Patent Description:
Ambient lamp is a type of lamp which can project patterns on a wall, a floor, or a curtain. Ambient lamp is commonly applied in theaters, studios, bars, discos and other stage entertainment scenes, and can project patterns of a single-color or multi-color, water wave, star sky or various lines, creating a warm and romantic immersive scene.

With continuous progress and development of society, people's living standards have been continuously improved, and ambient lamp has gradually entered thousands of households. Ambient lamp in the prior art usually realizes projection of patterns by transmitting light through a decorative cover printed with pattern. In order to improve the projection effect, ambient lamp in the prior art is sometimes equipped with one or more water-ripple patterned sheet rotatable relative to the light source, such that light is first incident to a condenser lens and is then projected to image, thereby producing a variety of effects such as flow of star river, water ripples, etc..

For example, <CIT> discloses a projection method and device employing a motor-driven interference wheel to realize dynamic starry sky and cloud changing effects. Chinese utility model patent No. <CIT> discloses a water-ripple projection lamp which achieves water-ripple projection effect by multiple focusing with water-ripple glass shading cloth and the repeated movement of a shaft. Chinese utility model patent No. <CIT> discloses a three-in-one star lamp, which realizes a projection effect of changing star, moon and sea of clouds by means of a water-ripple sheet and a projection device.

In the prior art, motor and interference sheet cooperate with each other to achieve dynamic projection effects. However, the projection image changes periodically, and long-term viewing thereto may cause aesthetic fatigue. For this reason, a set of static picture projection may be superimposed on an interference image serving as dynamic background, to form a more stereoscopic visual effect. However, this kind of ambient lamp is usually embodied in form of slideshow which often requires manual switching of pictures, and the switching manner is cumbersome. Further, the pictures are usually projected films, and the more films are projected, the more options there are for the scene, and the greater the costs.

<CIT>) discloses a dynamic lamp effect projection device. The dynamic lamp effect projection device comprises a main control circuit, a first light source, a first light collecting lens, a first interference piece and a light collecting lampshade, wherein the first light source is electrically connected with the main control circuit, and the first light source, the first light collecting lens, the first interference piece and the light collecting lampshade are sequentially arranged along a first light path; the dynamic lamp effect projection device further comprises a first motor, and the first motor is electrically connected with the main control circuit. A connecting part is arranged at the axis of the condensing lampshade, and an output shaft of the first motor is coaxially connected with the connecting part; the condensing lampshade is a condensing lens, the incident surface or the emergent surface of the condensing lens is of a multi-surface structure, and the emergent surface of the first interference sheet faces the periphery of the connecting part.

To solve or at least partially solve the technical problems mentioned above, the present disclosure provides an ambient image projection device which includes a light source assembly, a first projection mechanism and a second projection mechanism provided side by side. The first projection mechanism includes a display and a first optical module; a content played on the display is guided by the first optical module to form a dynamic image to be projected in space. The second projection mechanism includes an interference lens and a second optical module; light emitted from the light source assembly is guided by second optical module to pass through the interference lens and forms an interference pattern to be projected in space. Here, the interference pattern and the dynamic image overlap at least partially with each other in the space. The second optical module comprises a reflector provided between the light source assembly and the interference lens for directing light emitted from the light source assembly to the interference lens, wherein reflective surfaces on an inner wall of the reflector consists of a plurality of planes capable of reflecting light, such that light incident on the reflective surfaces is reflected out from the plurality of planes to create numerous interlaced rays.

Preferably, the light source assembly comprises a first light source and a focusing element; the first optical module comprises an optical lens and a plurality of lenses; the first light source, the focusing element, the display and the optical lens are disposed in order along a light path followed by the first optical module.

Preferably, the display is a liquid crystal display, and the light emitted from the light source assembly is incident to the liquid crystal display to serve as a backlight.

Preferably, the lenses comprises a first lens provided between the focusing element and the display, and a second lens provided between the display and the optical lens; the optical lens comprises a convex lens, a concave lens and a fisheye lens disposed in sequence, wherein the convex lens is set on a side close to the display.

Preferably, the first optical module further comprises a mirror provided between the second lens and the optical lens, and the mirror is angled with the display.

Preferably, the interference lens or the reflector is allowed to rotate under driving of a motor, to project a dynamic interference pattern in space; or the light source assembly comprises multiple second light sources corresponding to the reflector, wherein light emitted from different second light sources passes through the interference lens to produce different interference pattems, the second light sources are sequentially turned on and off to project the dynamic interference pattem in space.

