Vehicle Interior Light Projection Under Ambient Light Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive vehicles face challenges in integrating internal light projectors effectively due to interference from vehicle elements and external light sources, leading to inconsistent light patterns and visibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a light projector with a projector control unit and a vehicle control unit connected via a CAN bus, adjusting projection parameters based on vehicle and ambient light conditions to compensate for interference, and using solid-state light sources like LEDs for accurate light distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a light projector is installed in the vehicle interior to provide information and entertainment functionalities, then the vehicle provides new passenger functionalities, but the light pattern visibility becomes inconsistent due to interference from vehicle internal lighting elements and external light sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight projector functionalityVSAvoidlight pattern visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The light projector dynamically adjusts its projection parameters (intensity, color temperature, pattern) in real-time based on detected ambient lighting conditions. The control unit continuously monitors light sources and modifies projection characteristics to maintain consistent visibility, transforming a static lighting system into an adaptive one that responds to changing environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where light sensors detect ambient lighting conditions and feed this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the light projector's output accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the projected light pattern remains visible and consistent despite variations in internal vehicle lighting or external light sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Illumination intensity

If the light projector increases luminous intensity to overcome interference from additional light sources, then the light pattern becomes more visible, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight pattern intensityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of simply increasing overall intensity, the system changes multiple projection parameters dynamically: adjusting luminous intensity selectively in affected areas, modifying color temperature to contrast with ambient light, and altering pattern characteristics. This multi-parameter adjustment achieves adequate visibility while minimizing energy consumption compared to a simple intensity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The light projector applies different intensity levels to different regions of the projected pattern based on local ambient lighting conditions. Areas affected by internal vehicle lighting or external light sources receive adjusted intensity, while other areas maintain lower intensity, thereby achieving overall visibility without uniformly increasing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the system continuously monitors and adjusts projection parameters to adapt to changing light conditions, then light pattern visibility is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight pattern visibility consistencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it monitors ambient light conditions, processes sensor data, determines appropriate projection parameter adjustments, and controls the light projector output. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit, the system maintains reliability while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate dedicated components for each task.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines the light projector, light sensors, control unit, and communication interfaces into an integrated lighting system. This merging of components allows for coordinated operation and simplified architecture compared to separate independent systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to adapt to changing light conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system ensures consistent and visible light patterns by adapting to internal and external luminous interferences, enhancing visibility and reducing energy consumption and device durability.

Implementation Method 1

The term 'solid state' refers to light emitted by solid-state electroluminescence, which uses semiconductors to convert electricity into light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4107024B1Method for projecting light in the interior of a vehicle, automotive light projector and automotive light assembly
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 VALEO VISION SA
  • EP4107024B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4107024B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4107024B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides a method for projecting light in the interior of an automotive vehicle (10). This method comprises the steps of sending data to the light projector (1 ) regarding the lighting conditions in the interior of the automotive vehicle (10), using the data to modify some projection parameter of a light pattern (3) and project the light pattern (3). The invention also provides an automotive light projector (1 ) and an automotive projection assembly.