Projection system for a vehicle, vehicle and method for operating a projection system

Abstract

The invention relates to a projection system (100) for a vehicle, comprising a projection device (1), downstream of which a first reflection surface (2) is arranged, said first reflection surface (2) being oriented at an angle to a beam plane (BP) exiting the projection device (1). The projection area (PS) of the first reflection surface (2) on the beam plane (BP) covers a part of the beam plane (PS), so that the beam of the projection device (1) is projected differently in different regions. By means of the projection system (100), projection can be flexibly carried out at different positions, additional projection devices do not need to be installed, and the vehicle manufacturing cost is effectively saved. The invention further relates to a vehicle (V) and to a method for operating a projection system according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a projection system for a vehicle, a vehicle and a method for operating a projection system. Background Art

[0002] Projection devices are now commonly used in vehicles, such as light signal devices for projecting light signals onto the road surface, head-up displays (HUDs) for projecting information onto the windshield, and projectors for projecting infotainment content into the interior space.

[0003] However, the known projection device can only project in one direction. If projection is to be performed additionally at other positions, another projection device needs to be installed on the vehicle, which undoubtedly leads to an increase in vehicle manufacturing costs. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a projection system for a vehicle, a vehicle and a method for operating a projection system, which can flexibly perform projection at different positions through a projection system without installing additional projection devices, thereby effectively saving vehicle manufacturing costs.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to a projection system for a vehicle, the projection system comprising a projection device, wherein a first reflecting surface is arranged downstream of the projection device, wherein the first reflecting surface is oriented obliquely to a beam plane emerging from the projection device, and a projection area of ​​the first reflecting surface on the beam plane covers a portion of the beam plane, so that the beam of the projection device is projected differently in different partitions.

[0006] According to the present invention, a first reflecting surface oriented obliquely to the beam plane emitted from the projection device is provided downstream of the projection device, and the projection area of ​​the first reflecting surface on the beam plane covers a part of the beam plane, so that the first reflecting surface can reflect part of the beam from the projection device. Therefore, the projection system according to the present invention not only projects along the original projection direction of the projection device, but can also project to at least one other position, so that projection can appear at different positions with the help of one projection device. For example, the projection device oriented toward the right area of ​​the main instrument panel can simultaneously project to the left area and the right area of ​​the main instrument panel with the help of the first reflecting surface.

[0007] In the projection system according to the present invention, it is only necessary to arrange a reflecting surface that changes the propagation direction of part of the beam downstream of a conventional projection device, so that projection can be flexibly performed at different positions through one projection device, without adding a projection device for projection at another position. Thus, flexible projection can be performed without significantly increasing the manufacturing cost, which can advantageously save vehicle manufacturing costs, reduce the installation space for the projection device, and simplify vehicle assembly and wiring.

[0008] According to the present invention, the first reflection surface or other reflection surfaces mentioned below refer to optical components that specularly reflect light beams, in particular, plane mirrors, plates with a reflective coating, and the like.

[0009] According to the meaning of the present invention, the projection device includes, for example, a TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal Display) projector, a DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector, a laser scanning projector and an LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) projector, which can project digital images and can change the projected image to suit the scene.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first inclination angle of the first reflection surface relative to the beam plane is adjustable, in particular, adjustable by means of a first rotating mechanism. The flexibility of the projection system according to the present invention is further improved by the adjustable first inclination angle, so that it can not only project in the original emission direction, but also perform another projection at a variable position. Moreover, compared with the solution of rotating the entire projection device in the prior art, this embodiment can achieve simpler adjustment and save installation space.

[0011] In this case, the first rotating mechanism and the further rotating mechanisms mentioned below can be designed as motors, in particular stepper motors or servomotors, so that the orientation of the reflective surface can be precisely controlled.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the projection area of ​​the first reflecting surface on the beam plane can cover the end or the middle of the beam plane. Thus, a two-part or three-part projection is achieved. For example, when the projection area of ​​the first reflecting surface on the beam plane covers the end of the beam plane, the beam emitted by the projection device is divided into two parts by the first reflecting surface, one part of which continues to be projected along the original emission direction, and the other part is projected by the first reflecting surface along the reflection direction, so that projection can appear at two positions. For example, when the projection area of ​​the first reflecting surface on the beam plane covers the middle of the beam plane, the beam emitted by the projection device is divided into three parts by the first reflecting surface, two parts of which continue to be projected along the original emission direction, and the remaining part is projected by the first reflecting surface along the reflection direction, so that projection can appear at three positions. In particular, the projection area of ​​the first reflecting surface on the beam plane covers the left half or the right half of the beam plane. Thus, half of the beam of the projection device is projected along the original emission direction, and the other half of the beam is reflected by the first reflecting surface. Through this implementation, a projection effect that originally requires two or even three projection devices can be achieved with one projection device, thereby improving the effectiveness of a single projection device and advantageously saving vehicle manufacturing costs.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a second reflection surface may be provided downstream of the projection device, the second reflection surface being oriented obliquely to the beam plane emitted from the projection device, and the projection area of ​​the second reflection surface on the beam plane covering another part of the beam plane. By providing the second reflection surface, the flexibility of the projection system according to the present invention is further improved, so that the projection is not limited to the original emission direction of the projection device, but can be projected in two other directions. This can further improve the application scenarios and utility of the projection system on the one hand, and simplify the installation requirements of the projection system in the vehicle on the other hand.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the second angle of inclination of the second reflecting surface relative to the beam plane is adjustable, in particular adjustable by means of a second rotating mechanism. The flexibility of the projection system according to the invention is further multiplied by the adjustable second angle of inclination. In particular, the position at which the projection occurs can be specified more arbitrarily when both the first angle of inclination and the second angle of inclination are adjustable.

