Image generating device of or for a vehicle, vehicle comprising such an image generating device and method for generating an image using such an image generating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an image generating device (161, 162, 163) of or for a vehicle (10), comprising an input device (20) for inputting data defining an image (17), a digital projector (26) for projecting the defined image (17) onto a surface (18) of or near the vehicle (10), and an interface (30) for establishing a communication between the input device (20) and the digital projector (26). The present invention is further drawn to a vehicle (12) comprising such an image generating device (161, 162, 163) and to a method for generating an image using such an image generating device (161, 162, 163).

Description

[0001] Image generating device of or for a vehicle, vehicle comprising such an image generating device and method for generating an image using such an image generating device

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an image generating device of or for a vehicle. The present invention is further drawn to a vehicle comprising such an image generating device and to a method for generating an image using such an image generating device.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] The projection of images onto a surface of a vehicle or near to a vehicle is becoming more and more popular in modem vehicles. Such images may be used as an inspirational feature for attracting customers. Inspirational features may be that a particular image is projected to a given surface when the vehicle is unlocked by the driver or owner. Such an image may be projected to the ground next to the vehicle.

[0006] However, such projections may also be used to transmit information to other traffic participants. As an example, warning messages indicating aquaplaning, ice or traffic congestions on a given road may be displayed to avoid accidents. Such warning messages may be displayed on the outer surface of the vehicle to be well visible to other traffic participants.

[0007] Such images are typically stored in a database of or interacting with a digital projector. The user may choose one image out of this data base the user wishes to be displayed on the ground next to the vehicle. Warning messages may be displayed when vehicle sensors and / or navigation systems identify a certain condition that corresponds to at least one of the stored warning messages. As mentioned, the images are stored in a database which is typically configured by the vehicle manufacturer. An individualization or personalization is not possible.

[0008] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is one task of one embodiment of the present invention to present an image generating device of or for a vehicle by which it is possible to project individualized images.

[0010] Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention has the object to provide a vehicle equipped with such an image generating device. Moreover, an embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for generating an image with such an image generating device.

[0011] The task is solved by the features specified in claims 1 , 7 and 8. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an image generating device of or for a vehicle, comprising

[0013] - an input device for inputting data defining an image,

[0014] - a digital projector for projecting the defined image onto a surface of or near the vehicle, and

[0015] - an interface for establishing a communication between the input device and the digital projector.

[0016] The image generating device comprises an input device by which a given user, typically the owner or the driver of a given vehicle, may input data defining an image to be displayed on a surface of the vehicle or in the vicinity of the vehicle. In contrast to known image generating devices, the user cannot only choose an image from a database but create an individualized image such that a very high degree of individualization or personalization is possible. The interface transmits the inputted data in the correct format to the digital projector where the image is generated according to the inputted data. The particular design of the interface can be chosen according to the needs of the particular application. One particular design may be wireless interfaces for intra and inter-car communication.

[0017] According to another embodiment the interface comprises a LIN-bus, a CAN-bus or automotive ethernet. As mentioned, the data inputted into the input device needs to be transported to the digital projector. A LIN-bus (Local Interconnect Network), a CAN- bus (Controller Area Network) and automotive ethernet are widely used in vehicles and may already be present in a given vehicle. It is therefore possible to take advantage of already existing interfaces, thereby keeping the additional efforts for implementing the present invention low.

[0018] In a further embodiment

[0019] - the interface comprises a LIN-bus and

[0020] - the input device is configured such that o a limited number of predefined characters can be inputted and / or o a limited number of predefined font styles of the predefined characters can be selected and / or o a limited number of predefined font sizes of the predefined characters can be selected and / or o a limited number of background images can be selected and / or o a limited number of background videos can be selected, and / or o a limited number of animations can be selected.

[0021] The image that is projected by the digital projector may contain characters of the chosen font style and font size, the background image, the background video and / or the animation. As mentioned, LIN-busses, CAN-busses or automotive ethernet are interfaces typically used in vehicles. The LIN-bus is the simplest interface which provides the lowest bit rate of the interfaces mentioned. The implementation of a LIN-bus is therefore comparatively simple and inexpensive. The additional expenses for implementing the present invention are thus kept low. Although the use of a LIN-bus places certain restrictions e.g., on the number of characters or font sizes, the degree of individualization is still very high. At the same time, the individually selected image can be displayed almost in real-time, i.e. , with a time delay of less than 10 seconds between the completion of the input of the data defining the image and the projection of this image. The image may be selected from a storage, composed of a plurality of elements stored in the storage but may also be generated.

