Smart display sheet

Abstract

The system includes a vehicle and a smart display sheet adhered to or integrally formed with a component of the vehicle, and the flexible smart display sheet can display at least one image. The system may further include a substrate layer, a display panel disposed on the substrate layer and capable of displaying at least one image, and a protective layer disposed on the display panel and capable of protecting at least one display panel from environmental elements. The system may further include an adhesive layer or a magnetic layer for adhering the smart display sheet to a component of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to display devices, and more particularly to smart display sheets for displaying images.

Background Art

[0002] The exterior appearance of a vehicle is usually selected by the vehicle owner to suit the owner's preferences or specific usefulness. Most of how the outside of the vehicle looks depends on the vehicle's exterior painting operation. In most cases, the exterior paint color of a vehicle (e.g., a car) is often selected to represent the preferences and / or personality of the vehicle owner. In some cases, the vehicle is painted with letters, patterns, photos, and other designs to suit a specific usefulness. For example, a company vehicle may be painted with the company logo to indicate that the vehicle belongs to the company. The vehicle may be painted with an advertisement to promote a product or service.

[0003] The painting operation of a vehicle is permanent and cannot be changed or modified without costly repainting. Further, repainting a vehicle is cumbersome and time-consuming, and typically, the repainting operation needs to be performed by a skilled worker. For example, if a car owner wants to change the exterior color of the car, usually, the best option is to take the car to a specialized painting shop for a time-consuming and expensive repainting. One relatively inexpensive and time-saving way to change the appearance of a vehicle usually involves vinyl wrapping, which typically includes covering the original paint of the vehicle with a vinyl film. There are various designs and colors available for the vinyl film. Colored vinyl wrapping involves placing an opaque vinyl film of a desired color on the body of the vehicle to personalize the color of the vehicle. Vinyl wrapping is often used for advertising. For example, a vehicle can be wrapped with a custom-made vinyl film having the company's logo, name, and contact details. Vinyl wrapping is a relatively inexpensive option for changing the appearance of a vehicle compared to repainting the vehicle, but vinyl wrapping has low durability and is susceptible to damage from environmental elements. Further, while vinyl wrapping is relatively easier to install on a vehicle compared to repainting the vehicle, vinyl wrapping is still a semi-permanent solution and requires skilled techniques to install the wrapping.

[0004] Currently, there is no mechanism for quickly and inexpensively changing the appearance of a vehicle.

[0005] To more fully understand the present disclosure, reference is made to the following brief description in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, where like reference numerals represent like parts. A patent or application file contains at least one drawing created in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawings will be provided by the Patent Office upon request and payment of the necessary fees.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1A

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for quickly and inexpensively changing the appearance of a vehicle. The smart display sheet is a new and innovative technology that provides vehicle users with instant access to an unlimited selection and combination of colors, shapes, writing, lighting, and customized designs. With this technology, vehicle users can express their personality, life events, mood, and opinions through a design tailored to their purpose. The user can dress up the vehicle like changing their clothes and can instantly change the appearance at their preferred frequency. As described in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the smart display sheet may be adhered to or integrally formed with at least a portion of a component visible from the outside of the vehicle, such as the outer body or wheels of the vehicle. In the new technology of the smart display sheet, a pixel-based resolution display sheet image and / or a pathline-based display sheet image can be used. In the case of a pixel-based image, the image is created by pixels or small dots that contain unique color and color tone information that together form an image on the vehicle's smart sheet. The quality of a pixel-based image depends on the resolution. Both the number of pixels that make up the image and the number of displays per inch of those pixels determine the quality of the vehicle's smart sheet display image. The more pixels in the image and the higher the resolution of the smart sheet, the higher the quality of the displayed image. In the case of a pathline smart display sheet, this technology utilizes line art instead of attempting to track millions of pixels in the image. This methodology tracks the equations of points and the lines connecting them. Generally, these images are composed of infinitely expandable paths or line art because they function based on algorithms rather than pixels. Pixels and line art can be used independently or together on the same smart sheet display image of the vehicle. The smart display sheet can display a variety of graphics including, but not limited to, solid colors, patterns, designs, letters, and lighting. The vehicle user may control the image displayed on the smart display sheet by using one of several methods described in embodiments of the present disclosure.For example, the smart display sheet may be communicatively coupled to a vehicle's infotainment system. A software application running on the infotainment system may provide a user interface on a console display that enables a user to select and / or generate an image for display on the smart display sheet. The image selected or generated by the user may be displayed on the smart display sheet, and thus, the appearance of the vehicle may be substantially instantaneously changed as desired by the user. A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a passenger vehicle, a truck, a bus, an airplane, a boat, a ship, or any means for transporting people or goods.

