Projection system

Abstract

The invention provides a projection system, which can simply and conveniently carry out draft work of road marking and reduce the burden of constructors and operators. The projection system projects an image for coating a road surface with a road surface mark to a road surface, and is provided with: a projector that projects an image toward the road surface; a first setting unit provided with a projector; the base is provided with a first setting part; and a moving mechanism that moves the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection system. Background Art

[0002] When depicting road markings such as letters and symbols on the road surface of land such as roads and parking lots, first, a drawing for road surface display is made. Conventionally, measurements are taken at the site where the road markings are actually depicted, and auxiliary lines including the outline of the road markings to be depicted are trial-drawn on the road surface by a choke or the like. Thereafter, based on the auxiliary lines trial-drawn on the road surface, paint is applied by a painting device to complete the road markings.

[0003] The on-site measurements and the drafts of road markings are labor-intensive and require skilled techniques of operators. Therefore, attempts have been made to reduce the labor and burden of operators. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a painting device for road markings configured to be able to communicate with GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and quasi-zenith satellites. The painting device for road markings in Patent Document 1 displays the shape of the road markings to be painted and the position of the painting nozzle on the screen of a display unit such as a liquid crystal based on the signal radio waves received from various satellites. In the painting device for road markings in Patent Document 1, painting is performed along the guiding lines on the screen of the display unit, and high-precision painting of road markings can be easily performed.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-086590

[0005] Conventionally, skilled techniques of operators have been required for the drafts of auxiliary lines, and in the case where the road surface is a road, traffic in the area where the road markings are to be depicted is controlled or stopped, and long-term work is performed in the area, so a great burden is imposed on the operators. In addition, in the painting device for road markings in Patent Document 1, connection to satellites is required, so the scale has to be increased. Since the environment and users who can use the satellite communication system are limited, it is difficult to simply use the painting device for road markings in Patent Document 1. Therefore, a system that can simply and easily perform the draft work of road markings and reduce the burden on constructors and operators is desired. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The projection system of the present invention is a projection system that projects an image for painting road markings on a road surface, and includes: a projector that projects an image toward the road surface; a first setting unit on which the projector is set; a base on which the first setting unit is set; and a moving mechanism that moves the base. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1Side view of a projection system of an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Another side view of the projection system.

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a draft operation of road marking using the Figure 1 projection system.

[0010] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a draft operation of road marking using the Figure 1 projection system.

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a draft operation of road marking using the Figure 1 projection system.

[0012] Reference numeral description

[0013] 100: Projection system; 110: Projector; 150: Base; 161: First setting part; 180: Moving mechanism. Detailed implementation mode

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, in order to easily observe each component, the scale of the dimensions may sometimes be changed according to the component.

[0015] First, with reference to Figures 1 to 5 an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a side view showing the structure of a projection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a view when observed along the Y direction described later. The projection system 100 is a system that projects an image for painting a mark on a road surface onto the road surface. As Figure 1 shown, the projection system 100 includes a projector 110, a first setting part 161, a base 150, and a moving mechanism 180, and also includes a second setting part 162, a handle part 154, a movement restricting mechanism, and a locking mechanism.

[0016] The projector 110 is a projection device that projects an image for painting road markings on the road surface. The image represents, for example, a simple line of a road marking in the road markings, a graphic or symbol that becomes a sign, the outline of a character or number, and includes lines and graphics. The style of the road markings and the dimensions of the lines and graphics included in the image are determined based on the content of the road markings, the location of the road surface to be painted, and regulations related to the Road Traffic Law, road markings, dividing lines, and road signs. The image is magnified when projected onto the road surface. Therefore, based on the magnification, the width, and the length of the road surface, the original image before projection from the projector 110 is produced in such a way that the lines and graphics included in the image have dimensions based on the above regulations when magnified and projected onto the road surface.

[0017] In the following description, one direction parallel to the moving surface MP along which the projection system 100 moves is set as the X direction, one side of the X direction is set as the -X side, and the other side of the X direction is set as the +X side. The direction parallel to the moving surface MP and perpendicular to the X direction is set as the Y direction, one side of the Y direction is set as the -Y side, and the other side of the Y direction is set as the +Y side. The direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is set as the Z direction, one side of the Z direction is set as the -Z side, and the other side of the Z direction is set as the +Z side. The Z direction is perpendicular to the moving surface MP. The -Z side represents the orientation relatively close to the moving surface MP and is equivalent to the same orientation as the vertical direction. In addition, when the height of the moving surface MP is equal to the height of the road surface RD described later, the moving surface MP is the same as the road surface RD.

[0018] The projector 110 includes an outer housing 120, a light source 122, a light modulation device 124, a projection optical system 126, and an emission unit 132. The light source 122, the light modulation device 124, and the projection optical system 126 are housed inside the outer housing 120.

[0019] The light source 122 emits colored light for generating image light emitted from the projector 110 toward the +Z side along the Z direction. The colored light emitted from the light source 122 is set corresponding to the colors of the lines and graphics included in the image for painting road markings on the road surface, and is, for example, white or green. The light source 122 is, for example, a laser diode (LD) or a light emitting diode (LED) that emits a prescribed colored light.

[0020] The light modulation device 124 is provided on the optical path of the colored light emitted from the light source 122 and is arranged at a position on the +Z side relative to the light source 122. The light modulation device 124 modulates the colored light emitted from the light source 122 and incident from the -Z side according to the image information, generates image light of a prescribed color, and emits the image light toward the +Z side along the Z direction. The light modulation device 124 has, for example, a liquid crystal panel.

