DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to an optical system for image projection. Further, present invention specifically relates to single piece image projection device/module that adjust its angle of projection by making limited positional movements in an automobile.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An automobile/vehicle are equipped with various components in regards to driver’s and pedestrians’ comfort and safety such as headlamps/ headlights, indicators, and so on. Such equipment/s and component/s installed on automobile are in regards to its regulations.

Headlamps are directly installed on the vehicle body of an automobile and specifically to two-wheelers, three wheelers, four wheelers etc. Headlight devices for automobile, and specifically two-wheeler must be configured to have a predetermined light distribution pattern specified by road traffic rules or the like. Specific light distribution is required from a light source, for the working of the two-wheeler in the night. Further, an image projection module in an automobile and specifically, a two-wheeler is often installed on the vehicle body. Hereinafter, the terms ‘vehicle’ ‘automobile’ and ‘two-wheeler’ may be alternatively used and shall refer to the same thing.

Further, various indicators such as right indicator, left indicator, stop indicator etc. are present in the automobile but they are quite bulky and resultant indication from such system provides hazy and low photometric light beam. Also, the indicators include various image projection modules for projection of image. The image projection modules/devices are used in automobiles to project an image on the ground during the movement of the automobile in night. The image may be projected in front of the vehicle or to its sides. In certain situations, the image may be for showing directional purposes etc. or may be merely for aesthetics. The image projected may be for the usage of a driver/user or for showing any indication to a nearby vehicle or front vehicle. There are systems available for projecting an image or logo from a vehicle in its immediate surroundings. Nevertheless, the available projection systems/modules/devices are complex, dissipates more heat and have a bulky covering, overall consuming a lot of space in vehicles due to presence of different modules.

Available image projection device and their assembly is mentioned as follows:
US9221509B2 discloses a vehicular lighting apparatus having a projection means. The projection device is configured at the front of the vehicle/two-wheeler through a mounting device, which is movably joined onto the vehicle, and can convert an image signal, which is outputted from an image data source, into a projection image to project the projection image on the ground in front of the vehicle in a determined distance. A user may adjust an angle of the mounting device relative to the vehicle for changing the determined distance. It discloses that a user can adjust a slanted angle of the mounting device relative to the vehicle to adjust the first predetermined distance. It further includes a casing, an illumination light source disposed in the casing, and a projection device disposed in the casing for receiving the image signal. The illumination light source projects illumination light onto a ground in front of the vehicle in a second predetermined distance. The present disclosure however, appears to be silent on using a mirror to adjust the orientation of the projection image at a desired slanted angle.

US11235699B2 discloses an illumination module configured for mounting at a vehicle includes with one illumination source and an optic system. US’699 provides an illumination device for a vehicle, such as for an exterior mirror assembly, for providing illumination at the side or door of the vehicle.
The illumination device provides lighting at or along the exterior of the side of the vehicle and to project an icon or indicia or logo or the like onto the ground at or near the side of the vehicle. The illumination device includes an optic (such as a lens optic or reflector optic) that is designed via an algorithm that generates the optic that provides ground illumination and/or a projected icon or logo or indicia, with a single formed optic or lens and without masking of the optic or lens or illumination source.
The illumination device of US’699 provides a freeform optic, which seeks to achieve an efficient light module. The illumination module provides for enhanced control of the light rays emanating from the module and optic. For example, for a projection light, the module can have a single lens with freeform optics (as compared to multi-optic lenses and separate masks or elements).

Thus, it is evident that various image projection modules are present but have problems of heat dissipation, bulkiness, and complexity are attached with them. Also, in the case of two-wheeler where there is limited space, overcome the above problems is a challenge. So, the present invention intends the said device which achieves a freeform image using a combination of multiple lenses and results into a compact tube-like structure. Additionally, conventional image projection device lacks mirroring element to re-orient direction or angle of projection as per the requirement of a user.
Such features are not present in the available projection devices, and even if attempted, the same would have to be achieved by changing the orientation of an image projection device as whole. This leads to position changes to other electro-mechanical parts of a vehicle which is not desirable in terms of space allocation and power consumption. Also, the available image projection systems/device fail to disclose a compact image projection device that can project an image and adjust its angle of projection by making limited positional movements to the modules of image projection system.

