Door-Triggered Projection Control for Dynamic Vehicle Courtesy Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automobile illumination indicating apparatuses project a fixed illumination pattern, wasting battery power by continuous operation after the door is opened, and lack diversity in projection effects.

Innovation Solution

A projection device that automatically projects dynamic images based on the open/closed state of a switchable mechanism, such as a door, using sensors to control power supply and switch between dynamic and static images, with optional audio output, to conserve power and provide diverse effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the illumination indicating apparatus continuously projects the illumination light beam to the ground after the door is opened, then the illumination effect is maintained, but the automobile battery consumes electric power continuously until exhaustion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination effectVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The projection device projects images periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The control unit controls the projection device to project images based on door opening duration thresholds, creating periodic projection cycles that reduce overall power consumption while maintaining effective illumination during critical periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts projection behavior based on sensed door opening duration without requiring manual intervention. The control unit monitors door state and autonomously decides when to project and when to stop, making the system self-regulating regarding power consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the illumination indicating apparatus projects a fixed illumination pattern, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide diversified projection effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection effect diversityVSAvoidprojection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection device uses a single projector to achieve multiple functions by displaying different types of images (static images, dynamic images, video images) based on door opening duration. This multi-functional approach provides diverse projection effects without requiring multiple separate projection devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static fixed patterns to dynamic adjustable projection content. The control unit dynamically selects what type of image to project based on real-time door opening duration, enabling the projection system to adapt its behavior and provide varied effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the illumination indicating apparatus projects only static images, then the power consumption is lower, but the projection effect is less engaging and interactive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive projection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic projection of dynamic images during door opening events rather than continuous projection. This periodic approach enables engaging interactive effects during relevant time windows while minimizing overall power consumption by stopping projection when doors remain open for extended periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3742726B1Projection device, projection method and projection system
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 CORETRONIC CORPORATION
  • EP3742726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3742726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3742726B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides projection device, a projection method and a projection system. The projection system includes the projection device. The projection method is for controlling the projection device. The projection device includes a projection apparatus, a video and audio processing circuit and a power control circuit. The video and audio processing circuit is coupled to the projection apparatus. The power control circuit is coupled to the projection apparatus and the video and audio processing circuit. The power control circuit is for receiving a power signal correspondingly provided by an external power supply unit when a switchable mechanism is in an open state. The power control circuit enables the projection apparatus and the video and audio processing circuit according to the power signal, such that the video and audio processing circuit outputs image data to the projection apparatus and controls the projection apparatus to project a dynamic projection image.