Vehicle image projection system

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle image projection system capable of improving appearance design at low cost. A vehicle image projection system (1) is generally configured to be provided with: a housing unit (20) having an internal space (26) in which a housed object (92) is housed; a translucent cover (27) which is provided in the housing part (20) so as to be openable and closable; a projector (3) that is disposed in a portion other than a bottom surface portion (25) of an inner surface portion forming the internal space (26), and that projects a projection image formed on a back surface (271) of the cover (27), the projection image being formed by irradiating projection light (410) onto the pattern (63); and a switching unit (8) that switches the projection state of the projector (3) in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover (27), and causes a display image formed on the basis of a projection image projected on the rear surface (271) of the cover (27) to be displayed on the front surface (270) of the cover (27) when the cover (27) is closed.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As a conventional technique, a transport unit display device including a transport unit frame is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] The transport unit frame includes a flexible display device that is placed between the seats in a bent state and displays images. The flexible display device serves as a cover for the storage portion.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-159903

[0005] Conventional display devices for transport units use a flexible display device, which is an electronic device, as a cover for the storage portion. Therefore, while the cover's design can be changed by images compared to a case where the cover does not use an electronic device, the cost is high. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle image projection system that can be reduced in cost and has improved exterior design.

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle image projection system comprising: a storage portion having an internal space for storing storage items; a cover that is openably and closably arranged on the storage portion and is light-transmissive; a projection portion that is arranged on a portion other than a bottom portion of an inner surface portion forming the internal space and projects a projection image formed based on projection light irradiated on a pattern onto the back side of the cover; and a switching portion that switches the projection state of the projection portion in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover, so that when the cover is closed, a display image formed based on the projection image projected onto the back side of the cover is displayed on the surface of the cover.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle image projection system, comprising: a storage portion having an internal space for storing storage items; a lid that is openably and closably arranged on the storage portion and is light-transmissive; and a projection portion that is arranged on a portion other than a bottom portion of an inner surface portion forming the internal space, wherein when the lid is closed, a projection image formed by irradiating projection light onto a pattern is projected across the back of the lid and a projection surface adjacent to the lid in the internal space, so that a display image formed based on the projection image projected onto the back of the lid is displayed on the surface of the lid, and when the lid is open, the display image is projected directly onto the projection surface in the same irradiation direction of the projection light as when the lid is closed.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the design at low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle image projection system according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (b) is an example of a block diagram of a vehicle image projection system.

[0011] Figure 2 (a) is a plan view showing an example of a storage unit of the vehicle image projection system according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 (b) is a diagram showing an example of the rear inner surface portion of the storage portion in which the projector is arranged.

[0012] Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a pattern portion of the vehicle image projection system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 (c) is a diagram for explaining an example of the first area and the second area of ​​the storage section.

[0013] Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a first projected image and a second projected image when the lid of the vehicle image projection system according to the first embodiment is closed. Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing an example of the first projected image and the second projected image when the cover is open.

[0014] Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the cover of the switching unit according to the first embodiment is closed. Figure 5 (b) is a diagram showing an example in which the cover of the switching unit is open.

[0015] Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the lid of the vehicle image projection system according to the second embodiment is closed. Figure 6 (b) is a diagram showing an example in which the cover is opened.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle image projection system according to a third embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a first projected image and a second projected image when the lid of the vehicle image projection system according to the fourth embodiment is closed. Figure 8 (b) is a diagram showing an example of the first projected image and the second projected image when the cover is open.