Preferably, the focusing element comprises a light inlet and a light outlet, the display and the reflector is located at the light outlet; the light emitted from the light source assembly is all incident to the focusing element through the light inlet.

Preferably, the ambient image projection device further comprises a speaker and a controller, wherein the controller is communicably coupled to the display, the speaker and the light source assembly respectively, wherein the controller is configured to provide a video signal to the display and an audio signal to the speaker, and is further configured to adjust intensity or frequency of light incident to the second projection mechanism from the light source assembly according to waveform of the audio signal.

Preferably, the ambient image projection device further comprises a controller communicably coupled to each of the display and the light source assembly, wherein the controller is configured to provide a video signal to the display, and is further configured to adjust color of light incident to the second projection mechanism from the light source assembly according to RGB color of the video signal.

Compared with the ambient image projection device in the prior art, the present disclosure projects images through a display without setting up film(s), which is less costly, and the display is able to provide more abundant and diverse image selections, and switching of images is natural and easy to operate, thus significantly improving the user experience.

In order to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, a brief description of relevant accompanying drawings will be given below. It is noted that the accompanying drawings in the following description are used only to illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure, and many other technical features and connection relationships not mentioned herein may be obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on these accompanying drawings.

light source assembly; <NUM>. first light source; <NUM>. focusing element; <NUM>. light inlet; <NUM>. light outlet; <NUM>. second light source; <NUM>. first projection mechanism; <NUM>. display; <NUM>, first optical module; <NUM>. optical lens; 221a. convex lens; 221b. concave lens; 221c. fisheye lens; <NUM>. first lens; <NUM>. second lens; <NUM>. mirror; <NUM>. second projection mechanism; <NUM>. interference lens; <NUM>. second optical module; <NUM>. reflector; <NUM>. motor; <NUM>. dynamic image; <NUM>, interference pattern; <NUM>. speaker; <NUM>. controller; <NUM>. dustproof light-transmitting cover.

Technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below in conjunction with accompanying drawings in the present disclosure.

Inventors of the present disclosure have found that in the prior art, motor is used to drive rotation of a light-transmitting structure, thus realizing change in movement of images created by a projection. However, the projected image changes periodically and may cause aesthetic fatigue for long-term viewing, and the method of switching the projected image is rigid, which makes it difficult to present a relatively shocking scene.

In view of this, an ambient image projection device is provided in the present disclosure, which can present a more realistic and diverse dynamic scene, in order to improve the user experience.

Referring to <FIG>, the first embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an ambient image projection device, which includes a light source assembly <NUM>, and a first projection mechanism <NUM> and a second projection mechanism <NUM> provided side by side.

The first projection mechanism <NUM> includes a display <NUM> and a first optical module <NUM>. A content played on the display <NUM> is guided by the first optical module <NUM> to form a dynamic image <NUM> to be projected in space.

The second projection mechanism <NUM> includes an interference lens <NUM> as well as a second optical module <NUM>. Light emitted from the light source assembly <NUM> is guided by the second optical module <NUM> to pass through the interference lens <NUM>, and forms an interference pattern <NUM> to be projected in space.

The interference pattern <NUM> and the dynamic image <NUM> overlap at least partially with each other in the space.

Content played on the display <NUM> can form a dynamic image <NUM> and be projected in space, and the light emitted from the light source assembly <NUM> can pass through the interference lens <NUM> to form an interference pattern <NUM> to be projected in space, where the interference pattern <NUM> (marked by dashed line in <FIG>) and the dynamic image <NUM> overlap at least partially with each other in the space, and the coverage area of the interference pattern is large, thus providing more extensive dynamic visual experience. By projecting images through a display <NUM>, there is no need to set up film(s), which is less costly, and the display <NUM> can provide more abundant and diverse image choices, while the switching of images is natural and easy to operate. Compared with the prior art, a combination of the interference pattern <NUM> and the dynamic image <NUM> in this embodiment not only compensates the deficiency of narrow visual range of dynamic image <NUM>, but also avoids the deficiency of monotonous feeling due to little variation of interference pattern <NUM>, and a complementary combination of the two substantially improves the user experience.

In this embodiment, the display <NUM> can be a liquid crystal display with merits of low power consumption, small size, and zero radiation, etc. The light emitted from the light source assembly <NUM> can be irradiated onto the display <NUM> as backlight. In another embodiment, the display <NUM> may be a display capable of self-illumination, such as an LED display or an OLED display, as long as the display <NUM> is capable of presenting content to be dynamically displayed.

