Method for projecting at least one light pattern into a vehicle's surroundings and vehicle having at least one projector

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for projecting at least one light pattern (1) into the vehicle's surroundings with at least one projector (3) included in the vehicle (2). The invention is characterized in that the light pattern (1) comprises a navigation indication for continuing the navigation, which is displayed in the form of an alternative route to a navigation destination (4) in order to point a person in the direction of the navigation destination (4) after parking the vehicle (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for projecting at least one light pattern onto the environment surrounding a vehicle using at least one projector included in the vehicle, according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1, and a vehicle according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 10. Background Technology

[0002] With the help of modern navigation systems, people can now find their way easily and comfortably. Using route guidance, people can reliably drive to foreign lands without having to manually plan routes using maps. Furthermore, people don't need to remember specific driving routes. These navigation systems can be permanently integrated into vehicles or implemented as mobile devices.

[0003] However, the destination is often not near the vehicle, but rather some distance away. One possible reason is the lack of available parking spaces in the destination area. Therefore, especially in towns with poor parking conditions, drivers must either find available parking spaces before reaching their destination or drive past the destination and then search for available spaces after arriving.

[0004] Then, if the driver finds a suitable parking space and gets out to walk to their destination, they must reorient themselves to find a route from their parking spot to their destination. The longer the search for an available parking space and the further away from the actual destination, the more complicated it becomes to find a walking navigation route after the journey is over.

[0005] Especially when using in-car navigation systems, navigation directions cease once you leave the vehicle, making it difficult to find the fastest route to your destination. The driver can then continue navigation using their smartphone. However, the driver must re-enter the destination into the smartphone, which takes even longer. This wastes valuable time, especially if the driver is in a time-sensitive situation, such as on their way to an appointment.

[0006] Methods and apparatus for projecting light patterns onto the environment surrounding a vehicle are known in general art. DE 10 2018 120 330 A1 discloses a method for image projection in a vehicle. In this method, a vehicle with a corresponding projector projects symbols onto the environment surrounding the vehicle according to the vehicle's trajectory. Such symbols may include, for example, an indication of whether the vehicle is automatically or manually controlled. The symbols may also include environmental features, such as the current signal of a traffic light device, to indicate, for example, a red light to a person looking down at a smartphone and that the vehicle projecting the light pattern is turning in front of that person. Here, the symbols projected from the vehicle into the environment are oriented according to the target object they are directed to.

[0007] Furthermore, an assistance system for a vehicle is known from DE 10 2018 000 275 A1. This assistance system can control the vehicle's headlights to illuminate the navigation destination, thereby making it particularly easy for the driver to find their navigating target. This means that the driver does not have to first check the house numbers of different buildings to find the destination. However, illuminating the navigation destination requires the vehicle to be within the line of sight of the destination or target object. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for projecting at least one light pattern onto the environment surrounding the vehicle using at least one projector included in the vehicle, by means of which a person driving the vehicle is guided to a navigation destination in a particularly reliable and comfortable manner after the vehicle has been parked.

[0009] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 for projecting at least one light pattern onto the environment surrounding the vehicle using at least one projector included in the vehicle, and by a vehicle having the features of claim 10. Advantageous designs and improvements are given in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, in a method of projecting at least one light pattern onto the environment surrounding a vehicle using at least one projector included in the vehicle, the light pattern includes navigation instructions for continued navigation, which are displayed in the form of optional routes to a navigation destination so as to direct the driver of the vehicle toward the navigation destination after the vehicle has been parked.

[0011] With the method according to the invention, even after the vehicle has been parked, people can reach the navigation destination performed while using the vehicle with particular convenience and reliability. With the aid of navigation instructions, people can quickly and easily choose the most suitable route to walk to the navigation destination. Suitable here means, for example, a route to walk that is particularly short in length and / or can be completed particularly quickly in time. Whether the vehicle is within the sight of the target object is irrelevant. This allows people to reliably find the route, even if they park their vehicle in a parking space before reaching the navigation destination, within the sight of the navigation destination, or even after passing the navigation destination. Furthermore, people no longer need to use smartphones or similar mobile devices to find their way, saving time.