[0008] The smart display sheet can display various display resolutions ranging from low quality to high quality that mimic a high-quality painting operation of the vehicle (e.g., including high definition (HD), ultra-high definition (UHD), 4K resolution, 8K resolution, 16K resolution, and other future-developed resolution technologies). For example, in one embodiment, if the entire outer body of an automobile is covered by one or more smart display sheets, the solid color displayed by the one or more smart display sheets may mimic the appearance and gloss of a high-quality painting operation so as to be indistinguishable from a similar automobile painted in the same color.

[0009] As described in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle user may be provided with nearly infinite options of images, including thousands of colors, designs, patterns, shapes, photos, texts, lighting effects, and combinations thereof, that the user can select to display on a vehicle's smart display sheet, for example, installed on the outer body configuration or wheels of the vehicle. The user may be provided with tools for generating customized images for display on the smart display sheet by using the selected images and / or by generating custom designs. Thereby, the user can change the appearance of the vehicle substantially instantaneously upon touching a button and as frequently as the user desires, for example, to express the user's personality, opinions, and life events.

[0010] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary smart display sheet 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1A, the smart display sheet 100 includes a base substrate layer 102 and an electronic display panel 104 disposed on the substrate layer 102. The electronic display panel 104 can electrically display at least one image including, but not limited to, solid color, pattern, design, text, and illumination. The display panel 104 may include one or more layers depending on the display technology used by the display panel 104 to display the image. The display technology used by the display panel 104 may include, but is not limited to, liquid crystal display (LCD), LCD with backlight, plasma display, light emitting diode (LED) display, organic LED (OLED) display, high definition (HD) display, ultra-high definition (UHD) display, full high definition (FHD), quantum high definition (QHD), 4K resolution display, 8K resolution display, 16K resolution display, quantum UHD (QUHD), and quantum LED (QLED) display, as well as combinations thereof, and high resolution technologies to be developed in the future. It should be noted that the display panel 104 may use any current technology, future technology, and combinations thereof to display the image. For example, the display panel 104 can use the best available display technology at any time to achieve the highest possible image quality. In one embodiment, depending on the display technology used to display the image, the display panel 104 may include one or more layers including, but not limited to, one or more glass layers, one or more dielectric layers, one or more display electrode layers, one or more protective layers, one or more plasma cell layers, one or more polarizing filter layers, one or more liquid crystal layers, one or more backlight layers, one or more color filter layers, one or more coating layers, and one or more capacitive layers. The substrate layer 102 may be made of any insulating material including, but not limited to, glass, porcelain, mica, plastic, some metal oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0012] In one embodiment, the substrate layer 102 and the display panel 104 are held together by a thin solid or transparent frame 108. In alternative or additional embodiments, the substrate layer 102 and the display panel 104 are held together by an adhesive layer (not shown) sandwiched between the substrate layer 102 and the display panel 104. In one embodiment, the adhesive layer that holds the substrate layer 102 and the display panel 104 together is a transparent adhesive layer.

[0013] In certain optional embodiments, the smart display sheet 100 may include a transparent cover layer 106 disposed on top of the display panel 104. The cover layer 106 may be flexible or made of any transparent material that can be shaped into different shapes and sizes. For example, the cover layer 106 may be made of glass or transparent plastic. In certain embodiments, the cover layer 106 is designed to reduce reflections (e.g., from the sun or other light sources) so that the image displayed by the display panel 104 is clearly visible to viewers. For example, the cover layer 106 may be made of glass having anti-reflection properties and / or an anti-reflection coating that reduces reflections and improves the quality of the image displayed by the display panel 104 may be installed thereon. In certain embodiments, the cover layer 106 is adhered to the display panel 104 using a transparent adhesive layer 114.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the smart display sheet 100 includes a protective layer 110 disposed on the display panel 104 or optional cover layer 106 (whichever may be present) that can protect the smart display sheet 100 from environmental elements including, but not limited to, heat, cold, wind, ultraviolet light, water, dust, snow, hail, and stones. The protective layer 110 may include at least one coating of one or more materials including, but not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating, parylene coating, acrylic coating, silicone coating, polyurethane coating, epoxy resin coating, and other suitable coatings to be developed in the future.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the smart display sheet 100 may not include the substrate layer 102, or the substrate layer 102 may be integrated with the display panel 104. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of an exemplary smart display sheet 100 of FIG. 1A without a separate substrate layer 102 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1B, the smart display sheet 100 does not include a separate substrate layer 102. As described above, the substrate layer 102 may be integrated as part of the display panel 104, for example, as a base layer. In this case, the frame 108 or adhesive that would otherwise be required to hold the display panel 104 and the substrate layer 102 together is not required.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the smart display sheet 100 may include one or more solar devices 120 (e.g., transparent solar sheets, solar lines, etc.) that can capture solar energy from the sun to generate electricity. The electricity captured by the solar device may be used, at least in part, to power the smart display sheet 100 and / or a system associated with the smart display sheet 100.