The first optical module <NUM> may include an optical lens <NUM> and several lenses. The light source assembly <NUM> includes a first light source <NUM> and a focusing element <NUM>. The first light source <NUM>, the focusing element <NUM>, the display <NUM> and the optical lens <NUM> are disposed in order along a light path followed by the first optical module <NUM>, and each lens is interposed between respective components of the first optical module <NUM>. A combined use of the optical lens <NUM>, the lenses, and the focusing element <NUM> allows for a clearer projected dynamic image <NUM> and a better light output efficiency.

In order to improve the imaging clarity, the lens can be a convex lens converging light. However, if a common convex lens were used, refraction of light would occur only at an intersection of the medium, and since the convex lens is thick, light would be attenuated in propagation, so the phenomenon of darkening and blurring at corners might occur. Therefore, the lens in this embodiment may adopt a Fresnel lens. Fresnel lens has a smooth surface on one side, and the other side is engraved with concentric circles from small to large, the texture of which is designed according to requirements for interference and diffraction of light, as well as relative sensitivity and reception angle. Hence in the Fresnel lens, a part involving linear propagation can be removed, and only a curved surface where refraction occurs is kept, which can save a quantity of material while achieving the same focusing effect as a convex lens. In other words, the costs of Fresnel lens is much lower than that of an ordinary convex lens.

The lenses may include a first lens <NUM> provided between the focusing element <NUM> and the display <NUM>, and a second lens <NUM> provided between the display <NUM> and the optical lens <NUM>. The optical lens <NUM> may include a convex lens 221a, a concave lens 221b and a fisheye lens 221c disposed in sequence, with the convex lens 221a being set on the side near the display <NUM>.

The first lens <NUM> and the second lens <NUM> as provided can better converge light and prevent the waste of light energy. The convex lens 221a can converge light, while the concave lens 221b can disperse light. Hence, designing parameters of the convex lens 221a and concave lens 221b can better ensure the projection effect of image, such as the size of imaging and image distance, the focusing range, and the imaging quality. The fisheye lens 221c, as a wide-angle lens, enables the lenses to reach a maximum photographic angle of view, such that a larger space can be projected in such a small space by the ambient image projection device, thereby improving space utilization of the ambient image projection device.

In another embodiment referring to <FIG>, the first optical module <NUM> may also include a mirror <NUM> provided between the second lens <NUM> and the optical lens <NUM>, and the mirror <NUM> is angled with the display <NUM>. Where the mirror <NUM> is set at an angle to the display <NUM>, the direction of light propagation can be changed, so that light emitted from the second lens <NUM> is reflected by the mirror <NUM> and incident on the optical lens <NUM>. Optionally, the mirror <NUM> and the display <NUM> are set at an angle of <NUM>°, such that the light emitted from the second lens <NUM> and the light incident on the optical lens <NUM> are perpendicular to each other.

Comparing <FIG> with <FIG>, it can be seen that the size of components such as optical lens <NUM> in the embodiment shown in <FIG> can be relatively smaller, when the size of the lenses and mirror <NUM> are the same. Similarly, the size of the lenses and mirror <NUM> can be smaller when the size of components such as the optical lens <NUM> is the same. That is to say, space utilization of the ambient image projection device can be further improved in this embodiment due to use of the mirror <NUM>.

The second optical module <NUM> may include a reflector <NUM> provided between the light source assembly <NUM> and the interference lens <NUM>. Reflective surfaces on the inner wall of the reflector <NUM> consists of a plurality of planes capable of reflecting light, and the light incident on the reflective surfaces can be reflected out from the plurality of planes to create numerous interlaced rays, so that the reflector <NUM> can guide light emitted from the light source assembly <NUM> to the interference lens <NUM>, thus making the projected interference pattern <NUM> clearer, and leading to better light output efficiency.

It is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that in physics, "interference" refers to a phenomenon where two or more columns of waves superimpose or cancel with each other when meeting in space, so as to form a new waveform. For example, if a beam splitter were used to split a monochromatic beam into two beams, and the two beams were then allowed to overlap in a certain region in the space, it would be found that the light intensity in the overlapping region is not uniformly distributed, the brightness would vary with its position in space, for example, the light intensity in the brightest place might exceed a sum of light intensities of two original beams, and the light intensity in the darkest place might be zero. Such redistribution of light intensity is referred to as "interference fringes".

The interference lens <NUM> can be of a sheet structure with light transmission and refraction functions having a water patterned disk, and its material can be glass, resin, PC, etc., the specific choice of which does not limit the present application. Since the surface of the interference lens <NUM> is uneven, optical path difference of the refracted light varies, and the coherent light is superimposed on each other such that alternating light and dark interference stripes appear.