[0012] An advantageous improvement to this method specifies the use of light patterns to project text, at least one symbol, and / or at least one map into the environment surrounding the vehicle. With the aid of text, symbols, and / or maps, people can grasp the available routes to their navigation destination in a particularly intuitive and therefore easily understandable manner. For example, instructions can be output in text form: such as directional information like "left," "straight," "turn," etc.; distance information like "within 100 meters," etc.; or instructions such as "starting point," "destination," "crossing an intersection," street names, house numbers, etc.

[0013] As a symbol, it can be displayed as a directional symbol (such as an arrow), or it can be displayed as a pictograph, such as a house, factory, street, target marker, start marker, finish flag, etc.

[0014] Particularly preferably, the map is projected onto the environment surrounding the vehicle. With the help of the map, people can determine the route needed to reach their navigation destination very quickly. Here, the map can be abstracted to any degree. The map can be detailed and include all relevant streets, buildings, and street names and house numbers, or it can simply include the route to be chosen. In particular, the map is limited to the smallest possible area, with the (parked) vehicle and navigation destination located at the edge of this area. This avoids displaying irrelevant information, making it easier for people to visually grasp the available routes.

[0015] According to another advantageous design of this method, the light pattern is projected onto the foundation. By projecting the light pattern onto a foundation such as the ground where vehicles are parked, it is ensured that the light pattern can be projected into the environment surrounding the vehicle under various conditions. Therefore, it is still possible to project the light pattern onto the foundation without interference when there is no available vertical projection surface (e.g., a building wall) and / or when the vehicle is parked in a parking space with other vehicles in front and behind it. The foundation can have any structure. For example, it can be asphalt, curbstone, gravel, etc. Furthermore, people also move on the foundation, which makes it particularly easy for them to imagine themselves in a map, for example, when using a light pattern on a map.

[0016] Another advantageous design of this method specifies that at least a portion of the light pattern is animated. For example, individual segments of the light pattern, such as blocks of text, single symbols, and / or map sections, can flash, move, or change any dynamics such as brightness, contrast, and / or color. The dimensions of individual portions of the light pattern can also be varied. For example, a more detailed map of the vehicle's surroundings can be projected onto the vehicle's environment, where the route from the person to the navigation destination can be highlighted more brightly, with particularly bright and / or flashing arrows moving along the route. Potential hazards, such as locations where a person must cross the road, for example at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings, can also be highlighted. Here, the corresponding area of ​​the map can, for example, flash red.

[0017] According to another advantageous design of this method, at least one light pattern is projected onto the vehicle's surrounding environment using the vehicle's headlights and / or a projector integrated into the vehicle's exterior rearview mirrors. If the vehicle's headlights are used for projection, a separate projector is unnecessary, as the headlights are present regardless. However, if the vehicle is parked in a narrow parking space, in some cases the vehicle's headlights may fail to project a sufficiently perceptible light pattern into the surrounding environment because the beam path is obstructed by another vehicle parked in front of it.

[0018] However, by using a projector integrated into the vehicle's exterior rearview mirror, a perceptible light pattern can be projected onto the vehicle's surrounding environment, even under challenging parking conditions. The projector can be integrated into any location on the respective exterior rearview mirror. For example, the projector can be integrated into the lower side of the exterior rearview mirror and pointed towards the ground.

[0019] Various techniques can be used to project light patterns. For example, vehicle headlights and / or projectors may include lasers or other lighting devices such as LEDs, fluorescent tubes, halogen lamps, etc. In addition to at least one lighting device, the corresponding projector typically includes other components such as reflectors, lenses, filters, actuators, etc.