It is therefore object of the present invention to provide an improved image projection device which results in a more effective, specific, efficient, compact, simple, more heat dissipated, and economical structure.
Accordingly, it is the principal object of the present invention to solve the aforesaid technical problems existing in the state of art for economic and efficient manufacturing of the image projection device with minimal manufacturing defects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved compact improved image projection device that is easy to assemble within an automobile.
Further, present invention relates to a compact image projection device for projecting patterned image that includes:
a casing/cover configured to house electronic and optical components/elements within it;
further, the casing includes:
• a plurality of light sources to generate monochromatic or multi-coloured light beams;
• a plurality of electronic PCB units which includes a plurality of LDM PCBs unit as a first unit and a plurality of LED PCB as second unit and is configured with electronic driving components terminally connected with a connector to the wiring of an automobile/vehicle;
• a plurality of heatsink configured to draw/extract heat generated due to the operation of the image projection device;
• a plurality of lenses, which further includes a plurality of condenser lens, a plurality of configuration lenses, and a plurality of projection lens configured to project the light beam into any desired direction as preferable to a user;
• a plurality of image pattern unit/GOBO augments configured to produce pre-determined patterns on receiving light beam from the condenser lens; a plurality of mirroring element configured to re-orient the angle of projection to the ground or at a preferred distance away from the vehicle; and
• a plurality of O-ring seal configured between the mirroring element and projection lens

wherein the casing and electronic and optical components are attached through plurality of screws to project pre-determined patterned image.

Further, in the compact image projection device, the condenser lens is configured to receive light rays/beams generated by the light sources. The light rays/beams collected by the condenser lens is then made to pass onto the GOBO augments/image pattern unit. The GOBO augments in setting patterns of an image can be pre-set by the user. Due to this, there is a formation of patterned light rays, wherein pre-determined pattern is formed. The patterned light rays thereafter fall onto surface of configuration lens to produce directed light rays. Further, a primary lens and a secondary lens. The directed light rays from configuration lenses passes onto projection lens. This produces projected light rays that falls onto surface of mirroring element. The mirroring element re-orient the projected light rays in a pre-determined projection plane and thus, patterned image is projected onto a required surface.

The image projection device implements a method of projection of patterned image, which includes:
• generating a light beam/ rays by a light source;
• next, concentrating the light beams generated by the light source onto surface of condenser lens;
• then, directing collected light beam from the condenser lens through a image pattern unit for beam pattern formation;
• thereafter, passing the patterned light beam through a plurality of configuration lenses;
• then, projecting configured light beam to a mirroring element through a projection lens; and
• thereby, configuring the mirroring element to be re-oriented at various angles to adjust the angle of projection of the final image in an area as desired by a user/driver.
The summary is provided to introduce the system and a method for a representative concept, in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description.
Advantageously, present invention image projection device is compact and is easy to assemble within an automobile and specially two-wheeler. Further, this enables elimination of requirement of large space for mounting them. Additionally, the present image projection device results into image projection which is visibly clear for an automobile driver and thus achieves basic objective of devising such device.
This summary is not intended to limit the key essential features of the present invention nor its scope and application. Other advantages and details about the system and the method will become more apparent to a person skilled in the art from the below detailed description of the invention when read in conjugation with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 illustrates a vehicle in which a compact image projection device is embedded in according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIGURE 2a illustrates a schematic diagram of a vehicle handle bar assembly where the present compact image projection device is embedded.
FIGURE 2b illustrates a spliced view of vehicle handle bar assembly wherein electronic components of compact image projection device is embedded in in accordance with the present invention.
FIGURE 2c illustrates a detailed schematic diagram of the optical system as present in accordance with the present invention.
FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a fragmented view of the electronic and optical components/elements in accordance with the present invention.
FIGURES 4a and 4b illustrate pattern/images illuminated by the present compact image projection device in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.
FIGURE 5 illustrates a flow chart showing method of projecting patterned image from the image projection device in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.

The present invention can be understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanation of the invention as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach extends beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, (shown or not shown here) and the like represent various systems/processes in accordance with the embodiments of the present disclosure.

References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, architecture, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, circuit, architecture, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

TERMS
Luminous Intensity/ Efficiency: Luminous intensity is an expression that describes the amount of light power emitting from a point source within a solid angle of one steradian.
GOBO (Go between Optics): A “Gobo” is a small stencilled circular disc, and used in lighting fixtures to create a projected image or pattern. The term Gobo is short for “Go Between Optics”, describing the location where it needs to be positioned in the light path of a lighting fixture.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

DESCRIPTION

A conventional image/logo projection system is integrated with electronic and optical elements that includes a casing, a connector, housing, a light source/LED, an LED PCB, a condenser lens, a configuration lens, a projection lens, and a heat sink. The conventional image projection system is a non-linear structured component wherein casing is oriented perpendicularly to the heat sink. The casing is configured to house electronic and optical components within it.

