Vehicle Window Image Projection via Concealed Roof Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lighting systems often have visible light sources or optical elements that restrict their functionality, as symbols meant for illumination in warning situations remain visible even when the lamp is switched off, and require additional components on the vehicle window for image projection.
Innovation Solution
A display device integrated into a motor vehicle's roof spoiler or body, featuring a backlit display surface that projects images onto the vehicle window, hidden from the viewer's perspective, using a light source and optical elements to reflect the image outward, allowing for concealed warning and information display without visible optical components on the window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lens is visible from the direction of the signal with light sources arranged behind it, then the light function position is always visible, but this restricts the light function because symbols remain visible even when the lamp is switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light source from its traditional position behind a visible lens and relocates it to a concealed position. The light source is now hidden from direct view, while its function is transmitted through the vehicle window to observers outside, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining visibility and enabling functional flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle window serves as an intermediary element between the concealed light source and the external observer. Instead of light traveling directly from a visible lens to the observer, the window acts as a medium through which the light function is transmitted, allowing the source to remain hidden while maintaining communication of the light signal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements like holographic foils or light breakers are provided on the vehicle window, then image projection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes optical elements from the vehicle window surface and relocates the light source to a concealed position behind the window. This extraction eliminates the need for holographic foils, light breakers, or other optical components on the window, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining image projection capability through the window's natural optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex optical elements on the window to create images, the system uses a simplified light source positioned to project images directly through the window. The window itself becomes the display medium, copying the simplicity of the light source arrangement while achieving the desired visual effect.
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 a simple and effective means to project warning symbols or messages onto the vehicle window, visible from outside, enhancing safety by providing a concealed display option that is eye-catching and informative, especially during hazard situations, without the need for holographic components or light reflectors on the window.
Implementation Method 1
light passing through the display surface hits the outside of the vehicle window
Implementation Method 2
light passing through the display surface hits the outside of the vehicle window and is reflected by it in such a way that the image is visible
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a display device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a vehicle attachment in which a display unit (4) is arranged. The display unit (4) has a backlit display surface (5) for projecting an image onto an outer surface (9) of a vehicle window (22) of the motor vehicle (1). When the vehicle attachment is mounted on the motor vehicle (1) in its intended position, the display surface (5) itself is obscured, at least from a predetermined viewing position (10) located outside the motor vehicle (1). However, in the intended mounting position, the light passing through the display surface (5) strikes the outer surface (9) of the vehicle window (22) and is reflected by it in such a way that the image is visible from the predetermined viewing position (10).