In this embodiment, the interference lens <NUM> or the reflector <NUM> can rotate <NUM>° under the driving of motor <NUM>, to project a dynamic interference pattern <NUM> in space, thus realizing effects such as flowing of star river and rippling of water waves, which improves the user experience. For instance, the motor <NUM> can drive interference lens <NUM> to rotate while the reflector <NUM> remains stationary; alternatively, the motor <NUM> can drive reflector <NUM> to rotate while the interference lens <NUM> remains stationary.

The light source assembly <NUM> may further include multiple second light sources <NUM> corresponding to the reflector <NUM>, and the light emitted from different second light sources <NUM> passes through the interference lens <NUM> to produce different interference patterns <NUM>. Respective second light source <NUM> can be turned on and off sequentially to project dynamic interference patterns <NUM> in space. The second light source <NUM> with different colors and light intensities can make the projected interference patterns <NUM> more variations, thereby improving projection effect of the ambient image projection device.

Notably, the second light source <NUM> employed in the present disclosure can be a monochromatic light source or an RGB light source, i.e., a multi-color light source. The first light source <NUM> applied in the present disclosure is preferred to be white light, which, compared to light sources of other colors, does not affect the warm and cold of image colors when projected onto the display <NUM>, and therefore can present the image colors more realistically.

In this embodiment shown in <FIG>, light emitted from the monochromatic or multi-color second light source <NUM> is reflected by the reflector <NUM>. The reflector <NUM> can be fixed to the motor <NUM> via three reinforcing bars, so that the reflected light also rotate along with the motor <NUM>, and projects pattems onto the interference lens <NUM> with stripes or uneven surfaces.

Light emitted from the first light source <NUM> is collected by the focusing element <NUM> and projected onto the first lens <NUM>, and is then transmitted to the liquid crystal display <NUM> as backlight. The content on the display <NUM> can be converted to 3D for the first time through the second lens <NUM>, and then projected onto the convex lens 221a and concave lens 221b for a second conversion, and finally passes through the fisheye lens 221c for imaging.

The images projected by the second projection mechanism <NUM> and first projection mechanism <NUM> are then refracted via an irregular dustproof light-transmitting cover <NUM>, and eventually form a dynamic image <NUM> and an interference pattern <NUM> respectively, which are projected in space. For example, the interference pattern <NUM> is presented as rotating night sky, and the dynamic image <NUM> can be rotating Saturn. The interference pattern <NUM> overlaps at least partially with the dynamic image <NUM> in space, such that the final projection in space is a dynamic image with Saturn as foreground and night sky as background. Therefore, this embodiment can provide an ambient image projection device with wide-angle view and a stereoscopic effect, which involves smooth image playback, various imaging selections, a compact structure and low costs, and can also significantly improves the user experience.

Notably, the first projection mechanism <NUM> and second projection mechanism <NUM> of the ambient image projection device in this embodiment can be used independently or in conjunction with each other, according to user's needs.

The second embodiment of the present disclosure proposes an ambient image projection device, which differs from the first embodiment mainly in that in the first embodiment, the first projection mechanism <NUM> and the second projection mechanism <NUM> are connected to different light sources, whereas in the second embodiment, the first projection mechanism <NUM> and the second projection mechanism <NUM> are connected to the same light source.

Specifically referring to <FIG>, the focusing element <NUM> includes a light inlet <NUM> and a light outlet <NUM>, and both the display <NUM> and the reflector <NUM> are located at the outlet of the focusing element <NUM>.

Light emitted from the first light source <NUM> and the second light source <NUM> is irradiated to the focusing element <NUM> through the light inlet <NUM>.

After the light emitted from the first light source <NUM> and second light source <NUM> is collected by the focusing element <NUM>, a portion of the light is reflected by the reflector <NUM> and pattern is projected onto the interference lens <NUM> with strips or uneven surface; the remaining portion is projected onto the first lens <NUM> and transmitted to the liquid crystal display <NUM> as backlight. The content on the display <NUM> can be converted to 3D for the first time through the second lens <NUM>, and is then projected onto the convex lens 221a and concave lens 221b for a second conversion, and finally passes through the fisheye lens 221c for imaging. In one embodiment, the first light source <NUM> and the second light source <NUM> may be mounted on a motor <NUM> and rotate under the driving of the motor <NUM>. The first light source <NUM> and the second light source <NUM> may also be the same light source, providing both the light incident to the reflector <NUM> and the light incident to the display <NUM>.