Further, connector provides necessary connection of conventional image projection device within an automobile. LEDs are well supported onto a PCB and produces light rays/beam. The PCB provides necessary electrical and power connections to different components of conventional image projection device. The light rays from light source fall onto condenser lens and produces collected light rays. Thereafter, collected light rays fall from condenser lens fall onto surface of configuration lens. Light rays from configuration lens are directed towards projection lens. Through output surface of projection lens, required image is projected towards the road surface. Additionally, heatsink transfers heat generated within the conventional image projection system/device to the surrounding environment.

A major disadvantage of conventional image projection systems is that they are non-linear in structure and hence requires large space for their installation. While four wheelers have sufficient space, but, two-wheelers suffer from space limitation. This causes bulkiness as well as additional weight to an automobile while installing conventional image projection systems. It also causes complexity and difficulty towards arranging and assembling different components of conventional image projection system. Also specialised manpower is required to assemble components in such way that resultant image is projected clearly. In furtherance of this, heat sink is placed far from those components which generates heat. Due to this, there is poor transference of heat from conventional image projection system to surrounding environment.

Thus, there is an urgent need of a solution that tackles and addresses limitations of conventional image projection system.
In view of this, present invention is devised that introduces image projection device that is structured linearly and eliminates technical issue of conventional image projection device.

The present invention relates to a compact image projection device for projecting patterned image that includes
a casing/cover configured to house electronic and optical components/elements within it;
further, the casing includes:
:
• a plurality of light sources to generate monochromatic or multi-coloured light beams;
• a plurality of electronic PCB units which includes a plurality of LDM PCBs unit as a first unit, and a LED PCB as a second unit and is configured with electronic driving components terminally connected with a connector to the wiring of an automobile/vehicle;
• a plurality of heat sinks configured to draw the heat generated due to the operation of the image projection device;
• a plurality of lenses, which further includes a plurality of condenser lens, a plurality of configuration lenses, and a plurality of projection lens configured to project the light beam into any desired direction as preferable to a user;
• a plurality of image pattern unit/GOBO augments configured to produce pre-determined patterns on receiving light beam from the condenser lens;
• a plurality of mirroring element configured to re-orient the angle of projection to the ground or at a preferred distance away from the vehicle; and
• a plurality of O-ring seal configured between the mirroring element and projection lens
wherein the casing and electronic and optical components are attached through plurality of screws to project pre-determined patterned image.

Further, in the compact image projection device, the condenser lens is configured to receive light rays/beams generated by the light sources. The light rays/beams collected by the condenser lens is then made to pass onto the GOBO augments/ image pattern unit. The GOBO augments in setting patterns of an image can be pre-set by the user. Due to this, there is a formation of patterned light rays, wherein pre-determined pattern is formed. The patterned light rays thereafter fall onto surface of configuration lens to produce directed light rays. Further, configuration lenses includes a primary lens and a secondary lens. The directed light rays from configuration lenses passes onto projection lens. This produces projected light rays that falls onto surface of mirroring element. The mirroring element re-orient the projected light rays in a pre-determined projection plane and thus, image is projected onto a required surface.

FIGURE 1 illustrates a vehicle in which a compact image projection device is embedded in according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the vehicle (102) has an improved compact image projection device (104). The image projection device (104), in an exemplary embodiment, is on-board to a two-wheeler and alternatively, may also be incorporated in any motorized or non-motorized vehicle. In the present exemplary embodiment, the improved compact image projection device (104) is housed/gripped/integrated within the handle-bar of the two-wheeler vehicle. In another embodiment, the said module may be placed and arranged in any side or region of an automobile in accordance with requirement of user. Accordingly, the image projection (106) is on a ground-surface as configured from the vehicle. In a further embodiment, the compact image projection device (104) may also be placed in a manner where the image projection may be immediately in front of the vehicle (102).

FIGURE 2a illustrates the schematic diagram of a vehicle handle bar assembly (200a) where a compact image projection device (104) is embedded in accordance with the present invention. The vehicle handle bar assembly (200a) includes a handle bar (204) and a handle grip (206). The handle grip (206) is longitude in shape wherein logo projection module (202) of compact image projection device (104) is placed securely.