[0021] The projection optical system 126 corresponds to the projection optical device. The projection optical system 126 is provided on the optical path of the image light of a predetermined color emitted from the light modulator 124. At least a part of the projection optical system 126 is arranged at a position closer to the +Z side than the light modulator 124. The projection optical system 126 causes the image light emitted from the light modulator 124 and incident from the -Z side to be emitted to the +X side and the -Z side.

[0022] The projection optical system 126 includes, for example, a lens system 128 and a reflector 130. The lens system 128 is disposed in an area directly irradiated by the image light emitted from the light modulator 124, and is arranged on the +Z side of the light modulator 124. The lens system 128 includes one or more optical lenses. The optical lenses include, for example, plano-convex lenses, plano-concave lenses, biconvex lenses, biconcave lenses, concave-convex lenses, aspherical lenses, free-form surface lenses, and the like. The reflector 130 is disposed in an area irradiated by the image light emitted from the lens system 128, and is arranged on the +Z side of the lens system 128. The reflective surface of the reflector 130 is disposed on the side of the reflector 130 on which the image light is incident, and moves toward the +X side as it moves toward the +Z side, forming a concave curved surface that is concave when viewed from the incident side of the image light. The reflective surface of the reflector 130 performs regular reflection on the incident image light, and emits it to the +X side and the -Z side.

[0023] The emission section 132 is provided on the optical path of the image light emitted from the projection optical system 126, and is formed on the end surface on the +X side of the outer casing 120. The emission section 132 allows the image light emitted from the projection optical system 126 in the outer casing 120 to pass through, and emits the image light toward the +X side and the -Z side of the road surface. In the present embodiment, when the projection system 100 is set on the moving surface MP, i.e., the road surface, the position of the emission surface of the emission section 132 through which the image light LI passes, for example, the center of the emission surface of the emission section 132 is arranged at a position at a height H from the road surface.

[0024] The projector 110 may include an optical element, a fan, etc. (not shown) in order to modulate the color light emitted from the light source 122 into image light by the light modulator 124 as described above, and to return the image light by the projection optical system 126 so as to efficiently emit the image light from the emission unit 132 toward the moving surface MP and the road surface. Figure 1As exemplified by the like, a structure in which rear projection is performed by one reflecting mirror 128 that is a concave mirror is representative, and it widely includes projectors that house, in an outer housing, a ultra-short focus projection optical system having a structure in which rear projection is performed by two plane mirrors and having reflecting mirrors, and projectors in which a ultra-short focus projection lens system is provided in a replaceable manner. Specifically, the projection optical system 126 of the present embodiment includes a lens system 128 and a reflecting mirror 130 and is housed inside the outer housing 120, but is not necessarily housed inside the outer housing 120. At least a part of the projection optical system 126 may be provided outside the outer housing of the projector. The projection optical system 126 may also be configured with a structure in which the optical path is bent.

[0025] The first setting portion 161 is a portion where the projector 110 is set and is provided on the base 150. The base 150 constitutes a base of a handling assist mechanism of the projector 110, and is formed in a plate shape, for example, having a predetermined thickness, that is, a size in the Z direction, and has a plate surface 150a facing upward and a plate surface 150b facing downward. The plate surfaces 150a and 150b of the base 150 extend substantially parallel to the XY plane including the X direction and the Y direction.

[0026] The first setting portion 161 is provided, for example, on the +X side of the base 150 and substantially at the center in the Y direction of the plate surface 150a. The first setting portion 161 has a setting surface 161s on which the projector 110 can be set from the +Z side. The first setting portion 161 is constituted by, for example, a block-shaped combination table and has rotating tables 171, 172, and 173. The rotating tables 171, 172, and 173 correspond to a rotating mechanism.

[0027] The movable portion of the rotating table 171 rotates along the XY plane parallel to the road surface and the moving surface MP about a rotation axis parallel to the Z direction. By rotating the rotating table 171, the projector 110 rotates within the XY plane. In Figure 1 the image light LI from the projector 110 is emitted toward the +X side and the -Z side with respect to the base 150. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the projection system 100, is a view when observed along the Y direction, and is, for example, a view showing a state in which the rotating table 171 rotates by 90° about the rotation axis from the state shown in Figure 1 As shown in Figure 2 When the rotating table 171 of the first setting portion 161 rotates, for example, the image light LI from the projector 110 is emitted toward the +Y side or the -Y side and the -Z side with respect to the base 150. In addition, the rotation angle of the rotating table 171 about the rotation axis is mainly within a range of 180°, that is, freely adjustable within a range of -90° to +90° based on a state in which the image light LI is emitted along the X direction as shown in Figure 1

[0028] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the turntable 172 is mounted on the +Z side of the turntable 171. The movable part of the turntable 172 rotates along the XZ plane including the X direction and the Z direction about a rotation axis parallel to the Y direction. By rotating the turntable 172, the projector 110 rotates within the XZ plane to finely adjust the orientation of the image formed by projecting the image light onto the road surface. The turntable 173 is mounted on the +Z side of the turntable 172. The surface on the +Z side of the turntable 173 becomes the installation surface 161s. The movable part of the turntable 173 rotates along the YZ plane including the Y direction and the Z direction about a rotation axis parallel to the X direction. By rotating the turntable 173, the projector 110 rotates within the YZ plane to finely adjust the orientation of the image formed by projecting the image light onto the road surface. In addition, the projection system 100 of the present embodiment includes the turntables 171, 172, and 173 that rotate the projector 110 as a rotation mechanism, but it is not necessary to include the turntables 171, 172, and 173. The projection system 100 may also not include a rotation mechanism and may be directly fixed so that the projector 110 projects light in a specific direction.