[0018] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of an exemplary smart display sheet 100 of FIG. 1A having one or more solar devices according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] In one embodiment, the solar device 120 is transparent or at least partially transparent, thus minimizing interference with the appearance of the image displayed by the smart display sheet 100. The additional power generated by the solar device 120 may assist in reducing the power load on the electrical circuit of the vehicle from which the smart display sheet 100 draws power for its function. The solar device 120 may be adhesively attached or integrally formed in any case to the outermost layer of the smart display sheet 100, such as the display panel 104, the cover layer 106, or the protective layer 110. In one embodiment, the solar device 120 may be integrated onto a transparent solar sheet (not shown) adhesively attached to the topmost layer of the smart display sheet 100 using a transparent adhesive. The solar device can be applied only in part to the entire vehicle or to specific outer body portions that are exposed to capture the maximum sunlight. In the case of an electric vehicle, any excess energy captured from the solar system may be used to charge the battery.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, one or more layers of the smart display sheet 100, including the substrate layer 102, the display panel 104, the optional cover layer 106, and the protective layer 110, are not attached to adjacent layers or held in place by other means. For example, the substrate layer 102 may not be adhesively attached to the display panel 104 using an adhesive layer, and the substrate layer 102 and the display panel 104 may be integrally held by the frame 108. Similarly, the cover layer 106 may not be adhesively attached to the display panel 104 using the transparent adhesive layer 114. In such a case, the outer frame 112 may be used to hold all the layers of the smart display sheet 100 in place.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the smart display sheet 100 is moldable and / or flexible and can take on any desired shape. This means that all of the layers of the smart display sheet 100 described above, including the substrate layer 102, the display panel 104, the frame 108, the cover layer 106, and the protective layer 110, are moldable and / or flexible and can take on any desired shape. Since the smart display sheet 100 is moldable and / or flexible and can take on any shape, the smart display sheet 100 can be installed flush with the contour of a vehicle component (e.g., the body of a vehicle). In one or more alternative embodiments, one or more layers of the smart display sheet 100 may not be flexible, but can be custom constructed to conform to the contour of the vehicle component on which they are installed. For example, the cover layer 106 may be made of non-flexible glass, but can be shaped to the shape of the surface of the vehicle on which the smart display sheet 100 is installed.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the smart display sheet 100 may be adhered to vehicle components (e.g., outer body, wheel, etc.) using an adhesive. FIG. 1D shows an adhesive layer 122 for attaching the smart display sheet 100 to a vehicle component 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle component 140 may include, but is not limited to, the outer body of the vehicle, the wheels of the vehicle, and removable parts of the vehicle such as a removable convertible top and a removable rear spoiler. For the adhesive layer 122 for adhering the smart display sheet 100 to the vehicle component 140, one or more of several known types of adhesives can be used. Exemplary adhesives include, but are not limited to, cyanoacrylate adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, acrylic adhesives, epoxy adhesives, urethane adhesives, structural adhesives, tapes, films, threadlockers, flex adhesives, high-strength vehicle adhesives, vehicle trim adhesives, plastic bond adhesives, gap fillers, liquid gaskets, or combinations thereof. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, a combination of two or more adhesives can be used for the adhesive layer 122.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the smart display sheet 100 may be attached to vehicle components (e.g., outer body panels, wheels, etc.) using one or more magnets. For example, a magnetic layer may be attached to the innermost layer of the smart display sheet 100 (which may be either a substrate layer or a display panel, for example) using an adhesive, and the magnetic layer enables the smart display sheet 100 to be attached to a metal body component of the vehicle. By attaching the smart display sheet 100 to the vehicle component using a magnet, the smart display sheet 100 can be easily removed from the component, simplifying the maintenance or replacement of the smart display sheet 100.

