are selected based on intended position of the projector and the chosen interior surface to be illuminated, so that the projected light is substantially confined to the predetermined surface. As a result, stray light from the projector is substantially excluded from entry into the drivers 25 compartment and / or is confined within the car, thus avoiding unintended illumination of the exterior environment. Preferably, the throw distance and cone shape provide a focussed image on the interior surface. The image may be static or dynamic, i.e. a still or a moving image. 30 Images may be selected to complement other aspects of the car interior and / or to complement other aspects of the interior ambience, including audio output, which may be provided in the form of music or a more general interior soundscape. Such audio output may be provided via the car’s speaker system. Examples of projected images include fireworks, stars and / or black holes, waves, images of the natural world or more abstract images to evoke a desired mood or promote a general sensation of wellbeing. Dynamic, moving images are typically provided as short sequences, which may be repeated alone or in combination with other images, although the system can also be used to provide longer format moving images, e.g. movies. Additionally or 5 alternatively, the projected light can be used to enhance interior fittings or features of the car. It is envisaged that a number of interior surfaces can be illuminated using the invention, and the system is not intrinsically limited in this respect. Preferably, the interior surface 10 is the rear surface of one or more front seats or all or part of the headliner. According to the claimed invention, the interior surface is a car headliner. Light sources for projectors are well-known and widely available. Typically the light source is an LED (light-emitting diode), an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) or a 15 laser. Similarly, projector lenses are known and may be supplied as part of a single LO unit with the light source or separately. Lenses made of polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and glass are all suitable for use according to the invention. The light source and lens may be provided with heat sinks to help distribute heat ¢^20 generated by the light source. Suitable arrangements are well known in the art and include the use of fins which assist transmission of heat to the surrounding air space. Active ventilation, e.g. fans, may also be used to dissipate heat. However, in this context it is preferred not to use a fan to avoid the generation of background noise in the passenger compartment. 25 The projector will typically further comprise other components. For example, the projector may comprise one or more of a printed circuit board (PCB) and a driver board. As the projector is intended not to be seen by the occupants of the car, preferably the components of the projector are separately mounted and connected by 30 flexible cables. This provides the dual advantage that dispersed components are less likely to result in a localised build-up of heat and that dispersed components are more easily accommodated within interior spaces or recesses within the car interior because they have a lower overall volume than an equivalent one-piece projector. An exemplary projector comprises a light source and lens assembly, optionally associated heat sinks, a printed circuit board (PCB) and a driver board. The driver board is typically provided with a power input, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input to receive data from an external source, a power output to provide power 5 from the drive board to the light source, and a data output to provide image data from the drive board to the light source. The data output may be a flexible flat cable (FFC) output, permitting use of a ribbon cable, e.g. a Molex 200mm cable, to provide data to the projector. The driver board can receive data from any suitable source and may be linked to one or more ports accessed from the interior of the car or may receive data 10 wirelessly, e.g. via Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth® connection. For example, data input for the projected images can be provided from a mobile phone, DVD player, laptop computer, or car media hub. The driver board may also be provided with a diagnostics port. The finisher panel serves to screen the system, and particularly the lens and light 15 source from view whilst allowing free passage of the projected light without operation. LO CM Accordingly, the finisher panel may further comprise a light passage leading from the aperture to a distal surface of the finisher, and wherein the cone shape of the emitted ¢2¾ light is not interrupted by the aperture and light passage. In some embodiments, a clearance of at least 2mm all around the emitted light cone has been found to provide ¢^20 suitable visual screening without impacting the projected image. Insufficient clearance can result in interruption of the projected light and blurring of the edges of the projected image. Therefore, the dimensions and shape of the finisher panel may be determined using 3D modelling, to provide a suitable conformation of the aperture and light passage appropriate to the location of the projector and the predetermined interior 25 surface on which the images are to be projected. The finisher panel can be made of any suitable material, and may be chosen to conform to, coordinate with or contrast with elements of the trim and finish of the car. The finisher panel may be made of metal, wood, ceramic, leather, crystal, plastics or 30 other materials. The choice of material is effectively without limit, so long as the finisher panel is conformed so that it does not break into or interrupt the light cone. The finisher panel can be painted to match the exterior of the car or covered with fabric or leather to coordinate with interior upholstery or other trim. If made of plastics material, the finisher panel can be moulded or produced by 3D printing. Generally, it is intended that the finisher panel will not be visually intrusive and will not draw the eye to the location of the projector. The location of the projector or the separate components of the projector within the 5 car is essentially without limit, and is determined simply by available space and the choice of interior surface on which light is to be projected. For example, the projector or the constituent components of the projector are mounted within a central console, armrest, headrest, parcel shelf, B pillar trim panel, C pillar trim panel, door panel or seat panel. In a preferred example, the