Method and system for displaying visual content on a motor vehicle and method for providing a motor vehicle

Abstract

According to a method for displaying visual content (1) on a motor vehicle (2), a computing system (7) receives user request data from a mobile electronic device (3). The computing system (7) determines visual content data representing the visual content (1) in dependence on the user request. The computing system (7) selects one window from at least two windows (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the motor vehicle (2), and the computing system (7) generates control data in dependence on the visual content data and the selected window. A projection device (5) of the motor vehicle (2) is controlled in dependence on the control data to project the visual content (1) on the selected window.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A method and system for displaying visual content on a motor vehicle are provided, and a method for providing a motor vehicle to a user is also provided. Background Technology

[0002] Document US 9,799,245 B2 describes a system for displaying a visually recognizable pattern on a vehicle surface, comprising a display control subsystem responsive to a vehicle operating state and a display device operable in response to input from the display control subsystem to display the visually recognizable pattern on the surface. Preferably, the visually recognizable pattern is visible from outside the vehicle.

[0003] One objective is to provide methods and systems for displaying visual content on motor vehicles and for providing users with methods that allow users to more easily identify the motor vehicle from other vehicles.

[0004] Another objective is to provide methods and systems for displaying visual content on motor vehicles and for providing motor vehicles to users, allowing users to confirm that a specific vehicle has been provided without the need for another person to provide the vehicle.

[0005] Another objective is to provide methods and systems for displaying visual content on motor vehicles and for providing motor vehicles to users, allowing users to customize the visual content.

[0006] This objective is achieved through the relevant subject matter of the independent claims and various aspects of the invention. Preferred embodiments and other exemplary implementations are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first independent aspect of the invention, a method is provided for displaying visual content on a motor vehicle, particularly on the surface of a motor vehicle, and especially on the surface of a window of a motor vehicle. According to the method, a computing system receives user request data from a mobile electronic device, determines visual content data representing visual content based on the user request, and selects one window from at least two windows of the motor vehicle. The computing system generates control data based on the visual content data and the selected window. The projection device of the motor vehicle is controlled, in particular by the computing system, according to the control data to project the visual content onto the selected window, particularly on the surface of the selected window.

[0008] According to a second independent aspect of the invention, a system for displaying visual content on a motor vehicle is provided. The system includes a computing system with a communication interface designed to receive user request data from a mobile electronic device. The computing system is designed to determine visual content data representing visual content based on a user request, select one window from at least two windows of the motor vehicle, and generate control data based on the visual content data and the selected window. The system for displaying visual content also includes a projection device for or for a motor vehicle, designed, and particularly mounted or mountable to the vehicle, to project visual content onto the selected window according to the control data.

[0009] A system for displaying visual content according to a second aspect of the present invention can be designed or programmed to perform a method for displaying visual content according to a first aspect of the present invention, or the system performs such a method.

[0010] According to a third independent aspect of the invention, a method for providing a motor vehicle to a user is provided. According to the method, a computing system receives user request data from a mobile electronic device. The computing system determines visual content data representing visual content based on the user request. A position signal representing the location of the mobile electronic device is received by the computing system. The motor vehicle is controlled by an electronic vehicle navigation system to automatically move to a boarding position based on the position signal or location of the mobile electronic device. The computing system selects one window from at least two windows of the motor vehicle. The computing system generates control data based on the visual content data and the selected window. A projection device of the motor vehicle is controlled according to the control data to project visual content onto the selected window.

[0011] According to the method for providing a motor vehicle to a user according to a third aspect of the invention, the motor vehicle may, for example, first move to an entry position, and then, for example, select a window of at least two windows of the motor vehicle based on an updated position of a mobile electronic device. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Other advantages, features, and details arise from the following description of preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Features and combinations of features previously mentioned in the specification, as well as features and combinations of features mentioned in the following description of the drawings and / or shown separately in the drawings, may be used not only in the corresponding indicated combinations but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for displaying visual content is provided.

[0014] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a system for displaying visual content is shown in a first state.

[0015] Figure 3 Shown in the second situation Figure 2 The system

[0016] Figure 4 Several illustrative examples of visual content are shown.

[0017] Figure 5 The image shows a user interface of a mobile electronic device in an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 The user interface of a mobile electronic device is shown in another exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This shows another example of visual content. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The same elements or elements with the same function are represented by the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings.

