With Or For Vehicle Patents (Class 353/13)
  • Publication number: 20140204344
    Abstract: The invention a set of tire rims comprising light assemblies which project holographic images. When installed, Harris Wheels project a designated image such as a decorative pattern, logo, or cartoon animation onto the face of the rim, providing the illusion that the image is moving as the rim spins. The present invention provides auto enthusiasts a unique means of customizing their cars while also increasing visibility of the vehicle at night.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Derek S. Harris
  • Patent number: 8757807
    Abstract: A road vehicle which may switch between a driver dependent mode in which the control of the vehicle is dependent on a driver located in the vehicle and a driver independent mode in which the control of the vehicle is independent of a driver. The vehicle includes an image projecting system for projecting a motion picture on an interior surface of the vehicle, and at least one window glass configurable to function as a screen for showing images projected by the image projecting system. When the vehicle is controlled in the driver independent mode, an area of the window glass is changed from readily transparent to the screen for showing images projected by the image projecting system either by a change in a property of the window glass or covering the area of the window glass by an image reflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Disley
  • Patent number: 8733939
    Abstract: In an example, a content projecting system includes a communication module configured to receive an instruction to project content. The content projecting system further includes a projector configured to be affixed to a vehicle. The projector is further configured to project the content onto a projection surface separate from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cloudcar, Inc.
    Inventor: Konstantin Othmer
  • Patent number: 8733938
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anil K. Sachdev, Mark W. Verbrugge, Byron T Shaw
  • Publication number: 20140139928
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle, for displaying information for an occupant (12) of the motor vehicle. To be able to display the information as cost-effectively as possible in two display areas (4, 5) of the motor vehicle, the invention provides that the display arrangement (1) has an image splitter (9) for separating at least two juxtaposed image sections (B1, B2) of the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Sypro Optics GmbH
    Inventors: Dr. Eberhard Piehler, Gunther Benedix
  • Patent number: 8721084
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a laser projector and a laser beam ECU that is connected to a vehicle communication apparatus for communicating with an information center that provides a guidance service by an operator. According to an operation guidance by the operator, information indicating a switch to be operated is sent from the information center to the laser beam ECU through the vehicle communication apparatus. Then, the laser beam ECU identifies the switch to be operated based on the information and controls the laser projector to direct a laser beam to the switch to be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Mori
  • Patent number: 8708498
    Abstract: A display apparatus for vehicle includes: an image projector configured to project a light flux including an image having a display object toward a one eye of an image viewer; and a position detector configured to detect the one eye of the image viewer. The image projector changes at least one of a position, a shape and a size of the display object in the image on the basis of a position of the one eye detected by the position detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Aira Hotta, Haruhiko Okumura
  • Patent number: 8696130
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a vehicle mounted display device which can be easily attached to a vehicle and is removable. The projector can conveniently be plugged into the trailer light power source to give the device power to project an image onto a vehicle. The projector may be digital allowing the owner to choose an image from inside the vehicle. A magnetic or adhesive screen may be placed on the vehicle to allow the image to function properly and effectively on dark paint or other finishes that prevent a clean image. The apparatus comprises an adjustable mounting unit, an adjustable arm, and a projector which can all be adjusted to provide an efficient angle to project the image onto the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Trevor Seal
  • Patent number: 8651664
    Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising a projector system and a structure connected to the projector system. The projector system is configured to project an image on an exterior surface of an aircraft. The structure is configured to be connected to the aircraft and has a shape configured to reduce an undesired airflow caused by the projector system when the aircraft is in flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Eric Joseph Harvey, Ty Aaby Larsen, Richard A. Cote
  • Publication number: 20140036075
    Abstract: A windshield display system that includes a light source such as a laser configured to project light from a plurality of source locations onto a desired location of a windshield. The number of source locations and relative spacing apart of the source locations is such that light emitted from the source locations and reflected into an eye of an operator is characterized as having a reflected light power less than a reflected power threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Frederick F. Kuhlman, Dwadasi H.R. Sarma, David K. Lambert, Kris R. Stark
  • Patent number: 8616704
