Rearview Mirror Icon Projection With Single-Optic Ground Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle illumination systems lack the ability to project high-resolution, multi-color logos or icons onto the ground area effectively, often resulting in reduced image sharpness and increased complexity due to the need for multiple projection lenses and masking.
Innovation Solution
An illumination module utilizing three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of different colors, paired with unique glass masks that create high-resolution, multi-colored images by overlapping single-colored projections, reducing the number of lenses required and minimizing chromatic aberration, while using a single formed optic or lens for both ground illumination and projected images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple projection lenses and masking are used to create multi-color logos, then color accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple color LEDs (red, green, blue) into a single illumination module with a unified optical system. Instead of using separate projection lenses and masks for each color, the invention integrates all color channels into one module that projects multi-color logos directly, reducing the total number of optical components while maintaining color accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ground illumination, projects logos, and displays animations using a single integrated system. The module can switch between different operational modes (logo projection, ground lighting, animated sequences) without requiring separate hardware systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple projection lenses are used for high-resolution logos, then image sharpness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple color-specific projection lenses into a single integrated optical system. By using one projection lens that handles all color channels simultaneously rather than separate lenses for each color, the invention maintains image sharpness while reducing the number of optical components and simplifying the overall device structure.
3Illumination intensity
If ground illumination is provided separately from logo projection, then ground lighting effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ground illumination and logo projection functions into a single illumination module. The same LED array and optical system used for logo projection also provide ground lighting, eliminating the need for separate illumination systems. The module can dynamically adjust between logo projection mode and ground illumination mode or operate both functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination module is designed as a multi-functional system that can perform ground illumination, logo projection, and animated displays using the same hardware components. This universal design allows the single module to replace multiple specialized systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining effectiveness in each function.
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 provides enhanced image sharpness and reduced complexity by projecting high-resolution, multi-color logos or icons onto the ground area with improved contrast and reduced washout from ground illumination, using a single optic or lens without additional masking, thus enhancing the visibility and aesthetic appeal of the projected images.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination module utilizes three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of different colors
Implementation Method 2
paired with unique glass masks that create high-resolution, multi-colored images by overlapping single-colored projections
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing, a mirror reflective element and a ground illumination module having a freeform optic, a ground illumination light source, and first, second and third icon light sources. With the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at the side of the vehicle and when the ground illumination light source is electrically powered to emit light, light emitted by the ground illumination light source that passes through the freeform optic illuminates the ground region adjacent to and along the side of the vehicle with a ground illumination intensity. When each individual icon light source is electrically powered to emit light, light emitted by the respective icon light source projects a respective projected image onto an icon region that is within the ground region. The respective projected images are individually projected to provide animated images projected onto the icon region.