FIGURE 2b illustrates a spliced view of vehicle handle bar assembly (200b) wherein electronic components of compact image projection device (104) are embedded in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. In an illustrative embodiment in spliced view of vehicle handle bar assembly (200b) includes a LDM PCB (210) and a heat sink (208) which are placed onto handle grip (206). The handle grip (206) is equipped with handle/module cap (212) at one of its ends to act as a shield for dust and other unnecessary infiltrate particles and these particles does not interact with electronic components and causes damage to improved image projection device (104).

FIGURE 2c illustrates a detailed schematic diagram of the optical system (200c) as present in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The optical system includes a GOBO/image pattern unit (214) and a plurality of lenses. The plurality of lenses includes a configuration lens being a primary lens (216), a secondary lens (218), a projection lens (220) and a mirroring element (222).
FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a fragmented view (300) of the electronic and optical components/elements in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. The compact image projection device (104) includes various electronic components/elements/units which are placed on a base (304) and is integral part of vehicle handle bar assembly. The base (304) is a metallic strip or in another embodiment made of fibre-glass and where the compact image projection device (104) is fastened to the base (304) with a plurality of screws (302). The compact image projection module (104) includes various electronic components and optical components electronic components are divided in two sections i.e. a logo projection module and an optical system.

The logo projection module section comprises of a heatsink (208), a LDM PCB (210), a spacer (306), a LED PCB (308) and a module cap (212). The optical system has components that includes plurality of lenses, a GOBO/image pattern unit (312), an O-ring seal (310), and a mirroring element (222). Additionally, plurality of lenses includes condenser lens (214), configuration lenses (216, 218) and projection lens (220).

In present invention, image projection device (104) has different electronic PCB units embedded in it. In an exemplary embodiment, image projection device (104) has LDM PCB (210) as first PCB unit and an LED PCB (308) as second PCB unit. Further, LDM PCB (210) is configured to provide current/electrical supply to the light source in controlled manner. Light source is mounted over LED PCB (308) and in an exemplary embodiment, LED as light source is used in the present scenario. Alternatively, type of light source may vary in accordance with convenience of user. Further, in present embodiment, light source/s generate monochromatic or multi-coloured light beams in accordance with requirement of user. Thereafter, heatsink (208) is present which is incorporated with LDM PCB (210) and is configured to draw/extract heat generated due to the operation of the LED/light source. The heatsink (208) is linked with a spacer (306), wherein the spacer (306) is configured to prevent interaction of dispersed heat from heatsink (208) with other electronic components of image projection device (104). Thereafter, LED PCB (308) is present which is configured to ensure continuous/ uninterrupted supply of light rays/beam to the electrical and optical components of image projection device (104). This ensures functioning of receiving light rays for producing patterned light rays and thereby re-orienting the patterned light rays onto a pre-determined projection plane such as ground surface. The LED PCB (308) also includes a metallic strip and wire at its one end to connect with the LDM PCB (210). Thus, LED PCB (308) is connected to LDM PCB (210) with the wire and as a result of this connection the image projection device (104) illuminates the light in a controlled manner.

The LED PCB (308) is further connected with condenser lens (214) and is configured to collect light beam/rays from light source. The condenser lens (214) is connected to image pattern unit (312) to receive collected light beam/rays from condenser lens (214). Further, the plurality of configuration lenses includes a primary lens (216) and a secondary lens (218) to direct the patterned light beam from the image pattern unit (312). The patterned light rays fall onto surface of projection lens (220) which is configured to project patterned light rays into any desired direction as preferable to a user/driver.
The patterned light rays are further made to be incident on mirroring element (222) at a desired angle of projection. Further, between projection lens (220) and mirroring element (222) O-ring seal (310) is oriented to prevent dust or other unnecessary particles to infiltrate these components that may hinder their functioning.

The configuration lenses (216 and 218), and projection lens (220) are configured to project patterned light rays/beam into any desired direction as preferable to a user, where the patterned light rays are incident on the mirroring element (222) at a desired angle of projection. The mirroring element (222) is configured to re-orient the angle of projection to the ground or at a preferred distance away from the vehicle. Additionally, the lenses are made of a transparent glass to ensure clear projection of image. Alternatively, material of lenses may vary according to requirement of user.