[0015] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the second reflection surface can be adjusted to be coplanar with the first reflection surface. In this embodiment, by making the first reflection surface coplanar with the second reflection surface, the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface can reflect the beam of the projection device in the same reflection direction, and in particular, jointly reflect the entire projection image of the projection device. Thus, in addition to projecting in different directions respectively on the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface, a larger and clearer projection image can be projected in one reflection direction. This is particularly advantageous for realizing infotainment functions in the car or projecting important signs on the road outside the car.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface can rotate around the same rotation axis. In order to achieve a compact layout of the projection system and fully utilize the beam of the projection device, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are advantageously provided with the same rotation axis. In particular, one end side of each of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface can be hingedly connected to each other. This advantageously ensures the relative rotational movement between the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface, and facilitates the adjustment of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface to be coplanar.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface are hinged together, preferably pivoted, on a pair of guide rails extending parallel to the beam plane, and the hinge points of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface can move along the guide rails. With this embodiment, the ratio of the projection areas of the first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface on the beam plane can be adjusted arbitrarily, and then the projection size reflected by the two reflecting surfaces can be adjusted arbitrarily. Flexible and changeable picture allocation is achieved without installing an additional projection device, thereby improving the user experience of the vehicle.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide rail is configured to be rotatable, in particular, rotatable around the optical axis of the projection device. This embodiment further expands the possible projection positions of the projection system, so that the possible projection positions are no longer limited to a rectangular space downstream of the projection system, but cover the entire space downstream thereof. For example, if the current projection system projects onto the left and right areas of the main instrument panel through the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface, the rotation of the guide rail can achieve simultaneous projection onto the middle of the main instrument panel and the center armrest of the front seat.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the projection system may further include at least one additional reflective surface, which is preferably connected to the other end side of the first reflective surface and / or the second reflective surface. In addition to the first and second reflective surfaces, a third reflective surface and, if necessary, a fourth reflective surface may be provided, thereby enabling projection to at least four positions through one projection device, further expanding the utility of the projection device. Exemplarily, a projection system including four reflectors may be used to simultaneously project to the left and right areas of the main instrument panel and to the left and right A-pillars.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the angle of the additional reflecting surface relative to the first reflecting surface and / or the second reflecting surface is adjustable, in particular, can be adjusted by means of another rotating mechanism. Further, the inclination angle of the additional reflecting surface, such as the third reflecting surface and, if necessary, the fourth reflecting surface, can also be adjusted.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the additional reflective surface can be adjusted to be coplanar with the corresponding first reflective surface or the second reflective surface. Here, it is particularly advantageous to provide that the additional reflective surface, such as the third reflective surface and, if necessary, the fourth reflective surface, are coplanar with the corresponding first reflective surface or the second reflective surface. In this way, in the projection system according to the present invention, multiple modes of projection are achieved with the aid of only one projection device, such as large-scale projection with all reflective surfaces coplanar, two-part projection of two reflective surfaces, three-part projection of three reflective surfaces, and four-part projection of four reflective surfaces, thereby achieving flexible and diverse picture allocation and improving the user experience of the vehicle.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, according to the number, position and / or orientation of the reflective surface, the projection device can be divided into multiple areas or provide a projection image in a whole frame. That is to say, the projection device can provide a projection image in accordance with the number, position and / or orientation of the reflective surface. For example, in the case where the projection system only includes the first reflective surface, the projection device divides its projection image into two areas or three areas, one of which will be projected by the first reflective surface deviating from the original emission direction, and the remaining areas are irradiated to the projection position inside or outside the vehicle along the original emission direction. For example, in the case where the projection system includes the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface, the projection device divides its projection image into two areas or three areas, one of which will be projected by the first reflective surface deviating from the original emission direction, another area will be projected by the second reflective surface deviating from the original emission direction, and the remaining areas are irradiated to the projection position inside or outside the vehicle along the original emission direction. For another example, in the case where the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface of the projection system are coplanar, the projection device can irradiate the entire image onto the coplanar reflective surface, thereby reflecting a larger and clearer projection image.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the projected image is at least one of a logo, a character, a line, a pattern and a dynamic picture.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sign may include one or more of a front clearance light sign, a side marker light sign, a rear clearance light sign, a turn signal sign, a brake light sign, a reversing light sign, a fog light sign, a hazard warning flasher sign, a parking light sign, a daytime running light sign, an automatic driving sign, a manufacturer's trademark, a vehicle model logo, and a road surface warning sign. Thus, the projection system according to the present invention can project, in particular as described below, a light signal indicating the presence of a vehicle or a change in the motion state of the vehicle toward the road surface around the vehicle and / or effectively warn the vehicle driver of road conditions, such as water accumulation, ice, potholes, obstacles, and other traffic participants on the road surface.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the projection system can be arranged in or on the vehicle body, in particular, in or on the radiator grille, vehicle logo, anti-collision beam, headlight, exterior mirror, tailgate, so as to project onto the road surface around the vehicle or onto the vehicle body. Through this embodiment, for example, in combination with the aforementioned embodiment, a light signal indicating the presence of the vehicle or the change of the motion state can be projected toward the road surface around the vehicle, thereby further adding to the original headlight system to signal the presence of the vehicle and the change of the motion state to traffic participants, thereby improving traffic safety.