[0018] Description of Reference Numerals

[0019] 1...Vehicle image projection system; 2...Console box; 3...Projector; 4...Light source; 5...Converging lens; 6...Pattern; 7...Projection lens; 8...Switching unit; 9...Vehicle; 10...Control unit; 20...Accommodation; 21...Front inner surface; 22...Rear inner surface; 23...Right inner surface; 24...Left inner surface; 25...Bottom; 26...Interior space; 27...Lid; 28...Hinge; 29...Accommodation; 40...Substrate; 41...Light emitting element; 51...Converging lens; 60...Transparent substrate; 61...Surface; 62...Back surface; 63...Pattern; 64...First projected image; 65...Second projected image; 66, 68. ..displayed image; 67...projected image; 71...projection lens; 81...first gear; 82...second gear; 90...driver's seat; 91...passenger's seat; 92...contained items; 93...vehicle control device; 210...front inner surface; 220...rear inner surface; 221...opening; 222...convex portion; 223...upper surface; 250...bottom surface; 251...lowest point; 261...first region; 262...second region; 263...boundary surface; 270...surface; 271...back surface; 272...end portion; 273...end surface; 280...rotation axis; 410...projected light; 411...optical axis; 631...first pattern region; 632...second pattern region. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] (Overview of Embodiments)

[0021] The vehicle image projection system involved in the embodiment is roughly configured to include: a storage portion, which has an internal space for storing storage items; a cover, which is openably and closably arranged on the storage portion and has light transmittance; a projection portion, which is arranged on a portion other than the bottom portion of the inner surface portion forming the internal space, and projects a projection image generated based on the projection light irradiated on the pattern onto the back side of the cover; and a switching portion, which switches the projection state of the projection portion in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover, and when the cover is closed, displays an image formed based on the projection image projected onto the back side of the cover on the surface of the cover.

[0022] The vehicle image projection system involved in another embodiment is roughly constructed as comprising: a storage portion, which has an internal space for storing storage items; a lid, which is openably and closably arranged on the storage portion and has light transmittance; and a projection portion, which is arranged on a portion other than the bottom portion of the inner surface portion forming the internal space. When the lid is closed, a projection image generated by irradiating the pattern with projection light is projected across the back side of the lid and the projection surface adjacent to the lid in the internal space, so that a display image generated based on the projection image projected on the back side of the lid is displayed on the surface of the lid. When the lid is open, it is projected directly onto the projection surface in the same irradiation direction of the projection light as when it is closed.

[0023] The vehicle image projection system projects the projection image from the back of the cover by the projection unit and displays it as a display image on the front surface. Therefore, compared with the case where the cover is configured as a display device, it can be low-cost and have an improved appearance design.

[0024] [First embodiment]

[0025] (Overview of Vehicle Image Projection System 1)

[0026] Figure 1 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle image projection system according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 (b) is an example of a block diagram of a vehicle image projection system. Figure 2 (a) is a plan view showing an example of a storage unit of the vehicle image projection system according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 (b) is a diagram showing an example of the rear inner surface portion of the storage portion in which the projector is arranged. Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a pattern portion of the vehicle image projection system according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 (c) is a diagram for explaining an example of the first area and the second area of ​​the storage section. Figure 4 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a first projected image and a second projected image when the lid of the vehicle image projection system according to the first embodiment is closed. Figure 4 (b) is a diagram showing an example of the first projected image and the second projected image when the cover is open.

[0027] In addition, in each figure involved in the embodiment described below, there are cases where the ratio and shape between the figures are different from the actual ratio and shape. Figure 1 In (b), the arrows indicate the flow of main signals. The following is an overview of the vehicle image projection system 1.

[0028] As an example, Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 8 (a), the vehicle image projection system 1 of this embodiment is disposed between a driver's seat 90 and a passenger seat 91 of a vehicle 9. Alternatively, the vehicle image projection system 1 may be disposed in the center of a rear seat.

[0029] like Figure 1 (a)~ Figure 2 As shown in (b), the vehicle image projection system 1 is roughly constructed to include: a housing portion 20, which has an internal space 26 for accommodating a storage object 92; a cover 27, which is openably and closably arranged on the housing portion 20 and has light transmittance; a projector 3 as a projection portion, which is arranged on a portion other than the bottom portion 25 of the inner surface portion forming the internal space 26, so that a projection image generated based on irradiating the projection light 410 on the pattern 63 is projected onto the back side 271 of the cover 27; and a switching portion 8, which switches the projection state of the projector 3 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover 27, so that when the cover 27 is closed, a display image 66 generated based on the projection image projected onto the back side 271 of the cover 27 is displayed on the surface 270 of the cover 27.