    Abstract: An area projection system for reproducing a visual signal on a surface, comprising a light source, a fiber element comprising a plurality of light guide elements, a carrier element and imaging optics, wherein the fiber element comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fiber element is arranged on the light source and the second end of the fiber element is arranged on the carrier element, wherein the imaging optics are arranged on the second end of the fiber element, wherein the area projection system is adapted to transmit a visual signal from the light source to the fiber element and subsequently to the imaging optics, and wherein the imaging optics are adapted to reproduce the visual signal on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Vogel, Detlef Heym
  • Patent number: 8540371
    Abstract: A display device includes: a wall defining a viewer-side space; an observed object arranged in an object-side space partitioned off the viewer-side space by a portion of the wall; an imaging optical system of real specular image including a semitransparent substrate with a plane of symmetry for defining the viewer-side space and the object-side space as the portion of the wall to image a real image of the observed object in the viewer-side space with light passing through the substrate; a screen surface having a function of diffuse reflection and provided with the substrate so as to face the viewer-side space; and a projector optical system projecting an image on the screen surface in the viewer-side space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20130235351
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Anil K. Sachdev, Mark W. Verbrugge, Byron T. Shaw
  • Patent number: 8500287
    Abstract: A projection unit comprising a coherent light source such as a laser diode and a beam shaping element forming a light beam which is directed towards a display, characterized in that it comprises a laser speckle suppression device which is positioned between the laser source and the display and wherein the laser speckle suppression device is a diffusing element actuated randomly by a piezoelectric vibrating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hassan Moussa
  • Publication number: 20130182228
    Abstract: One aspect relates to generating a repeatably displaceable emanating element display that may display at least part of an at least one synchronously modifiable oriented image based at least in part on alterable vehicle-related information, wherein the repeatably displaceable emanating element display may be synchronously modified as perceivable by a viewer at least partially by synchronizing an at least one repeatably displaceable display emanating element based at least in part on an orientation of the repeatably displaceable emanating element display as synchronously modified as perceivable by the viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SEARETE LLC
    Inventor: Searete LLC
  • Patent number: 8485666
    Abstract: The present invention features a car theater system using rear projection that extends projection distance through a reflection mirror, and may not restrict movement of passengers, and may not block an image projected toward a screen. According to preferred embodiments, the car theater system of the present invention comprises a video player, a projector, a reflection mirror, a screen for imaging an image reflected by the reflection mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Young Cho
  • Patent number: 8465154
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a vehicle dashboard using rear projection system. A vehicle dashboard using rear projection system of the present invention preferably includes: a screen that provides a visual image; a printed circuit board (PCB) that controls the provision of a graphic image to the screen; and an projection system projection system that is controlled by the printed circuit board, and is installed at a rear side of the printed circuit board and irradiates a light to the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Ju Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8461505
    Abstract: An image generating illumination device is provided for interior surfaces of a means of transport. The illumination device includes, but is not limited to at least one or several projection units and a light-emitting diode arrangement. The projection units are designed to project a continuous image onto the surface of hat racks that are arranged one beside the other, and the light-emitting diode arrangement is designed to illuminate ceiling panels. The light that is projected by the light-emitting diode arrangement merges seamlessly into the continuous image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Tilo Budinger, Carsten Vogel
  • Patent number: 8451111
    Abstract: An image display apparatus includes: an image generation unit generating a plurality of images with different figure sizes so that perceived positions of the plurality of images are sequentially located in a direction away from an actual position; a reflection member provided in front of the observer; and a projector projecting a light beam to form, the plurality of images onto a single eye of the observer through the reflection member so that the plurality of images is superimposed on a background observed through the refection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Aira Hotta, Haruhiko Okumura
  • Patent number: 8436952