[0022] In another embodiment the input device comprises a touch-sensitive surface by which a line sketches can be inputted. The user can input an image using a pen or his fingers. He may for example write his name on the touch-sensitive surface which is then displayed on a surface of the vehicle or near the vehicle. A very high degree of personalization is provided.

[0023] A further embodiment the input device is integrated into an infotainment system of or for the vehicle. Infotainment systems are typically part of every modem vehicle and may comprise displays for controlling the sound system or the navigation system. The integration of the input device into such infotainment systems has the advantage that a re-design of the dashboard or other interior cladding components is not necessary.

[0024] According to another embodiment the digital projector has an adjustment unit for adjusting the image to the surface onto which the image is projected. Depending on the angle of impact of the light rays emitted by the projector on the surface, the image may get distorted. As an example, a rectangle may appear as a trapezoid. The adjustment unit transforms the image emitted by the digital projector in a way that the distortion is compensated.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention is directed towards a vehicle comprising an image generating device according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0026] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for generating an image with an image generating device according to one of the preceding embodiments, comprising the following steps:

[0027] - inputting data defining an image by means of the input device, - establishing the communication between the input device and the digital projector by means of the interface, and

[0028] - projecting the defined image onto a surface of or near the vehicle by means of the digital projector.

[0029] The technical effects and advantages as discussed with regard to the present image generating device basically also apply to the vehicle and the method. Briefly, the invention provides the possibility to create an individualized or personalized image to be projected on a surface of or near the vehicle.

[0030] According to another embodiment in which the interface comprises a LIN-bus, the method comprises the following steps:

[0031] - inputting a limited number of predefined characters by means of the input device and / or

[0032] - selecting a limited number of predefined font styles of the predefined characters by means of the input device, and / or

[0033] - selecting a limited number of predefined font sizes of the predefined characters by means of the input device and / or

[0034] - selecting a limited number of background images by means of the input device and / or

[0035] - selecting a limited number of background videos by means of the input device and / or

[0036] - selecting a limited number of animations by means of the input device.

[0037] As mentioned, LIN-busses, CAN-busses or automotive ethernet are interfaces typically used in vehicles. The LIN-bus is the simplest interface which provides the lowest bit rate of the interfaces mentioned. The implementation of a LIN-bus is therefore comparatively simple and cheap. The additional expenses for implementing the present invention are thus kept low. Although the use of a LIN-bus places certain restrictions e.g., on the number of characters or font sizes, the degree of individualization is still very high. In a further embodiment in which the input device comprises a touch-sensitive surface, the method comprises the step of inputting a line sketch by means of the touch- sensitive surface. The user can input an image using a pen or his fingers. He may for example write his name on the touch-sensitive surface which is then displayed on a surface of the vehicle or near the vehicle. A very high degree of personalization is provided.

[0038] PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The present invention is described in detail with reference to the drawings attached wherein

[0040] Figure 1 is a principle top view on a vehicle comprising a first embodiment of an image generating device according to the present invention,

[0041] Figure 2 is a flow chart showing a method by which the image generating device of the invention may be operated,

[0042] Figure 3 is a principle and more detailed drawing of a second embodiment of an image generating device according to the present invention, and

[0043] Figure 4 is a principle and more detailed drawing of a third embodiment of an image generating device according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 comprising an engine compartment 12 and a passenger compartment 14 by means of a principle top view. The vehicle 10 comprises an image generating device 161 according to a first embodiment by which an image 17 can be generated and projected onto a surface 18, in this case onto the ground next to the vehicle 10. For this purpose, the image generating device 161 comprises an input device 20 that is integrated into an infotainment system 22 of the vehicle 10, wherein the input device 20 is arranged within the passenger compartment 14. It is noted that the input device 20 may also be a separate device isolated from the infotainment system such as a smart phone, a tablet or the like which may be located remote from the vehicle 10. The input device 20 comprises a touch-sensitive surface 24 with which a user may interact. In this respect, the term “integrated into the infotainment system 22” is to be understood such that it is at least software-wise integrated e.g., by pairing, but not necessarily construction-wise.