[0029] In addition to the turntables 171, 172, and 173, the first installation part 161 may sometimes include an unillustrated wall part that surrounds the projector 110 from the -Y side, +Y side, and +Z side of the projector 110.

[0030] The second installation part 162 is a part where the electronic device 250 that controls the image projected by the projector 110 is installed, and is installed on the base 150. The second installation part 162 is installed, for example, at approximately the center in the X direction and the Y direction of the plate surface 150a of the base 150. The second installation part 162 is configured in a box shape, for example. The electronic device 250 is housed inside the box of the second installation part 162.

[0031] The electronic device 250 is electrically connected to the light modulation device 124 of the projector 110 by a wired or wireless method (not shown), and transmits information on the original image of the road sign to the light modulation device 124 as image information. The electronic device 250 is, for example, a desktop computer, but may sometimes be replaced by a tablet terminal device that can be easily set relative to the second setting unit 162 and can be easily removed from the second setting unit 162. The electronic device 250 has a processor that controls the image transmitted to the light modulation device 124. The processor of the electronic device 250 stores information on the original image of the road sign and controls the image by adjusting the magnitude and timing of an electrical signal related to the image information transmitted to the light modulation device 124. The electronic device 250 may also be electrically connected to the light source 122 of the projector 110 by a wired or wireless method (not shown). In this case, the processor of the electronic device 250 adjusts an electrical signal for adjusting the light amount of the colored light emitted from the light source 122 to the light source 122 according to the electrical signal related to the image information transmitted to the light modulation device 124.

[0032] In the second setting unit 162, in addition to the electronic device 250, the projector 110, the power supply 280 of the electronic device 250, and the display device 270 are also provided. The power supply 280 is stored, for example, inside the housing of the second setting unit 162 in the same manner as the electronic device 250. The display device 270 is provided on the outer wall surface substantially parallel to the XY plane on the +Z side of the housing of the second setting unit 162 via a support portion extending in the Z direction.

[0033] The display device 270, for example, displays the image projected by the projector 110, the electrical signals transmitted from the electronic device 250 to the light modulation device 124, etc., and information related to the movement of the base 150 toward the -X side. When viewed along the Y direction, the display surface of the display device 270 is inclined with respect to the X direction and the Z direction, and moves from the -Z side to the +Z side as it moves from the -X side to the +X side.

[0034] The handle portion 154 is a structure for moving the base 150 along the movement surface MP, and is provided, for example, on the -X side of the base 150 and at substantially the center in the Y direction of the plate surface 150a. The handle portion 154 has two shaft portions 156 and a grip portion 158.

[0035] The shaft portion 156 extends from the base 150 toward the +Z side. When viewed along the Y direction, the axis of the shaft portion 156 is inclined with respect to the Z direction and moves from the +X side toward the -X side as it moves from the -Z side to the +Z side. The -Z side end of one of the two shaft portions 156 is connected to the -X side and -Y side end of the plate surface 150a of the base 150. The -Z side end of the other of the two shaft portions 156 is connected to the -X side and +Y side end of the plate surface 150a of the base 150. The +Z side end of the shaft portion 156 is at least on the +Z side of the light emitting portion 132 of the projector 110, on the +Z side of the +Z side end of the display device 270, and on the -X side of the -X side end of the base 150. In other words, the height from the moving surface MP, that is, the road surface, to the center in the Z direction of the holding portion 158 is greater than the height H of the light emitting portion 132 from the road surface.

[0036] The holding portion 158 is connected to the two shaft portions 156. For example, the +Z side ends of the two shaft portions 156 are connected to each other along the Y direction and extend along the Y direction. The holding portion 158 is arranged so that an unillustrated user of the projection system 100 can hold it to move the base 150 along the moving surface MP. Therefore, the length of the holding portion 158 in the Y direction is set, for example, to have an appropriate margin for the separation distance between the user's two hands in the Y direction when the user of the projection system 100 holds the holding portion 158. Sometimes, operation buttons and a display surface (not shown) related to the movement of the base 150 and the like are provided on the holding portion 158.

[0037] The moving mechanism 180 is arranged on the plate surface 150b of the base 150 to move the base 150. The moving mechanism 180 is constituted by, for example, the wheels 190 of four casters 282. The casters 282 are provided at respective portions of the -X side and -Y side end, -X side and +Y side end, +X side and -Y side end, and +X side and +Y side end of the plate surface 150b of the base 150.

[0038] The caster 282 includes a main body 184, an axle 186, a stopper 188, and a wheel 190. The caster 282 is a so-called fixed wheel, which is a caster that does not have a turning portion and only the wheel 190 rotates.

[0039] In caster 282, the main body 184 is connected to the plate surface 150b and extends toward the -Z side from the plate surface 150b. The width of the main body 184 on the XY plane becomes smaller as it moves toward the -Z side. That is, the main body 184 narrows toward the -Z side. The main body 184 is formed to surround the wheel 190 on both sides in the Y direction extending from the axle 186. The axle 186 is disposed at the end portion on the -Z side of the main body 184, extends parallel to the Y direction, and penetrates through the central portion of the wheel 190 and the end portion on the -Z side of the main body 184 along the Y direction. The wheel 190 rotates circumferentially about the axis of the axle 186. The end portion on the -Z side of the wheel 190 contacts the moving surface MP.

[0040] When the caster 282 is disposed, since the main body 184 is fixed to the plate surface 150b of the base 150, the base 150 moves along the X direction as the wheel 190 rotates, and the moving direction of the base 150 is restricted. The main body 184 of the caster 282 functions as a movement restricting mechanism.