The mirroring element (222) is configured to project the image in the desired projection plane, and the mirroring element (222) may freely change the angle of a mirror for direction of the light incident from the projection lens (220). This change in angle of projection of patterned image is done through orienting mirroring element (222). The mirroring element (222) orientation is done either manually by help of lever mechanism, or through sensors and actuators. This orientation is primarily dependent on patterned image that is required from the image projection device (104). Then, the LDM PCB (210) is configured with electronic driving components terminally connected with a connector to the wiring of a vehicle. The casing or the housing element of the improved image projection module/device (104) is configured to house electrical and optical components.

In another embodiment, the mirroring element (222) may be a flat mirror which is further covered and protected by the module cap (212). The module cap (212) prevents entry of dust and moisture into the mirror and the entire image projection module/device (104). The mirroring element (222) is further configured to re-orient the angle of projection to the ground or at a preferred distance away from the vehicle. In terms of advantages, the present disclosure also avoids re-orientation of the entire image projection module (204) to obtain the projection of light at a desired location and can be achieved by re-orientation of only the mirroring element (222). Further, the mirroring element (222) is configured to be re-oriented at various angles to adjust the angle of projection of the final image in an area as desired by a user/driver. In an exemplary embodiment, the mirroring element (222) may be manually re-adjusted by a lever mechanism.

In an exemplary embodiment, the diameter of all optical lenses of the optical system is in a range of ø8-12mm and most preferable diameter is ø10 mm, where the patterned light is made to pass through an aperture of the projection lens (220) whose diameter is in the range of ø3-9mm and most preferable diameter is ø 5.6 mm.

FIGURE 4a and 4b illustrate exemplary embodiments of a plurality of image projections using the present compact image projection device (104). In another embodiment, the pattern of images can be an abstract shape, or alfa-numeric as desired by the user/driver. The images (400a and 400b) projected may also be monochrome or multicolour as pre-set by an OEM manufacturer. Further, the images (400a and 400b) are only representative in nature and may vary as per configurations in the Gobo/ image pattern unit (312).

FIGURE 5 illustrates a flow chart showing method of projecting patterned image (500) from the image projection device in accordance with an embodiment of present invention. The method includes:
At step 501, arranging electronic components/ elements within an image projection device (104) in a pre-determined order and manner. This pre-determined order and manner is dependent on following factors:
- type of image/logo to be projected from the image projection device (104);
- distance at which image is required to be projected from image projection device (104);
- condition of surrounding environment during image projection from present invention;
- automobile or other device/module within which image projection device (104) is to be installed.

At step 502, generating light rays in a pre-determined color from a light source as present in LED PCB (308) The light source in projection device is LED. Alternatively, any kind of light source can be used in accordance with a convenience of user. The selection of kind or color of LED is based on patterned image that is required from the image projection device (104);
At step 503, collecting light rays from light source by a condenser lens (214), wherein light rays from light source falls onto surface of condenser lens (214). The pre-determined dimension of condenser lens (214) is according to convenience of user;
At step 504, receiving collected light rays of condenser lens (211) by image projection unit (312). Further, light rays from condenser lens (214) falls onto a particular pattern/ design/ decoration/ ornamentation/ of image projection unit (312). This selection of pattern is done by a user through a switching mechanism. In one exemplary embodiment, switching mechanism can be placed/oriented at module cap (212). Due to rotation of this module cap (212), suitable pattern from image pattern unit (312) can be selected. This leads to formation of patterned light rays;
At step 505, receiving patterned light rays by configuration lenses (216, 218) from image pattern unit (312), wherein primary lens (216) and secondary lens (218) are utilized for configuration lens. The primary and secondary lenses (216, 218) provide directed light rays, wherein these lenses (216, 218) provide uni-direction to patterned light rays;
At step 506, receiving directed light rays from configuration lenses (216, 218) by projection lens (220). Further, resultant from projection lens is projected light rays that is of a particular pattern. This pattern is formed because of the presence of image pattern unit (312); and
Thereby, at step 507, receiving projected light rays from projection lens by surface of mirroring element (222), wherein the mirroring element (222) provides re-orientation of projected light rays at a pre-determined projection plane. Due to this, resultant projected light beam is of a particular pattern that is in accordance with convenience of user. In an alternate embodiment, projection plane includes a ground surface. Alternatively, pre-determined projection plane may include left direction onto a ground surface and varies as per convenience of user.
Exemplary dimension of components as utilized in image projection device (104) of present invention:
PARTICULARS DIMENSION (in mm)
Overall length of image projection device 150mm - 170mm
Diameter image pattern unit Ø10-15mm [Preferably Ø12mm]
Diameter of mirror Ø12-14mm [Preferably Ø12.7mm]