[0026] The projection system can also be set in the interior space of the vehicle, especially in the main instrument panel, the auxiliary instrument panel, the top instrument panel, the ceiling, and the B-pillar, so as to project onto the vehicle window, the ceiling, the main instrument panel, the auxiliary instrument panel, the front seat center armrest, the back of the seat, or the ground in the door opening area, thereby further optimizing the information display and entertainment functions in the vehicle and enriching the driving experience of the vehicle user.

[0027] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a projection system according to the invention.

[0028] A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a projection system according to the invention, wherein the projection system is set as a function of at least one of a vehicle state, a control command, a driver's behavior, navigation information, and a road condition.

[0029] Here, the settings of the projection system may include, for example: the settings of the projection device, especially its projected image; the settings of the first reflective surface or other reflective surfaces, especially the settings of the first inclination angle or other inclination angles; the control of the first rotating mechanism or other rotating mechanisms; the movement of the hinge point on the guide rail; the rotation of the guide rail, etc.

[0030] For example, depending on the vehicle status, such as the mode change from manual driving to automatic driving, or based on the control instructions input by the vehicle occupants, the projection device can also provide a projection image to the first reflective surface, thereby also projecting on the left area of ​​the main instrument panel, thereby providing entertainment functions for the driver.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to select whether to provide the projection image in a divided manner into multiple regions or in its entirety according to at least one of the vehicle status, control instructions, driver behavior, navigation information, and road conditions.

[0032] For example, according to the driver's behavior, such as operating the left turn signal, the projection system in which the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are not coplanar can be set so that the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are coplanar and the projection device provides a projection image corresponding to the left turn signal sign in its entirety, thereby projecting a relatively large and clear left turn signal sign in front of the vehicle. For another example, according to the driver's behavior, such as operating the hazard warning flasher, the first tilt angle of the first reflective surface and the second tilt angle of the second reflective surface in the projection system can be adjusted and the projection device provides the projection image in two areas, so that the hazard warning flasher sign is projected symmetrically in front of the vehicle.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a projection image corresponding to a turn signal sign, an automatic driving sign, a manufacturer's trademark or a vehicle model logo can be provided in its entirety; and / or a projection image corresponding to a front marker light sign, a side marker light sign, a rear marker light sign, a brake light sign, a reversing light sign, a fog light sign, a hazard warning flasher sign, a parking light sign or a daytime running light sign can be provided in left and right halves.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a projection image as large as possible can be projected and / or projection can be performed only on one side of the vehicle according to navigation information and / or road conditions. Advantageously, when the vehicle is traveling in a tunnel or on a mountain road, in order to improve the driver's field of vision, in particular, the coplanar arrangement of the various reflective surfaces can be used to project a projection image as large as possible, thereby improving driving safety. In addition, when the vehicle is traveling on an edge lane, especially next to a grass field, a wall or a cliff, projection on only one side of the vehicle is meaningful, so projection can be selectively performed on only one side of the vehicle.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of water accumulation, ice, potholes, obstacles and other traffic participants on the road is warned according to the road condition. In the projection system according to the present invention, the projection direction can be changed quickly by only rotating the reflective surface, so that it can quickly respond to changes in road conditions, so that key prompts can be provided to the vehicle driver in a timely manner.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the projection position of at least part of the projection system can be changed according to the driver's line of sight. Here, the projection can track the change of the driver's line of sight and provide the driver with humanized information display.

[0037] In the present invention, functions, effects or advantages described for one aspect are applicable to other aspects of the present invention in a corresponding manner, and vice versa.

