Projection device mounted on vehicle, vehicle and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a projection device (110) mounted on a vehicle (100), comprising a projection module (111), by means of which a first visual image (A) can be generated by projection onto a surface (101) in a vehicle interior (100a), the projection device (110) being designed to generate and / or coordinate a combined overall image, a first visual image (A) is projected onto a surface (101) in the vehicle interior (100a), and a further second visual image (B; B ') is played at a location in the vehicle interior (100a). The projection device (110) and / or the projection module (111) comprises a coordination interface via which a coordination signal (S, S ', S '') relating to the first visual image (A) and / or the second visual image (B, B', B'') is transmitted between the projection device (110) and the vehicle (100), and wherein the projection device (110) and / or the projection module (111) comprises a coordination interface via which a coordination signal (S, S ', S '') relating to the first visual image (A) and / or the second visual image (B, B', B'') is transmitted between the projection device (110) and the vehicle (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a projection device mounted on a vehicle, as well as a vehicle and a method for generating and / or coordinating a visual overall presentation on a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In vehicles or motor vehicles, in addition to operating or control elements such as steering wheels, rearview mirrors or control displays, which can be located in or on the dashboard, a display device in the form of a monitor is often also provided in the interior. Such a display device or monitor can be used not only as a navigation device, but also for playing videos for entertainment purposes.

[0003] For example, in a traffic jam or during a driving stop, a visual display can be played in the form of a video. The display can be positioned, for example, in the front section of the vehicle's interior at a position visible to the driver and / or co-driver; for example, in the middle of or below the front interior panel between the driver's instrument panel and the co-driver's glove box, for example, in, on or above the center console.

[0004] Other visual effects can also be used in the vehicle for entertainment purposes. For example, a lighting device, which produces interior lighting in the vehicle and comprises, for example, a plurality of lighting sources or light sources arranged in the roof and / or elsewhere in the vehicle interior, can also be used to create an atmosphere in the interior and, if necessary, also design it in a time-dependent manner; a change in the lighting over time can also be used for entertainment purposes.

[0005] In addition to the illumination of the interior of the vehicle and / or the playback of a video in the vehicle by means of a display, it is also conceivable to illuminate the interior, i.e. illuminate the interior, a part of its interior panel or at least one specific surface by means of a visual projection in the vehicle interior. Such a projection can be realized, for example, by means of a projection module, which projects an individual image consisting of a plurality of pixels onto a surface in the interior. In addition, it is conceivable to project a video or at least a time-dependent image sequence onto a surface in the interior by means of a projection module. For the projection and thus playback of images, image sequences or videos, for example, the dashboard, glove box or a surface that can be viewed in front of the driver and / or co-driver can be used; for example, such a surface is provided in front of the driver or co-driver at a position where the dashboard or glove box or a surface area located above it is conventionally provided. In particular, the surface of the interior panel located in front of the driver or co-driver, located below the windshield or the windshield, can be used for such a projection for entertainment or background purposes; for example, in order to visually provide a background for a video played on a display. However, surface projections can also be used as independent visual entertainment means in the vehicle interior; for example, in the form of projections onto the rear side of the backrests and / or onto the headrests of the front seats in order to entertain the passengers sitting in the rear seats.

[0006] Although such a surface visible in the interior from the front or rear seats does not have a comparable high visual display quality as a projection surface to the display surface of a display or display device, it is in principle sufficient for generating or supplementing an atmosphere.

[0007] In order to generate a (first) visual effect, which is projected onto one or more surfaces in the vehicle, a suitable projection module must be installed in the vehicle. This makes it possible to have various different systems in the vehicle that are independent of one another and can be used to generate visual effects, in particular for entertainment purposes.

[0008] If visual effects are to be projected onto surfaces in a vehicle, a suitable projection module must be provided in the vehicle for this purpose; such a projection module would represent an independent visual device which enables the visual shaping of selected surfaces in the vehicle interior. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to expand the visual design possibilities in the vehicle interior and to achieve a more intense, more intelligible and / or more powerful visual experience for the occupants without significant additional equipment expenditure than is achievable with visual aids previously available in vehicles.

[0010] The above object is solved by the technical solution of the independent claim. The dependent claims give some of the preferred embodiments.

[0011] According to the invention, a projection device on board a vehicle is proposed, the projection device comprising a projection module, with which a first visual representation can be generated by projection onto a surface in the vehicle interior. The projection device is configured according to the invention to generate and / or coordinate a combined overall representation in which

[0012] - a first visual display is projected onto a surface in the vehicle interior, and

[0013] - playing a further second visual display elsewhere in the vehicle interior,

[0014] Therein, the projection device and / or the projection module comprises a coordination interface, through which coordination signals related to the first visual representation and / or the second visual representation are transmitted between the projection device and the vehicle.

[0015] For the first time, a projection device for operation on a vehicle is proposed, which combines various visual systems, which are designed for different visual effects, for different purposes and / or based on different visual generation mechanisms, to enable an overall display or presentation in which a plurality of different visual effects complement each other and / or enhance each other's atmosphere. In particular, a projection device is provided, which, when mounted on a vehicle, can communicate with a playback device for a further second visual display, for example with a display in the vehicle or with a device for temporally variable interior lighting.