[0030] The storage unit 20 and the cover 27 constitute the console box 2. The display image 66 is a partial or full projection image displayed on the surface 270 via the back surface 271 of the cover 27. Specifically, the storage item 92 is, for example, a wallet, a mobile terminal, clothing, a charger, and the like.

[0031] like Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 As shown in (b), the switching unit 8 is configured to switch the setting angle θ of the projector 3 according to the opening and closing of the cover 27. As an example, Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 As shown by the one-dot chain line in (b), the setting angle θ is an angle measured from the horizontal.

[0032] like Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2( c ), the internal space 26 of the storage unit 20 is divided into a first area 261 including the lowest point 251 of the bottom portion 25 and accommodating the storage object 92 and a second area 262 located above the first area 261 . The projector 3 is disposed in the second area 262 .

[0033] like Figure 3As shown in (a), the pattern 63 is divided into a first pattern area 631 and a second pattern area 632. The projector 3 projects a first projection image 64 corresponding to the first pattern area 631 and a second projection image 65 corresponding to the second pattern area 632. The switching unit 8 switches the projection state by switching the installation angle θ of the projector 3. When the lid 27 is closed, the first projection image 64 is projected onto the back surface 271 of the lid 27 and the second projection image 65 is projected onto the projection surface of the interior space 26 adjacent to the lid 27. When the lid 27 is open, the first projection image 64 is projected onto the projection surface and the second projection image 65 is projected onto the bottom surface 25.

[0034] Specifically, as an example, Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the housing portion 29 of this embodiment has a front inner surface portion 21 located in front of the vehicle 9 and a rear inner surface portion 22 located in the rear and facing the front inner surface portion 21 in the internal space 26. Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 As shown in (b), the switching unit 8 switches the setting angle θ of the projector 3 to switch the projection state, so that when the cover 27 is closed, the first projection image 64 is projected onto the back surface 271 of the cover 27 and the second projection image 65 is projected onto the front inner surface portion 21, and when the cover 27 is opened, the first projection image 64 is projected onto the front inner surface portion 21 and the second projection image 65 is projected onto the bottom portion 25.

[0035] As an example, the second projected image 65 of this embodiment is configured to have no pattern and illuminate the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21 and the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25 in accordance with the opening and closing conditions of the lid 27. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may also have a pattern. Furthermore, the first projected image 64 and the second projected image 65 are projected onto a portion or the entirety of the back surface 271 of the lid 27, the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21, and the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25.

[0036] The projector 3 is disposed on the inner surface portion of the cover 27 in the direction in which the rotation axis 280 of the hinge 28 is disposed when viewed from the internal space 26. In other words, regardless of whether the rotation axis 280 of the cover 27 is disposed on the inner surface portion of the housing portion 20 or on a member other than the inner surface portion of the housing portion 20, the projector 3 is disposed on the inner surface portion in the direction in which the rotation axis 280 is disposed when viewed from the internal space 26.

[0037] Specifically, as an example, the projector 3 of this embodiment is located in the internal space 26 of the storage unit 20 and at the rear of the vehicle 9 , and is disposed on the rear inner surface portion 22 to which the hinge 28 that enables opening and closing of the lid 27 is attached.

[0038] Furthermore, as an example, the lid 27 of this embodiment is provided with the hinge 28 on the rear inner surface portion 22. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be provided on the inner surface portion in the direction in which the rotation axis 280 of the lid 27 is provided. For example, if the lid 27 is to be opened and closed in the left-right direction, the hinge 28 is not limited to being provided on the rear inner surface portion 22, but may be provided on the inner surface portion in the direction in which the rotation axis 280 of the hinge 28 is provided.

[0039] (Structure of console box 2)

[0040] The console box 2 is configured to include a storage portion 20 and a cover 27. Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2 ( b ), the cover 27 is configured to be openable and closable via a hinge 28 .

[0041] As an example, Figure 2 (a) and Figure 3 As shown in (b), the housing portion 20 has a box shape and is open at the top. The housing portion 20 includes a front inner surface portion 21, a rear inner surface portion 22, a right inner surface portion 23, a left inner surface portion 24, and a bottom portion 25. The interior space 26 is the area enclosed by the front inner surface portion 21, the rear inner surface portion 22, the right inner surface portion 23, the left inner surface portion 24, and the bottom portion 25. The right inner surface portion 23 is located on the driver's seat 90 side. The left inner surface portion 24 is located on the passenger seat 91 side.