    Abstract: A head-up display including a hybrid illumination system is provided. A light mixing unit provides a substantially homogenous light source to a reflective display unit. A concentrating optics unit collects ambient light and directs it towards the light mixing unit. At the same time, an electrically-powered light source emits light which is directed towards the light mixing unit. One or more optical elements direct the ambient light and the light source light into the light mixing unit for homogenization. A condensing unit receives the homogenized light mixture and outputs the condensed light to a polarizing beam splitter. A reflective display modulates the light from the polarizing beam splitter with information from a source of electrical information signals back towards the polarizing beam splitter. A projection unit projects the modulated light to create an image on a windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited
    Inventor: Lo Ming Fok
  • Publication number: 20130083291
    Abstract: An autostereoscopic apparatus for providing a 3D image to a viewer at a range of vertical eye locations. The apparatus includes a projection screen with a light receiving surface that is horizontally retroreflective and vertically diffusive. The apparatus includes a projector assembly including at least two projectors arranged side-by-side such that projection lenses of the projectors are horizontally aligned in a row. The apparatus includes a controller selectively operating the projectors to project at least two differing point-of-view images. The projection screen may take a number of useful embodiments to implement the autostereoscopic apparatus. For example, the projection screen may include a bottom layer including a retroreflective film that is retroreflective at least in the horizontal direction such as a brightness enhancement film and a top layer formed of a transparent sheet of lenticular material arranged for vertical diffusing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Quinn Smithwick, Lanny S. Smoot, Daniel Reetz
  • Publication number: 20130050653
    Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting array comprises a plurality of semiconductor light emitting elements disposed on an oblong substrate that is long in a first direction and arranged along with the first direction. Each light emitting element comprises an electrode layer formed on the substrate, a semiconductor light emitting layer formed on the electrode layer, stretched long in the first direction and comprising a p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer and an n-type semiconductor layer, a first wiring layer formed along and in parallel to one long side of the semiconductor light emitting layer, and second wiring layers extending to a direction of a short side from the first wiring layer and electrically connected to the n-type semiconductor layer on a surface of the semiconductor light emitting layer. The first wiring layers are disposed on different long sides of the semiconductor light emitting layers in the adjacent light emitting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mamoru Miyachi, Tatsuma Saito
  • Patent number: 8325027
    Abstract: A safety light apparatus includes a first light source to emit a first light beam and a first light modulator to modulate the first light beam to project a first light image resembling a left boundary of a bike lane. A second light source emits a second light beam, and a second light modulator modulates the second light beam to project a second light image resembling a right boundary of a bike lane. A housing supports the first and second light sources and the first and second light modulators. A mounting device is provided for mounting the housing to a bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lightlane LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Kirby Tee, Evan Isaac Timerding Gant
  • Patent number: 8317329
    Abstract: A method to display an infotainment graphic upon a surface within a vehicle includes monitoring a source of infotainment content; determining the infotainment graphic based upon monitoring the source of infotainment content, and displaying the infotainment graphic upon the surface including a material reactive to display graphics in response to an excitation projector, wherein the excitation projector includes an ultraviolet projector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Seder, Joseph F. Szczerba, Dehua Cui
  • Publication number: 20120262673
    Abstract: An exterior window of a vehicle has an array of opaque elements on at least a portion of its surface. The elements reflect light emitted by a video projector inside the vehicle to serve as a display screen for images visible to an occupant of the vehicle. The window is transparent in the spaces surrounding the opaque elements so that the exterior environment is simultaneously visible to the occupant. The displayed image is based on a geographical location of the vehicle and includes information about an actual geographic subject in the vicinity of the vehicle. The image may be projected on the display pattern in a location such that the image and the actual geographic subject are viewable simultaneously through the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Annika Larsson
  • Patent number: 8277053
    Abstract: A projection method and projection device for projecting an overall image to interior walls of an aircraft, in which method or device the boundary regions of several partial images of an overall image to be presented are matched correspondingly, and partial images are pre-distorted in order to, in this way, obtain a large-area non-distorted image presentation even in the case of complex geometric shapes of projection areas, in which image presentation the transition regions of partial images are at least perceptible only to a limited extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Vogel, Tilo Budinger, Ulrich Kunkel
  • Patent number: 8277055
    Abstract: A system and method to display a plurality of different images at multiple distinct locations using a single image projector and an image propagation control means to control a propagation pathway from the projector to a display at each location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick F. Kuhlman, Andrew P. Harbach, Richard D. Parker, Dwadasi H. R. Sarma, Marian C. Hargis, Steven G. Skiver