[0024] In one or more alternative embodiments, the smart display sheet 100 can be integrally formed with a vehicle component. For example, the smart display sheet 100 may be manufactured as the outermost layer of a vehicle component such as a vehicle exterior body component or a wheel.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an exemplary view 200 of a smart display sheet of an automobile displaying different colors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 shows six views of the same automobile displaying six different colors. In this regard, the smart display sheet 100 may cover the entire outer body of the automobile and display a solid color on the entire outer body of the automobile. Thereby, the color of the outer body of the automobile can be changed to a desired color substantially instantaneously, and the options for the color to be selected are infinite.

[0026] FIG. 3 is an exemplary view 300 of an automobile displaying a combination of images on several smart display sheets according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, a colored pattern 302 is displayed on the outer body portion of the automobile. Also, images 304 and 306 are displayed on the wheels of the automobile. In one embodiment, the smart display sheet 100 may cover only a part of the vehicle component. For example, in order to display the pattern 303, the smart display sheet 100 may cover a part of the outer body of the automobile between two wheels. Further, in order to display the images 304 and 306 on the respective wheels, the smart display sheet 100 may be in the form of a circular disk covering each wheel of the automobile.

[0027] Figure 4 is an exemplary view of a vehicle that displays a plurality of images on a smart sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows six views of the same vehicle that display six different combinations of images on one or more smart display sheets 100. View 402 shows a pattern displayed on the vehicle body and wheels of the vehicle. Views 404 and 406 show different patterns displayed on the vehicle body of the vehicle and different character designs displayed on the wheels of the vehicle. Views 408 and 410 show photographs displayed on the vehicle body and wheels of the vehicle. View 412 shows an image and pattern displayed on the vehicle body of the vehicle and a character design displayed on the wheels of the vehicle. Note that the base color of the vehicle in each view may be a solid color image. In this case, other images (e.g., patterns, character designs, photographs, etc.) are overlaid on the solid color image.

[0028] FIG. 5 is an exemplary view of displaying a plurality of images on a smart sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows views of different vehicles that display different combinations of images on one or more smart display sheets 100. View 502 shows an artistic pattern displayed on the hood of an automobile. View 504 shows a holiday message displayed on the hood of an automobile. View 506 shows a combination of colorful patterns, letter designs, and artistic images displayed on the hood of an automobile. View 508 shows colorful patterns displayed on the body and wheels of an automobile. View 508 further shows a grid 510 of solar lines displayed on the entire outer body of the automobile. View 510 shows colorful patterns displayed on the wheels of an automobile. View 512 shows colorful patterns displayed on the body and wheels of a truck and a holiday message displayed on the front of the truck. Views 514, 516, and 518 show three different views of an automobile that display lighting effects in combination with different patterns, letter designs, artistic images, and messages on the body of the automobile. Views 520 and 522 show enlarged images of wheels that display several colors. Note that in view 520, the colors are displayed on the spokes of the wheel. This may be implemented by arranging several smart display sheets so as to cover only the spokes of the wheel rather than the entire wheel.

[0029] It will be appreciated from FIGS. 2 to 5 that the appearance of a vehicle can be substantially instantaneously and dramatically changed by displaying a combination of images on one or more smart display sheets 100 adhered to or integrally formed with a component or a part thereof of the vehicle.

[0030] The image may be displayed in several ways on the smart display sheet 100 that is adhered to or integrally formed with the vehicle component 140. In one embodiment, the smart display sheet 100 may be communicatively coupled to the vehicle's control console, and a user of the vehicle (e.g., the owner of the vehicle 602 in FIG. 6 or another authorized user of the vehicle 602) may use the control console to select or generate one or more images for display on one or more smart display sheets disposed on the vehicle component 140.

