Vehicle Lighting Apparatus Dynamic Visual Image Display

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle lighting systems lack the ability to dynamically display information based on changing driving situations and external conditions, such as speed, road curvature, and external light, which can lead to distractions and reduced safety.

Innovation Solution

A lighting apparatus for vehicles that includes a light output unit, an interface unit, and a processor to generate and control light for displaying visual images corresponding to various information sources, such as travel speed, navigation, and external conditions, using beam pattern units like Digital Micro-mirror Devices (DMD) or Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) scanners to adapt the display in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the lighting apparatus displays visual images on the road surface to provide information to the driver, then driver awareness and information delivery are improved, but the risk of driver distraction and safety issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation delivery to driverVSAvoiddriver distraction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting apparatus dynamically adjusts the display position, size, and content of visual images based on real-time driving conditions such as vehicle speed, road curvature, and surrounding environment. This dynamic adaptation ensures information is delivered effectively while minimizing distraction risks by adjusting displays to appropriate visibility levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters of the visual display including position, size, brightness, and content based on driving conditions. For example, at higher speeds or on curved roads, the display position and size are adjusted to maintain optimal visibility without causing distraction, directly addressing the contradiction between information delivery and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the lighting apparatus provides illumination for the road and displays visual images using the same light source, then device complexity is reduced, but the quality of both illumination and visual display deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidlight quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting apparatus segments the light output into distinct functional zones: one portion provides road illumination while another portion displays visual images. This segmentation allows each function to operate at optimal quality levels while sharing the same overall system structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting apparatus is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform both road illumination and visual image display using the same light source. This universal design reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate quality for both functions through intelligent light distribution and control algorithms.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If the lighting apparatus adjusts visual display position and content based on multiple driving conditions, then adaptability and driver awareness are improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay adaptation to driving conditionsVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting apparatus incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor driving conditions such as vehicle speed, road curvature, and environmental factors. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of visual display parameters without requiring complex manual control systems, achieving high adaptability while managing device complexity through intelligent automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations and preparations for display adjustments based on predicted driving conditions. By anticipating required display changes before they are needed, the control system can be simpler while still achieving high adaptability to varying driving scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances driver awareness by providing relevant information through dynamic visual displays that adjust according to driving conditions, improving safety and reducing distractions by ensuring the visual information is clearly visible and appropriately positioned on the road or vehicle.

Implementation Method 1

The beam pattern unit may include a Digital Micro-mirror Device (DMD) or a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) scanner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDigital Micro-mirror Device (DMD):

Implementation Method 2

The beam pattern unit may include a Digital Micro-mirror Device (DMD) or a Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) scanner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS): Microelectromechanical Systems

Implementation Method 3

The light output unit may include a plurality of micro light emitting diodes (LEDs)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3248838B1Lighting apparatus for vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 ZKW GRP GMBH
  • EP3248838B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3248838B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3248838B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A lighting apparatus (600) for a vehicle (100) may include a light output unit (650); an interface unit (180); and at least one processor (670). The at least one processor (670) may be configured to control the light output unit to generate light that illuminates an exterior of the vehicle (100). The at least one processor (670) may also be configured to receive first information via the interface unit (180); and control the light output unit (650) to display, via the light that illuminates the exterior of the vehicle, a visual image (1110) corresponding to the received first information. The at least one processor may further be configured to receive second information via the interface unit (180); and control the light output unit (650) based on the received second information to change the visual image (1110) displayed by the light that illuminates the exterior of the vehicle.