  • Patent number: 8251521
    Abstract: A multipurpose projector is provided with a fiber bundle including a plurality of cores fixedly arranged on an input plane and an output plane, laser beam sources for emitting laser beams having directivities, an optical guide unit for modulating the laser beams emitted from the laser beam sources and guiding the modulated laser beams to the input plane of the fiber bundle, a projection lens for enlarging and projecting the laser beams emerging from the output plane of the fiber bundle to a display space, and a projection angle adjusting mechanism disposed on the side of the output plane of the fiber bundle for adjusting projection angles of the laser beams projected from the projection lens. Thus, the projector can have its projection space freely operated and enlarged to extend its application not only to image display, but also to illumination and decoration with colored light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Mizushima, Kazuhisa Yamamoto, Akira Kurozuka, Kakuya Yamamoto, Keiji Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8246173
    Abstract: An image adjusting device and method for image projection in an aircraft, in which vibration-induced excursions between a projection device and an associated projection surface are offset via the corresponding acquisition of position-time states in such a way that an image displayed on a display surface remains essentially unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Carsten Vogel
  • Patent number: 8192028
    Abstract: A projector of an information display system in vehicles, in particular in aircraft, for projecting images comprising information for passengers and/or crew onto a projection area which is arranged in the vehicle, with the use of a projection lens that images the image contents onto the projection area, which images are generated by a light source and a projection means. An LED array comprising LEDs that can be switched on and off independently of each other is provided as a light source and as a projection means. To generate composite variable image contents the LEDs can be individually selected. Between the LED array and the projection lens a separation box comprising several chambers is arranged. The chambers of the separation box are associated with an LED such that the chambers associated with the switched-on LEDs are imaged on the projection area by the projection lens as parts of the compound image determined by the switched-on LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Heym, Carsten Vogel
  • Patent number: 8157383
    Abstract: A system for displaying information via a light source on rotating helicopter blades of an aircraft such as a helicopter is provided. The light source may be a laser light source and the light therefrom may be directed onto the aircraft blade by one or more motion controlled mirrors and a computer controller. A sensor is capable of determining the position of helicopter blades during rotation, such that light may be projected upon only the moving blade at precisely timed intervals, so as to form perceivable graphics and/or messages thereon. In addition, such system may be utilized for displaying graphics and/or messages on rotating propellers of fixed wing aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Michael V. Scanlon
  • Patent number: 8142030
    Abstract: A display system for a center stack of a vehicle is disclosed including a translucent material and a projection system. Dynamic graphical content derived from an input by a passenger of the vehicle via at least one of simulated controls and hard-tooled switches is projected onto the material by the projection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Upton Beall Bowden, Royce Duchante' Channey, Henry Lee Pope
  • Publication number: 20120068951
    Abstract: In a system and method of image display, an image projector is positioned to back project (or rear project) an image on one or more platform doors disposed between a passenger platform of a train or people mover station and a pathway of the train or people mover. The image projector is positioned on the pathway side of the one or more platform doors. The image projector back projects the image on the one or more platform doors such that the image is diffusedly transmitted through them for observation by passengers on the platform side of the station. The back projected image is oriented such that characters or words in the image have a proper left-to-right, or right-to-left, orientation for reading by passengers on the platform side of the station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventor: Sathya Vagheeswar Venkatasubramanian
  • Patent number: 8128232
    Abstract: A projector projects a visible laser beam onto a region of a vehicle compartment. A control unit controls a direction of projecting the visible laser beam to provide information to at least one occupant in the compartment. The control unit expands the region of an object to which the visible laser beam is projected when the seatbelt has been fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Kawai, Yoshihisa Sato, Kenichi Mori, Hidehiko Kawakami, Tetsuya Enokizaka
  • Patent number: 8113049
