Dynamic Vehicle Lighting Projection for User Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for illuminating areas around and inside motor vehicles are static and lack emotional appeal, failing to provide a dynamic and attractive lighting experience for users.

Innovation Solution

A method that activates lighting in conjunction with door opening or closing, creating a changing illuminated area through projection or time-controlled LED switching, simulating a 'rolling carpet of light' to enhance the user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If static lighting is used to illuminate areas around and inside motor vehicles, then the lighting function is simple and reliable, but the lighting lacks emotional appeal and user engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting effectVSAvoiduser engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static lighting to dynamic lighting that changes over time. The lighting system now varies illumination patterns, intensity, and distribution to create engaging visual effects that respond to user actions such as door opening or vehicle movement, thereby providing emotional appeal while maintaining functional illumination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through time-controlled switching of light sources. Lighting patterns are activated in periodic sequences during specific events like door opening or closing, creating rhythmic visual effects that enhance user engagement without requiring continuous operation, thus balancing emotional appeal with energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If projection devices or multiple light sources are used to create dynamic illuminated areas, then user engagement and visual appeal are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting experienceVSAvoidlighting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lighting system into multiple controllable light sources distributed at different locations around the vehicle. Each light source can be independently controlled to create specific illumination patterns, allowing complex dynamic lighting effects to be achieved through coordinated operation of simpler individual components rather than a single complex device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing lighting elements that serve multiple purposes: they provide functional illumination for safety, create aesthetic visual effects for emotional appeal, and can be controlled through various triggers (door opening, vehicle movement, user interaction). This universal approach allows the same lighting system to fulfill multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function.

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

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

This approach creates a memorable and modern visual effect, providing a new feeling of getting in and out of the vehicle, enhancing user satisfaction and the vehicle's perceived quality.

Implementation Method 1

The illumination is achieved by the light from a light-emitting diode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

at least one means for illuminating an area in front of and/or in the interior of the motor vehicle, in particular for pre-field lighting, which consists of a projection device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProjection: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP2674328B1Method for illuminating an area to the front and/or in the interior of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.06.10 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2674328B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2674328B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2674328B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves activating the illumination in connection with unlocking or opening and with locking or closing of a door or a flap of the motor vehicle (K). The illumination takes place for a certain time period such that the illuminated area appears as changing illuminated area for an observer. The dimensions of the illuminated area are changed in response to an opening angle (alpha) of the door or the flap. The illuminated area is generated by projection. An independent claim is included for a motor vehicle with a projection module for executing the method.