Virtual Sunroof System Using Camera and Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional convertible tops and sunroofs compromise vehicle structural integrity, safety, and noise/moisture sealing, while glass components are prone to shattering and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A virtual-sunroof system using imaging devices to collect environmental data and project a digital representation of the sky or surroundings onto interior surfaces, mimicking the appearance of an open roof or sunroof without physical structural changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a convertible top is removed or retracted to provide open views, then occupant visibility and openness are improved, but vehicle structural integrity and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses imaging devices (cameras) to capture images of the environment above the vehicle and projection devices to create a virtual image on the interior roof surface. This copying approach replicates the visual appearance of an open roof without physically removing the roof structure, thereby maintaining structural integrity while providing the visual experience of openness and improved visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical convertible top retraction with an optical system consisting of imaging devices and projection devices. Instead of mechanically moving or removing the roof to improve visibility, the system uses optical projection to create a virtual image that simulates the open roof effect, eliminating the need for mechanical structural changes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If glass is used for sunroofs and rear windows to maintain structural appearance, then visual continuity is improved, but weight increases and shattering risk during accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the exterior environment and projects it onto the interior roof surface. This virtual image replacement eliminates the need for physical glass panels in sunroof and rear window positions, removing the weight and shattering risks associated with glass while maintaining visual continuity through the projected imagery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the visual function of glass panels from the vehicle structure. Instead of using physical glass to maintain visual continuity, the system extracts only the visual information from the exterior environment and projects it internally, eliminating the need for heavy glass components while preserving the visual continuity function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If glass is used for sunroofs and rear windows to maintain structural appearance, then visual continuity is improved, but the glass components are prone to shattering during accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses imaging devices to capture and project virtual images of the exterior environment onto interior surfaces. This creates a visual continuity effect without using physical glass panels, thereby eliminating the shattering risk while maintaining the appearance of continuous glazing through the projected virtual imagery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical glass panel system with an optical projection system. The reliability issue with glass shattering is resolved by substituting the physical glass structure with a virtual image projection that cannot shatter, while still providing visual continuity through the projected environmental imagery.
4Adaptability or versatility
If convertible tops are used to provide open views, then occupant enjoyment is improved, but noise and moisture sealing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the open sky environment and projects it onto the interior roof surface. This allows occupants to enjoy the visual experience of an open top while the physical roof remains intact and sealed, preventing noise and moisture ingress that would occur with actual convertible top retraction.
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 occupant visibility and openness while maintaining vehicle structural integrity and safety, reducing noise and moisture ingress, and eliminating the weight and fragility issues associated with glass components.
Implementation Method 1
a virtual-sunroof imaging device configured and arranged at the vehicle to collect image information from an environment above the vehicle and create digital image data using the image information
Implementation Method 2
a virtual-sunroof projection device configured and arranged in the vehicle to be in communication with the virtual-sunroof imaging device for providing a virtual sunroof display
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual-sunroof system for providing a virtual sunroof at an interior of a vehicle for viewing by a passenger of the vehicle. The system includes a virtual-sunroof imaging device configured and arranged at the vehicle to collect image information from an environment above the vehicle and create digital image data using the image information. The system also includes a virtual-sunroof projection device configured and arranged in the vehicle to be in communication with the virtual-sunroof imaging device for providing a virtual sunroof display. The virtual sunroof display provided (a) is viewable above a head of the passenger, (b) is formed using the image data, (c) represents accurately at the interior of the vehicle a rendition of the environment above the vehicle, and (d) has a size, shape, and location corresponding generally to a size, shape, and location that an actual conventional-type sunroof would have in the vehicle.