Vehicle Light Projection Correction for Curved Roadside Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for emitting optical light signals from road vehicles struggle to accurately project images onto non-ideal surfaces, such as those with significant inclination and curvature, leading to distortion and variations in intensity.

Innovation Solution

A method that modifies optical light signals by determining the three-dimensional spatial coordinates of the surface and the position of the observer, and then adapting the signal to ensure correct visual perception, taking into account optical properties and environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If light signals are projected onto surfaces with significant inclination and/or curvature, then the coverage area is expanded, but the perception of the light signal shows distortion and strong variations in intensity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection coverage areaVSAvoidimage perception accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the projection surface geometry using a distance measurement device before projecting the light signal. Based on the measured three-dimensional spatial coordinates, the control unit pre-calculates and pre-distorts the image data to compensate for expected projection distortions, ensuring accurate visual perception on inclined or curved surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts projection parameters including light intensity, projection angle, and image geometry based on the measured surface characteristics. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time to compensate for surface inclination and curvature, maintaining consistent image quality across varying projection conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the light signal is projected without modification onto non-ideal surfaces, then the device complexity is reduced, but the image perception becomes distorted and intensity varies strongly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing complexityVSAvoidimage perception reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer consisting of a control unit that receives raw projection data, measures surface geometry through a distance measurement device, calculates compensation transformations, and generates modified projection data. This intermediary layer enables accurate projection on non-ideal surfaces without requiring complex hardware modifications to the projection device itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the light signal is adapted to account for observer position and surface geometry, then the visual perception accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual perception accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: it measures distance to the projection surface, determines surface geometry, calculates observer position relative to the projection, computes image distortion compensation, and adjusts projection parameters. This multi-functional approach achieves high visual perception accuracy without requiring separate specialized devices for each function

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

Data Source

PatentEP4183630B1Method for modifying a light signal emitted by a road vehicle and signaling device
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4183630B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4183630B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4183630B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A method of modifying an optical light signal which is to be projected from a vehicle onto a surface in the periphery of the vehicle is described, the method comprising: determining a position of an observer of the projected light signal in three-dimensional space relative to the vehicle; determining a first image to be projected onto the surface by means of the light signal; determining data representing the surface onto which the light signal is to be projected; modifying the light signal so that the image which is projected onto the surface can be visually correctly perceived as the first image by an observer based on the position of the observer and the data representing the surface. The data representing the surface comprise at least three-dimensional spatial coordinates of the surface. A computer program, a signaling device performing the method and a road vehicle are also described.