[0041] Two casters 182 on the -X side or +X side among the four casters 282 or all of the four casters 282 may be replaced with the caster 182 described below. In the present embodiment, two casters 282, namely, the caster 282 disposed at the end portion on the -X side and -Y side and the caster 282 disposed at the end portion on the -X side and +Y side, are replaced with the caster 182. The caster 182 includes a main body 184, a main shaft 185, an axle 186, a stopper 188, and a wheel 190. The caster 182 is a so-called swivel caster in which a turning portion (not shown) and the wheel 190 rotate.

[0042] The main body 184 is connected to the plate surface 150b via the main shaft 185 and a turning portion (not shown) and extends toward the -Z side from the plate surface 150b. The main shaft 185 extends along the Z direction. The turning portion can rotate circumferentially within the XY plane about the axis parallel to the Z direction of the main shaft 185. The main body 184 is fixed to the turning portion and rotates within the XY plane as the turning portion rotates. The axle 186 is disposed at the end portion on the -Z side of the main body 184, extends parallel to one direction within the XY plane, and penetrates through the central portion of the wheel 190 and the end portion on the -Z side of the main body 184 along one direction. The main body 184 is formed to surround the wheel 190 on both sides in one direction extending from the axle 186. When the caster 182 is disposed, the turning portion rotates within the XY plane about the axis of the main shaft 185, whereby one direction in which the axle 186 extends, that is, the extending direction of the axis of the axle 186, rotates within the XY plane. As the wheel 190 rotates, the base 150 moves within the XY plane, and the moving direction of the base 150 can be freely changed on the XY plane and the moving surface MP.

[0043] In any one of the casters 182 and 282, the stopper 188 is provided on the outer side of the main body 184 that surrounds the wheel 190, that is, on the side of the main body 184 opposite to the wheel 190 side. The axle 186 passes through the central portion of the stopper 188. The stopper 188 is configured to be rotatable in the XZ plane perpendicular to the axis about the axis of the axle 186 by the user's foot of the projection system 100. When the stopper 188 is located at a prescribed release position in the circumferential direction about the axis of the axle 186, the wheel 190 is not braked at all, and the movement of the casters 182 and 282 relative to the base 150 is not restricted. On the other hand, when the stopper 188 rotates to a prescribed locking position in the circumferential direction about the axis of the axle 186, the wheel 190 is braked, and the movement of the casters 182 and 282 relative to the base 150 is restricted. Specifically, the rotation of the wheel 190 stops, and the movement of the caster 282 relative to the base 150 stops. The stoppers 188 of the casters 182 and 282 correspond to the locking mechanism.

[0044] The base 150, the handle portion 154, and the moving mechanism 180 constitute a handling assist mechanism for mounting the projector 110 in the projection system 100.

[0045] Figures 3 to 5 FIG. is a perspective view showing a rough draft operation of using the projection system 100 to project an auxiliary line for road markings when painting road markings on a road surface. In this specification, as Figure 3 shown, it is assumed that the road surface RD extends parallel to the XY plane, is long in the X direction, and has a width based on the provisions of the Road Traffic Law in the Y direction. A dividing line is drawn along the X direction at the center of the road surface RD in the Y direction. The road surface RDL on the -Y side of the dividing line when facing the road surface RD from the -X side toward the +X side is assumed to be the road surface for the rough draft operation of the auxiliary line for road markings using the projection system 100 and the road surface for depicting road markings. In the present embodiment, the image IM projected by the projection system 100 is a road marking image.

[0046] As an example of a method for rough draft operation of the auxiliary line for road markings, in the first method, as Figure 3 shown, when facing the road surface RDL from the -X side toward the +X side, the projector 110 is disposed on the shoulder surface RS of the shoulder on the -Y side of the road surface RDL. The shoulder surface RS corresponds to the moving surface MP described above. In the first method, the projection system 100 is Figure 2 in the state illustrated. That is, the rotating table 171 of the first setting unit 161 is aligned in the circumferential direction so that the image light LI from the projector 110 is emitted toward the +Y side and the -Z side with respect to the base 150.

[0047] In the first mode, the moving direction D1 of the base 150, i.e., the projection system 100, is the direction along the X direction from the -X side toward the +X side. In Figure 3 it is exemplified that the road surface markings depicted and drafted on the road surface RDL are a stop line along the Y direction and the vertically written "Tomare" from the +X side to the -X side. In the first mode, the characters "Ma" and "Shi" and the line of the stop line are successively depicted from the character "Re" of the road surface marking toward the +X side. In the first mode, the projection direction of the projector 110 is toward the side, i.e., the +Y side, relative to the moving direction D1 of the base 150. In the first mode, the orientation of the image IM projected from the projector 110 is the orientation from the -X side toward the +X side, which is the orientation along the moving direction D1 of the base 150.

[0048] An operator (not shown) sets the projection system 100 in the X direction at the position where "Re" is drafted on the road shoulder surface RS with respect to the road surface RDL, projects image light LI from the projector 110 onto the road surface RDL, and magnifies and projects the image of the draft of "Re". The outline line LL of "Re" with an appropriate size conforming to the Road Traffic Law is instantaneously projected on the road surface RDL. During the projection of the outline line LL of "Re" onto the road surface RDL, the operator (not shown) drafts auxiliary lines along a part or all of the outline line LL of "Re" by means of a choke coil or the like.