[0038] Other features of the present invention are derived from the specific embodiments and the drawings. All the features and feature combinations mentioned above in the specification and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the specific embodiments and / or shown separately in the drawings can be used not only in the corresponding given combination, but also in other combinations, or can be used alone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a first embodiment of a projection system according to the invention;

[0040] Figure 2 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a projection system according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 A side view showing a third embodiment of a projection system according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 A side view showing a third embodiment of a projection system according to the present invention in a case where the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are coplanar;

[0043] Figure 5 A schematic perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a projection system according to the invention;

[0044] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a projection system according to the invention;

[0045] Figure 7 shows a side view of a sixth embodiment of a projection system according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 8 The figure shows the arrangement of the projection system according to the present invention on a vehicle and the projected logo;

[0047] Fig. 9 Show Figure 8 Another projected symbol of the projection system shown; and

[0048] Fig.10 A block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle according to the present invention is shown. Specific embodiments

[0049] In the various embodiments described in different ways, the same elements are assigned the same reference numerals or the same element names, wherein the disclosure contained in the entire specification can be transferred to the elements assigned the same reference numerals or the same element names according to the meaning. In the various drawings, in order to make the structure of the projection system easy to understand, the various components therein may be shown out of proportion and / or enlarged and / or reduced. In addition, in the various embodiments, the number, implementation and / or arrangement of the elements are not limited to the examples shown, but other numbers, implementations and / or arrangements can be selected according to actual needs.

[0050] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a projection system according to the invention is shown. Figure 1 The projection system shown includes a projection device 1, and a first reflection surface 2 is arranged downstream of the projection device 1. According to the present invention, the first reflection surface 2 is oriented obliquely to the beam plane BP emitted from the projection device 1, and the projection area PS of the first reflection surface 2 on the beam plane BP (that is, the partial area marked as grid shadow in the beam plane BP) covers a part of the beam plane BP, so that the beam of the projection device 1 is projected differently in different regions.

[0051] It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, the solid lines in the drawings are used to schematically depict the beam emitted from the projection device 1. It should be understood that it only represents the propagation direction of the beam. In actual projection, the beam emitted from the projection device 1 may present various sizes, colors and / or dynamics. In each of the drawings, the optical axis LA of the projection device 1 is shown by a dot-dash line.

[0052] exist Figure 1The first embodiment shown shows a case where the projection area PS of the first reflection surface 2 on the beam plane BP covers the middle of the beam plane BP. Through the first reflection surface 2 set in this way, among all the beams emitted from the projection device 1, only the beam located in the middle is deflected away from the original emission direction, while the beams located on the left and right still maintain the original emission direction. Using the projection system according to the first embodiment, the beam emitted by the projection device 1 is divided into three parts by the first reflection surface 2, two of which continue to be projected along the original emission direction, and the remaining part is projected by the first reflection surface 2 along the reflection direction, so that projection can appear at three different positions, that is, three projection areas are generated: the first projection area P1, the second projection area P2 and the third projection area P3. In this way, projection can be flexibly performed at three different positions through one projection device 1, and there is no need to increase the projection device for projection to other positions, so that flexible projection can be performed without significantly increasing the manufacturing cost, which can advantageously save the vehicle manufacturing cost, reduce the installation space for the projection device, and simplify the vehicle assembly and wiring.

[0053] Figure 2 1 shows a side view of a second embodiment of the projection system according to the present invention. The projection system according to the second embodiment is also provided downstream of the projection device 1 with a first reflection surface 2 oriented obliquely to the beam plane BP emerging from the projection device 1. Figure 1 The difference from the first embodiment in the embodiment is that the projection area of ​​the first reflection surface 1 on the beam plane BP covers one end of the beam plane BP, which is the left half in this case. At this time, the beam emitted by the projection device 1 is divided into two parts by the first reflection surface 2, one part, namely the right half, continues to be projected along the original emission direction, while the other part, namely the left half, is projected by the first reflection surface 2 along the reflection direction, so that projections can appear at two positions, namely the first projection area P1 and the second projection area P2.

[0054] exist Figure 2 In particular, a favorable application scenario of the projection system in the vehicle is shown. Here, the projection device 1 directed toward the right area of ​​the main instrument panel IP projects half of its beam to the left area of ​​the main instrument panel IP by means of the first reflective surface 2, while the other half of the beam maintains its original emission direction and is projected to the right area of ​​the main instrument panel IP. Thus, projection can be performed on two areas in the vehicle at the same time with the help of only one projection system or one projection device, achieving a projection effect that originally required two projection devices, and providing a comfortable visual experience for the driver and the co-driver respectively.

[0055] It is also preferred that the first inclination angle a of the first reflecting surface 2 relative to the beam plane BP is adjustable, in particular adjustable by means of a first rotating mechanism (not shown). Figure 2 The first projection area P1 in the left area of ​​the main instrument panel IP is positioned in the middle, thereby further improving the flexibility of the projection system, so that it can not only project in the original emission direction, but also perform another projection in a variable position. Moreover, compared with the solution of rotating the entire projection device in the prior art, this embodiment can achieve simpler adjustment and save installation space.