[0031] Figure 6 shows an exemplary system 600 for selecting and / or generating an image for display on one or more smart display sheets 100 disposed on a component 140 of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6, a vehicle 602 (e.g., a passenger vehicle) includes a control console 604 as part of the vehicle 602's infotainment system. The control console 604 may be communicatively coupled to one or more smart display sheets 100 that are adhered to or integrally formed with a component 140 of the vehicle 602. The control console 604 may be implemented by a computing device that executes one or more software applications. The computing device may include at least one processor and one or more storage devices, and the one or more storage devices may store software code / instructions that, when executed by the processor, implement functions configured to be executed by the control console 604. The one or more storage devices may further store data related to the selection and / or generation of images, and the data may include, but is not limited to, color palettes, photos, patterns, lighting effects, designs, and alphanumerics. The control console 604 may be configured to enable a user to select and / or generate one or more images for display by one or more smart display sheets 100 of the vehicle 602. The control console 604 may provide a user interface that is operable by the user to select and / or generate an image. As shown in Figure 6, the control console 604 may include a console display 606 that displays a graphical user interface with which the user can interact. The control console 604 may provide some input and output methods as part of the user interface to enable the user to interact with the control console 604. For example, the console display 606 may be a touch-sensitive display that enables the user to use touch input to interact with the graphical user interface displayed on the console display 606.Additionally or alternatively, the control console 604 may include one or more buttons, knobs, touch pads, etc. for the user to interact with the graphical user interface displayed on the console display 606. The control console 604 may include one or more display devices as part of the user interface, and the display devices include, but are not limited to, the console display 606 of the vehicle 602, the digital instrument cluster display, and the head-up display.

[0032] The control console 604 may be configured to execute one or more software applications that enable a user of the vehicle 602 to select and / or generate an image. For example, the control console 604 may present selections such as colors, patterns, designs, letters, lighting effects, photographs, etc., that can be displayed as images on one or more smart display sheets 100 of the vehicle 602, on the console display 606. The user can select any one or combination of the images to be displayed on the smart display sheet 100. As shown in FIG. 6, in one example, the user is presented with several displays / views 610 of the user's vehicle in different colors. In this case, the entire outer body of the vehicle is covered by the smart display sheet 100. The user may select any display / view 610 based on the user's color preference and change the color of the outer body of the vehicle to the selected color. In additional or alternative embodiments, the console display 606 may present a color panel 620 to the user, and the user can select one or more colors to be displayed on the smart display sheet 100 from the color panel 620. In another example, as shown in FIG. 6, the user may select a wheel pattern 612 from a plurality of wheel patterns presented to the user on the console display 606. In this case, the smart display sheet 100 may cover at least a portion of one or more wheels of the vehicle 602. For example, the smart display sheet 100 may be in the form of a circular disk that covers the wheels of the vehicle 602. The selected wheel pattern 612 may be displayed on at least one smart display sheet 100 of the wheel and may change the appearance of the wheel. Similarly, in other examples, the user may select letters (e.g., different designs) and other images 616 from the respective options of letters and other images for display on portions of one or more smart display sheets 100 that cover different components of the vehicle 602.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, a user may select a combination of one or more colors, one or more designs, one or more patterns, one or more characters, one or more lighting effects, one or more photographs, etc. for display on some portions of one or more smart display sheets 100 covering different components of the vehicle 602. The control console 604 may enable the user to select a portion of the smart display sheet 100 that displays each selected image. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the console display 606 may display a view of the user's vehicle 602 having all the images selected by the user and the potential areas of one or more smart display sheets 100 of the vehicle 602 where the images can be displayed. Thereby, the user can consider the selections, update one or more selections, and / or make new selections. When the user is satisfied with the image selections, the user may initiate the selection (e.g., by pressing a button on the control console 604 or by selecting an option on the console display 606) to display the selected images on one or more smart display sheets 100.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the control console 604 may be connected to a network such as the Internet. The control console 604 may be connected via the network to one or more servers or services that provide access to standard or custom images, including but not limited to colors, photographs, patterns, lighting effects, designs, and alphanumerics. Thereby, the user can download one or more images from the server or service via the network for display on the smart display sheet 100.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the control console 604 may be configured to execute a software application that enables a user to generate a customized image for display on the smart display sheet 100 of the vehicle 602. For example, the software application executed on the control console 604 may enable the user to write or draw on the console display 606 using a wireless stylus pen. Additionally or alternatively, the user may select some of the images stored in the storage device of the control console 604 to construct a custom image. In one embodiment, the control console 604 may enable the user to edit a standard image stored in the storage device of the control console 604 to construct a custom image. The custom image generated by the user may be displayed on a selected portion of the smart display sheet 100 of the vehicle 602.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the control console 604 may be connected to a portable computing device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc.) using a wired or wireless connection. The portable computing device may execute the same or similar software applications as those executed by the control console 604 to enable a user to select an image and / or generate a custom image for display on one or more smart display sheets 100 of the vehicle 602. FIG. 7 shows an exemplary system 700 for selecting an image and / or generating a custom image for display on the smart display sheet 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, a portable computing device such as a smartphone 702 and / or a laptop computer 704 may be used to select an image and / or generate an image for display on the smart display sheet 100. The portable computing device may be connected to the control console 604 of the vehicle 602 using a wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), etc.) or a wired connection protocol (e.g., USB, Ethernet, Lightning connector, etc.). Each portable computing device may execute a software application that enables a user (e.g., the owner of the vehicle 602 or another authorized user of the vehicle 602) to select an image and / or generate a custom image for display on the smart display sheet 100 of the vehicle 602. The image may be stored in the local memory of the portable computing device or may be accessible to the portable computing device via a network (e.g., via the Internet). In one embodiment, the portable computing device may access (e.g., via a wireless or wired connection) an image stored in the storage device of the control console 604 and select one or more images from the accessed images.The software application executed by the portable computing device may be the same as or similar to the software application that can be executed by the control console 604, as described with reference to FIG. 6. For example, the software application executed on the portable computing device may present a graphical user interface similar to the graphical user interface presented by the control console 604 on the console display 606 of the vehicle 602. The method of selecting an image and generating a custom image using the portable computing device is the same as the method of selecting and generating an image using the control console 604 described in connection with FIG. 6 and will not be described again.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, a portable computing device or a non-portable computing device (e.g., a desktop computer) may remotely connect to the control console 604 of the vehicle 602 via the Internet and remotely transmit the selected image and / or the custom-generated image to the control console 604 for display on the smart display sheet 100 of the vehicle 602.