[0016] Preferably, it can be provided that the coordination interface comprises an output interface, which transmits control commands generated by the projection device for starting, pausing, continuing and / or ending the further second visual image. As a result, the playback device for the further second visual image can be controlled in such a way that the further second visual image is presented in a temporally coordinated manner with the first visual image, and the two individual presentations are merged into a total presentation, which enables a more powerful visual experience. In addition to the time-synchronized playback, the temporal coordination of the two individual presentations can also include the periodic or other time-dependent repetitive playback of the first and / or second visual image; for example in such a way that one of the two presentations is rhythmically enhanced or visually emphasized by the other presentation. However, other more complex time-dependent combinations of the two visual presentations can also be included.

[0017] Preferably, it can be provided that the coordination interface comprises an input interface which receives control commands determined for the projection device for starting, pausing, continuing and / or ending the first visual representation. In this case, signals available in the vehicle, in particular in the onboard power supply, can be utilized in order to play or project the first visual representation in a temporally coordinated manner with the second visual representation as described above; in this case, the projection module follows other playback devices and / or other units in the vehicle with regard to one or more time specifications.

[0018] Preferably, it can be provided that the projection device, the projection module and / or the coordination interface include a data interface, through which the video and / or image data determined for the first visual display can be transmitted to the projection device and / or stored therein while avoiding and / or bypassing the onboard power supply arranged in the vehicle. The projection device preferably further improved in this way will make it possible to selectively supply the projection module with any image material for the video and / or image data for the first visual display, that is, at any time and in particular also after installation and commissioning. The projection device or projection module will thus not be limited to the data content that is fixedly stored before commissioning, by which one or more visual effects will be fixedly predefined, but can use any visual effects - which are available in the Internet or in the cloud, on the server of the vehicle manufacturer or the provider of the projection device or anywhere else or can be called up according to authorization if necessary - and project the visual effects in the vehicle. If the type and / or content of the first visual effect is subject to any restrictions depending on the vehicle model, the geometry of the interior panel and / or the manner and frequency of equipment maintenance or workshop stops, then such restrictions will be eliminated by these further expanded embodiments.

[0019] Furthermore, an image data interface with a higher bandwidth can be designed as a coordination interface in order to relieve the coordination interface and enable coordination with a playback device or other units for the further second visual display, which alone or substantially are sufficient to handle the signals that are already used and exchanged in the vehicle's electrical network, for example in a LIN bus and / or a CAN bus.

[0020] Preferably, provision can be made for the image data interface to be a wireless interface; for example a wireless LAN or a Bluetooth interface or another radio interface.

[0021] Preferably, it can be provided that the projection device coordinates the projection of the first visual representation with the display of a video on a display and / or the realization of a temporal lighting profile of the interior lighting of the vehicle as a second visual representation on the vehicle. In this way, for example, the effect of the video displayed on the display can be intensified or the effect of a temporal change of the interior lighting can be backgrounded and intensified with the aid of the first visual representation.

[0022] Preferably, the projection module can be configured to project image material of the video and / or image data for the first visual representation within an image region of the projection module in a pre-deformed manner according to a defined pre-deformation geometry, wherein the defined pre-deformation pre-compensates for deformations which, when projected onto a surface in the vehicle interior:

[0023] - generated by the arrangement of the projection modules in a distributed, laterally, obliquely, tilted and / or in some other way relative to the surface and / or its surface normal,

[0024] - generated by curvature of the surface, and / or

[0025] - Produced by projection via a projection mirror.

[0026] As a result, the first visual image or the projected image material can be projected from any arbitrary location in the vehicle, independently of the direction in which the surface serving as the target surface, i.e., the projection surface, or its surface normal, points. This can open up additional degrees of freedom in the selection of the positions in the vehicle where one or more projection modules of the projection device can be located.

[0027] Preferably, the projection device may further include the following:

[0028] a pre-deformation memory for storing and / or calling up at least one defined pre-deformation which pre-compensates for a deformation which occurs when projected onto a surface in the vehicle interior, and

[0029] An image data memory in which image data for the video and / or image data for the first visual representation are exchangeably stored or can be stored.

[0030] The defined or definable pre-deformation defines within the available image surface of the optical imaging system a smaller available partial surface, according to which the image material of the video and / or image data of the first visual representation is pre-deformed or converted. In the case of projection, therefore, only this available asymmetric partial surface of the image surface of the projection module is projected in the form of a geometric deformation of the image material, and the size, contour and / or shape of the available partial surface is designed in such a way that the surface used as the target surface as the image material for the first visual representation appears to be non-deformed.

[0031] Furthermore, it can be provided that the image data memory stores the corresponding image material without a defined pre-deformation, and that the projection module comprises a pre-deformation unit which pre-deforms the image data stored without pre-deformation according to the defined pre-deformation only when the first visual display is projected. Image data from any app or any other source can thus be received and stored without pre-processing in order to be projected onto a surface in the vehicle.

[0032] Alternatively, it can be provided that the projection module includes a pre-deformation unit, which pre-deforms the image material for the first visual display according to a defined pre-deformation before it is first stored in the projection module, and calls up and projects the image material stored in a pre-deformed manner when the first visual display is projected. In this case, the computational effort for geometrically pre-deforming the image material can be brought forward in time and decoupled from the time or period of the actual playback or projection of the first visual display; the reduced computational effort during the projection reduces the error susceptibility of the projection.