[0021] Figure 1 A method for displaying visual content 1 is shown (see Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 7 ) and / or the method for providing motor vehicle 2 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 An illustrative flowchart of an embodiment of ). Figure 2 and Figure 3 An embodiment of a motor vehicle 2, a user 6 with a mobile electronic device 3, and a system 8 for displaying visual content 1 on the motor vehicle 2 is shown.

[0022] In step S1 of the method, user 6 may input user input regarding visual content 1 into the user interface of mobile electronic device 3 (not shown in the figures). The user request may include, for example, a request for motor vehicle 2 in the sense of a rental service or a sharing service. The computing system 7 may determine visual content data representing visual content 1 based on the user request received from mobile electronic device 3.

[0023] In one embodiment, the user request data includes data related to the intended use of the vehicle 2, such as the vehicle 2's intended route or usage time. The mobile electronic device 3 may, for example, wirelessly transmit the user request to system 8 and / or the vehicle 2's computing system 7. In another embodiment, the computing system 7 or a portion thereof may be located outside the vehicle 2, for example in a remote computer system or server computer system.

[0024] The computing system 7 may include one or more independent computing units, which may or may not be spatially distributed. In one embodiment, the computing system 7 includes one or more computing units of the vehicle 2. In another embodiment, the computing system 7 additionally or alternatively includes one or more remote computing units or server computing units (not shown in the figures). The one or more remote computing units or server computing units may wirelessly communicate with the computing system 7, such as other computing units of the vehicle 2.

[0025] In step S2, the computing system 7 can determine whether the user 6 has provided user input to the mobile electronic device 3 regarding the visual content 1 in order to, for example, customize the visual content 1, and the mobile electronic device 3 generates user request data based on the user input.

[0026] In step S3, the computing system 7 can determine visual content data representing visual content 1 based on the user request. To this end, the computing system 7 can select appropriate visual content 1 based on the specific circumstances, the user request data, and especially the user input (if any). Multiple variations of visual content 1 can be stored, for example, in the vehicle 2 or in the database (not shown) of the computing system 7.

[0027] In step S4, the motor vehicle 2 can be controlled to automatically move to the boarding position via its electronic vehicle navigation system (not shown in the figures) based on the position signal or location of the mobile electronic device 3. For this purpose, the mobile electronic device 3 can generate a position signal representing its location and transmit it to the computing system 7. Alternatively or additionally, the electronic vehicle navigation system can determine the boarding position based on map data received from a map database by, for example, the computing system 7.

[0028] In some embodiments, the location signal may be transmitted by the mobile electronic device 3 via Bluetooth, infrared communication, Wi-Fi or other suitable communication signals.

[0029] In step S5, for example when the vehicle 2 is moving from the parking position to the boarding position, the computing system 7 can check the position of the mobile electronic device 3 again and determine whether it has changed.

[0030] In step S6, the computing system 7 can select one of at least two windows 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d of the vehicle 2, such that the selected window is most suitable for displaying visible content 1 based on the user 6's position. For example, if the user 6 is standing on the left side of the vehicle 2, the computing system 7 can, as follows: Figure 2 The left-side window 4a of vehicle 2 is selected schematically, or if user 6 is standing on the right side of vehicle 2, the calculation system 7 can, as shown... Figure 3 The right-side window 4b of vehicle 2 is selected schematically.

[0031] In some embodiments, the computing system 7 may select a window based on or in accordance with the location signal or an updated location signal of the mobile electronic device 3. In some embodiments, the computing system 7 may send a request signal to the mobile electronic device 3 to trigger the mobile electronic device 3 to generate and transmit a location signal or an updated location signal. The location of the mobile electronic device 3 can be understood as its relative position to the vehicle 2. In other words, the window may be selected by the computing system 7 in such a way that the user 6 can see the corresponding selected window of the vehicle 2 without obstruction.

[0032] In some embodiments, the computing system 7 may receive map information from, for example, a map database stored in the storage element of the computing system 7, and select a window based on the map information. The computing system 7 may determine from the map information which side of the vehicle 2 or which window is most suitable for displaying visual content. To this end, the computing system 7 may, for example, consider the possible positions and orientations of the vehicle 2 and the user 6 when they are in the boarding position.