[0038] Note that FIG. 7 shows a smartphone 702 and a laptop computer 704 as non-limiting examples of computing devices that can be used to select and / or generate an image for display on the smart display sheet 100. Those skilled in the art will understand that any portable computing device capable of executing a software application may be used to implement the methods described above.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the smart display sheet 100 may be added to a vehicle system, and existing vehicle components may be used to operate the smart display sheet 100. For example, the smart display sheet 100 may receive power from a vehicle power circuit that supplies power to a plurality of electrical components of the vehicle. The control console 604 and the console display 606 described above with reference to FIG. 6 may be part of an in-vehicle infotainment system. For example, one or more processors and storage devices already incorporated in the vehicle to assist various vehicle systems may be used to implement the above-described method for selecting / generating and displaying an image on the vehicle's smart display sheet.

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for displaying an image on a surface of a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle and a molded or flexible smart display sheet adhered to or integrally formed with a component of the vehicle, the molded or flexible smart display sheet being capable of displaying at least one image.

[0041] In one embodiment, the smart display sheet includes a substrate layer, a display panel disposed on the substrate layer and capable of displaying at least one image, and a protective layer disposed on the display panel and capable of protecting at least one display panel from environmental elements.

[0042] In one embodiment, the substrate layer is integrally formed with the display panel.

[0043] In one embodiment, the display panel includes a plurality of display layers including one or more of a liquid crystal display (LCD), LCD with backlight, plasma display, light emitting diode (LED) display, organic LED (OLED) display, high definition (HD) display, full high definition (FHD), ultra high definition (UHD) display, quantum high definition (QHD), 4K resolution display, 8K resolution display, 16K resolution display, quantum UHD (QUHD), and quantum LED (QLED) display, and combinations thereof.

[0044] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, any display material developed in the future may be used in the display layer.

[0045] In one embodiment, the smart display sheet further comprises an adhesive layer for adhering the smart display sheet to a component of the vehicle.

[0046] In one embodiment, the adhesive layer includes a cyanoacrylate adhesive, polyurethane adhesive, acrylic adhesive, epoxy adhesive, urethane adhesive, structural adhesive, tape, film, thread locker, flexible adhesive, strong vehicle adhesive, vehicle trim adhesive, plastic bond adhesive, gap filler, liquid gasket, or combinations thereof.

[0047] In one embodiment, the smart display sheet further comprises at least one solar device adhered to or integrally formed with the display panel, the at least one solar device capturing solar energy from the sun, converting the captured solar energy into electricity, and the electricity generated by the at least one solar device at least partially operating the smart display sheet.

[0048] In one embodiment, the at least one solar device is at least partially transparent.

[0049] In one embodiment, the vehicle includes an automobile, and the smart display sheet is adhered to at least a part of the outer body of the automobile or at least a part of one or more wheels of the automobile.