[0033] Furthermore, it may be provided that the image data memory comprises:

[0034] a first image data memory in which the image data for the first visual representation are received and stored without a defined pre-deformation during storage, and

[0035] A second image data memory in which the image data obtained from the first image data memory and subsequently pre-deformed by means of the pre-deformation unit are stored for the subsequent projection of the first visual representation.

[0036] As a result, the advantages of the time-saving reception of the image material by the projection module, which is initially carried out without pre-deformation, can be combined with the advantages of the equally time-saving and / or computationally expensive projection of the first visual display, in that the pre-deformation is carried out at a certain moment or at any time within a certain period of time after the reception of the image material but before the projection.

[0037] In all embodiments of the present application in which a predeformation is mentioned, a predeformation may be understood to mean one or more predeformations which precompensate for the following deformations which, when projected onto a surface in the vehicle interior:

[0038] - generated by the arrangement of the projection modules in a distributed, laterally, obliquely, tilted and / or in some other way relative to the surface and / or its surface normal,

[0039] - generated by curvature of the surface, and / or

[0040] - Produced by projection via a projection mirror.

[0041] Thus, the image material of the first visual display can also be:

[0042] - projection onto an arched or singly, doubly or multiply curved surface in a vehicle,

[0043] - projected onto said surface by a projection module at an arbitrary position relative to the surface, and / or

[0044] - Projection onto a surface by means of a flat or curved mirror is achieved without the projected image material appearing in an unrealistically geometrical deformation, as perceived on the surface. From an initially rectangular image surface or only symmetrical and / or trapezoidal sub-surfaces of the image surface, an asymmetrically curved, deformed sub-surface is used for projection according to a pre-deformation; the remaining surrounding surface of the projection module remains unused.

[0045] Preferably, it can be provided that the projection module is arranged or mounted in the dashboard or other front structures of the vehicle interior, on a rearview mirror in the vehicle interior and / or on or behind a vehicle display intended for displaying the video. From its respective position, the projection module can either be directed directly toward the surface or toward a projection mirror directed toward the surface.

[0046] Preferably, it can be provided that the projection module projects the first visual image onto:

[0047] - on the surface of the dashboard,

[0048] - On the surface of the interior panel,

[0049] - other environmental projection surfaces outside and / or near the vehicle display, and / or

[0050] - on other decorative surfaces of the vehicle interior and in coordination with the video displayed on the display and / or with the time-dependent changing interior lighting.

[0051] It may also be provided that the projection module projects the first visual representation as a visually primary scene onto surfaces of vehicle seats, backrests, headrests, dashboards, trim panels and / or other trims of the vehicle interior and is coordinated with the time-dependent changing interior lighting.

[0052] In an implementation form of the present application, the projection device or the projection module may optionally include:

[0053] - DLP projectors (Digital Light Processing) including DMD chips (Digital Micromirror Device),

[0054] - Image projection chips built from LEDs or laser diodes, or

[0055] -Laser scanner.

[0056] The object on which the invention is based is also achieved by a vehicle which comprises the described projection device.

[0057] The object on which the invention is based is also achieved by the claimed method for generating and / or coordinating a visual overall presentation on a vehicle.

[0058] If in one embodiment (indicated by a reference numeral or not) one or more units comprise a processing device for data processing, the processing device can be configured to fully or partially implement the method described herein. For this purpose, the processing device can comprise a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller, and the method can be in the form of a computer program product with program code segments. The computer program product can also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method can be transferred to the device or vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 A vehicle including an on-board projection device is shown in a schematic top view;

[0061] Figure 2A A partial view showing a perspective of a vehicle interior from the inside toward the front window, in the front area of ​​which a first and a second visual representation are possible;

[0062] Figure 2B Shows something like Figure 2A A partial view of the vehicle interior in FIG. 1 , but with a changed orientation and / or arrangement of the projection modules of the projection device;

[0063] Figure 3A A merely schematic circuit diagram is shown for the functioning of a projection device according to a first exemplary embodiment;

[0064] Figure 3B a merely schematic circuit diagram showing the functioning of a projection device according to a second exemplary embodiment; and

[0065] Figure 4 A schematic flow chart of a method for generating and / or coordinating a visual overall presentation on a vehicle is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1A vehicle 100, in particular a motor vehicle, is shown in a schematic top view, which has an onboard projection device 110, with which a first visual image A can be generated in the vehicle interior 100a. The first visual image A can be generated in particular by projection while being mounted on the vehicle 100, i.e. as a projected visual image A. In principle, any arbitrary surface 101 located in the vehicle interior 100a is suitable as a target surface for broadcasting the projected visual image A. However, the instrument panel 200 (see Figure 2A and 2B ), the surface 101 of the central console (not shown) located thereunder and / or the front structure, the vehicle interior space 100a, its vehicle decoration and / or other surfaces 101 of its interior panels.