[0049] Next, the operator holds the holding part 158 of the handle part 154, moves the projection system 100 along the moving direction D1, sets it in the X direction at the position where "Ma" is drafted on the road shoulder surface RS with respect to the road surface RDL, projects image light LI from the projector 110 onto the road surface RDL, and magnifies and projects the image of the draft of "Ma". The outline line LL of "Ma" with an appropriate size conforming to the Road Traffic Law is instantaneously projected on the road surface RDL. During the projection of the outline line LL of "Ma" onto the road surface RDL, the operator drafts auxiliary lines along a part or all of the outline line LL of "Ma" by means of a choke coil or the like. By applying the same process to the road surface markings of "Shi" and the stop line, the draft of the road surface marking composed of a single stop line along the Y direction and the vertically written "Tomare" is depicted on the road surface RDL. Then, the operator uses a coating device (not shown) to apply paint along the draft onto the road surface RDL, thereby completing the road surface markings of the stop line and "Tomare".

[0050] As another example in the mode of drafting auxiliary lines for road surface markings, in the second mode, as Figure 4 shown, the projector 110 is arranged on the road shoulder surface RS in the same manner as in the first mode. In the second mode, the rotating table 171 of the first setting part 161 is aligned in the circumferential direction so that the image light LI from the projector 110 is emitted toward the +Y side and -Z side relative to the base 150.

[0051] In the second method, the moving direction D2 of the base 150, i.e., the projection system 100, is a direction along the X direction from the +X side toward the -X side. In Figure 4 it is exemplified that the road surface markings depicted and drafted on the road surface RDL are a stop line along the Y direction and the vertically written "Tomare" from the -X side to the +X side. In the second method, starting from the character "re" of the road surface marking, the characters "ma" and "to" and the line of the stop line are sequentially depicted toward the -X side. In the second method, the projection direction of the projector 110 is toward the side, i.e., the +Y side, relative to the moving direction D2 of the base 150. In the second method, the orientation of the image IM projected from the projector 110 is also an orientation from the -X side toward the +X side, which is an orientation along the moving direction D1 of the base 150.

[0052] The operator sets the projection system 100 in the X direction at the position where the road surface RDL is drafted with "re" on the road shoulder surface RS, and through the same process as in the first method, the draft of the road surface marking of "re" can be completed on the road surface RDL.

[0053] Next, an operator (not shown) holds the holding portion 158 of the handle portion 154, moves the projection system 100 along the moving direction D2, sets it in the X direction at the position where the road surface RDL is drafted with "ma" on the road shoulder surface RS, projects image light LI from the projector 110 onto the road surface RDL, and magnifies and projects the draft image of "ma". The outline line LL of "ma" with an appropriate size conforming to the Road Traffic Law is instantaneously projected on the road surface RDL. During the projection of the outline line LL of "ma" onto the road surface RDL, the operator drafts auxiliary lines along a part or all of the outline line LL of "ma" by means of a choke coil or the like. By applying the same process to the road surface markings of "to" and the stop line, the draft of the road surface marking composed of a single stop line along the Y direction and the vertically written "Tomare" is depicted on the road surface RDL. Then, the operator uses a coating device (not shown) to apply paint along the draft onto the road surface RDL, thereby completing the road surface markings of the stop line and "Tomare".

[0054] As another example in the method of drafting the auxiliary lines of the road surface markings, in the third method, as Figure 5 shown, the projector 110 is arranged on the road surface RDL. In the third method, the projection system 100 is in the Figure 1 exemplified state. That is, the turntable 171 of the first setting portion 161 is aligned in the circumferential direction so that the image light LI from the projector 110 is emitted toward the +X side and the -Z side relative to the base 150.

[0055] In the third method, the moving direction D3 of the base 150, i.e., the projection system 100, is a direction along the X direction from the +X side toward the -X side. In Figure 5An example is shown in which the road surface markings depicted and drafted on the road surface RDL read "City Hall" horizontally from the -X side to the +X side. In the third method, starting from the character "Office" of the road surface marking, the characters "Government Office" and "City" are sequentially depicted toward the -X side. In the third method, the projection direction of the projector 110 is in the direction opposite to the moving direction D3 of the base 150 in the X direction, that is, the direction from the -X side toward the +X side. In the third method, the orientation of the image IM projected from the projector 110 is from the +Y side toward the -Y side, which is an orientation intersecting the moving direction D3 of the base 150.

[0056] The operator sets the projection system 100 at the position for drafting "Office" on the road surface RDL in the X direction, and through the same process as in the first method, the draft of the road surface marking of "Office" can be completed on the road surface RDL.

[0057] Next, an operator (not shown) holds the gripping portion 158 of the handle portion 154, moves the projection system 100 along the moving direction D3, sets it at the position for drafting "Government Office" on the road surface RDL in the X direction, projects image light LI from the projector 110 onto the road surface RDL, and magnifies and projects the draft image of "Government Office". The outline LL of "Government Office" with an appropriate size conforming to the Road Traffic Law is instantaneously projected on the road surface RDL. During the projection of the outline LL of "Government Office" onto the road surface RDL, the operator drafts auxiliary lines along a part or all of the outline LL of "Government Office" through a choke coil or the like. By applying the same process to the road surface marking of "City", the draft of the road surface marking composed of "City Hall" written horizontally along the Y direction is depicted on the road surface RDL. Then, the operator uses a coating device (not shown) to apply paint along the draft onto the road surface RDL, thereby completing the road surface marking of "City Hall".

[0058] Next, in the present embodiment, a method will be described in which the operator can appropriately perform the draft operation of the road surface marking by using the image IM projected onto the road surface RD by the projection system 100, that is, the road surface marking image.

[0059] Table 1 shows an example of the relationship between the size of the image IM, the height H from the emission portion 132 of the projector 110 to the road surface RD, and the projection ratio of the projection system 100 when the aspect ratio of the image IM projected onto the road surface RD is changed. The unit of the size of the image IM is inches, and the unit of the height H from the emission portion 132 to the road surface RD is millimeters.