    Abstract: A method and a machine for balancing vehicle wheels with weights (18), the method comprising stages of: using a video camera (5, 6, 206) to frame a portion of a surface of a hub (101) of a wheel on which a weight (18) is to be applied, locating, in images of the hub (101) taken by the camera (5, 6, 206), at least a balancing plane (E1, E2) which is perpendicular to a rotation axis (A) of the wheel, piloting at least a pick-up device (8, 9, 209) such as to direct the at least a pick-up device (8, 9, 209) onto a point (P1, P2) of the hub (101) belonging to the balancing plane (E1, E2), detecting, by means of the pick-up device (8, 9, 209) characteristic geometric parameters of the hub (101) at the balancing plane (E1, E2), measuring an imbalance of the wheel, calculating, by means of an electronic calculator (4, 204) an entity of at least a weight (18) to be applied to the hub (101) at the balancing plane (E1, E2), and also calculating an angular position (T1, T2) of the weight (18) in the balancing plane (E1,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Corghi S.p.A
    Inventor: Remo Corghi
  • Patent number: 8104894
    Abstract: A visible laser beam projection system for a vehicle projects visible laser beam onto an instrument panel in a vehicle compartment. The instrument panel is provided with highly reflecting portions, which are scattered on the upper surface of the instrument panel. The highly reflecting portions having a diffuse reflectivity for the wavelength of a visible laser beam higher than that of other portions of the instrument panel. The visible laser beam is projected to the highly reflecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Mori, Seiji Kawai, Yoshihisa Sato, Tetsuya Enokizaka
  • Publication number: 20120019781
    Abstract: A system and method to display a plurality of different images at multiple distinct locations using a single image projector and an image propagation control means to control a propagation pathway from the projector to a display at each location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: FREDERICK F. KUHLMAN, ANDREW P. HARBACH, RICHARD D. PARKER, DWADASI H.R. SARMA, MARIAN C. HARGIS, STEVEN G. SKIVER
  • Patent number: 8070293
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a design-superposing display apparatus for superposing a design above a part of a display surface of a display device. The design-superposing display apparatus includes a design display portion disposed above the display surface for accepting a transmitted light from a rear thereof; a light source disposed outside of the display device for emitting the transmitted light of the design display portion; and a light guide portion extending from the rear of the design display portion toward the light source and guiding the emitted light toward the rear of the design display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takeyoshi Watanabe, Tetsuya Sugiyama, Hirokazu Yabe
  • Publication number: 20110292346
    Abstract: A head-up display including a hybrid illumination system is provided. A light mixing unit provides a substantially homogenous light source to a reflective display unit. A concentrating optics unit collects ambient light and directs it towards the light mixing unit. At the same time, an electrically-powered light source emits light which is directed towards the light mixing unit. One or more optical elements direct the ambient light and the light source light into the light mixing unit for homogenization. A condensing unit receives the homogenized light mixture and outputs the condensed light to a polarizing beam splitter. A reflective display modulates the light from the polarizing beam splitter with information from a source of electrical information signals back towards the polarizing beam splitter. A projection unit projects the modulated light to create an image on a windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Lo Ming Fok
  • Publication number: 20110273671
    Abstract: A projector includes a projection unit located in a shell provided on a vehicle. The projection unit includes a light, a screen, a convex-convex lens and a plane-convex lens. The screen is located in front of the light. The convex-convex lens is located in front of and separated from the screen. The plane-convex lens is located in front of and separated from the convex-convex lens. The light casts light onto the ground in an area beside the vehicle through the screen so that a sign is shown on the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: IDESIGN MAX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Min-Chieh Chu
  • Patent number: 8022346
    Abstract: The laser of a laser-generated windshield display is controlled to initially deflect the laser beam in the direction of a reflective target disposed outside a display region of the windshield, and a sensor disposed in a reflection path of the target is sampled to detect the presence of a feedback signal that occurs when the laser beam impinges on the sensor. If the feedback signal is detected, the laser beam is deflected onto the display region to generate a driver display; but if the feedback signal is not detected, the laser is automatically turned-off. Once the laser is turned off for lack of a feedback signal, the control is repeated following a specified delay interval so that the driver display will automatically resume the when the condition that prevented generation of the feedback signal is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Newman, Richard D. Parker
  • Patent number: 7972003
    Abstract: A visible laser beam projection system determines a target point of position to which a visible laser beam is to be projected, a start point and a trajectory from the start point and the target point based on data of conditions inside and outside of a vehicle. The system starts projecting the visible laser beam from the start point, moves the visible laser beam while it is being projected along the trajectory and stops the projection of the visible laser beam. The start point, target point and the trajectory may be changed depending on contents to be indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Mori, Yoshihisa Sato, Tetsuya Enokizaka
  • Publication number: 20110157557