[0067] The surface 101 need not be suitable for playing back projected and / or visual images or image contents like the playback or display surface of the display 102 or other display devices, because the surface 101 located in the vehicle should only be illuminated by means of the projection device 110 in such a way that the surface 101 in addition to other technical, decorative or other functions of the surface can also play a certain visual effect as a target surface for projection. The other surface 101 can also be advantageously monochrome, neutral and / or locally provided with only small curvatures and / or provided with limited roughness, which is not necessarily a necessary prerequisite for the color or geometry of the surface 101. The surface 101 can also be well suitable for projecting temporary still images, time-variable image themes and / or videos, that is, video data streams onto it, for example. For this purpose, it may be sufficient that the contrast, resolution or other optical or visual characteristics of the surface 101 appear weaker than in the case of the surface of the vehicle display. A projected video or image, ie any desired light pattern, which is preferably three-color or multi-color and / or consists of a plurality of pixels, can be projected onto the surface 101 .

[0068] exist Figure 1 Schematically, further playback devices 102, 103 are also present on the vehicle 100 and can be configured to play other visual displays, such as a display 102, on whose display surface any video or other visual content can be shown. In addition to navigation data or other technical information related to the vehicle or to automated driving or traffic, videos for entertainment purposes can also be played on the display 102 as a rule.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the lighting device 103 installed in the vehicle 100 can also be used to illuminate the interior 100a in a time-dependent manner, for example by means of atmospheric, color-variable, rhythmic or otherwise variable lighting. The playback device 120, 130, with which the display 102 for playing a video or the lighting device 103 for variable interior lighting is available, can be arranged in the vehicle at a different location than in the vehicle. Figure 1 The same applies to projection device 110 for projecting other visual displays, such as light patterns. All visual displays of the types listed here, whether produced using device 110, 120 or 130, can also be visual components of audio-visual displays.

[0070] according to Figure 1 In order to project visual images onto a surface 101 located in the vehicle interior 100a, at least one projection module 111 is provided. As reflected, two or more projection modules 111 can also be included by the projection device 110 or arranged and / or installed in the vehicle 100 or its interior 100a using the projection device. Figure 1 As schematically shown in the top view in the figure, such a projection module 111 can be arranged behind the corresponding surface 101, for example, obliquely or dispersedly in the driving direction; for example, in or on the central control console at a lower height or in the roof above the surface 101; for example, in order to project a first visual image A onto a surface of the interior panel, such as a windshield or a front glass; the first visual image is, for example, a video data stream or other image data stream that is preferably perceptible as time-variable.

[0071] According to the present application, the projection device 110 is expanded and improved in such a way that the projection device not only generates a certain arbitrary visual display A by itself, but also can generate or at least coordinate a combined total display, which combines two different and distinct visual displays A and B into a unique combined total display. The total display includes not only the first visual display A projected by the projection device 110 but also an additional second visual display B. The latter is preferably not played on the same surface 101, but somewhere else in the vehicle interior 100a. In order to generate the additional second visual display B, the projection device 110 can use one or more other playback devices 120, 130 that are also present in the vehicle and command and / or coordinate the playback devices 120, 130 accordingly.

[0072] For the purpose of said coordination and / or combination, the projection device 110 may include at least one coordination interface 350 (see Figure 3A and 3B) for coordination with other playback devices 120, 130, wherein Figure 1 The connecting line 150 or other wireless connection 150 connected to the coordination interface 350 is only schematically shown in FIG. The connecting line 150 or wireless connection 150 and the coordination interface 350 are also referred to below. Figure 3A ; 3B explains in more detail.

[0073] Figure 2A and 2B Two perspective partial views of a vehicle interior 100a, designed according to different exemplary embodiments, are shown with a view from the inside onto a front window 207, in the front area of ​​which different first and second visual displays A; B; B'; B'' can be realized. Below the front window 207, a dashboard 200 is provided, which, as shown, can be divided into two areas for the driver and the front passenger, but can also be designed as a single piece or continuously. As shown, a first visual effect or a first visual display A can be projected onto the surface 101 on both sides of the display 102 by suitable projection modules 111, for example a DLP projector (digital light processing) including a DMD chip (digital micromirror device), a laser scanner or other image projectors, for example composed of LEDs or laser diodes.

[0074] In addition, however, the projection device 110 is configured to generate the visual display A as part of a new overall display; for example, to coordinate and match the illumination B; B'' displayed in a time-variable manner, which is generated by the illumination device 103 or the playback device 130 for illumination, and / or to the playback of the video B; B' by the display 102 as a further second playback device 120 located in the vehicle. By means of the coordinated playback or projection of a plurality of visual individual displays A and B (or B' and / or B''), an overall display consisting of two, three or even more different visual components can be perceived, that is, consisting of such different individual components or individual displays, which were not originally intended for a combined and / or purposefully coordinated overall display. In addition, with the aid of the projection device 110 proposed here, a plurality of playback devices 120, 130 can be provided for this purpose afterwards, which, although they can be operated individually in the vehicle 100, are not configured and / or controlled in terms of the vehicle electrical system for generating a combined and / or purposefully coordinated overall display.