[0042] like Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the rear inner surface portion 22 has an opening 221 on the rear inner surface 220 . The projector 3 is disposed in the opening 221 .

[0043] When the lid 27 is closed, the projector 3 projects the first projection image 64 onto the back surface 271 of the lid 27 and projects the second projection image 65 onto the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21. Furthermore, when the lid 27 is open, the projector 3 projects the first projection image 64 onto the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21 and projects the second projection image 65 onto the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25.

[0044] Therefore, the projector 3 is preferably placed in a position where, when the lid 27 is closed and the internal space 26 contains the storage object 92, at least the first projection image 64 can be projected onto the back surface 271 of the lid 27. Therefore, if the projector 3 is placed on the bottom portion 25, even a small storage object 92 may prevent the first projection image 64 from being projected onto the back surface 271 of the lid 27. Furthermore, if the projector 3 is placed on the bottom portion 25, it will be difficult to project the second projection image 65 onto the bottom portion 25 when the lid 27 is open, thereby deteriorating the design.

[0045] Based on the above, the projector 3 is disposed on any portion of the inner surface portion other than the bottom portion 25, that is, on any one of the front inner surface portion 21, the rear inner surface portion 22, the right inner surface portion 23, and the left inner surface portion 24. The projector 3 of this embodiment switches the setting angle θ in conjunction with the opening and closing of the lid 27 without using electricity. Therefore, the projector 3 is disposed on the rear inner surface portion 22 to which the hinge 28 of the lid 27 is attached.

[0046] In addition, in the housing portion 20 of this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown in (b), the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25 is a plane, and the boundaries between the front inner surface portion 21, the rear inner surface portion 22, the right inner surface portion 23 and the left inner surface portion 24 are clear. Figure 3 As shown in (c), when the internal space 26 of the housing portion 20 is formed by being surrounded by a curved surface, the boundary between the bottom surface portion 25 and the rear inner surface portion 22 and the like is unclear.

[0047] As described above, the projector 3 is positioned so that its projection is not obstructed by the relatively small object 92 contained in the storage portion 20. Therefore, the projector 3 is positioned not in the first area 261 for accommodating the object 92, but rather in the second area 262. This first area 261 includes the lowest point 251, thereby enclosing the object 92 within the area. Therefore, in cases where the boundary between the bottom portion 25 and the rear inner surface portion 22 is unclear, the second area 262 is defined as follows, for example.

[0048] As an example, Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 As shown in (c), the second region 262 is an area at a height of at least 40% of the distance H from the lowest point 251 of the housing portion 20 to the back surface 271 of the lid 27, and more preferably at a height of at least 50%. Furthermore, as a modified example, the second region 262 may be determined based on a location other than the bottom portion 25 that does not obstruct the projection of at least the first projected image 64. An example of this location will be described in the third embodiment described below.

[0049] exist Figure 3 In the case of the storage portion 20 shown in (c), the storage object 92 is stored in the area starting from the lowest point 251. Therefore, as an example, the first area 261 can be defined based on the distance H from the lowest point 251 to the back surface 271 of the cover 27. As an example, Figure 3 (b) and Figure 3 As shown in (c) of FIG. 2 , the first region 261 of the present embodiment is a region extending to a distance h lower than 40% of the distance H from the lowest point 251 to the back surface 271 of the cover 27 .

[0050] Figure 3 The receiving portion 20 shown in (c) is divided into a first area 261 and a second area 262 with a distance h as a starting point. In addition, as an example, the receiving portion 20 is Figure 3 The dashed line shown in (c) divides the front inner surface portion 21, the rear inner surface portion 22, and the bottom portion 25. The projector 3 is located in the second area 262. When the lid 27 is closed, the first projected image 64 is projected onto the rear surface 271 of the lid 27, and the second projected image 65 is projected onto the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21. When the lid 27 is open, the first projected image 64 is projected onto the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21, and the second projected image 65 is projected onto the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25.