[0060] [Table 1]

[0061]

[0062] The size of the image IM is the size of the image IM projected onto the road surface RD, which is more than 80 inches and less than 200 inches. Thus, the road surface marking image in the actual size for drafting can be appropriately projected onto the road surface RD. The aspect ratio of the image IM is the ratio of the length along the horizontal direction to the length along the vertical direction of the image IM.

[0063] The height H of the projection unit 132 from the road surface RD is the length from the center of the projection unit 132 to the road surface RD on which the image IM is projected, in other words, the projection distance. Here, the height H of the projection unit 132 from the road surface RD is 100 mm or more and 1000 mm or less. As described above, the height H of the projection unit 132 from the road surface RD is set to, for example, 1000 mm or less so as not to exceed the height of the holding unit 158 from the moving surface MP, and further set to 100 mm or more so as to be able to form a large road surface marking image of more than 80 inches and less than 200 inches.

[0064] The projection ratio of the projection system 100 is the value obtained by dividing the projection distance, that is, the height H, by the length along the horizontal direction of the image IM. The projection ratio of the projection system 100 is, for example, 0.023 or more and 0.615 or less. Thus, the road surface marking image can be projected onto the road surface RD by so-called ultra-short focus projection. In addition, it is possible to suppress the presence or entry of an object that blocks the image between the projection unit 132 of the projector 110 and the road surface RD on which the image IM is projected. And the road surface marking image has no defect, and the state of the road surface marking image projected onto the road surface RD can be maintained more appropriately.

[0065] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment described above is a projection system that projects an image for painting a road surface marking onto the road surface RD, and includes a projector 110, a first setting unit 161, a base 150, and a moving mechanism 180. The projector 110 projects the image IM toward the road surface RD. The projector 110 is provided on the first setting unit 161. The first setting unit 161 is provided on the base 150. The moving mechanism 180 moves the base 150.

[0066] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the image IM including the same outline line LL as that after the completion of the draft of the road surface marking can be instantaneously projected from the projector 110 onto the road surface RD. Therefore, the time spent on the draft work of the road surface marking performed in the past can be significantly reduced. Even for beginners in the work related to the draft of the road surface marking, the projection system 100 is used to represent the accurate outline line LL on the road surface RD and perform the drawing of the road surface marking. According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the draft work of the road surface marking can be carried out simply and easily, reducing the burden on the constructor and the operator.

[0067] Conventionally, before the rough draft operation of road markings, measurements were taken on the road surface RD. However, in the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, for example, data related to the road surface RD can be obtained in advance at the stage of generating the original image and reflected in the original image. Therefore, it is not necessary to re-measure the road surface RD before the rough draft operation. Thus, by using the projection system 100, the burden on constructors or operators can be reduced.

[0068] Conventionally, when the traffic volume during the day on the road surface RD for depicting road markings was high and in a situation where passage was prohibited at night, the rough draft operation of road markings was carried out. In this case, for example, the operator carried out the rough draft operation with night lighting worn on the head or the like. However, in the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the image light LI projected from the projector 110 onto the road surface RD also serves as lighting during the rough draft operation. Therefore, the operator does not need to wear lighting and does not need to additionally set up strong lighting. In addition, by using the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the operation time of road markings including the rough draft operation can be shortened, and the time for taking measures such as prohibiting passage can be shortened. Also, even when the projection system 100 of the present embodiment is used during the day, the outer contour line LL of the image IM projected onto the road surface RD is easily visible as a light-emitting part. Thus, by using the projection system 100, the burden on constructors and operators can also be reduced.

[0069] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 110 is mounted on the first setting portion 161 and can be stable relative to the base 150. In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the base 150 provided with the projector 110 can be moved by the moving mechanism 180. Therefore, for example, compared with a conventional device that does not have a moving mechanism and directly displays road markings in a specified direction, multiple rough draft operations of road markings can be efficiently carried out by one projection system.

[0070] Conventionally, for example, research has been conducted on projecting road markings from the lamp unit of a vehicle onto the road surface. However, in such a technique, it is difficult to instantaneously project onto the road surface and stably display an image as a rough draft of road markings as in the projection system 100 of the present embodiment.

[0071] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 110 includes: a light modulation device 124 that modulates the color light (light) emitted from the light source 122; and a projection optical system (projection optical device) 126 that projects the image light (light) LI emitted from the light modulation device 124 as an image IM. The projection optical system 126 has a reflector 128 that bends the optical path of the image light LI incident from the light modulation device 124.

[0072] In the projection system 100 according to the present embodiment, the projection optical system 126 includes a mirror 128. Therefore, the projector 110 can be arranged at a position closer to the road surface RD in the Z direction, that is, arranged on the +Z side region closer to the base 150 and facing the -Z side, so that the emission part 132 of the projector 110 is close to the road surface RD. As a result, the situation where an obstacle that blocks the image light LI and the image IM is arranged or enters between the projector 110 and the road surface RD can be reduced, and the state of projecting the image IM onto the road surface RD can be maintained more appropriately.

[0073] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 110 has an emission part 132 that emits image light (light as an image) LI from the outer housing 120 of the projector. The size of the image IM on the road surface is 80 inches or more and 200 inches or less. The height of the emission part 132 from the road surface RD is 100 mm or more and 1000 mm or less. The projection ratio of the projection system 100 of the present embodiment is 0.023 or more and 0.615 or less.

[0074] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 110 is arranged at a position close to the road surface RD to project the image IM with a relatively large image size. According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, an image IM with a size sufficient to project the actual size of the road markings for drafts can be projected onto the road surface RD, and the situation where an obstacle that blocks the image light LI and the image IM is arranged or enters between the projector 110 and the road surface RD can be reduced, and the state of projecting the image IM onto the road surface RD can be maintained more appropriately.