[0075] according to Figure 2A, a projection module 111 is arranged on or in the rearview mirror, for example installed therein. Each projection module 111 faces a corresponding surface 101 onto which the projection module projects. The corresponding projection module 111 may therefore be almost invisible to the occupants; in addition, it may be on the front lens of the optical system of each projection module 111. The first visual display A projected by the projection module 111 or by two projection modules 111 together - which can be a video, a sequence of still images, a temporal change of one or more images or other visual effects - can be displayed in a coordinated manner, that is, together with the other second visual displays B' and / or B'' and / or in coordination with each other; in particular together with the time-variable lighting of the interior space 100a generated by the lighting device 103 and / or together with the video display or other visual display generated by the display 102 and / or its playback device 120. Thus, for example, in Figure 2A Center instrument panel 200 is perceived as a single visually reactive surface over practically the entire width of the vehicle interior and, if appropriate, another subregion of vehicle interior 100a which is illuminated variably in time.

[0076] Figure 2B Shows something like Figure 2A 1 , but with a changed orientation and / or arrangement of a projection module 111 of a projection device 110. Instead of being on a rearview mirror 209, the projection module 111 is here arranged and / or mounted behind the display 102, for example, in or in the direction of view of the driver or the front passenger, and is oriented in such a way that it projects a first visual image A onto a corresponding, spaced-apart and / or adjacent surface 101 of the instrument panel 200, obliquely to a surface of a central control unit and / or obliquely to other surfaces in the interior 100a.

[0077] Alternatively, Figure 2B Alternatively, the projection module 111 is oriented toward two projection mirrors (not shown) which are arranged on, in or behind the rearview mirror 209. Instead of projecting directly onto the surface 101, the first visual display A can also be projected onto the surface 101 via a flat or curved mirror.

[0078] The surface 101 used as the target surface for projection may also be an ambient projection surface that exists outside and / or near the vehicle display 102 instead of the instrument panel 200 , the interior panel, or other surfaces of the interior decoration.

[0079] For entertainment purposes in the vehicle, coordinated combination effects can thus be combined with one another; in particular with time-dependent illumination of partial surfaces 101 in the vehicle interior, which illumination can also be designed, for example, as ambient illumination of certain contours or surfaces and / or can be implemented as background or ambient lighting. Thus, any surface 101 in the vehicle interior 100a is available for use as ambient lighting or combination lighting, i.e., regardless of which surface has been initially configured or preinstalled in the vehicle or its onboard electrical system.

[0080] Figure 3A A merely schematic and exemplary circuit diagram is shown for the functioning of a projection device 110 according to a first exemplary embodiment. A system 300 is shown, which comprises the projection device 110 proposed here and one or more playback devices 120, 130 on a vehicle 100 for a further second visual display B; B'; B'', which can be generated in coordination with the first visual display A by means of the projection device 110.

[0081] Furthermore, the projection device 110 and / or the projection module 111 comprises a coordination interface 350, via which coordination signals S; S'; S'' relating to the first visual display A and / or the second visual display B; B'; B'' are transmitted between the projection device 110 and the vehicle 100. Figure 3A The coordination interface 350 is an input interface 350E, which receives coordination signals S; S'; S'', in particular control commands s, p, c, e, which are determined for the projection device 110, for starting, pausing, continuing and / or ending the visual display A and / or the further second visual display B; B'; B''. The signals or control commands can be received by the vehicle electrical system 380 via the projection device 110.

[0082] Furthermore, the projection device 110 and / or the projection module 111 may include an image data interface 355, by means of which the video and / or image data determined for the first visual display A can be transmitted to the projection device 110 and / or can be stored therein while avoiding and / or bypassing the onboard power supply 380 provided in the vehicle 100. The image data interface 355 can in particular be a separate interface 355 with a higher bandwidth than the coordination interface 350; 350E and can be, for example, a wireless wireless LAN interface or an Ethernet interface. Alternatively, the image data interface 355 can also be integrated into the coordination interface 350. The generation of the first visual display A can therefore be implemented and coordinated with the reception of the information S; S'; S'', which indicates the playback or generation of the other second visual display B; B'; B''. For example, projection module 110 is configured such that it coordinates the projection of first visual representation A with the playback of video B′ realized in vehicle 100 on display 102 and / or with a temporal illumination profile B″ of the interior lighting in vehicle 100 , which serves as second visual representation B.

[0083] Via image data interface 355, projection device 110 or projection module 111 can also be subsequently supplied with new, additional or more current image material for the video and / or image data for the first visual display A at any time after delivery to the vehicle; the storage content of projection device 110 can thus be exchanged via image data interface 355 to generate an updated, more current or more attractive display as initial setting at any time. The exchange of image data via image data interface 355 is possible at any time; even during the projection of a certain (first) display.

[0084] exist Figure 3A The image data interface 355 in the vehicle can be connected to a user interface of the vehicle, which is designed in particular for the subsequent exchange or update of image material for the projection device 110 or its projection module 111 to be able to load additional light patterns, videos, images or other visual displays A at any time. Figure 3A The storage of the data image in the image data memory 310; 320 is carried out separately from the storage of the pre-deformation 325 in the pre-deformation memory 330 (see below), and the same image material of the video or image data can be used simultaneously for projection onto the left side or surface 101 (for example, of the instrument panel 200) on the driver's side and for projection onto the right side or surface 101 (for example, of the instrument panel 200) on the front passenger side; even in the case where these are not formed in a mirror-symmetrical manner to each other.