[0045] The input device 20 is connected to a digital projector 26 by means of an interface 30. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 the interface 30 is formed by a LIN-bus 32 but may also be formed by a CAN-bus, by automotive ethernet or the like. The digital projector 26 projects the image 17 onto the surface 18. The digital projector 26 comprises an adjustment unit 28 by which the projected image 17 may be adjusted to the surface 18 to compensate for distortions caused by the relationship of the angle of impact by which the light rays emitted by the projector impinge the surface 18.

[0046] In Figure 2 a flow chart is shown which illustrates a method by which the image generating device 161 can be operated. In a first step a user, e.g., the owner or driver of the vehicle 10, is inputting data defining the image 17 by means of the input device 20. The data may comprise a definition regarding a number and kind of characters, the font style and the font size of the characters, background images, background videos and / or animations. An example of an animation may be that the characters are not simultaneously projected but one after another or that the characters move in a specific pattern.

[0047] As mentioned, the input device 20 is at least software-wise integrated into the infotainment system 22 of the vehicle 10. Thus, the inputted data is transferred from the input device 20 to the infotainment system 22. The infotainment system 22 is connected to the digital projector 26 by means of the LIN-bus 32. The digital projector 26 comprises a LIN-controller 34 and a LIN-message parser 36. In here, it is checked whether the inputted data refer to a pre-stored image 17 or define a customized image In the first case in which the inputted data refer to a pre-stored image 17, the data address and playback settings of the pre-stored image 17 are parsed by the LIN- message parser 36 and the content is read from the address (frame by frame) by an image generator 38. The read content is then sent to an imager controller 40 which is interacting with an imager 42 where the image 17 is generated and which emits the respective image 17 towards the surface 18 (not shown in Figure 2, see Figure 1 ). The pre-stored image 17 may be compressed so there is some processing involved when the content is read out before sent to the imager controller 40.

[0048] In the second case in which the inputted data define a customized image 17, the type, settings and contents of the data are parsed by the LIN-message parser 36 and content is generated (frame by frame) by the image generator 38. The generated content is then sent to the imager controller 40 which is interacting with the imager 42 which emits the respective image 17 towards the surface 18 (not shown in Figure 2, see Figure 1 ).

[0049] In Figure 3 a second embodiment of the image generating device 162 is shown by means of a block diagram. As already shown in Figure 1 , the image generating device 162 according second embodiment comprises the input device 20 that may be integrated into the infotainment system 22 of the vehicle 10 which comprises an electronic control unit 44 and a LIN-transceiver 46. The data inputted by means of the input device 20 is transferred via the LIN-bus 32 to the electronic control unit 44 and to the digital projector 26 by means of the LIN-bus 32. The digital projector 26 comprises a field programmable gate array 48 that comprises various sub-units. The data sent from the LIN-transceiver 46 is transferred to the LIN-controller 34 and further to the LIN-message parser 36. The LIN-message parser 36 interacts with a status and control device 50 that controls an LED-controller 52. The image generator 38 interacts with the imager controller 40 and the imager 42. The LED-controller 52 controls an LED-driver 56. The defined image 17 is generated by the LED-driver 56 and the imager 42 and projected to the surface 18 (not shown in Figure 3, see Figure 1 ). Moreover, the field programmable gate array 48 interacts with a storage programming and debug interface 60 which is connected to a serial peripheral interface 61 which exchanges data with the status and control device 50.

[0050] The second embodiment of the image generating device 162 is suited to generate images 17 composed of a limited number of characters of a certain font style and a certain font size which may be arranged on a background image. The respective data is fed from an image data storage 53, e.g., a flash memory 54, as a bitstream to the field programmable gate array 48.

[0051] In Figure 4 a third embodiment of the image generating device 163 is shown also by means of a block diagram. The design of the third embodiment of the image generating device 163 is to a large extent similar to the design of the second embodiment of the image generating device 162 so only the differences are discussed in the following.

[0052] The image generating device 163 of the third embodiment comprises a video storage 62 that is connected to a memory controller 64. The memory controller 64 is controlled by the status and control device 50. The memory controller 64 is connected to a video and image decoder 66 that is also controlled by the status and control device 50. The remaining design of the image generating device 161 of the third embodiment is to a large extent the same as the design of the image generating device 162 of the second embodiment.