[0075] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the base 150 has a second setting part 162, and an electronic device 250 for controlling the image IM projected by the projector 110 is arranged on the second setting part 162.

[0076] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the adjustment of the image IM suitable for the draft of the road markings can be easily performed by the electronic device 250, and the electronic device 250 is mounted on the second setting part 162 to be stable relative to the base 150.

[0077] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment further includes a handle part 154, and the handle part 154 has a grip part 158 for a user to hold to move the base 150. In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 110 has an emission part 132 that emits image light (light as an image) LI from the outer housing 120. The height of the emission part 132 from the road surface RD is lower than the height of the grip part 158 from the road surface RD.

[0078] In the projection system 100 according to the present embodiment, the emission unit 132 of the projector 110 can be made closer to the road surface RD than the position where the user holds the holding unit 158.

[0079] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, for example, the projection direction of the projector 110 is toward the side with respect to the moving directions D1 and D2 of the base 150. In this case, the orientation of the image IM projected from the projector 110 is along the moving directions D1 and D2 of the base 150.

[0080] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to project the image IM from the road shoulder surface RS on the side of the road surface RD where the road marking draft work is being performed onto the road surface RD, and instantaneously perform the road marking draft work in the orientation along the extension direction of the road surface RD.

[0081] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, for example, the projection direction of the projector 110 is the direction opposite to the moving direction D3 of the base 150. In this case, the orientation of the image IM projected from the projector 110 is the orientation crossing the moving direction D3 of the base 150.

[0082] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to project the image IM onto the road surface RD on the road surface RD where the road marking draft work is being performed, and instantaneously perform the road marking draft work in the orientation crossing the extension direction of the road surface RD.

[0083] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment, for example, further includes a main body (movement restricting mechanism) 184 that restricts the moving directions D1, D2, and D3 of the base 150 moved by the casters 282 serving as the movement mechanism 180 to a specified direction.

[0084] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, since the moving directions of the wheels 190 and the base 150 are determined to be a specified direction by the main body 184 that cannot rotate with respect to the moving surface MP and the road surface RD in the casters 282, the movement of the base 150 can be accurately performed, and the base 150 can be stabilized.

[0085] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment further has a stopper (locking mechanism) 188 that restricts the movement of the movement mechanism 180 with respect to the base 150.

[0086] In the projection system 100 according to the present embodiment, among the casters 182 and 282 serving as the moving mechanism 180, when the stopper 188 is switched to the locked position, the rotation of the wheel 190 can be easily stopped, preventing the accidental movement of the base 150. For example, when the road surface RD is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, during the projection of the draft image IM for road marking from the projection system 100 onto the road surface RD, by switching the stopper 188 from the released position to the locked position, the projection system 100 can be stabilized on the moving surface MP and the shoulder surface RS. Thereby, the burden on the constructors and operators can be reduced.

[0087] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment further includes turntables (rotation mechanisms) 171, 172, and 173. The turntable 171 is provided on the first setting portion 161, and by rotating the projector 110, the projection direction of the projector 110 is changed with respect to the moving directions D1, D2, and D3 of the base 150.

[0088] In the projection system 100 according to the present embodiment, according to the relative position between the setting surface of the projection system 100, i.e., the moving surface MP and the road surface RD, and the relative relationship between the setting position of the projection system 100 and the position on the road surface RD where the image IM should be projected, the emission direction of the image light LI from the projector 110 and the orientation of the image IM can be adjusted freely and easily. Thereby, the usage range of the projection system 100 is expanded.

[0089] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the turntable (rotation mechanism) 171 rotates the projector 110 in the direction along the road surface RD.

[0090] In the projection system 100 according to the present embodiment, the emission direction of the image light LI from the projector 110 can be adjusted freely and easily within the XY plane parallel to the road surface RD by using the turntable 171.

[0091] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the turntables (rotation mechanisms) 172 and 173 rotate the projector 110 in the Z direction intersecting the direction along the road surface RD.

[0092] In the projection system 100 according to the present embodiment, the posture of the projector 110 can be adjusted within the plane including the Z direction perpendicular to the road surface RD by using the turntables 172 and 173, and the orientation of the image IM projected from the projector 110 onto the road surface RD can be adjusted freely and easily.

[0093] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0094] [Summary of the present disclosure]

[0095] The summary of the present disclosure is described below.

[0096] (Supplementary Note 1) A projection system that projects an image for painting road markings onto the road surface, the projection system having: a projector that projects the image toward the road surface; a first setting portion on which the projector is disposed; a base on which the first setting portion is disposed; and a moving mechanism that moves the base.

[0097] According to the structure of Supplementary Note 1, an image of a draft such as an outline of a road marking is instantaneously projected onto the road surface from the projector, thus reducing the time spent on the draft work of road markings performed in the past. According to the structure of Supplementary Note 1, the draft work of road markings can be performed simply and easily, reducing the burden on constructors and operators.

[0098] (Supplementary Note 2) The projection system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the projector has: a light modulation device that modulates light emitted from a light source; and a projection optical device that projects the light emitted from the light modulation device as the image, the projection optical device having a reflector that bends the optical path of the light incident from the light modulation device.

[0099] According to the structure of Supplementary Note 2, the projector can be disposed at a position close to the road surface. Therefore, the situation where an obstacle that blocks the image is disposed or enters between the projector and the road surface can be reduced, and the state of projecting the image onto the road surface can be maintained more appropriately.

