Dynamic In-Vehicle Projection Display System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current in-vehicle display systems are limited in display surface area and require drivers to look away from the road to access information, leading to distractions and potential hazards due to unnoticed warnings.

Innovation Solution

A method using omnidirectional projection techniques with eye and face tracking to display information on various internal vehicle surfaces, allowing visual information to be projected dynamically based on the driver's field of view, enabling hands-free interaction and reducing distractions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If visual information is displayed on traditional instrument panel or center console screens, then information can be presented to the driver, but the driver must look away from the road causing distraction and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation delivery to driverVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D flat screens on the instrument panel or center console to a 3D volumetric display space throughout the vehicle interior. By projecting images onto multiple surfaces including the windshield, dashboard, ceiling, and side panels, the system creates an immersive three-dimensional information environment that surrounds the driver, allowing information access without requiring the driver to shift gaze significantly from the road ahead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs multiple projection surfaces and adjustable projection angles to serve multiple display functions simultaneously. The same projection system can display navigation information, vehicle status, warnings, and entertainment content across different surfaces within the vehicle's interior space, making the display system universally applicable to various information types and driver positioning scenarios.

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

2Area of stationary object

If display surface area is increased to provide more information, then more visual information can be presented, but available space on the dashboard and center console is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay surface areaVSAvoidavailable installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent expands the display surface area by utilizing the three-dimensional interior space of the vehicle rather than being confined to the limited two-dimensional dashboard or center console surfaces. By projecting images onto the windshield, ceiling, side panels, and dashboard simultaneously, the system creates a vast virtual display area that encompasses the entire vehicle interior, effectively multiplying the available display real estate without requiring additional physical installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system segments the vehicle interior into multiple projection surfaces including the windshield, dashboard, ceiling, and side panels. Each surface can independently display different types of information, and the collective arrangement of these segmented surfaces creates a comprehensive display area that far exceeds what could be achieved on a single conventional screen, while utilizing existing vehicle structures rather than requiring additional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If multiple display devices are arranged on different surfaces to expand display area, then more information can be displayed, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay surface areaVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple projection functions into a single integrated projection system. Rather than installing separate display devices on different surfaces, the system uses one or more projection units with adjustable lenses and mirrors to project images onto multiple surfaces simultaneously. This unified approach consolidates what would otherwise be multiple independent display systems into a single controllable unit, reducing installation complexity while achieving expanded display coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamically adjustable projection components including movable lenses and reflectors that can change projection angles and target surfaces in real-time. This dynamic capability allows a single projection unit to adaptively illuminate different surfaces based on driver position, vehicle orientation, and information priority, replacing what would require multiple fixed projection devices and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3245104B1In-vehicle projection display system with dynamic display area
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 HARMAN INT IND INC
  • EP3245104B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3245104B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3245104B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The various embodiments set forth a method for displaying information on one or more surfaces of a vehicle, the method comprising acquiring position data associated with a driver of the vehicle, calculating a current field-of-view of the driver based on the position data, determining a suitable surface for displaying visual information within the vehicle based on the current field-of-view of the driver, and projecting an element of visual information on the suitable surface.