[0085] For the signal exchange of the signal S via the line 150; 150E, another bus system is preferably used; in particular a LIN bus system and / or a bus system to which a control unit or control device for the interior or interior lighting of the vehicle is connected. Figure 3A , but also according to Figure 3B The projection device 110 and / or its projection module 111 can be in contact, for example, with a playback device 130 for interior lighting 103; B″ and / or with a control device 135 provided therefor, i.e. selectively by wire or wirelessly, as will be explained further below. In this way, in particular, the playback device 120; 130, a control device provided therefor or other units connected to the vehicle's own onboard electrical system 380 can be contacted, requested, indicated and / or called by wire or wirelessly.

[0086] In addition, Figure 3A Optional, merely exemplary, variations of the pre-deformation of the video and / or image data 305 for the first visual display A are explained in the following. The projection module 111 is configured to project the image material of the video and / or image data 305 for the first visual display A in a geometrically pre-deformed manner according to a defined pre-deformation 325 within the image region of the projection module 111. The defined pre-deformation 325 pre-compensates the following deformations, which on the surface 101 projected into the vehicle interior 100a:

[0087] due to an arrangement of projection modules 111 that is distributed, laterally, obliquely, tilted and / or in some other way relative to surface 101 and / or its surface normal,

[0088] - produced by curvature of the surface 101, and / or

[0089] - Produced by projection via a projection mirror.

[0090] The predeformation 325 defines an available, predeformed image surface within an available image surface of the optical imaging system, which is stored as a memory content, for example as a transformation matrix or deformation matrix, in a predeformation memory 330. A plurality of different predeformations 325 for different vehicle models or series, etc. can be stored. For all available predeformations, therefore, the same predeformation memory 330 can be provided for storing and / or calling up at least one determined predeformation 325, which correctly compensates for the deformation produced on the corresponding surface 101 projected into the vehicle interior 100a, so as to obtain an undeformed image or an undeformed first visual display A on the surface 101.

[0091] Furthermore, an image data memory 310 may be provided in which image material for the video and / or image data for the first visual display A is exchangeably stored or can be stored. Figure 3A , the image data memory 310 can store the corresponding image data 305 in an unprocessed manner, that is, without a defined pre-deformation 325. The projection module 111 can therefore include a separate pre-deformation unit 315, which pre-deforms the image data stored without pre-deformation first according to the defined pre-deformation 325 when the first visual display A is projected.

[0092] exist Figure 3A The pre-deformation and storage of the image material can also be performed differently than shown; basically Figure 3B In the embodiment, only the first display A and the second display B are coordinated, and the projection device 110 can realize the coordination by means of the coordination interface 350. Figure 3A In the vehicle, projection device 110 is designed as input interface 350E and receives the coordination signal as input signal S; S′; S″ via lines 150 ; 150E; via these lines, a wired connection exists in the vehicle between projection device 110 and vehicle electrical system 380 .

[0093] Figure 3B A schematic circuit diagram for the functional mode of the projection device 110 according to the second embodiment is shown, wherein the coordination interface 350 includes an output interface 350A, which transmits control commands s, p, c, e generated by the projection device 110 for starting, pausing, continuing and / or ending the further second visual display B; B'; B''.

[0094] In this case, projection device 110 itself sends control or coordination signals S; S′; S″ to corresponding playback devices 120 and / or 130 in order to enable them to generate a combined and / or coordinated overall presentation jointly and in coordination with the first visual presentation.

[0095] Different from Figure 3A ,exist Figure 3B Therefore, the signal direction of connection 350 or 150 of projection device 110 or its projection module 111 is opposite, that is, from the output connection end of projection device 110 or its projection module 111 to the input connection end of at least one playback device 120 and / or 130 or at least one connection end of vehicle power supply 380.

[0096] Although in Figure 3A and 3BThe connection 150; 150E or 150; 150A is shown as a wired connection or line, but it can alternatively be a wireless connection; for example, via a wireless LAN, radio, Ethernet or other connection. The changes are not only for Figure 3A And for Figure 3B is conceivable, that is, it is independent of the flow direction or the direction of transmission of the coordination signal S between the projection device 110 or its projection module 111 on the one hand and the electrical network or the rest of the vehicle on the other hand. Figure 3B This is indicated by way of example in that in addition to output connection 350A a radio antenna or other transmission unit 370 is also depicted, which can be provided in addition to or instead of output connection 350A. The data transmission between projection device 110 or its projection module 111 and onboard power supply 380 or other parts of the vehicle, which is only used for the coordination of the first and second visual displays A; B with each other, can then be carried out wirelessly instead of by wire. For this purpose, the onboard power supply can be connected to a suitable receiving unit, for example to a receiving antenna (not shown). As a result, the temporal coordination with the playback unit of the vehicle can also be carried out wirelessly instead of by wire.

[0097] exist Figure 3B But also in Figure 4 Further modifications that are conceivable in A are exemplarily described below according to Figure 3B In this case, any arbitrary combination of these modifications with one another, any arbitrary combination of these modifications with the above-mentioned wireless modifications and / or any arbitrary combination of these modifications in general with any exemplary embodiment of the present application is conceivable.

[0098] first, Figure 3B (and alternatively Figure 3A ) can be modified as follows, that the exchange or storage of the image data 305 for the first visual display A is carried out instead of via a wired image data interface 355, alternatively via a wireless image data interface 355, i.e., for example, via an antenna or other receiving unit 355 for wirelessly receiving new image material for the corresponding video and / or image data. Thus, the image data interface 355 can also be wireless, i.e., both interfaces, i.e., not only the coordination interface 350 (i.e., regardless of whether 350E is for the incoming coordination signal S or 350A is for the outgoing coordination signal S) and the image data interface 355 can be designed as wireless interfaces.