projector or projector components are mounted 10 within a central console. The interior trim and / or underlying structure may require modification to accommodate the projector and / or the finisher panel. For example, a central console lid may have a section removed, creating an aperture of corresponding shape and dimensions to the finisher panel, so that when the finisher panel is inserted into the aperture, the modified lid and finisher panel form a visually cohesive whole, 15 concealing the projector. LD CM The projector or the constituent components of the projector are mounted on one or ¢2¾ more brackets. The brackets serve to mount the projector or projector components to the interior of the car such that they are not visible to its occupants. Thus the ¢^20 dimensions and form of the brackets is determined by the shape and dimensions of the car interior and the projector or projector components, and can be determined as a matter of routine by the skilled person. The brackets may conveniently be made of a plastics material. Optionally, the backets are produced by 3D printing. 25 In some embodiments, the brackets further comprise one or more ventilation holes. Such ventilation holes enhance air flow around the projector components, and therefore assist in the dissipation of heat generated by the light source and / or electrical components of the projector. According to the claimed invention, the brackets may additionally or alternatively be provided with means for reducing vibration. This can be 30 achieved by providing a foam layer between the bracket and the projector or projector components. The reduction in vibration may result in greater image stability when the system is used whilst the car is in motion and may also reduce the occurrence of vibration-induced damage to the electrical components of the system. The brackets are typically provided with supports and / or mounting points for fasteners such that the supports and / or fasteners hold the projector or projector components in a predetermined position and orientation. 5 A further aspect of the invention is directed to an automobile fitted with one or more systems for projecting light as described herein. A yet further aspect of the invention is directed to a method of providing a car interior lighting effect comprising installing one or more systems for projecting light as 10 described herein, wherein the projector or projectors provide illumination of a predetermined interior surface or surfaces of the car. Optionally, the projected light is combined with integrated interior lighting. This can include any type of interior lighting fitted in the car, including any type of ambience or 15 mood lighting. The projected light may be combined with light provided by fibre optics LO within the car headliner, for example the Rolls Royce® “starlight headlining”. CM ¢2¾ Optionally, the interior lighting effect is provided in combination with audio output, for example music or a more general interior soundscape. Such audio output may be ¢^20 provided via the car’s speaker system. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a rear-facing view of the passenger compartment of a car fitted with a 25 projection system according to the invention. Figure 2 provides a schematic plan view of a car fitted with a projection system according to the invention. 30 Figure 3 provides (a) front-side, (b) side, and (c) front views of a finisher panel according to the invention and (d) a view of a fitted finisher panel in conjunction with a projector according to the invention. Figure 4 provides (a) a combined view of the electrical elements of a projector of the invention, and (b) a photograph of an exemplary driver board. Details of the Invention 5 The invention will now be illustrated, but not limited, with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to 4. Figure 1 shows a general interior view of the rear passenger compartment of a car in 10 which the projector system is mounted behind a finisher panel (1) located in the upper rear centre console. The projection area is shown, in part as (2). The functional components of the projection system and the mounting brackets are all hidden from sight within the rear console. 15 Figure 2 shows a plan view corresponding to figure 1, in which the projector (3) is LO again mounted within the rear console. The figure shows schematically the limits of the projection area (4) and maximum extent of projection according to the selected ¢2¾ throw distance (5). ¢^20 Figure 3 (a) to (c) provides more detailed representations of an exemplary finisher panel (1). The finisher panel includes an aperture (6) to allow passage of light from the projector (3). The light passes through passage (7) which becomes progressively wider as it extends away from the projector to accommodate the projected light cone without impinging or interrupting the projected light. Figure 3(d) shows the finisher 25 panel in situ, with the edges (8) aligned with the exterior surface of the console panel in which the projector system is mounted. Thus, when fitted and assembled the projector system is screened from occupants of the car and is not visually intrusive. Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the projector components, when connected and in 30 exploded form. The projector (3) includes a light source and lens assembly (9) and is provided with heat sinks (10) to facilitate dispersal of heat generated by the light source. The projector is powered by a driver board (11) and further controlled by a PCB (12). The driver board receives electrical power from the car’s internal system via power input (13) which is provided to the projector via power output (14). The driver board also receives data concerning the images to be projected from an external source via a HDMI input (15). The data is communicated to the PCB via a FFC output (16) and a cable, in this case a Molex 200mm cable (17), which is connected to an input on the PCB (12). The driver board is also provided with a diagnostics port (18), 5 permitting connection of the projector system to an external diagnostics tool or computer if the system should develop any fault. The distributed arrangement of the projector (3), PCB (12) and driver board (11) facilitates the mounting of the projector system beneath or within the interior trim of 10 the car and reduces localised build-up of heat. Accordingly, the invention provides a system for projecting light onto an interior surface of a car passenger compartment, an automobile fitted with one or more such systems and a method for providing a car interior lighting effect using one or more such 15 systems. 07 02 25