[0056] Figure 3 A side view of a third embodiment of the projection system according to the present invention is shown. Here, a second reflection surface 3 can be provided downstream of the projection device 1, and the second reflection surface 3 is also oriented obliquely to the beam plane emitted from the projection device 1, and the projection area of ​​the second reflection surface 3 on the beam plane which is not shown in the figure for the sake of clarity covers another part of the beam plane. By providing the second reflection surface 3, the flexibility of the projection system according to the present invention is further improved, so that the projection is not limited to the original emission direction of the projection device, but can be projected in two other directions. On the one hand, this can further enhance the application scenarios and utility of the projection system, and on the other hand, it can simplify the installation requirements of the projection system in the vehicle. For example, in Figure 3 In order to project images onto two upper positions in the vehicle interior (such as the roof, A-pillars, windshield), a projection device accommodated in the main instrument panel is usually used. However, the beams projected in this way are usually disturbing to the vehicle occupants, especially the driver. Figure 3 The embodiment shown can place the projection system or the projection device in the top dashboard or ceiling to reduce light interference to the vehicle occupants.

[0057] Figure 4 A side view of a third embodiment of the projection system according to the invention is shown with the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface being coplanar. Particularly advantageously, the second inclination angle of the second reflection surface 3 relative to the beam plane (not shown here) is also adjustable, in particular by means of a second rotation mechanism. Figure 3 Compared with the situation shown, Figure 4 The second reflection surface 3 in the projection device 1 is rotated downward by an angle and adjusted to be coplanar with the first reflection surface 2. As a result, the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 can reflect the beam of the projection device 1 along the same reflection direction, and in particular, jointly reflect the entire projection image of the projection device 1. Figure 3The solution of projecting in different directions respectively on the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 also realizes a larger and clearer projection image in one reflection direction, which is particularly advantageous for realizing the infotainment function in the car or projecting important signs on the road outside the car.

[0058] Figure 5 A perspective schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a projection system according to the present invention is shown. In order to achieve a compact layout of the projection system and to fully utilize the beam of the projection device 1, the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 can rotate around the same axis DA (see Figure 5 Here, the upper end sides of the first reflecting surface 2 and the second reflecting surface 3 can be hingedly connected to each other, thereby advantageously ensuring the relative rotational movement between the first reflecting surface 2 and the second reflecting surface 3, and facilitating the adjustment of the first reflecting surface 2 and the second reflecting surface 3 to be as follows: Figure 4 The coplanar state is shown.

[0059] exist Figure 5 A particularly advantageous structural form is also shown in the figure, that is, the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 are hinged together, preferably pivoted on a pair of guide rails extending parallel to the beam plane BP, namely the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2. Here, the hinge points JP1 and JP2 of the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 can move along the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2. Through this structural form, the ratio of the projection area PS of the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 on the beam plane BP can be arbitrarily adjusted, and then the projection size reflected by the two reflection surfaces can be arbitrarily adjusted. This means that, for example, by moving the hinge points JP1 and JP2 to the right along the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2, and appropriately changing the inclination angles of the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 when necessary, the area of ​​the first projection area P1 can be increased and the area of ​​the second projection area P2 can be reduced. As a result, flexible and changeable picture allocation is achieved without installing additional projection devices, thereby improving the user experience of the vehicle.

[0060] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a projection system according to the invention is shown. Figure 6 FIG. 1 first shows the situation that the hinge points JP1 and JP2 mentioned above can move to the right along the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2. It can be seen that the rightward movement of the hinge points JP1 and JP2 drives the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 to deviate to the right. It can be intuitively seen from the different areas sandwiched between the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 that a larger portion of the beam from the projection device 1 will be incident on the first reflection surface 2, while a smaller portion of the beam will be incident on the second reflection surface 3.

[0061] also, Figure 6 It is also shown that the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 are configured to be rotatable. Here, the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 are accommodated in an annular guide groove CO of a projection system housing that is not shown. The center of the annular guide groove CO is located on the optical axis LA of the projection device 1. This allows the common rotational movement R of the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 in the annular guide groove CO to be performed around the optical axis LA of the projection device 1. The rotational movement R of the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2 will drive the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 to change their orientations, so that the projection area P1 of the first reflection surface 2 and the projection area P2 of the second reflection surface 3 rotate in space accordingly. As a result, the possible projection positions of the projection system are further expanded, so that the possible projection positions are no longer limited to a rectangular space downstream of the projection system, but cover the entire space downstream thereof. For example, if the current projection system is connected through the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the projection is onto the left and right areas of the main instrument panel IP, and the projection onto the middle of the main instrument panel and the center armrest of the front seat can be achieved simultaneously by rotating the first guide rail G1 and the second guide rail G2.