    Abstract: An area projection system for reproducing a visual signal on a surface, comprising a light source, a fibre element comprising a plurality of light guide elements, a carrier element and imaging optics, wherein the fibre element comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the fibre element is arranged on the light source and the second end of the fibre element is arranged on the carrier element, wherein the imaging optics are arranged on the second end of the fibre element, wherein the area projection system is adapted to transmit a visual signal from the light source to the fibre element and subsequently to the imaging optics, and wherein the imaging optics are adapted to reproduce the visual signal on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Carsten Vogel, Detlef Heym
  • Publication number: 20110141572
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device, notably for a motor vehicle, comprising a projection module for generating an image for the purpose of a projection in the normal direction of looking of a user of the display device on an optical path, the display device comprising a reflection element, the reflection element being capable of being moved between a multitude of different display positions, the different display positions corresponding to different viewing positions of a user of the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventors: Benoit Box, Jean-Luc Croy, Sebastien Hervy, Pierre Bascoul, Philippe Fedorawiez, Giany Pitte, Olivier Luneau, Georges Prigent, Pascal Choquart
  • Patent number: 7952808
    Abstract: A display system for vehicle includes an outside information-obtaining section configured to obtain outside information of a moving object; a position-detecting section configured to detect a position of one eye of an image viewer getting on the moving object; and an image-projecting section. The image-projecting section is configured to obtain a position of a target in the outside information obtained by the outside information-obtaining section, to generate a display object on the basis of the obtained position of the target, and to project a light flux including an image having the generated display object toward the one eye of the image viewer on the basis of the detected position of the one eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Aira Hotta, Takashi Sasaki, Haruhiko Okumura
  • Patent number: 7946708
    Abstract: A display device includes a light source that supplies light, a phase modulator that modulates the phase of the light from the light source to form an image, and an imaging optical system that focuses the image formed through the modulation performed by the phase modulator. The phase modulator produces diffracted light according to a phase modulation pattern while changing the phase of the light so as to form an intermediate image between the phase modulator and the imaging optical system, and the phase modulator also changes the position of the intermediate image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hidefumi Sakata, Susumu Aruga, Takayuki Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20110095911
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention a projection facility for projecting image contents onto an inside wall in an open cabin of a transport means, with which any given image contents can be projected onto a curved inside wall in a large-scale manner. The projection facility may comprise, apart from several projectors, several mirrors for deflecting the image contents. This allows image quality to be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS SAS
    Inventors: Ulrich Babst, Torsten Jaunich, Daniel Dreyer, Hans Lobentanzer, Marc S. Velten, Holger Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7933121
    Abstract: A portable video system comprises a video unit for facilitating play of a video medium, the player having a hinge, a display pivotally attached to the video player on the hinge, and a base unit secured to a substrate for selectively coupling a control panel of the video unit to the substrate, wherein the control panel can be selectively un-coupled from the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Audiovox Corporation
    Inventor: George C. Schedivy
  • Patent number: 7898434
    Abstract: A display system and a program for displaying a portion of a range that is obstructed due to the body of a vehicle when viewed from a driver seat is provided. The portion of the range is seamlessly linked to a scene viewed through a windshield. The display system includes an imaging means acquiring an image of an outside of a vehicle including the obstructed portion of the range, a first display means disposed on an instrument panel of the vehicle, and a control means that processes an image acquired by the imaging means. The image displayed on the first display means is seamlessly linked to a scene viewed through the windshield and the processed image is displayed on the first display means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Taniguchi, Takao Kawai, Shigeru Kajioka
  • Publication number: 20110032484
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a vehicle mounted display device which can be easily attached to a vehicle and is removable. The projector can conveniently be plugged into the trailer light power source to give the device power to project an image onto a vehicle. The projector may be digital allowing the owner to choose an image from inside the vehicle. A magnetic or adhesive screen may be placed on the vehicle to allow the image to function properly and effectively on dark paint or other finishes that prevent a clean image. The apparatus comprises an adjustable mounting unit, an adjustable arm, and a projector which can all be adjusted to provide an efficient angle to project the image onto the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Trevor Seal