[0051] The cover 27 is formed of a light-transmitting resin material. Furthermore, the cover 27 includes a diffusion member for diffusing light. Because the cover 27 is light-transmitting, the first projected image 64 projected onto the rear surface 271 is transmitted through the front surface 270 and displayed as a display image 66.

[0052] In other words, the user visually perceives a display image 66 that makes the light pattern generated by the first projected image 64 appear to emerge. Furthermore, when the user opens the lid 27, they visually perceive the first projected image 64 projected onto the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21, and the second projected image 65 projected onto the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25. In this embodiment, the second projected image 65 has no pattern, and therefore illuminates the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25 and the stored item 92. Therefore, the user can enjoy the excellent lighting effect produced by the first projected image 64, and the second projected image 65 can easily perceive the internal space 26 of the storage portion 20.

[0053] (Structure of Projector 3)

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown in (b) of FIG. 2 , the projector 3 includes a light source unit 4, a condenser lens unit 5, a patterned unit 6, a projection lens unit 7, and a control unit 10. The projector 3 changes the setting angle θ in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover 27. In other words, the projector 3 is configured to switch the irradiation direction of the projection light 410. By changing the setting angle θ, the projector 3 changes the projection positions of the first projected image 64 and the second projected image 65. This irradiation direction is, for example, the direction of the optical axis 411 of the projection light 410 output from the projector 3.

[0055] (Structure of Light Source 4)

[0056] like Figure 1As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the light source unit 4 of the projector 3 includes light emitting elements 41 that output projection light 410 for projecting the pattern 63. The light emitting elements 41 are arranged on the substrate 40 at equal intervals and in a straight line.

[0057] As an example, the light emitting element 41 is an LED (Light Emission Diode) element that outputs white projection light 410 , but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be an LD (Laser Diode) element or the like.

[0058] Furthermore, the light source unit 4 includes only one light emitting element 41 for the pattern 63, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be configured to project the pattern 63 using multiple light emitting elements. In this case, the multiple light emitting elements may be configured to output light of the same color, or at least one light emitting element may output light of a different color.

[0059] (Structure of Converging Lens Section 5)

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 5( b ), the condensing lens unit 5 of the projector 3 includes a condensing lens 51 for condensing the projection light 410. The condensing lens 51 is configured as a convex lens.

[0061] (Structure of Pattern Portion 6)

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), one pattern 63 of the pattern portion 6 is divided into regions. The control unit 10 is configured to control the projector 3 based on the control signal S2 obtained from the vehicle control device 93 to project a first projection image 64 and a second projection image 65 based on the pattern 63.

[0063] As an example, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 ( a ), the patterned portion 6 of the projector 3 includes a transparent substrate 60 on which a pattern 63 is formed.

[0064] The pattern 63 is formed by a light-transmitting area that allows light to pass through and a light-shielding area that blocks light. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 5( b ), the light-transmitting region and the light-shielding region are formed on a surface 61 of a transparent substrate 60 . The surface 61 of the transparent substrate 60 faces the projection lens unit 7 , and the back surface 62 faces the condenser lens unit 5 .

[0065] like Figure 3As shown in (a), the surface 61 of the transparent substrate 60 of the projector 3 is divided into a first patterned area 631 and a second patterned area 632. As an example, the first patterned area 631 is patterned by a transmissive area and a light-blocking area. As an example, the second patterned area 632 is an area consisting only of a transmissive area. Alternatively, the second patterned area 632 may be patterned.

[0066] Furthermore, the pattern 63 is formed by dividing one transparent substrate 60 into two regions, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a transparent substrate may be prepared for each region.

[0067] As a modified example, the pattern portion 6 may be formed of a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like. In this case, the projector 3 displays or projects the pattern 63 corresponding to the control signal S2 received from the vehicle control device 93 onto the liquid crystal display, the organic EL display, or the like. If the vehicle control device 93 is providing ambient lighting, for example, the projector 3 projects the pattern 63 corresponding to the ambient lighting.

[0068] (Structure of Projection Lens Section 7)

[0069] The projection lens unit 7 of the projector 3 includes a projection lens 71 for magnifying and projecting the pattern 63. The projection lens 71 is configured as two convex lenses.