[0099] Secondly, the image data interface 355 can be provided for the data exchange of image data or image material with the user's own electronic device, in particular the smartphone 390, instead of the data exchange of image data or image material with the (wired or wireless) interface of the vehicle, the onboard power system or other systems installed in the vehicle. Thus, the data transmission for updating or loading or storing other new and / or more current video and / or image displays A can be carried out instead of with the vehicle and also with the smartphone 390 or other user's own device. The second modification is even preferred, although the vehicle can also implement the same functions as the external smartphone 390 or other user device, for example with the help of an installed or electronic SIM card; in particular, the same App or software program can be executed. However, if the smartphone 390 or other external electronic device of the user's own is depicted or mentioned in the drawings or in the application, then alternatively, a device with the same function can also be used or controlled, inquired, indicated and / or read as an internal component of the vehicle for communication, in particular for coordination or matching.

[0100] If the data exchange in the case of a transfer of new image material for a first display A (i.e., for example, for a new or another light pattern) is to take place using a smartphone 390 or another user device or using an app installed thereon, then it can be provided, for example, that projection device 110 and / or projection module 111 is coupled to smartphone or user device 390 - preferably wirelessly - and registered there as an additional display screen.

[0101] Third, such a unit—which Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B 110, but does not belong to the actual projection module 111 - it can also be integrated into the projection module 111 itself as an alternative. This applies in particular to the coordination interface 350; 350A; 350B and / or the image data interface 355. Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B Differently, the interface 350 ; 355 may, however, alternatively or additionally also include the units 310 , 315 , 320 , 330 , 340 or some of them, be included in the projection module 111 instead of being external thereto.

[0102] Fourth, any variations with respect to the type and manner in which video and / or image data may be stored and / or pre-deformed may be combined with the embodiments described in this application or derivable therefrom.

[0103] As an exemplary variation of this, Figure 3B Show: Instead of Figure 3AThe only one image data memory 310 in the projection system is now provided with two separate image data memories, namely a first image data memory 320 and a second image data memory 340. In this case, the light patterns, visual effects or other (first) visual displays to be loaded - more precisely, the video and / or image data or image material therefor - are first stored in the first image data memory 320 without previously applying a pre-deformation 325. Thereafter or subsequently, they can be pre-deformed by applying a pre-deformation 325 stored in the pre-deformation memory 330 - namely, for example, a transformation matrix - and stored in a pre-deformed state in the second image data memory 340, which only needs to be called up in the case of projection, so that in the case of projection no computational effort for the pre-deformation occurs. Furthermore, as an alternative, the first image data memory 320 can be stored in a pre-deformation memory 330 in a manner similar to that in the projection system. Figure 3B The image material for the first visual display A to be loaded is then pre-deformed and stored in the image data memory 340; 310 immediately when downloading or storing. In addition, the image data memory 340; 310 can also be cancelled, so that the image material for the first visual display A is pre-deformed and projected immediately after being received by the projection device 110 and / or the projection module 111.

[0104] When the present application always refers to communication, in particular coordination between projection device 110 or projection module 111 and vehicle 100, in particular communication or coordination with playback device 120; 130, this may be communication or coordination with control device 125; 135 intended for playback device 120; 130. Instead of playback device 120; 130, it may therefore communicate or coordinate with such control device 125; 135 itself.

[0105] Finally, the respective playback device 120; 130 and / or the respective control device 125; 135 provided therefor may include a user interface, ie a user interface (not specifically shown). Such a control device and / or user interface may be connected upstream of the respective playback device 120; 130.

[0106] System 300 on board vehicle 100 may further include, on the one hand, onboard electrical system 380 and / or playback device 120 ; 130 connected thereto—possibly including a control device provided therefor—and, on the other hand, projection device 110 and / or projection module 111 .

[0107] Figure 4 A schematic flow chart of a method 400 is shown. The method 400 is used to generate and / or coordinate a visual overall display on a vehicle 100 and comprises the following steps:

[0108] - providing 401 a vehicle 100 in whose interior space 100a at least one visual image can be displayed,

[0109] - setting S402 a projection device 110 mounted on the vehicle 100, the projection device comprising a projection module 111, with which a first visual image A can be generated by projection onto a surface 101 in the vehicle interior space 100a,

[0110] - transmitting S403 a coordination signal S; S'; S'' relating to the first visual display A and / or the second visual display B; B'; B'' between the projection device 110 and the vehicle 100 via the coordination interface 350, and

[0111] - generating and / or coordinating S404 a combined overall display by means of a projection device 110 under application of a coordination signal S; S'; S'', wherein a first visual display A is projected by the projection device 110 onto a surface 101 in the vehicle interior 100a and a further second visual display B; B'; B'' is played elsewhere in the vehicle interior 100a. Reference numerals list

[0112] 100 vehicles

[0113] 100a Vehicle interior space

[0114] 101 Surface

[0115] 102 Display

[0116] 103 lighting fixtures

[0117] 110 projection equipment

[0118] 111 projection module

[0119] 120 playback device (display)