[0053] The data so generated are then merged to the data generated by the image generator 38 and then passed to the imager controller 40. As in the second embodiment, the image 17 that is to be projected to the surface 18 (not shown in Figure 3, see Figure 1 ) is generated by the LED-driver 56 and the imager 42 and then projected.

[0054] Like the second embodiment of the image generating device 162, the third embodiment of the image generating device 163 is also able to generate images 17 composed of a limited number of characters of a certain font style and a certain font size which may be arranged on a background image. Beyond that, the image generating device 163 of the third embodiment can also generate images 17 having a background video and / or animations.

[0055] Not shown is an embodiment in which the interface 30 is not formed by a LIN-bus 32 but by automotive ethernet in which offers a higher bit rate compared to a LIN-bus 32. Sketches, doodles, signatures and the like may be transferred which are not limited in the number of characters or the like and do not require a storage programming interface. Graphics can be generated “on-the-fly”. In this case debug interface 60 is needed.

[0056] REFERENCE LIST

[0057] 10 vehicle

[0058] 12 engine compartment

[0059] 14 passenger compartment

[0060] 161 - 163 image generating device

[0061] 17 image

[0062] 18 surface

[0063] 20 input device

[0064] 22 infotainment system

[0065] 24 touch-sensitive surface

[0066] 26 digital projector

[0067] 28 adjustment unit

[0068] 30 interface

[0069] 32 LIN-bus, CAN-bus, automotive ethernet

[0070] 34 LIN-controller

[0071] 36 LIN-message parser

[0072] 38 image generator

[0073] 40 imager controller

[0074] 42 imager

[0075] 44 electronic control unit

[0076] 46 LIN-transceiver

[0077] 48 field programmable gate array

[0078] 50 status and control unit

[0079] 52 LED-controller

[0080] 53 image data storage

[0081] 54 flash memory

[0082] 56 LED-driver

[0083] 60 storage programming and debug interface

[0084] 61 serial peripheral interface

[0085] 62 video storage

[0086] 64 memory controller 66 image decoder

Claims

Patent claims1 . Image generating device (161 , 162, 163) of or for a vehicle (10), comprising- an input device (20) for inputting data defining an image (17),- a digital projector (26) for projecting the defined image (17) onto a surface(18) of or near the vehicle (10), and- an interface (30) for establishing a communication between the input device (20) and the digital projector (26).

2. Image generating device (161 , 162, 163) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the interface (30) comprises a LIN-bus (34), a CAN-bus or automotive ethernet.

3. Image generating device (161 , 162, 163) according to claim 2, characterized in that- the interface (30) comprises a LIN-bus (34) and- the input device (20) is configured such that o a limited number of predefined characters can be inputted and / or o a limited number of predefined font styles of the predefined characters can be selected and / or o a limited number of predefined font sizes of the predefined characters can be selected and / or o a limited number of background images can be selected and / or o a limited number of background videos can be selected, and / or o a limited number of animations can be selected.

4. Image generating device (161 , 162, 163) according to one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the input device (20) comprises a touch-sensitive surface (24) by which line sketches can be inputted.

5. Image generating device (161 , 162, 163) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device (20) is integrated into an infotainment system (22) of or for the vehicle (10).

6. Image generating device (161 , 162, 163) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the digital projector (26) has an adjustment unit (28) for adjusting the image (17) to the surface (18) onto which the image (17) is projected.

7. Vehicle (10) comprising an image generating device (161 , 162, 163) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Method for generating an image (17) with an image generating device (161 , 162, 163) according to one of the claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps:- inputting data defining an image (17) by means of the input device (20),- establishing the communication between the input device (20) and the digital projector (26) by means of the interface (30), and- projecting the defined image (17) onto a surface (18) of or near the vehicle (10) by means of the digital projector (26).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the interface (30) comprises a LIN-bus (34), comprising the following steps:- inputting a limited number of predefined characters by means of the input device (20) and / or- selecting a limited number of predefined font styles of the predefined characters by means of the input device (20), and / or- selecting a limited number of predefined font sizes of the predefined characters by means of the input device (20) and / or- selecting a limited number of background images by means of the input device (20) and / or- selecting a limited number of background videos by means of the input device (20) and / or- selecting a limited number of animations by means of the input device (20).

10. Method according to one of the claims 8 or 9, wherein the input device (20) comprises a touch-sensitive surface (24), comprising the step of inputting a line sketch by means of the touch-sensitive surface (24).

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