Images projected by the second projection mechanism <NUM> and the first projection mechanism <NUM> are then refracted by the irregular dustproof light-transmitting cover <NUM>, and eventually form an interference pattern <NUM> and a dynamic image <NUM> respectively which are projected in space. Compared with the first embodiment, the ambient image projection device in this embodiment involves a more compact structure, higher space utilization and cost saving.

In order to bring an immersive experience to the user, inventors of the present disclosure have optimized design based on the above embodiments to further enhance the projection effect of the ambient image projection device. Referring to <FIG>, the ambient image projection device may include a speaker <NUM> and a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is communicably coupled to all of the display <NUM>, the speaker <NUM> and the light source assembly <NUM> respectively, and is configured to provide a video signal to the display <NUM> and an audio signal to the speaker <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is further configured to adjust intensity or frequency of light incident to the second projection mechanism <NUM> from the light source assembly <NUM> according to waveform of the audio signal, etc. This embodiment enables the controller <NUM> to make light intensity of the interference pattem <NUM> and the dynamic image <NUM> change with music, providing the user with both visual and auditory enjoyment and improving the fun. For example, when the music is light, the second light source <NUM> can be dimmed accordingly; when the music is louder, the second light source <NUM> can be brightened accordingly. Alternatively, when the music is slower, the second light source <NUM> can flash at a lower frequency; when the music is faster, the second light source <NUM> can flash at a higher frequency.

In an embodiment referring to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may be further configured to adjust color of light incident to the second projection mechanism <NUM> from the light source assembly <NUM>, according to RGB color of the video signal. The display <NUM> can present a variety of colors, and the color of light incident to the second projection mechanism <NUM> from the light source assembly <NUM> can be adjusted by analyzing its main color. For example, if the main color presented by the display <NUM> is blue, the second light source <NUM> may be white or yellow or the like, so as to improve contrast ratio of the overall projection effect. It is understood that the greater the contrast ratio is, the clearer and more eye-catching the image is, and the more vivid and colorful it is, which facilitates improvement of the user experience.

In this embodiment, the controller <NUM> can be a micro-controller chip integrated in a control circuit board of the light source assembly <NUM>, or it can be set up individually. The controller <NUM> can receive control signals through a button switch, or a mechanism such as a wireless signal transceiver, to control the intensity of light in the second projection mechanism <NUM>. Further, the control circuit board can be DC driven to power the light source assembly <NUM>.

The present disclosure further proposes an ambient image projection method, which includes the steps of:.

The content played on the display <NUM> can generate a dynamic image <NUM> to be projected in space, the light emitted by the light source assembly <NUM> can pass through the interference lens <NUM> to form an interference pattern <NUM> to be projected in space, and the interference pattern <NUM> and the dynamic image <NUM> overlap at least partially with each other in the space, therefore a more stereoscopic visual experience can be expected. Compared with the prior art, this embodiment projects images through the display <NUM> without need for setting up film(s), which is less expensive, and the display <NUM> can provide richer and more diverse image selections, the switching of images is natural and easy to operate, which can significantly improve the user experience.

In this embodiment, the ambient image projection method may further include the steps of:.

Claim 1:
An ambient image projection device, comprising:
a light source assembly (<NUM>); and
a first projection mechanism (<NUM>) and a second projection mechanism (<NUM>) provided side by side; wherein,
the second projection mechanism (<NUM>) comprises an interference lens (<NUM>) and a second optical module (<NUM>); light emitted from the light source assembly (<NUM>) is guided by the second optical module (<NUM>) to pass through the interference lens (<NUM>) and forms an interference pattern (<NUM>) to be projected in space; characterized in that
the first projection mechanism (<NUM>) comprises a display (<NUM>) and a first optical module (<NUM>); a content played on the display (<NUM>) is guided by the first optical module (<NUM>) to form a dynamic image (<NUM>) to be projected in space;
wherein the interference pattern (<NUM>) and the dynamic image (<NUM>) overlap at least partially with each other in the space;
the second optical module (<NUM>) comprises a reflector (<NUM>) provided between the light source assembly (<NUM>) and the interference lens (<NUM>) for directing light emitted from the light source assembly (<NUM>) to the interference lens (<NUM>),
wherein reflective surfaces on an inner wall of the reflector (<NUM>) consists of a plurality of planes capable of reflecting light, such that light incident on the reflective surfaces is reflected out from the plurality of planes to create numerous interlaced rays.