Automotive animated image projector and method of operation

Abstract

An automotive animated image projector comprises a light source emitting a light beam, a microelectromechanical system projector aligned to receive the light beam and project an animated image onto a target surface, a computer system programmed to control the light source and the microelectromechanical system with commands to produce the animated image, and a transmission link for sending the commands from the computer system to the light source and the microelectromechanical system projector. In some embodiments, the target surface is the ground next to a vehicle and the animated image illuminates the ground to assist entry into, and exit from, the vehicle. A method is also provided of projecting an animated image from an automotive animated image projector. The method comprises generating a light beam, directing the light beam onto a microelectromechanical system projector, manipulating the light beam by dynamically controlling the microelectromechanical system projector to generate animated images that are projected onto a target surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.