[0020] Another advantageous design of this method specifies that the headlights used for projection are implemented as matrix headlights. Matrix headlights, also known as high-resolution pixel headlights, can project high-resolution images into the environment surrounding the vehicle. By turning individual illumination elements or pixels on or off, light patterns of arbitrary shapes can be generated. However, vehicle headlights can also typically have, for example, so-called microlenses and / or micromirrors for directionally deflecting the beam. Microlenses or micromirrors can be arranged in a field (also called an array).

[0021] According to another advantageous design of this method, the light pattern is targeted relative to the vehicle's surrounding environment, so that the light pattern is projected into the vehicle's surrounding environment with a fixed orientation. By targeting the light pattern relative to the vehicle's surrounding environment, human orientation can be improved. For example, in the case of a map-shaped light pattern, the map can be oriented relative to the surrounding environment so that the map's compass orientation matches the actual compass orientation. Therefore, the components included in the map (e.g., streets) also correspond to the actual orientation.

[0022] Another advantageous design of this method specifies that, when using at least one projector integrated into the exterior rearview mirror to project a light pattern, the opening angle of the door to which the exterior rearview mirror is connected should be taken into account when oriented the light pattern with respect to the vehicle's surrounding environment. If the opening angle is not considered, the orientation of the light pattern will change relative to the surrounding environment when the door is opened and closed. This means that a person can no longer intuitively determine the route to choose. However, by compensating for the door opening angle, the light pattern can be projected into the vehicle's surrounding environment according to a specified orientation, even when the door is open, closed, or moving.

[0023] Preferably, the door opening angle is detected by means of an angle sensor and / or by evaluating a camera image generated by a camera integrated into the exterior rearview mirror. Various techniques can be used to form the angle sensor, such as using magnets and / or potentiometers. The corresponding angle sensors can be positioned and connected at any location between the vehicle and the door. However, by using a camera, the use of moving parts or sensors can be eliminated, making it possible to reliably detect the door opening angle. For example, an angle sensor using a potentiometer may wear out during its lifespan, leading to inaccurate angle detection. This can be avoided by using a camera to detect the door opening angle. Here, the camera image generated by the corresponding camera can be evaluated on any computing unit within the vehicle.

[0024] In a vehicle having at least one projector, navigation device, and computing unit, according to the present invention, the projector, navigation device, and computing unit are adapted / equipped to perform the above-described method. The vehicle can be any type of vehicle, such as a car, truck, van, bus, etc. The navigation device calculates the route a person will take to drive the vehicle from a starting point to a navigation destination. If the person then parks their vehicle at a distance from the actual navigation destination, they can quickly, easily, and intuitively walk to the navigation destination using the method and vehicle according to the present invention.

[0025] Therefore, the navigation device detects the vehicle's parking location and, with the aid of navigation indicators projected onto the vehicle's surrounding environment, shows the person which route they still need to walk to reach the actual navigation destination. The navigation device can be a navigation system permanently integrated into the vehicle. It can also be a mobile device, such as a smartphone or mobile navigation device (often referred to as "Navi"). Global navigation satellite systems such as GPS, BeiDou, and Galileo can be used to determine the geographical location of the vehicle or navigation device. A computing unit can be integrated into the navigation device, projector, or vehicle. For example, the computing unit can be a central onboard computer, an onboard information system unit, or other control unit of a vehicle subsystem. Control commands for controlling the at least one projector are generated by means of this computing unit or a separate computing unit. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Other advantageous designs of the method and vehicle according to the invention are also given by way of embodiments described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] In the attached diagram:

[0028] Figure 1 A top view of a vehicle in a parked state according to the invention is shown, which projects navigation instructions into the environment around the vehicle to continue navigation;

[0029] Figure 2 A detailed view showing simple navigation instructions is displayed;

[0030] Figure 3 A detailed view of the complex navigation instructions is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A top view of a vehicle 2 according to the invention is shown, parked in an empty parking space 11. This is a parking space 11 in a city. The parking space 11 is located on a sidewalk 12 between a street 13 and a building wall 14.