In furtherance of this, improved image projection device (104) provides a clear and suitable projection of patterned image at required projection plane/surface such as ground surface. The patterned image projection is formed using the compact image projection device (104), wherein light source produces light beam of a pre-determined color. In an embodiment, the light beam may be generated by an LED light source which may be monochrome or multi-chrome. The generated light is captured by the condenser lens (214), where the condenser lens (214) augments in concentration of the light beams generated from the light source. This helps in removal of scattered and stray light and also for focusing the light beams towards the GOBO/image pattern unit (312). Therafter, the concentrated/ focussed light beam is directed towards the GOBO (312) for light beam conditioning and imparting shapes, designs, light and dark areas in the image to be projected. This light beam once conditioned, is passed through the plurality of the configuration lenses. The configuration lenses include a plurality of primary lens (216) and secondary lens (218) for configuration of the light beam. Then, the configured light beam is projected on the mirroring element (222) by the projection lens (220). Here, the light beam is made to pass through projection lens (220) for further conditioning the light beam for generating a sharp image and eliminating blur in the image to be projected by the mirroring element (222). As a result, the final resulting image (106) is projected to a desired place on the ground and depicted as shown Fig 4a. and Fig 4b. and the said figures are exemplary in nature. The mirroring element (222) can be further recalibrated or angularly re-oriented to change the angle of projection of the final image (106) on the ground near the vehicle of the user. This can be done either mechanically through an adequate and suitable lever/cable/spring mechanism. Alternatively, it can also be done with the help of sensors and actuators as well.
Examples:

Example 1
The image projection device/module (104) can project various images and logos from it and in one example it can be project a logo.

Example 2
The image projection device/module (104) can project various images from it. One of the examples is shown in Figure 4a where it shows a pattern of image as projected. The image (400a) projected may be monochrome or multicolour as pre-set by an OEM manufacturer.

Example 3
The image projection device/module (104) can project graphical and non-graphical images from it.

Example 4
Further, the image projection device (104) can also be employed for projection of words/alphabets. One such instance can be, projection of word ‘STOP’ and illumination of stop indicator simultaneously. Further, in other instance it can be word “RIGHT”, “LEFT”, “U-TURN”, “START” etc.

It is also pertinent to note that in one instance, the image projected device (104) can be used for projection of patterned image onto a projector screen, wherein alphabetical image for learning purposes is used, especially in school. In this scenario, projection plane is a projector screen.
Further, the image projected device (104) can be used at other places as per requirement of the user.
Advantages of the present invention

The embodiments of this invention are further explained by way of following advantages. However, the advantages do not limit the scope of the invention claimed in any manner. The invention can be implemented through other embodiments having different dimensions of the elements based on the requirements of the optical system.
As a result, for changing projection of image, as per the systems disclosed in the prior arts, the entire image projection system has to re-orient. This leads to position changes to other electro-mechanical parts of a vehicle, and such is not desirable in terms of space allocation and power consumption. The prior art systems fail to disclose a compact image projection system, that can project an image. Further, in present invention, orientation of mirror is done by lever mechanism or sensors and actuators. This allows clear, precise, visible, and adequate image projection from present invention. Further, arrangement of different components within image projection device is done in such way that different image/alphabets/words can be projected easily without changing position of any components. Because of this, repetitive opening of image projection device is eliminated. This reduces dust and other particulates to infiltrate components of image projection device/module.