[0070] Furthermore, as a modified example, the projector 3 is configured such that the pattern portion 6 has a plurality of patterns, and the pattern to be projected is switched according to the control signal S2.

[0071] (Structure of Switching Unit 8)

[0072] Figure 5 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the cover of the switching unit according to the first embodiment is closed. Figure 5 (b) is a diagram showing an example in which the cover of the switching unit is open.

[0073] As an example, Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 2( b ), the switching unit 8 includes a first gear 81 and a second gear 82 . The first gear 81 is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation axis 280 of the hinge 28 of the cover 27 . The second gear 82 is attached to the projector 3 and meshes with the first gear 81 .

[0074] When the cover 27 is open, Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5As shown in (b), the first gear 81 rotates counterclockwise, and the second gear 82 rotates clockwise. This rotation causes the projector 3 to switch the projection position of the first projected image 64 from the back surface 271 of the cover 27 to the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21, and to switch the projection position of the second projected image 65 from the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21 to the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25.

[0075] When the cover 27 is closed, Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 As shown in (b), the first gear 81 rotates clockwise and the second gear 82 rotates counterclockwise. This rotation causes the projector 3 to switch the projection position of the first projected image 64 from the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21 to the back surface 271 of the cover 27, and to switch the projection position of the second projected image 65 from the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25 to the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21.

[0076] The setting angle θ is set by changing the gear ratio between the first gear 81 and the second gear 82. In addition, as a modified example, the switching unit 8 may further include a plurality of gears, or may be an actuator such as a motor.

[0077] (Structure of Control Unit 10)

[0078] The control unit 10 is a microcomputer composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on acquired data according to a stored program, and semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, a program for operating the control unit 10. The RAM is used as a storage area for, for example, temporarily storing calculation results.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 5( b ), the control unit 10 is electrically connected to the light emitting element 41 of the projector 3. The control unit 10 is configured to control the lighting and extinguishing of the light emitting element 41 of the projector 3 by outputting a lighting control signal S1.

[0080] The light emitting element 41 of the projector 3 is lit by, for example, the input of a lighting control signal S1 and is turned off when the signal is not input. As an example, the lighting control signal S1 is a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] The control unit 10 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting element 41 based on a control signal S2 received from the vehicle control device 93. This control signal S2 is output, for example, when the vehicle 9 is powered on and off. Alternatively, the control signal S2 may be output when the vehicle 9 is illuminated to greet the user, for example, when the vehicle door 9 is opened.

[0082] (Effects of the First Embodiment)

[0083] The vehicle image projection system 1 according to this embodiment can be designed at low cost and have an improved design. Specifically, when the lid 27 is closed, the vehicle image projection system 1 displays a display image 66 based on the first projected image 64 on the surface 270 to decorate the lid 27. When the lid 27 is open, the first projected image 64 is projected onto the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21 to decorate the lid 27, and the second projected image 65 is projected onto the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25. Thus, the vehicle image projection system 1 not only decorates the surface 270 of the lid 27 but also the interior space 26 of the housing portion 20 using the first and second projected images 64 and 65, providing the user with an excellent design. Consequently, compared to a system that uses a display device instead of a resin lid 27, the vehicle image projection system 1 can be designed at low cost and have an improved design.

[0084] When the cover 27 of the vehicle image projection system 1 is open, the first projection image 64 is projected onto the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21 and the second projection image 65 is projected onto the bottom surface 250 of the bottom portion 25. Therefore, compared with a case where this structure is not adopted, the user obtains an excellent lighting effect produced by the first projection image 64 and can easily visually recognize the internal space 26 of the storage portion 20 through the second projection image 65.

[0085] [Second embodiment]

[0086] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that projection of a projection image is stopped when the cover is opened.