[0032] The person driving vehicle 2 drives vehicle 2 from the starting position to the navigation destination 4, which is in Figure 2 and Figure 3 This is symbolically shown. However, there are no available parking spaces near the navigation destination 4, so the driver parks their vehicle 2 in available parking space 11. To reach the navigation destination 4, the person must now walk the remaining distance. The farther the available parking space 11 is from the navigation destination 4 and the more winding the city, the harder it is for the person to find their way. Furthermore, after parking vehicle 2 in available parking space 11, the person must first orient themselves to determine the actual direction of the navigation destination 4.

[0033] To make it easier for the person to reach the navigation destination 4 after parking the vehicle 2, the vehicle 2 according to the invention includes at least one projector 3 for projecting navigation instructions into the environment surrounding the vehicle, a navigation device 9 for finding a route, and a computing unit 10 for evaluating sensor signals, calculating routes, and / or controlling at least one projector 3. The computing unit 10 may also be integrated into the navigation device 9.

[0034] The projector 3 can be integrated, for example, into the exterior rearview mirror 7 of the vehicle 2, or it can be formed by the headlights 3.1 of the vehicle 2. This projector projects a light pattern 1 onto the environment surrounding the vehicle, wherein the light pattern 1 includes navigation instructions for continued navigation. The navigation instructions themselves include a route to be selected to reach the navigation destination 4.

[0035] The light pattern 1 can be projected onto the foundation in front of, beside, and / or behind a vehicle. It can also typically be projected onto a vertical surface such as a house wall 14. Figure 1 In the example, vehicle 2 projects the light pattern 1 forward using only its right headlight 3.1. However, it is also possible to project the light pattern 1 using both vehicle headlights 3.1. This can produce a particularly large light pattern 1. However, if another vehicle (not shown) is parked in front of vehicle 2, it is impossible to project a perceptible light pattern 1 into the surrounding environment. But by means of a projector 3 integrated into the exterior rearview mirror 7, the perceptibility of the light pattern 1 can be ensured in this case. Figure 1 In this case, the light pattern 1 is generated solely using the projector 3 integrated into the right exterior rearview mirror 7 of the vehicle 2. Generally, such a light pattern 1 could also be generated using the projector 3 integrated into the left exterior rearview mirror 7. However... Figure 1 In this example, the light pattern would be projected onto street 13, requiring a person to stand in the area of ​​street 13 to view the corresponding light pattern 1 (not shown). This could affect ongoing traffic and even pose a risk of accidents. Therefore, it is preferable to project the light pattern 1 onto the sidewalk 12 or the wall of a building 14. Generally, the vehicle 2 may also have a projector 3 in other locations. For example, the projector 3 may also be integrated into the bumper, door, trunk lid, etc.

[0036] By means of light pattern 1 or navigation indicators included in light pattern 1, the direction of the navigation destination 4 that vehicle 2 is initially to reach is indicated to the person. Thus, the person can determine the direction of the navigation destination 4 in a particularly easy and quick manner, and can walk towards the navigation destination 4.

[0037] Figure 2 A detailed view of the light pattern 1 is shown. A portion of the vehicle 2 with corresponding exterior rearview mirrors 7 is shown. A projector 3 is integrated, for example, on the lower side of the exterior rearview mirror 7. In addition to the projector 3, the exterior rearview mirror 7 also includes a camera 8. By means of the camera 8, the base and a portion of the vehicle 2 are detected, thereby determining the current opening angle of the door containing the exterior rearview mirror 7 by observing the orientation of the vehicle 2 and the base in the camera image generated by the camera 8. This information is used to adjust the orientation of the light pattern 1 relative to the vehicle's surrounding environment. This ensures that the light pattern 1 is always projected into the surrounding environment in such a way that the navigation indication contained in the light pattern 1 also points in the direction of the navigation destination 4.