The present invention provides an efficient image projection system, allowing projection by re-orienting the angle of the mirroring element housed along with the image projection module for projection at any desired location. This leads to saving of space and allows compact operation of the compact image projection device.
Advantageously, the image projection device/module of present invention is constructed in such way that it can be used primarily in an automobile for projecting image or logo or word or alphabet. This will enable vehicle driver to clearly see configuration of traffic lamp and may adjust their vehicle speed accordingly. This will severely reduce road hazards such as accident or collision among vehicles.
Further, present invention provides projection of image in form of logo along with illumination of indicator. In one instance, word ‘STOP’, ‘START’, ‘RIGHT’, ‘LEFT’, ‘U-TURN’ etc. can be projected along with illumination of indicator lamp, which provides an assured advantage of improved and enhanced visibility for a preceding vehicle driver.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention. The present disclosure may be realized in a centralized fashion, in at least one processing system, or in a distributed fashion, where different elements may be spread across several interconnected systems or circuits connected to the optical system.
A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, circuit elements, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed circuit elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments and exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A compact image projection device (104) for projecting patterned image/word/logo, the compact image projection device (104) includes:
a plurality of casing/cover configured to house electronic and optical components within it;
the casing includes:
• a plurality of light sources configured to generate light rays/beam;
• a plurality of electronic PCB units which includes a plurality of LDM PCBs (210) as first unit, and a plurality of LED PCB (308) as second unit and are configured with electronic driving components terminally connected with a connector;
• a plurality of heatsink (208) configured to draw/extract heat generated due to operation of the image projection device (104);
• a plurality of lenses, which further includes a plurality of condenser lens (214), a plurality of configuration lenses (216, 218), and a plurality of projection lens (220) configured to project light beam;
• a plurality of image pattern unit/GOBO augments (312) configured to produce pre-determined patterns on receiving light beam from the condenser lens (214);
• a plurality of mirroring element (222) configured to re-orient the angle of projection or at a preferred distance; and
• a plurality of O-ring seal (310) configured between the mirroring element (222) and projection lens (220);
wherein the casing and electronic and optical components are attached through plurality of screws (302) to project pre-determined patterned image.
2. The compact image projection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source is mounted over the LED PCB (308).

3. The compact image projection device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the LED PCB (308) includes a wire and metallic strip at one of its ends to connect it with the LDM PCB (210).

4. The compact image projection device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the LDM PCB (210) provides power and electrical supply to the light source in a controlled manner.

5. The compact image projection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the condenser lens (214) is configured to collect light beam from the light source.

6. The compact image projection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the image pattern unit (312) is configured to provide patterned light rays.

7. The compact image projection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration lenses includes a primary lens (216) and a secondary lens (218) and are configured to receive patterned light rays.

8. The improved compact image projection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the projection lens (220) is configured to receive light rays from the secondary lens (218).

9. The compact image projection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the configuration lenses (216, 218) provides uni-direction to the patterned light rays to eliminate deflection.

10. The compact image projection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein pre-determined orientation of mirroring element (222) is according to patterned image and can be oriented manually through a lever mechanism.

11. The compact image projection device as claimed in claim 10, wherein pre-determined orientation of mirroring element (222) is according to patterned image and can be operated automatically through a sensors and actuators.

12. A method to project patterned image/logo/word using a compact image projection device (104), the method includes:
- arranging electronic components within the improved image projection device (104) in a pre-determined order and manner;
- generating and producing light beam by utilizing a light source;
- collecting light beam by a condenser lens (214) through utilizing light beam emitted by light beam and produces collected light rays;
- producing pre-determined patterned light rays by image pattern unit (312) by utilizing collected light beam from the condenser lens (214);
- receiving patterned light beam by configuration lenses (216, 218) for producing directed light beam;
- receiving directed light beam from configuration lenses (216, 218) by projection lens (220) and produces projected light beam; and
- receiving projected light beam by utilizing mirroring element (222) that project patterned image in a pre-determined projection plane.

13. The method to project patterned image/logo/word using a compact image projection device (104) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the arrangement of components within image projection device (104) is dependent on following factors:
- type of image/logo/word to be projected from the image projection device (104);
- distance at which image is required to be projected from image projection device (104);
- condition of surrounding environment during image projection; and
- device/module within which compact image projection device (104) is to be installed.

14. The method to project patterned image/logo/word using a compact image projection device (104) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the light source produces light beam/rays of a pre-determined color.

15. The method to project patterned image/logo/word using a compact image projection device (104) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pre-determined projection plane can be ground surface or projection screen.

16. The method to project patterned image/logo/word using a compact image projection device (104) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the device within which compact image projection device (104) can be installed is automobile.

17. The method to project patterned image/logo/word using a compact image projection device (104) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the patterned image can be word “LEFT”/ “RIGHT”/ “STOP”.

Dated: 28.09.2022

Archana Singh, Vivek Ranjan, Shreya Chaudhary
(IN/PA-1936, IN/PA-3170, IN/PA-5145)
Of Singh and Singh Law Firm LLP
Patent Agent for the Applicant