In-Cabin Projection Obstacle Detection for Eye-Safe Bright Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-cabin projection systems lack safety and control mechanisms, posing risks to users from high-intensity light exposure and failing to ensure safe and effective image projection.
Innovation Solution
An in-cabin projection system incorporating a light transmitter, a two-dimensional scanner, and a photodetector with a control unit to steer pixel light beams and detect obstacles on the optical path, ensuring eye safety by disabling light emission when an obstacle is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-intensity light beams are used for projection, then image brightness and visibility are improved, but eye safety and user protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a photodetector that continuously monitors the optical path for obstacles and provides feedback to the control unit. When an obstacle (such as a user's eye) is detected, the control unit immediately adjusts the light transmitter to reduce or stop light emission, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that maintains brightness when safe while preventing eye damage when obstacles are present
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system dynamically adjusts its operation based on real-time conditions. The light transmitter operates at high intensity for normal projection but can rapidly switch to reduced or zero intensity when the photodetector detects an obstacle. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize image brightness while responding instantly to safety concerns
2Reliability
If a safety detection mechanism is added to the projection system, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 2D scanner, originally designed for steering light beams during normal projection operation, is made multi-functional by also enabling it to redirect reflected light to the photodetector for obstacle detection. This allows the safety mechanism to utilize existing structural components, adding safety functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the safety detection function with the existing projection components. The photodetector integrates with the optical path monitoring, and the control unit merges safety detection logic with the existing light control functions. This consolidation approach implements comprehensive safety monitoring while avoiding redundant separate systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a safe and effective method for projecting images onto vehicle surfaces while preventing eye damage from high-intensity light, enhancing user safety and experience.
Implementation Method 1
a photodetector configured to detect a portion of light from the light transmitter that is reflected back from the projection surface and to generate a photo signal based on the detected light
Data Source
AI summary
An in-cabin projection system includes a projection surface, a light transmitter configured to generate a plurality of pixel light beams corresponding to an image and transmit the plurality of pixel light beams on an optical path toward the projection surface, a two-dimensional scanner arranged on the optical path, wherein the 2D scanner is configured to receive the plurality of pixel light beams from the light transmitter and steer the plurality of pixel light beams along the optical path according to a 2D scanning pattern, a photodetector configured to detect a portion of light from the light transmitter that is reflected back from the projection surface and to generate a photo signal based on the detected light, and a control unit configured to determine based on the photo signal whether an obstacle is located on the optical path.