[0033] Depending on the selected window, the computing system 7 can adjust the light emission direction of the projection device 5 of the vehicle 2 to project visual content 1 onto the selected window. In various embodiments, the projection device 5 may include one or more light-emitting units. The projection device 5 may also include a driver unit for generating driver signals for the light-emitting units based on control data generated by the computing system 7 based on visual content data and the selected window. Finally, the projection device 5 may also include controllable optics, such as mirrors and / or lenses, to deflect the light emitted by the light-emitting units in order to generate visual content 1 and project it onto the selected window.

[0034] In some embodiments, in order to change or adjust the light emission direction of the projection device 5, the orientation of the entire projection device 5, especially the entire device including the optical components and the light emission unit, can be changed or rotated. For this purpose, a motor and drive device of the projection device 5 can be used.

[0035] In other embodiments, the light emission direction of the projection device 5 can be adjusted by changing the orientation of the optical components of the projection device 5 or by using different light emission units.

[0036] By adjusting the light emission direction and / or orientation of the projection device 5 according to the selected window, the projection device 5 can be positioned correctly to project visual content 1 onto the specific selected window. In step S8, the projection device 5 can then be controlled by the computing system 7 according to control data to project visual content onto the selected window.

[0037] Figure 4 This shows several examples of visual content 1 that can be displayed in the selected window.

[0038] exist Figure 4The upper panel shows the unlock symbol 1a and the text portion 1b. Figure 4 The middle panel displays the check mark 1c and the text section 1d. The text sections 1b and 1d may include, for example, a greeting for user 6. Figure 4 The lower panel shows a locking symbol 1e and another text section 1f. The text section 1f may, for example, inform the user 6 that access to vehicle 2 is not yet permitted and / or when access to vehicle 2 will be allowed.

[0039] Figure 5 An exemplary user interface of a mobile electronic device 3 that can be used to customize visual content 1 is shown. For example, user 6 can select the initial letter 1' of his or her name or other symbols to be displayed. In some embodiments, user 6 can select the shape of the outline for the initial letter 1' or the symbol, such as a circle or a polygon. In some embodiments, user 6 can select the color of the outline and / or the initial letter 1' or the symbol.

[0040] Figure 6 Another exemplary user interface is shown for a mobile electronic device 3 that can be used to customize visual content 1. For example, the user interface may display an image of pattern 1” to be displayed on the vehicle 2. Alternatively, an image 1”' of the vehicle 2 containing pattern 1” may be shown.

[0041] Figure 7 Another example of visual content 1 is shown, which includes an image 1g of user 6 and an accompanying text portion 1h, which may include, for example, possible or planned route information and / or booking information.

[0042] As described, various aspects of the present invention allow user 6 to easily identify vehicle 2 from a large number of vehicles. In some embodiments, user 6 can be controlled to customize visual content 1, and the location of user 6 can also be taken into account to select an ideal window to display visual content 1. When the vehicle approaches user 6, for example under automatic control, the window can be automatically selected and the customized visual content can be displayed.

[0043] In some embodiments, to request vehicle 2, user 6 can open their mobile phone or another mobile electronic device 3, enter a destination, and then be provided with a user interface allowing them to select customized visual content. User 6 can, for example, choose from different colors, shapes, and / or symbols for the visual content 1. User 6 can select his or her initials or name, or choose a pattern from a set of predetermined available options. User 6 can also select his or her preferred color for the initials, or add other symbol outlines, or add other images, etc. The mobile electronic device 3 then sends the user request to the computing system 7 as described. Figure 6As shown, the user interface can also display another image 1 of the vehicle 2 along with the selected visual content 1 on the screen of the mobile electronic device 3 in various alternative ways. When the vehicle 2 approaches the user 6, it can send a signal to the mobile electronic device 3, and the mobile electronic device 3 can signal, for example, by generating tactile, visual, or acoustic signals, that the vehicle 2 has arrived at the user 6. According to the location of the user 6 obtained through the location of the mobile electronic device 3 or map information, the projection device 5 can rotate to the optimal window and project a projection to display the visual content 1 on the side of the window where the user 6 will be located. The user 6 can then see the visual content 1, such as his or her initials and / or a customized pattern, and approach the vehicle 2. In this way, the vehicle 2 can also personally greet the user 6, and the user 6 can easily find the vehicle 2. The user 6 can easily distinguish the designated vehicle 2 from other vehicles. Because the user 6 has actually selected the visual content 1, the user 6 can easily remember and find the selected visual content 1 to save time and effort.

