Vehicle Graphics Projector Using LED Collimation Instead of Lasers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current graphics projectors in vehicles utilize high-intensity, concentrated light sources like lasers, causing occupant discomfort and increasing weight and resource use.
Innovation Solution
A graphics projector system utilizing a light-emitting diode (LED) array with optical filters, focusing lenses, and optical collimators to produce narrow-beam, collimated light, combined using fiber-optic cables or dichroic mirrors, and directed by optoelectrical mirrors to form graphics without high-power lasers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If high-intensity, concentrated light sources like lasers are used, then graphics projection effectiveness is improved, but occupant discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light source into multiple LED elements arranged in an array, where each LED contributes to the overall projection. This segmentation allows the light to be distributed across multiple sources rather than concentrated in a single high-intensity beam, reducing discomfort while maintaining projection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies optical filters selectively to different portions of the light source to control the spectral composition. By filtering specific wavelengths locally, the system achieves effective graphics projection while eliminating harmful high-intensity components that cause occupant discomfort
2Illumination intensity
If high-intensity, concentrated light sources like lasers are used, then graphics projection effectiveness is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, heavy laser sources with more economical LED elements. LEDs are lighter, more energy-efficient, and have longer operational lifetimes, reducing both weight and resource consumption while maintaining adequate projection effectiveness for head-up displays
3Illumination intensity
If high-intensity, concentrated light sources like lasers are used, then graphics projection effectiveness is improved, but resource use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes energy-intensive laser sources with energy-efficient LED elements. LEDs consume significantly less electrical power to produce the required illumination levels for graphics projection, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and resource use in the vehicle's display system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the light source by using LEDs with optimized brightness and wavelength characteristics. By adjusting these parameters and using optical filtering, the system achieves effective projection with lower energy input compared to high-intensity laser sources
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
Reduces occupant discomfort and resource use while providing precise control over light intensity and wavelength for effective graphics projection, suitable for head-up displays.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting diode (LED) array configured to produce a source light
Implementation Method 2
an optical filter in optical communication with the led array. The optical filter is configured to receive the source light and transmit a filtered light
Implementation Method 3
a focusing lens in optical communication with the optical filter. The focusing lens is configured to receive the filtered light and transmit a narrow-beam light
Implementation Method 4
an optical collimator in optical communication with the light source module. The optical collimator is configured to receive the narrow-beam light and transmit a collimated light
Implementation Method 5
an optoelectrical mirror in optical communication with the optical collimator. The optoelectrical mirror is configured to direct the collimated light to form a graphic
Implementation Method 6
The optical waveguide is a fiber-optic cable in optical communication with the focusing lens of each of the plurality of light source modules using a fiber-optic coupler
Implementation Method 7
Each of the plurality of dichroic mirrors is configured to transmit the narrow-beam light from one of the plurality of light source modules to the optical collimator. Each of the plurality of dichroic mirrors is configured to reflect a predetermined wavelength of the narrow-beam light and transmit all other wavelengths of the narrow-beam light
Data Source
AI summary
A graphics projector for use in a vehicle includes a light source module. The light source module may include an LED array configured to produce a source light. The light source module further includes an optical filter in optical communication with the led array. The optical filter is configured to receive the source light and transmit a filtered light. The light source module further includes a focusing lens in optical communication with the optical filter. The focusing lens is configured to receive the filtered light and transmit a narrow-beam light. The graphics projector also includes an optical collimator in optical communication with the light source module. The optical collimator is configured to receive the narrow-beam light and transmit a collimated light. The graphics projector also includes an optoelectrical mirror in optical communication with the optical collimator. The optoelectrical mirror is configured to direct the collimated light to form a graphic.