Underbody Projection Layout for Distortion-Corrected Vehicle Ground Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles struggle to effectively display information on the ground beneath the vehicle in bright ambient light conditions, as the projected image is not visible due to shadowing from the vehicle, and the available projection area is insufficient for distant perception.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle with an imaging device that projects optically distorted information onto the roadway between the axles, adjusting the distortion based on the viewing angle of an observer, allowing for clear perception from a distance and utilizing the entire roadway area for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If information is displayed on the dashboard using traditional gauges and screens, then information is visible to the driver, but the dashboard becomes cluttered and difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects information from the two-dimensional dashboard surface onto the three-dimensional hood of the vehicle, utilizing the vertical space above the windshield. This dimensional transition allows multiple pieces of information to be displayed without occupying additional dashboard real estate, thereby reducing clutter while maintaining information visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a projection system as an intermediary between the dashboard information sources and the driver's field of view. This mediator projects images onto the hood, serving as a virtual display surface that does not physically occupy dashboard space, thus resolving the conflict between information display and dashboard simplicity.
2Loss of information
If traditional dashboard gauges and screens are used to display information, then information is presented to the driver, but the driver's attention is diverted from the road
Solution Approach 1:
By projecting information onto the hood in the driver's peripheral vision area rather than on the dashboard directly in the line of sight, the system allows drivers to perceive information without shifting their focal attention from the road, thereby reducing distraction while maintaining information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions different types of information in different locations on the hood, optimizing the placement of critical alerts versus routine information. This localized arrangement ensures that important information is accessible in peripheral vision while less critical data is positioned where it will not interfere with road monitoring.
3Device complexity
If a projection system is used to display information on the hood, then information can be displayed without dashboard clutter, but the projection quality degrades in direct sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective layer on the hood as an intermediary that enhances the projection image brightness by reflecting ambient light back through the projected image. This mediator amplifies the projected information's visibility without requiring additional active illumination, thereby maintaining projection quality in bright sunlight conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts projection parameters such as brightness, contrast, and projection angle based on ambient lighting conditions detected by sensors. This adaptive parameter modification ensures optimal projection visibility across varying illumination environments, including direct sunlight conditions.
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
Enables clear information display on the roadway at any time of day or night, using the entire area beneath the vehicle for projection, ensuring visibility even in bright light and at varying distances.
Implementation Method 1
a projector, positioned to project images onto the hood
Implementation Method 2
a reflective layer, positioned between the projector and the hood, and configured to reflect light from the projector toward the hood
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle, comprising a chassis (2) having at least two axles (3, 4), each with two wheels (5, 6), and comprising a body (7) sitting on the chassis (2) and having an underbody (8) spaced apart from the ground (9), wherein at least one imaging device (10) is provided on the underbody (8) for projecting an information display (13) onto the ground (9) at least in the region between the two axles (3, 4), wherein the imaging device (10) is designed for generating and projecting an information display (13) that is distorted in relation to a defined viewing angle (α1, α2).