[0050] In one embodiment, the system further includes a control console of the vehicle communicably coupled to the smart display sheet, which is part of the vehicle's infotainment system and controls the images displayed by the smart display sheet, and a console display of the control console. The control console is configured to enable the user to select an image from a plurality of images displayed on the console display and / or generate a customized image on the console display, and one or more of the selected image and the customized image are displayed by the smart display sheet.

[0051] In one embodiment, the smart display sheet receives power from a power circuit of the vehicle that supplies power to a plurality of electrical components of the vehicle.

[0052] In one embodiment, the smart display sheet partially covers a component of the vehicle.

[0053] In one embodiment, the vehicle is selected from the group consisting of a passenger car, a truck, a bus, an airplane, a boat, and a ship.

[0054] In one embodiment, at least one image may include one or more colors, one or more photos, one or more patterns, one or more intensities of light, one or more alphanumerics, and combinations thereof.

[0055] In one embodiment, the component includes a removable body part of the vehicle.

[0056] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for displaying an image on the surface of a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle and a flexible or molded smart display sheet adhered to a component of the vehicle. The flexible or molded smart display sheet is capable of displaying at least one image. The smart display sheet includes a substrate layer, a display panel disposed on the substrate layer and capable of displaying at least one image, a protective layer disposed on the display panel and capable of protecting at least one display panel from environmental elements, and an adhesive layer for adhering the smart display sheet to a component of the vehicle.

[0057] In one embodiment, the substrate layer is integrally formed with the display panel.

[0058] In one embodiment, the system is part of an in-vehicle infotainment system of the vehicle and further includes a control console of the vehicle communicably coupled to the smart display sheet for controlling the image displayed by the smart display sheet, and a console display of the control console. The control console is configured to enable the user to perform one or more of selecting an image from a plurality of images displayed on the console display and generating a customized image on the console display, and one or more of the selected image and the customized image are displayed by the smart display sheet.

[0059] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for displaying an image on the surface of a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle and a smart display sheet, which may or may not be flexible, adhered to a component of the vehicle. The smart display sheet is capable of displaying at least one image. The smart display sheet includes a display panel disposed on a substrate layer and capable of displaying at least one image, a protective layer disposed on the display panel and capable of protecting at least one display panel from environmental elements, and an adhesive layer for adhering the smart display sheet to a component of the vehicle.

[0060] Although several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples and embodiments should be considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention should not be limited to the details given herein. For example, various elements or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0061] In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the technologies, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated as separate or discrete in various embodiments may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, technologies, or methods. Other items shown or described as being coupled, directly coupled, or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicate through some interface, device, or intermediate component in an electrical, mechanical, or other manner. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and modifications are ascertainable by those skilled in the art and can be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

[0062] Readers of the patent office and the patents issued for this application are cautioned that the applicant does not intend to rely on 35 U.S.C. 112(f) of the United States Patent Act, which existed on the filing date of this application, for any of the appended claims, unless the words "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim to assist in interpreting the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for displaying an image on the surface of a vehicle, comprising: the vehicle; a smart display sheet adhered to a component of the vehicle or integrally formed with a component of the vehicle, the smart display sheet being capable of displaying at least one image, the component being an outer body panel or a wheel of the vehicle, and the smart display sheet comprising: a substrate layer including recesses; a display panel disposed within the recesses of the substrate layer, the display panel being capable of displaying the at least one image; a transparent cover layer disposed on the display panel; a frame disposed on an outer surface of the substrate layer, the frame comprising a retaining edge configured to hold the display panel within the recesses of the substrate layer; a protective layer disposed adjacent to the transparent cover layer and capable of protecting the at least one display panel from environmental elements including heat and cold; a smart display sheet comprising the above; a system comprising the above.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart display sheet is capable of displaying an infinite combination of stationary and moving colors, patterns, shapes, characters, lighting and / or customized designs and combinations thereof.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the display panel comprises at least one display layer including one or more of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LCD with backlight, a plasma display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a high definition (HD) display, a full HD, an ultra high definition (UHD) display, a quantum HD (QHD), a 4K resolution display, an 8K resolution display, a 16K resolution display, a quantum UHD (QUHD), and a quantum LED (QLED) display, and combinations thereof.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the substrate layer is integrally formed with the display panel.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart display sheet is attachable to the component of the vehicle via one or more magnets.