[0120] 125 Control unit (display)

[0121] 130 Playback device (lighting)

[0122] 135 Control unit (lighting)

[0123] 150 signal lines

[0124] 150A output line

[0125] 150E input line

[0126] 200 Dashboard

[0127] 207 front glass

[0128] 208 Steering Wheel

[0129] 209 rearview mirror

[0130] 300 system

[0131] 305 Image Data

[0132] 310 Image data memory

[0133] 315 pre-deformation unit

[0134] 320 first image data memory

[0135] 325 Pre-deformation

[0136] 330 pre-deformation memory

[0137] 340 second image data storage

[0138] 350 coordination interface

[0139] 350A output interface

[0140] 350E Input Interface

[0141] 355 image data interface

[0142] 370 Sending Unit

[0143] 380 vehicle power grid

[0144] 390 Smartphone

[0145] 400 Method

[0146] S401 - S404 Method Steps

[0147] AFirst Visual Imaging

[0148] B; B'; B'' second visual imaging

[0149] S; S'; S'' coordination signal

[0150] s, c, e, p control commands

Claims

1. A projection device (110) mounted on a vehicle (100), the projection device comprising a projection module (111), by means of which a first visual image (A) can be generated by projecting onto a surface (101) in an interior space (100a) of the vehicle, in, The projection device (110) is configured to generate and / or coordinate a combined overall image in which - the first visual representation (A) is projected onto a surface (101) in the vehicle interior space (100a), and - playing a further second visual display (B; B'; B'') elsewhere in the vehicle interior (100a), The projection device (110) and / or the projection module (111) comprises a coordination interface (350), through which coordination signals (S; S'; S'') related to the first visual display (A) and / or the second visual display (B; B'; B'') are transmitted between the projection device (110) and the vehicle (100).

2. The projection device (110) according to claim 1, wherein: The coordination interface (350) comprises an output interface (350A) which transmits control commands (s, p, c, e) generated by the projection device (110) for starting (s), pausing (p), continuing (c) and / or ending (e) the further second visual display (B; B'; B'').

3. The projection device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The coordination interface (350) comprises an input interface (350E) for receiving a control command (s, p, c, e) determined for a projection device (110) for starting (s), pausing (p), continuing (c) and / or ending (e) the first visual display (A).

4. The projection device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The projection device (110), the projection module (111) and / or the coordination interface (350) include an image data interface (355), via which video and / or image data determined for a first visual display (A) can be transmitted to the projection device (110) and / or can be stored therein while avoiding and / or circumventing an onboard power supply (380) provided in the vehicle (100).

5. The projection device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The projection device (110) coordinates the projection of the first visual image (A) with the following contents carried on the vehicle (100) as the second visual image (B): - playback of the video (B') on the display (102), and / or - A temporal illumination curve of the interior lighting (B'') of the vehicle (100).

6. The projection device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The projection module (111) is configured to project video and / or image data for a first visual display (A) within an image region of the projection module (111) in a geometrically pre-deformed manner according to a defined pre-deformation (325), The defined pre-deformation (325) pre-compensates the following deformation, which, on the surface (101) projected into the vehicle interior (100a): - generated by the arrangement of the projection modules (111) in a distributed, laterally, obliquely, tilted and / or in another manner relative to the surface (101) and / or its surface normal, - produced by curvature of the surface (101), and / or - Produced by projection through a projection mirror.

7. The projection device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The projection module (111) is installed: - in a dashboard (200) or other front structure of a vehicle interior space (100a), - on a rearview mirror (209) in the vehicle interior (100a), and / or - on or after determining a vehicle display (102) for playing the video, and From there, the projection module is directed toward the surface (101) directly or via a projection mirror.

8. The projection device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The projection module (111) projects the first visual image (A) onto: - on the surface of the instrument panel (200), - On the surface of the interior panel, - other environmental projection surfaces outside and / or near the display (102), and / or - other decorative surfaces of the vehicle interior space (100a), And coordinated with the video played on the display (102) and / or the time-dependent changing interior space lighting.

9. The projection device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The projection module (111) projects a first visual image (A) onto a vehicle seat, backrest, headrest, dashboard (200), interior trim and / or other decorative surfaces (101) of a vehicle interior space (100a) and coordinates with the time-dependent changing interior space lighting.

10. A vehicle (100) comprising a projection device (110) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. A method (400) for generating and / or coordinating a visual overview on a vehicle (100), the method comprising the steps of: - providing (S401) a vehicle (100) in which at least one visual image can be played in the vehicle interior space (100a), - providing (S402) a projection device (110) mounted on the vehicle (100), the projection device comprising a projection module (111), by means of which a first visual image (A) can be generated by projecting onto a surface (101) in an interior space (100a) of the vehicle, - transmitting (S403) coordination signals (S; S'; S'') relating to the first visual display (A) and / or the second visual display (B; B'; B'') between the projection device (110) and the vehicle (100) via the coordination interface (350), and - generating and / or coordinating (S404) a combined overall presentation by means of a projection device (110) using a coordination signal (S; S'; S''), in which the first visual presentation (A) is projected by the projection device (110) onto a surface (101) in the vehicle interior (100a) and a further second visual presentation (B; B'; B'') is played elsewhere in the vehicle interior (100a).

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