Vehicle Image Projection for Observer-Position Adaptive Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for projecting images from a motor vehicle only account for the driver's perspective, failing to provide clear visibility and understanding for observers outside or inside the vehicle from different positions.

Innovation Solution

A method that detects the observer's position and adjusts the image projection based on their location, using a light module to integrate the image into the light beam, ensuring the image is visible and understandable whether the observer is inside or outside the vehicle, by calculating the observation position in an image reference frame and projecting the image accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the image is projected using a fixed projection method for the driver only, then the driver can see the image, but observers outside the vehicle or at different positions cannot understand the image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different observer positionsVSAvoidcomplexity of projection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection system dynamically adapts to different observer positions by detecting the observer's location and calculating the appropriate observation position in the image reference frame. The projection parameters are adjusted in real-time based on the observer's position, making the system dynamic rather than static. This allows the same projection system to serve multiple observer positions without requiring multiple fixed projection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes projection parameters such as the observation position coordinates and image plane orientation based on the detected observer position. By modifying these parameters according to the observer's location, the system maintains image understandability across different viewing positions without changing the fundamental projection hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the image is projected without considering the observer's position, then the projection system is simple, but the image is not understandable for observers at different positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation loss for external observersVSAvoidcomplexity of position detection and calculation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses observer position detection as feedback to adjust the projection parameters. The detected observer position in the light module reference frame is fed back into the calculation process to determine the appropriate observation position in the image reference frame, ensuring the projected image is always optimized for the current observer's position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation process that transforms coordinates between the light module reference frame and the image reference frame. This intermediary transformation ensures accurate mapping of the observer's position to the appropriate image projection parameters, preventing information loss without requiring direct complex positioning hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light modules are used to cover different observer positions, then all observers can see the image, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of multiple observer positionsVSAvoidnumber of light modules required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single light module is made universal by enabling it to project images understandable for observers at multiple positions. The light module's projection characteristics are dynamically adjusted based on the detected observer position, allowing one module to perform the function that would otherwise require multiple dedicated modules for different positions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The projection system serves itself by automatically detecting the observer's position and adjusting its projection parameters accordingly. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for external control systems or multiple pre-configured light modules, as the single light module autonomously adapts to serve different observer positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3350018B1Projection method for a motor vehicle, for projecting an image onto a projection surface
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP3350018B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3350018B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3350018B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a projection method (MTH) for a motor vehicle (V), for projecting at least one image (Ip) onto a projection surface (S) by means of a light module (ML) designed to project a light beam (Fx), in which said projection method (MTH) comprises the steps of: detecting a position of observation (PosO1) of an observer (O) in a light module reference frame (RP); calculating the position of observation (PosO2) of the observer (O) in an image reference frame (RI); and projecting said image (Ip) onto said projection surface (S) according to said position of observation (PosO2) of the observer (O) in said image reference frame (RI), said image (Ip) being integrated into said light beam (Fx) of the light module (ML).