Light Projection Device Using Single-Engine Image Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light projection devices for automotive interiors are bulky, costly, and complex due to the use of multiple projection units, LEDs, and optical devices, making them difficult to integrate into thin dashboards and complicating thermal management.
Innovation Solution
A single light source and optical engine with a digital micromirror device split a main image into two independent images using an optical device, reducing the number of components and facilitating integration into dashboards or ceilings, while simplifying thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projection units, LEDs, and optical devices are used to project different images on each side of the dashboard, then the projection capability and image differentiation are improved, but the device size becomes very large and difficult to integrate into thin dashboards
Solution Approach 1:
The single projected image is segmented into two separate images by the optical device (beam splitter), with each image directed to a different side of the dashboard. This allows one projection unit to perform the function of multiple projection units, reducing overall device size while maintaining the capability to display different images on each side.
Solution Approach 2:
A single projection unit with a single light source and single DMD is designed to perform multiple functions: projecting different images to the left and right sides of the dashboard simultaneously. The optical device enables this multi-functionality by splitting the single projected image into two separate projection paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projection units and optical devices are used within a single housing, then different images can be projected on each side of the dashboard, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device segments the single projected image into two separate images through beam splitting, enabling different image content on each side of the dashboard without requiring separate projection units. This segmentation approach maintains image differentiation capability while reducing component count.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple projection functions are merged into a single projection unit. The single light source, single DMD, and optical engine perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple independent projection units, with the optical device serving as a shared resource for directing images to different locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and electronic devices are used, then different images can be projected on each side of the dashboard, but thermal management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light sources are merged into a single light source, and multiple DMD devices are merged into a single DMD. This consolidation reduces the total heat generation in the system and simplifies thermal management, as there is only one light source and one electronic engine to cool rather than multiple independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system segments the single light output into two separate image paths, allowing the single light source to serve multiple projection purposes. This segmentation enables different images on each side while maintaining a single thermal management system for the light source and electronic components.
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 solution reduces device size and cost, enhances integration into vehicle interiors, and eases thermal management by using a single light source and optical engine to project distinct images on opposite sides of the dashboard.
Implementation Method 1
an optical engine including a digital micromirror device, the optical engine being located downstream of the light source and containing data information corresponding to a main image so as to project said main image along a predetermined light path
Implementation Method 2
an optical device arranged on the light path of the main image such that it receives the main image, and configured to project a first portion of the main image as a first image in a first direction and to project a second portion of the main image as a second image in a second direction, different from the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an image projection device (15) comprising: a light source (24), preferably comprising a light-emitting diode, and an optical engine (35) including a digital micromirror device (36), the optical engine (35) being located downstream of the light source (24) and containing data information corresponding to a main image (30), so as to project said main image along a predetermined light path. The main image is formed by the reunion of a first image and a second image, different from the first image, that are adjoined to each other. The light projection device (15) further comprises an optical device (40) arranged on the light path of the main image (20) such that it receives the first image and the second image, and is configured to project said first image in a first direction and to project said second image in a second direction, different from the first direction.