[0062] Figure 7 1 shows a side view of a sixth embodiment of the projection system according to the present invention. The projection system may further include at least one additional reflective surface, which is preferably connected to the other end side of the first reflective surface 2 and / or the second reflective surface 3. Here, the third reflective surface 4 is connected to the lower end side of the first reflective surface 2, and the fourth reflective surface 5 is connected to the lower end side of the second reflective surface 3. Through these reflective surfaces, projection can be performed simultaneously to four positions with the help of one projection device, namely Figure 7 The first projection area P1, the second projection area P2, the third projection area P3 and the fourth projection area P4 shown in FIG. This further expands the utility of the projection device 1. For example, it can be used Figure 7 The projection system shown, which includes four mirrors, projects simultaneously onto the left and right areas of the main instrument panel IP and onto the left and right A-pillars.

[0063] Particularly advantageously, the angle of the third reflecting surface 4 relative to the first reflecting surface 2 is adjustable, and the angle of the fourth reflecting surface 5 relative to the second reflecting surface 3 is also adjustable. Here, the adjustment can be achieved by another rotating mechanism not shown. At this time, it is particularly advantageous to achieve multiple modes of projection, such as large-scale projection with all reflecting surfaces coplanar, two-part projection of two reflecting surfaces, three-part projection of three reflecting surfaces, and four-part projection of four reflecting surfaces, thereby achieving flexible and diverse picture allocation and improving the user experience of the vehicle. Not limited to this, this embodiment can also be used with Figure 5 and6 The embodiments shown in the drawings are combined to further improve the flexibility of the projection system.

[0064] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the embodiments shown in , the projection device 1 can be divided into multiple regions or provide a projection image in its entirety, depending on the number, position and / or orientation of the reflective surface. Figure 1 and 2 In the case where the projection system only includes the first reflective surface 2, the projection device 1 can divide its projection image into three areas and two areas respectively, one of which is projected by the first reflective surface 1 deviating from the original emission direction, and the remaining areas are irradiated to the projection position inside or outside the vehicle along the original emission direction. Figure 3 , 5 In the case shown in FIG. 6 , where the projection system includes the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3, the projection device 1 divides its projection image into two areas, one of which is projected by the first reflection surface 2 deviating from the original emission direction, and the other is projected by the second reflection surface 3 deviating from the original emission direction. Figure 4 In the case where the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 are coplanar as shown, the projection device 1 can project the entire image onto the coplanar reflection surface, thereby reflecting a larger and clearer projection image.

[0065] Preferably, the projected image may involve at least one of a sign, a character, a line, a pattern and a dynamic picture, wherein the sign may include, for example, one or more of a front clearance light sign, a side marker light sign, a rear clearance light sign, a turn signal sign, a brake light sign, a reversing light sign, a fog light sign, a hazard warning flasher sign, a parking light sign, a daytime running light sign, an automatic driving sign, a manufacturer's trademark, a vehicle model logo and a road surface warning sign. Thus, by using the projection system according to the present invention, a light signal indicating the presence of the vehicle or a change in the motion state of the vehicle can be projected, in particular as described below, toward the road surface around the vehicle, and / or the road surface conditions, such as water accumulation, ice, potholes, obstacles and other traffic participants on the road surface, etc., can be effectively prompted to the vehicle driver. For this purpose, the projection system can be arranged in or on the vehicle body, in particular, in or on the radiator grille, the vehicle logo, the anti-collision beam, the headlight, the exterior rearview mirror, and the tailgate.

[0066] Without limitation, the projection system described above can also be set in the interior space of the vehicle, especially in the main instrument panel, the auxiliary instrument panel, the top instrument panel, the ceiling, and the B-pillar, so as to project onto the vehicle window, the ceiling, the main instrument panel, the auxiliary instrument panel, the front seat center armrest, the back of the seat, or the ground in the door opening area. Thus, the information display and entertainment functions in the vehicle are further optimized, and the driving experience of the vehicle users is enriched.

[0067] Figure 8 FIG. 1 shows the installation of the projection system according to the present invention on a vehicle and the projected signs. Here, the projection system 100 can be installed in the radiator grille, vehicle logo or anti-collision beam of the vehicle V, for example, and projects a first projection sign F1 and a second projection sign F2 in two different directions toward the road surface in front of the vehicle. Here, the first projection sign F1 and the second projection sign F2 are respectively a left turn signal sign and a right turn signal sign. For this purpose, the projection system 100 can be installed in the radiator grille, vehicle logo or anti-collision beam of the vehicle V, and projects a first projection sign F1 and a second projection sign F2 in two different directions toward the road surface in front of the vehicle. Figure 2 , 3 , 5, and 6, so that only one projection system 100 or only one projection device 1 can be used to simultaneously project in two directions or selectively project in only one of them. It is also particularly preferred that only the first projection mark F1, only the second projection mark F2, and the simultaneous projection of the two can be activated in response to the left and right steering operations of the vehicle (or the triggering of the left and right turn signals) and the triggering of the hazard warning flasher. In addition, the first projection mark F1 and / or the second projection mark F2 can also be activated in response to navigation information (such as turning at the next intersection according to the navigation path) and / or road conditions (such as obstacles ahead, etc.).