Claims

07 02 251. A system for projecting light onto an interior surface of a car passenger compartment comprising:a projector comprising a light source and a lens, wherein the lens focuses the light emitted by the light source to provide a cone shape and a throw distance;a finisher panel comprising an aperture that permits passage of light emitted by the light source,wherein the projector is mounted within an internal compartment of the passenger compartment such that it is substantially not visible from the passenger compartment,wherein the cone shape and throw distance are selected to provide illumination of a predetermined interior surface of the car;wherein the interior surface is a car headliner;wherein the projector or the constituent components of the projector are mounted on one or more brackets; andwherein the brackets are provided with a foam layer between the bracket and the projector or the constituent components of the projector for reducing vibration.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the throw distance and cone shape provide a focussed image on the interior surface.

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the image is a still or a moving image.

4. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the light source is an LED(light-emitting diode), an OLED (organic light-emitting diode) or a laser.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the projector further comprises one or more of a printed circuit board (PCB) and a driver board.

6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the components of the projector are separately mounted and connected by flexible cables.07 02 257. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the finisher panel further comprises a light passage leading from the aperture to a distal surface of the finisher, and wherein the cone shape of the emitted light is not interrupted by the aperture and light passage.

8. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the projector or the constituent components of the projector are mounted within a central console, armrest, headrest, parcel shelf, B pillar trim panel, C pillar trim panel, door panel or seat panel.

9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the brackets further comprise one or more ventilation holes.

10. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the brackets are provided with supports and / or mounting points for fasteners such that the supports and / or fasteners hold the projector or projector components in a predetermined position and orientation.

11. An automobile fitted with one or more systems for projecting light as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method of providing a car interior lighting effect comprising installing one or more systems for projecting light as defined in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the projector or projectors provide illumination of a predetermined interior surface or surfaces of the car.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the projected light is combined with integrated interior lighting.

14. A method according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the interior lighting effect is provided in combination with audio output.

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