Automotive Interior Light Projection With Ambient-Light Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automotive vehicles face challenges in incorporating internal light projectors effectively due to luminous interference from vehicle elements and external light sources, which affects the visibility and intensity of projected light patterns.

Innovation Solution

A method for projecting light inside an automotive vehicle that involves providing a light projector, sending data on lighting conditions to adjust projection parameters, and projecting a light pattern adapted to compensate for additional light sources, using a CAN bus for communication and considering ambient and auxiliary lighting data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a light projector is installed in the vehicle interior, then new functionalities for passengers are provided, but the projected light pattern becomes less visible due to luminous interference from vehicle lighting elements and external light sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionalities provided by light projectorVSAvoidvisibility of projected light pattern
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses ambient light sensors to detect the lighting conditions in the vehicle interior and feeds this information back to the light projector control unit. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts projection parameters such as luminous intensity and pattern characteristics to compensate for luminous interference from vehicle lighting elements and external light sources, ensuring the projected light pattern remains visible and functional.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The light projector dynamically modifies projection parameters including maximum luminous intensity, average luminous intensity, minimum luminous intensity, and shape of the light pattern based on detected ambient lighting conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying luminous interference levels while maintaining the visibility and effectiveness of the projected light pattern for passenger functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If the light projector increases luminous intensity to overcome interference, then visibility improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of projected light patternVSAvoidenergy consumption of light projector
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light projector operates dynamically by continuously monitoring ambient light conditions and adjusting its luminous intensity in real-time. Rather than operating at fixed high intensity, the system modulates the light output based on the actual interference level, increasing intensity only when necessary to maintain visibility while minimizing energy consumption during periods of low interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts projection parameters adaptively based on ambient lighting conditions. When luminous interference from vehicle lighting or external sources is detected, the projector increases luminous intensity to maintain visibility. When interference is minimal, the intensity is reduced, thereby optimizing the balance between visibility and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12246596B2Method for projecting light in the interior of a vehicle, automotive light projector and automotive light assembly
Publication Date: 2025.03.11 VALEO VISION SA
  • US12246596B2 patent drawing
  • US12246596B2 patent drawing
  • US12246596B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides device, system, and method for projecting light in the interior of an automotive vehicle. The method includes sending data to the light projector regarding the lighting conditions in the interior of the automotive vehicle, using the data to modify some projection parameter of a light pattern, and projecting the light pattern.