[0068] Fig. 9 Show Figure 8 Another projected mark of the projection system shown in the figure. As can be seen in the figure, the projection system 100 projects a third projection mark F3 that is larger than the first projection mark F1 and the second projection mark F2 toward the road surface in front of the vehicle. Here, the third projection mark F3 is also configured as a left turn signal mark, which can also be activated in response to the left turn of the vehicle or the triggering of the left turn signal. Particularly advantageously, the third projection mark F3 can be used Figure 4 The projection system shown in FIG. 1 is implemented by using the first reflection surface 2 and the second reflection surface 3 to be coplanar, thereby projecting a third projection mark F3 with a larger area and clearer on the road ahead. Fig. 9 The projected markings shown are particularly useful when the vehicle is traveling in a tunnel, on a mountain road, on a lane edge, in particular next to a meadow, a wall or a cliff.

[0069] Fig.10A block diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle V according to the present invention is shown. A projection system 100 according to the present invention is arranged in the vehicle V. The projection system 100 mainly includes a projection device 1, a control device 101 and a rotation drive mechanism 102. A vehicle control unit (ECU) 200, an interaction unit 300, a navigation unit 400, a driver monitoring unit (such as an in-vehicle camera device) 500, a road monitoring unit (such as an outside vehicle radar device) 600 and an infotainment unit 700 are also arranged in the vehicle V. These units in the vehicle V can be connected to the projection system 100 via the vehicle control unit 200 or the vehicle bus, so that the projection system 100 can obtain the vehicle state, control instructions, driver behavior, navigation information, road conditions, video data, etc. Therefore, in the operation of the projection system 100 according to the present invention, the projection system 100 can be set according to at least one of the vehicle state, control instructions, driver behavior, navigation information, and road conditions, and in particular, it can be selected whether to provide a projection image in a divided manner or in a whole. For example, a projection image corresponding to a turn signal sign, an automatic driving sign, a manufacturer's trademark or a vehicle model logo may be provided in its entirety; and / or a projection image corresponding to a front clearance light sign, a side marker light sign, a rear clearance light sign, a brake light sign, a reverse light sign, a fog light sign, a hazard warning flasher sign, a parking light sign or a daytime running light sign may be provided in its left and right halves. Without limitation, a projection image as large as possible may be projected based on navigation information and / or road conditions; in particular, at least one of water accumulation, ice, potholes, obstacles and other traffic participants on the road may be warned based on road conditions. Advantageously, the projection position of at least part of the projection system 100 may be changed based on the driver's line of sight.

[0070] The present invention may also be a computer program product. The computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to execute various aspects of the present invention.

[0071] A computer readable storage medium may be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0072] The computer readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In some embodiments, electronic circuit systems including, for example, programmable logic circuit systems, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs) may execute computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions of the personalized electronic circuit systems to perform various aspects of the present invention.

[0073] This paper describes various aspects of the present invention with reference to the flow chart and / or block diagram of the method, system and computer program product according to embodiments of the present invention.It should be understood that each box in the flow chart and / or block diagram and the combination of boxes in the flow chart and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but includes or extends to all technical equivalents that may fall within the effective scope of the appended claims. The position descriptions selected in the specification, such as top, bottom, left, right, etc., refer to the direct description and the drawings shown and can be transferred to the new position according to the meaning when the position changes.

[0075] The features disclosed in the present application may be essential and may be implemented both individually and in any combination for the realization of the exemplary embodiments in different configurations.

[0076] Although some aspects are described in association with devices, it should be understood that these aspects are also descriptions of corresponding methods, so that a device of a module or a device of a system can also be understood as a corresponding method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in association with a method step or as a method step are also descriptions of corresponding modules or details or features of corresponding devices.

[0077] Therefore, a computer-readable storage medium may be machine-readable or computer-readable. Therefore, in some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium includes a data carrier having executable instructions that can cooperate with a programmable computer system or a programmable hardware component to implement one of the methods described herein. Therefore, one embodiment is a data carrier, a digital storage medium, or a computer-readable storage medium, on which a program for implementing one of the methods described herein is recorded.

[0078] Furthermore, another embodiment is a data stream, a signal sequence or a signal sequence, which is a program for implementing one of the methods described herein. The data stream, signal sequence or signal sequence can be configured, for example, for transmission via a data communication connection, for example via the Internet or another network. Thus, an embodiment can also be a signal sequence representing data, which is suitable for transmission via a network or a data communication connection, wherein the data is a program.

