External vehicle projection system

摘要

An external projection system for an automobile includes a mounting framework coupled to an exterior portion of an automobile. The projection system includes first and second projectors mounted to the mounting framework and each configured to project an image forwardly away from the automobile. A driver input member is mounted in the passenger area of the automobile and is electrically connected to the projectors, the input member configured to control movement and operation of the projectors. The system includes a processor in data communication with the input member and the projectors, the system including programming by which the processor selectively controls the projectors. The projectors may project indicia such as directional arrows so as to simulate driving toward and overtaking a distant arrow. The system may also include a video player for projecting movies in front of the automobile.

主权项

1. A projection system for use with an automobile and a global positioning system (“GPS”), comprising:
a mounting framework selectively coupled to an exterior of the automobile; a first projector coupled to said mounting framework and positioned to project digital images forwardly of the automobile; a processor in data communication with said first projector and the GPS; a memory in data communication with said processor and that has data structures configured to store digital image data and programming; programming in said memory that when executed by said processor causes said processor to energize said first projector to selectively project a predetermined image stored in said memory upon a road surface forward of the automobile; wherein said first projector includes:
a first projector housing selectively coupled to said mounting framework, said first projector being situated in said first projector housing;a first projector lens extending forwardly from said first projector housing;a first projector first stepper motor electrically connected to said processor and operatively coupled to said first projector housing, said first projector stepper motor being configured to selectively rotate said first projector housing about an imaginary vertical axis when actuated by said processor; anda first projector second stepper motor electrically connected to said processor and coupled to said first projector housing, said first projector second stepper motor configured to selectively tilt said first projector housing about an imaginary horizontal axis when actuated by said processor.