Vehicle Virtual Interface Micro-Mirror Projection Non-Flat Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle human-machine interfaces face issues with complexity, high costs, limited customization, and environmental sensitivity, particularly with touch screens and gesture recognition systems, which are not intuitive and struggle with non-flat surfaces and sunlight exposure.

Innovation Solution

A virtual human-machine interface system utilizing micro-mirror projection technology to project images on both flat and non-flat surfaces, combined with vibration and distance sensors to detect user commands, allowing for customizable and movable interfaces without the need for physical switches or screens, and enabling software updates without hardware modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If optical projection units with projection lenses are used, then images can be projected into the vehicle, but the definition is poor and images cannot be projected without distortion on non-flat surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection capabilityVSAvoidimage definition and distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional optical projection lenses with a micro-mirror array system that uses electronic control to direct light. This substitution eliminates the optical distortion issues inherent in lens-based systems and enables precise image projection on non-flat surfaces through electronic adjustment of mirror angles rather than mechanical lens focusing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The micro-mirror array employs dynamically adjustable mirrors that can change their orientation in real-time to adapt to different projection surfaces. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high definition and proper image geometry whether projecting on flat dashboards, curved windshields, or irregular surfaces throughout the vehicle cabin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If touch screens are used to replace physical switches, then fewer physical components are needed, but user attention requirements increase and costs significantly rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of physical componentsVSAvoiduser attention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces touch screen interfaces with a projected image interface that can be interacted with through gesture recognition and voice commands. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with a screen, reducing user attention requirements while maintaining low component complexity since the interface is software-based and can be projected anywhere in the cabin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If gesture recognition devices with cameras and infrared sensors are used, then voice command limitations are addressed, but the system becomes complex and sensitive to environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand input capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity and environmental sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex camera and infrared sensor systems with a simplified micro-mirror array that works with existing vehicle lighting and sensors. The micro-mirrors can be controlled to create visual feedback for gestures without requiring dedicated complex sensing hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatile command input capabilities through the projected interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution provides a user-friendly, cost-effective, and highly customizable interface that operates effectively in various lighting conditions and vehicle vibrations, allowing for intuitive command detection and aesthetic flexibility without the limitations of traditional systems.

Implementation Method 1

micro-mirror projection means (5) arranged to project an image onto said at least one projection surface (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

vibration sensor means (7A, 7B) arranged respectively to detect vehicle vibrations that are transmitted to the projection surface (3) and the other the vehicle vibrations that are transmitted to the projection means (5)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3665029B1Virtual human-machine interface system and corresponding virtual human-machine interface method for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.04.20 MARELLI AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING ITAL SPA

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AI summary

A virtual human-machine interface (1) system for a vehicle including at least one projection surface (3) disposed within the vehicle and a corresponding virtual human-machine interface method (1) for a vehicle are disclosed; said virtual human-machine interface system (1) comprising: - at least one micro-mirror projection means (5) arranged for projecting an image on said at least one projection surface (3); - at least one sensor means (7) arranged for detecting commands given by a user by determining the position of a part of the user's body within the vehicle; and - a control unit (9) arranged for controlling said human-machine interface system (1); the position of the image projected by the at least one projection means (5) within the vehicle being modifiable by means of a specific command given by the user.