6. The smart display sheet includes an adhesive configured to attach the smart display sheet to the component of the vehicle, and the adhesive includes a cyanoacrylate adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive, an acrylic adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, a urethane adhesive, a structural adhesive, a tape, a film, a thread locking agent, a flexible adhesive, a strong adhesive for vehicles, a trim adhesive for vehicles, a plastic bonder adhesive, a gap filler, a liquid gasket, or a combination thereof. The system according to claim 1.

7. The smart display sheet further includes at least one solar device adhered to or integrally formed with the display panel, the at least one solar device captures solar energy from the sun, converts the captured solar energy into electricity, and the electricity generated by the at least one solar device at least partially operates the smart display sheet. The system according to claim 1.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one solar device is at least partially transparent.

9. The vehicle includes an automobile, the smart display sheet is adhered to at least a part of the outer body of the automobile or at least a part of one or more wheels of the automobile. The system according to claim 1.

10. A control console of the vehicle communicably coupled to the smart display sheet, which is part of the vehicle's infotainment system and controls the image displayed by the smart display sheet, and a console display of the control console, wherein the control console is configured to enable the user to select an image from a plurality of images displayed on the console display and / or generate a customized image on the console display. A console display, and further includes One or more of the selected image and the customized image are displayed by the smart display sheet. The system according to claim 1.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart display sheet receives power from a power circuit of the vehicle that supplies power to a plurality of electrical components of the vehicle.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart display sheet partially covers the component of the vehicle.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is selected from the group consisting of a passenger car, a truck, a bus, an airplane, a boat, and a ship.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one image may include one or more colors, one or more photos, one or more patterns, one or more intensities of light, one or more alphanumerics, and combinations thereof.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the component includes a removable body portion of the vehicle.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the protective layer includes a coating of one or more materials.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the one or more materials include at least one coating selected from the group consisting of a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, a parylene coating, an acrylic coating, a silicone coating, a polyurethane coating, and an epoxy resin coating.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein the component is the outer body panel, and the outer body panel is a metal body component.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the smart display sheet is attached to the metal body component using one or more magnets.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart display sheet is manufactured as the outermost layer of the component, and the component is the exterior body panel.

21. The system according to claim 1, wherein the smart display sheet is not disposed on a window of the vehicle.

22. The system according to claim 1, wherein the component is the wheel of the vehicle, and the smart display sheet is in the form of a disk that at least partially covers the wheel.

23. A system for displaying an image on a surface of an automobile, comprising: the automobile, A smart display sheet adhered to a component of the automobile, wherein the component is an outer body panel or a wheel of the automobile, the smart display sheet is capable of displaying at least one image, and the smart display sheet A substrate layer including a recess; A display panel disposed in the recess of the substrate layer, the display panel being capable of displaying the at least one image; A transparent cover layer disposed on the display panel; A protective layer disposed adjacent to the transparent cover layer and capable of protecting the at least one display panel from environmental elements including heat and cold; An outer frame configured to integrally hold the substrate layer, the display panel, the transparent cover layer, and the protective layer; A smart display sheet comprising; A system comprising.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the substrate layer is integrally formed with the display panel.

25. A control console of the automobile communicably coupled to the smart display sheet, the control console being part of an infotainment system of the automobile and controlling the image displayed by the smart display sheet; A console display of the control console, the control console being configured to enable a user to select an image from a plurality of images displayed on the console display and / or generate a customized image on the console display; Further comprising The system according to claim 23, wherein one or more of the selected image and the customized image are displayed by the smart display sheet.

26. A system for displaying an image on a surface of an automobile, comprising The automobile; A smart display sheet adhered to a component of the automobile, wherein the component is an outer body panel or a wheel of the automobile, the smart display sheet is capable of displaying at least one image, and the smart display sheet A substrate layer fixable to the component of the automobile, the substrate layer comprising a recess; A display panel disposed within the recess of the substrate layer, capable of displaying the at least one image, wherein the substrate layer and the display panel each comprise a flexible material configured to conform to the shape of the component of the motor vehicle, a display panel; A frame disposed relative to an outer surface of the substrate layer, the frame configured to hold the display panel within the recess of the substrate layer; A transparent cover layer disposed on the display panel; A transparent adhesive layer extending over the display panel and configured to adhere the transparent cover layer to the display panel; A protective layer disposed on the transparent cover layer, the protective layer capable of protecting the at least one display panel from environmental elements including heat and cold; An outer frame configured to integrally hold the substrate layer, the display panel, the transparent cover layer, and the protective layer; An adhesive or magnetic material for attaching the smart display sheet to the component of the vehicle; A smart display sheet comprising; A system comprising.

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