Vehicle Light Screen with Diffusing and Non-Diffusing Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light signaling devices for motor vehicles face challenges in displaying pictograms effectively, as they require bulky light modules to project images onto a minimum-sized screen area, limiting the size of other areas and not being suitable for displaying pictograms to observers around the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A luminous device with a transparent or translucent screen featuring a light module that projects a light beam onto a screen with a diffusing zone and a non-diffusing zone, allowing for variable diffusion control, using a light source and a liquid crystal imager to form distinct images, including pictograms, which can be projected externally, enabling larger image sizes while maintaining a compact device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bulky light module is used to project pictograms onto a minimum-sized screen area, then the pictogram display function is achieved, but the remaining area of the screen is reduced and the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is divided into two distinct zones with different optical properties: a first zone with diffusing characteristics for driver visibility and a second zone with non-diffusing characteristics for external projection. This local differentiation allows each zone to serve its specific function optimally while sharing the same physical screen space, resolving the contradiction between pictogram display capability and remaining screen area.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen surface is segmented into functionally distinct regions (first diffusing zone and second non-diffusing zone) that can be independently utilized. The light module can selectively illuminate different zones to perform different functions (internal display vs. external projection), thereby achieving multiple functions without increasing overall device size or sacrificing screen area.
2Device complexity
If a single light module performs both diffusing and image projection functions, then device complexity is reduced, but the optical performance for both functions must be optimized simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
A single light module is designed to perform multiple functions by illuminating different zones of the screen with different optical characteristics. The module can selectively project light to the first diffusing zone for driver display or to the second non-diffusing zone for external pictogram projection, or both simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining optimized optical performance through zone-specific design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the screen is made transparent or translucent for external projection, then pictograms can be projected to observers around the vehicle, but the visibility for the driver through the screen is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones of the screen have different optical properties: the first zone has diffusing characteristics that enhance driver visibility by scattering light toward the driver, while the second zone has non-diffusing characteristics that allow clear external projection. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between external projection capability and driver visibility.
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 the projection of light images, including pictograms, onto a potentially large external surface, with a single light module performing both diffusing and image projection functions, enhancing visibility for both the driver and observers around the vehicle without increasing device size.
Implementation Method 1
the first zone of the screen comprises a diffusing film and/or a surface with a regular relief forming a diffusing diopter
Implementation Method 2
the imager comprises a liquid crystal component able to transmit in a controlled manner the light emitted by the light source
Implementation Method 3
the second zone of the screen is transparent and smooth
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a lighting device (4), particularly for motor vehicles, comprising a transparent or translucent screen (14); and a lighting module (16) capable of projecting a light beam onto the screen (14). The screen (14) comprises a first diffusing zone (14.1) and a second non-diffusing zone (14.2), such that a first part of the light beam, projected onto the first zone (14.1), is diffused by the screen (14) and a second part of said beam is transmitted by said screen (14) to an external projection surface.