[0038] exist Figure 2 In the diagram, light pattern 1 includes an arrow-shaped symbol 5. The arrow points in the direction of the navigation destination 4, allowing the user to quickly and easily perceive which direction they must continue moving towards the navigation destination 4. The navigation destination 4 is... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The finish line is indicated by the flag at the end of the race.

[0039] According to an advantageous design of the method according to the invention, light pattern 1 or a portion thereof can also be animated. For example, Figure 2 The arrows shown can also move forward in the direction of navigation destination 4. This is indicated by solid and dashed arrows. Therefore, a solid arrow can move to the position of a dashed arrow. With the help of animation, people can understand more quickly and intuitively which direction they must move to reach navigation destination 4.

[0040] However, if the person is not simply “parking” their vehicle 2 on the street, but may have to drive into one or more intersections to find an empty parking space 11, then simple arrow-shaped navigation instructions are no longer sufficient to tell the person how to walk to the navigation destination 4.

[0041] However, by means of Figure 3 Map 6, as shown, can indicate how to reach navigation destination 4 even in complex parking situations. Here, Figure 3Map 6 shown here represents only a relatively small portion of the map, but this is sufficient to determine which route 15 must be taken to reach the navigation destination 4. Map 6 can be arbitrarily abstracted. For example, map 6 could include only streets 13, vehicles 2, and the navigation destination 4. Street names could also be displayed as text.

[0042] However, map 6 may also include additional information, such as that route 15 crosses the corresponding street 13 at two locations. This is represented by two shaded areas 16. Shaded areas 16 may be, for example, areas of traffic lights or pedestrian crossings. Here, the light pattern 1 may also be animated. For example, shaded areas 16 may flash and / or the lines constituting route 15 may move in the direction of navigation destination 4.

[0043] It can also display information about how far the navigation destination 4 is from vehicle 2. Such information can include time information such as "3 minutes walk" and / or distance information such as "500 meters". If the person is in a hurry, they can use this to estimate whether they can still arrive on time or whether they might be late.

[0044] To further enhance human comfort, points of interest (POIs) can be marked on map 6, for example. For instance, if there is a coffee shop on route 15 leading to navigation destination 4, the person can buy a cup of coffee there.

[0045] Here, when initially inputting the navigation route into the navigation device 9 of vehicle 2, the person can determine which level of abstraction the light pattern 1 should use to output navigation instructions. Thus, the person can satisfy their own requirements for the navigation instruction display after parking vehicle 2.

Claims

1. A method for projecting at least one light pattern (1) onto the environment surrounding the vehicle using at least one projector (3) included in a vehicle (2), in, The light pattern (1) includes navigation instructions for continued navigation, which are displayed as optional routes to the navigation destination (4) so ​​as to direct a person toward the navigation destination (4) after the vehicle (2) has been parked. The light pattern (1) is targeted relative to the vehicle's surrounding environment, so that the light pattern (1) is projected into the vehicle's surrounding environment with a fixed orientation. Its features are, The light pattern (1) is projected using at least one projector (3) integrated into the exterior rearview mirror (7), and the opening angle of the door to which the exterior rearview mirror (7) is connected is taken into account when the light pattern (1) is directed in a targeted manner relative to the vehicle's surrounding environment.

2. The method according to claim 1, Its features are, The light pattern (1) is used to project text, at least one symbol (5), and / or at least one map (6) into the environment surrounding the vehicle.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The light pattern (1) is projected onto the foundation.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, At least a portion of the light pattern (1) is an animation.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Its features are, The door opening angle is detected by means of an angle sensor and / or by evaluating a camera image generated by a camera (8) integrated into the exterior rearview mirror (7).

6. A vehicle (2) having at least one projector (3), a navigation device (9) and a computing unit (10). Its features are, The projector (3), the navigation device (9), and the computing unit (10) are adapted to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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