[0100] (Supplementary Note 3) The projection system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the projector has an emission portion that emits light as the image from an outer housing of the projector, the size of the image on the road surface is 80 inches or more and 200 inches or less, the height of the emission portion from the road surface is 100 mm or more and 1000 mm or less, and the projection ratio is 0.023 or more and 0.615 or less.

[0101] According to the structure of Supplementary Note 3, the projector can be disposed at a position close to the road surface, and further, an image can be projected with a large image size. Therefore, an image of a size sufficient to project the actual size of the road marking for the draft can be projected onto the road surface, and the situation where an obstacle that blocks the image is disposed or enters between the projector and the road surface can be reduced, and the state of projecting the image onto the road surface can be maintained more appropriately.

[0102] (Supplementary Note 4) The projection system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the base has a second setting portion on which an electronic device that controls the image projected by the projector is disposed.

[0103] According to the structure of Note 4, the draft and image of the road surface marking can be easily adjusted by the electronic device, and the electronic device is mounted on the second setting part to make it stable relative to the base.

[0104] (Note 5) The projection system according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein the projection system further has a handle part having a grip part for a user to grip to move the base, the projector has a projection part that projects light as the image from the outer housing of the projector, and the height of the projection part from the road surface is lower than the height of the grip part from the road surface.

[0105] According to the structure of Note 5, the projection part of the projector can be closer to the road surface than the position where the user grips the grip part.

[0106] (Note 6) The projection system according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the projection direction of the projector is lateral with respect to the moving direction of the base, and the orientation of the image projected from the projector is along the moving direction of the base.

[0107] According to the structure of Note 6, the image can be projected onto the road surface from the road shoulder on the side of the road surface where the draft operation of the road surface marking is performed, and the draft operation of the road surface marking in the orientation along the extending direction of the road surface can be performed.

[0108] (Note 7) The projection system according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein the projection direction of the projector is a direction opposite to the moving direction of the base, and the orientation of the image projected from the projector is an orientation crossing the moving direction of the base.

[0109] According to the structure of Note 7, the image can be projected onto the road surface on the road surface where the draft operation of the road surface marking is performed, and the draft operation of the road surface marking in the orientation crossing the extending direction of the road surface can be performed.

[0110] (Note 8) The projection system according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, wherein a movement restricting mechanism is further provided that restricts the moving direction of the base moved by the moving mechanism to a specified direction.

[0111] According to the structure of Note 8, since the moving direction of the base is determined to be the specified direction, the movement of the base can be accurately performed to make the base stable.

[0112] (Note 9) The projection system according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, wherein a locking mechanism is further provided that restricts the movement of the moving mechanism on the base.

[0113] According to the structure of Note 9, the operation of the moving mechanism can be easily stopped, preventing accidental movement of the base. Even when the road surface is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, the projection system can be stopped on the installation surface during the projection of an image from the projector, and the rough work of road markings can be carried out smoothly.

[0114] (Note 10) The projection system according to any one of Notes 1 to 9, wherein the projection system further includes a rotation mechanism provided in the first installation portion, and by rotating the projector, the projection direction of the projector is changed with respect to the moving direction of the base.

[0115] In the structure of Note 10, the emission direction of light from the projector and the orientation of the image can be adjusted freely and easily, expanding the usage range of the projection system.

[0116] (Note 11) The projection system according to Note 10, wherein the rotation mechanism rotates the projector in the direction along the road surface.

[0117] In the structure of Note 11, the emission direction of light from the projector can be adjusted freely and easily.

[0118] (Note 12) The projection system according to Note 10, wherein the rotation mechanism rotates the projector in a direction intersecting the direction along the road surface.

[0119] In the structure of Note 12, the orientation of the image projected from the projector can be adjusted freely and easily.

Claims

1. A projection system for projecting an image for painting a road surface marking on a road surface onto the road surface, The projection system comprises: a projector that projects the image toward the road surface; a first setting part, wherein the projector is set in the first setting part; a base, wherein the first setting portion is arranged on the base; as well as A moving mechanism moves the base.

2. The projection system according to claim 1, wherein: The projector has: a light modulation device for modulating light emitted from a light source; as well as a projection optical device for projecting the light emitted from the light modulation device as the image, The projection optical device has a reflector that bends the optical path of the light incident from the light modulation device.

3. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The projector includes an emitting unit that emits light as the image from an outer casing of the projector. The size of the image on the road surface is greater than 80 inches and less than 200 inches, The height of the emitting portion from the road surface is not less than 100 mm and not more than 1000 mm, The projection ratio is greater than or equal to 0.023 and less than or equal to 0.

615.

4. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base has a second setting portion, and the second setting portion is provided with electronic equipment for controlling the image projected by the projector.

5. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The projection system further includes a handle having a grip portion for a user to grip to move the base. The projector includes an emitting unit that emits light as the image from an outer casing of the projector. The height of the emitting portion from the road surface is lower than the height of the holding portion from the road surface.

6. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The projection direction of the projector is toward the side relative to the moving direction of the base. The orientation of the image projected from the projector is an orientation along the moving direction of the base.

7. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The projection direction of the projector is opposite to the moving direction of the base. The direction of the image projected from the projector is a direction intersecting the moving direction of the base.

8. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The projection system further includes a movement restriction mechanism that restricts a movement direction of the base moved by the movement mechanism to a predetermined direction.

9. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The projection system further includes a locking mechanism that restricts movement of the base by the moving mechanism.

10. The projection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The projection system further includes a rotation mechanism provided on the first installation portion, and the rotation mechanism changes the projection direction of the projector relative to the moving direction of the base by rotating the projector.

11. The projection system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism rotates the projector in a direction along the road surface.

12. The projection system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The rotating mechanism rotates the projector in a direction intersecting with a direction along the road surface.

Images