[0044] In some embodiments, vehicle 2 is a fully automated vehicle that can be moved automatically from a parking position to a boarding position upon user request, where user 6 can wait to enter vehicle 2. Since a human driver may not be involved, user 6 can easily identify vehicle 2 from other vehicles. Furthermore, for example, by customizing visual content 1, user 6 can easily confirm that the corresponding vehicle 2 is indeed the correct vehicle without the assistance of other persons.

[0045] In some embodiments, the mobile electronic device 3 may be designed as a handheld electronic device, mobile phone, smartphone, handheld computer, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc.

[0046] In one embodiment, the system 8 for displaying visual content includes a mobile electronic device 3.

[0047] In one embodiment, the user request data includes data related to the intended use of vehicle 2, and the visual content data is determined by computing system 7 based on the data related to the intended use. The visual content data is determined by computing system 7 based on data related to the identity of user 6, which is included in the user request. The data related to the intended use may, for example, include an intended route and / or an intended use time.

Claims

1. A method for displaying visual content (1) on a motor vehicle (2), the method comprising the steps of: - The computing system (7) receives user request data from the mobile electronic device (3); - The computing system (7) determines the visual content data representing the visual content (1) based on the user's request; - The calculation system (7) selects one window from at least two windows (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the motor vehicle (2); - The computing system (7) generates control data based on the visual content data and the selected window; and - The projection device (5) of the motor vehicle (2) is controlled according to the control data to project the visual content (1) onto the selected window. The method also includes: - The computing system (7) receives a position signal representing the position of the mobile electronic device (3); - The calculation system (7) selects a window from at least two windows (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the motor vehicle (2) based on the position or the position signal.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: - Adjust the light emission direction of the projection device (5) according to the position or the position signal or the selected window to project the visible content (1) onto the selected window; and / or - Adjust the orientation of the projection device (5) according to the location or the location information or the selected window to project the visual content (1) onto the selected window.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - The computing system (7) receives map information from the map database; and - The calculation system (7) selects a window from at least two windows (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the vehicle based on map information.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - Determine the user-requested data, which includes data related to the established use of the motor vehicle (2), and the visual content data is determined by the computing system (7) based on the data related to the established use; and / or - The computing system (7) determines the visual content data based on the data related to the identity of the user (6) contained in the user request data.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: - The mobile electronic device (3) receives user input related to the visual content (1); - The mobile electronic device (3) generates user request data based on user input; and - The computing system (7) determines the visual content data based on user input.

6. A method for providing a motor vehicle (2) to a user (6), the method comprising the steps of: - The computing system (7) receives user request data from the mobile electronic device (3); - The computing system (7) determines the visual content data representing the visual content (1) based on the user's request; - The computing system (7) receives a position signal representing the position of the mobile electronic device (3); -The vehicle (2) is automatically moved to the boarding position by means of the location signal or position control of the mobile electronic device (3) through the electronic vehicle navigation system; - The calculation system (7) selects one window from at least two windows (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the motor vehicle (2); - The computing system (7) generates control data based on the visual content data and the selected window; and -Based on the control data, control the projection device (5) of the motor vehicle (2) to project the visible content (1) onto the selected window. The method also includes: - The calculation system (7) selects a window from at least two windows (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the vehicle (2) based on the location or the location signal; or - The computing system (7) receives another location signal representing the updated location of the mobile electronic device (3), and the computing system (7) selects a window from at least two windows (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the vehicle (2) based on the updated location or the other location signal.

7. A system for displaying visual content (1) on a motor vehicle (2), the system (8) for displaying visual content (1) comprising: - A computing system (7) with a communication interface, designed to communicate with mobile electronic devices (3). Receive user request data, wherein the computing system (7) is designed to: - Determine the visual content data representing the visual content (1) based on the user's request; - Select one window from at least two windows (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the motor vehicle (2); and - Generate control data based on visual content data and the selected window; and -A projection device (5) for the motor vehicle (2), which can be installed on the motor vehicle (2) and is designed to project the visual content (1) onto the selected window according to control data. The computing system (7) is further configured as follows: - Receive a location signal representing the location of the mobile electronic device (3); and - The calculation system (7) selects a window from at least two windows (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the motor vehicle (2) based on the position or the position signal.

8. The system for displaying visual content (1) on a motor vehicle (2) according to claim 7, wherein, - The projection device (5) is designed to adjust the light emission direction of the projection device (5) to project the visible content (1) onto the selected window; and / or - The projection device (5) is designed to adjust the orientation of the projection device (5) to project the visual content (1) onto the selected window.

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