[0079] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in the form of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention by using the methods and technical contents disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A projection system for a vehicle, the projection system comprising a projection device (1), a first reflection surface (2) being arranged downstream of the projection device, It is characterized in that The first reflection surface (2) is oriented obliquely to a beam plane (BP) emerging from the projection device (1), and a projection area (PS) of the first reflection surface (2) on the beam plane (BP) covers a portion of the beam plane (BP), so that the beam of the projection device (1) is projected differently in different regions.

2. The projection system according to claim 1, characterized in that A first inclination angle (a) of the first reflection surface (2) relative to the beam plane (BP) is adjustable, in particular by means of a first rotation mechanism.

3. The projection system according to claim 2, characterized in that The projection area (PS) of the first reflecting surface (2) on the beam plane (BP) covers the end or the middle of the beam plane (BP), in particular, the projection area (PS) of the first reflecting surface (2) on the beam plane (BP) covers the left half or the right half of the beam plane (BP).

4. The projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A second reflection surface (3) is arranged downstream of the projection device (1), the second reflection surface is oriented obliquely to the beam plane (BP) emitted from the projection device (1), and the projection area (PS) of the second reflection surface (3) on the beam plane (BP) covers another part of the beam plane (BP).

5. The projection system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second inclination angle of the second reflection surface (3) relative to the beam plane (BP) is adjustable, in particular by means of a second rotation mechanism.

6. The projection system according to claim 5, characterized in that The second reflecting surface (3) can be adjusted to be coplanar with the first reflecting surface (2).

7. The projection system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The first reflecting surface (2) and the second reflecting surface (2) rotate around the same rotation axis (DA), and in particular, each end side of the first reflecting surface (2) and the second reflecting surface (2) are hingedly connected to each other.

8. The projection system according to claim 7, characterized in that The first reflecting surface (2) and the second reflecting surface (3) are hinged together, preferably pivoted on a pair of guide rails extending parallel to the beam plane (BP), and the hinge points of the first reflecting surface (2) and the second reflecting surface (3) can move along the guide rails.

9. The projection system according to claim 8, characterized in that The guide rail is designed to be rotatable, in particular rotatable about an optical axis (LA) of the projection device (1).

10. The projection system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The projection system further comprises at least one further reflective surface, which is preferably connected to the other end side of the first reflective surface (2) and / or the second reflective surface (3).

11. The projection system according to claim 10, characterized in that The angle of the further reflection surface relative to the first reflection surface (2) and / or the second reflection surface (3) is adjustable, in particular by means of a further rotation mechanism.

12. The projection system according to claim 11, characterized in that The additional reflecting surface can be adjusted to be coplanar with the corresponding first reflecting surface (2) or second reflecting surface (3).

13. The projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that According to the number, position and / or orientation of the reflective surfaces, the projection device (1) provides a projection image in a divided manner into a plurality of regions or in a whole frame.

14. The projection system according to claim 13, characterized in that The projected image involves at least one of a logo, a character, a line, a pattern and a dynamic picture.

15. The projection system according to claim 14, characterized in that The signs include one or more of front marker light signs, side marker light signs, rear marker light signs, turn signal signs, brake light signs, reversing light signs, fog light signs, hazard warning flasher signs, parking light signs, daytime running light signs, automatic driving signs, manufacturer trademarks, vehicle model logos and road warning signs.

16. The projection system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The projection system is arranged in or on the vehicle body, in particular, in or on the radiator grille, vehicle logo, anti-collision beam, vehicle lamp, exterior rearview mirror, tailgate, so as to project onto the road surface around the vehicle or onto the vehicle body; and / or The projection system is arranged in the interior space of the vehicle, in particular, in the main instrument panel, the auxiliary instrument panel, the top instrument panel, the ceiling, and the B-pillar, so as to project onto the windows, the ceiling, the main instrument panel, the auxiliary instrument panel, the front seat center armrest, the back of the seat, or the ground in the door opening area.

17. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises a projection system according to one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A method for operating a projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that The projection system (100) is set according to at least one of vehicle status, control instructions, driver behavior, navigation information, and road conditions.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that Whether to provide the projection image in divided areas or in the entire area is selected according to at least one of the vehicle state, control instructions, driver behavior, navigation information, and road conditions.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that A projection image corresponding to a turn signal sign, an automatic driving sign, a manufacturer's trademark or a vehicle model logo is provided in its entirety; and / or a projection image corresponding to a front position light sign, a side mark light sign, a rear position light sign, a brake light sign, a reversing light sign, a fog light sign, a hazard warning flasher sign, a parking light sign or a daytime running light sign is provided in its left and right halves.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that Project the largest possible image based on navigation information and / or road conditions.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that The system warns of at least one of water accumulation, ice, potholes, obstacles and other traffic participants on the road according to the road conditions.

23. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that The projection position of at least part of the projection system (100) is changed according to the sight direction of the driver.

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