[0087] Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the lid of the vehicle image projection system according to the second embodiment is closed. Figure 6 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the lid is opened. In the embodiments described below, parts having the same functions and structures as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0088] The vehicle image projection system 1 is roughly constructed as comprising: a storage portion 20, which has an internal space 26 for accommodating a storage object 92; a cover 27, which is openably and closably arranged on the storage portion 20 and has light transmittance; a projector 3 as a projection portion, which is arranged on a portion other than the bottom portion 25 of the inner surface portion forming the internal space 26, and projects a projection image 67 formed based on the projection light 410 irradiated relative to the pattern 63 onto the back side 271 of the cover 27; and a switching portion 8, which switches the projection state of the projector 3 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover 27, and when the cover 27 is closed, displays an image 68 formed based on the projection image 67 projected onto the back side 271 of the cover 27 on the surface 270 of the cover 27.

[0089] The projector 3 of this embodiment projects the projection image 67 only on the back surface 271 of the cover 27. The projector 3 is disposed on the rear inner surface portion 22 to which the hinge 28 is attached.

[0090] In addition, if Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the switching unit 8 of the present embodiment is configured to stop projection of the projection image when the cover is opened.

[0091] As an example, the switching unit 8 is a push switch. Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 As shown in (b), when the cover 27 is closed, the push switch contacts the hinge 28 and becomes an ON state. When the cover 27 is opened, the push switch is released from contact with the hinge 28 and becomes an OFF state.

[0092] In other words, when the cover 27 of the projector 3 is closed, the switching unit 8 is turned on, and the projection image 67 is projected onto the back surface 271 of the cover 27. When the cover 27 of the projector 3 is opened, the switching unit 8 is turned off, and the projection of the projection image 67 is stopped.

[0093] Furthermore, the switching unit 8 is configured to include a push switch, but is not limited thereto and may be configured with a sensor capable of detecting the opening and closing of the lid 27 , such as a magnetic sensor or a distance sensor.

[0094] (Effects of the Second Embodiment)

[0095] The vehicle image projection system 1 of this embodiment switches the presence or absence of projection of the projection image 67 by the switching unit 8 according to the opening and closing of the cover 27 , and thus can reduce costs compared to a case where this configuration is not adopted.

[0096] [Third embodiment]

[0097] The third embodiment is different from the other embodiments in that the second region is determined based on a position other than the bottom portion that does not hinder the projection of the first projection image.

[0098] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle image projection system according to a third embodiment.

[0099] The interior space 26 of the storage section 20 is divided into a first area 261, which includes the lowest point 251 of the bottom portion 25 and accommodates the storage object 92, and a second area 262 located above the first area 261. The storage section 20 further includes a protrusion 222 that protrudes from the inner surface into the interior space 26. The lid 27 has an end 272 that is attached to the inner surface via a hinge 28 and faces the inner surface of the storage section 20. The first area 261 and the second area 262 are separated by a boundary surface 263 defined by at least one of an end surface 273 of the end 272 and an upper surface 223 of the protrusion 222. The projector 3 is located in the second area 262.

[0100] Specifically, as an example, Figure 7 As shown, the storage unit 20 of this embodiment includes an interior space 26 having a front inner surface portion 21 located in front of the vehicle 9 and a rear inner surface portion 22 located rearward and facing the front inner surface portion 21. The interior space 26 is divided into a first region 261, which includes the lowest point 251 of the bottom portion 25 and accommodates the storage object 92, and a second region 262 located above the first region 261. The storage unit 20 further includes a protrusion 222 protruding from the rear inner surface portion 22 into the interior space 26. The lid 27 has an end portion 272 attached to the rear inner surface portion 22 via a hinge 28 and facing the front inner surface portion 21 of the storage unit 20. The first region 261 and the second region 262 are separated by a boundary surface 263 defined by at least one of an end surface 273 of the end portion 272 and an upper surface 223 of the protrusion 222. The projector 3 is disposed in the second region 262.

[0101] Furthermore, as an example, the lid 27 of this embodiment is provided with the hinge 28 on the rear inner surface portion 22. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the hinge 28 may also be provided on the inner surface portion in the direction in which the rotation axis 280 of the lid 27 is provided. For example, if the lid 27 is to be opened and closed in the left-right direction, the hinge 28 is not limited to being provided on the rear inner surface portion 22, but may also be provided on the inner surface portion in the direction in which the rotation axis 280 of the hinge 28 is provided.

[0102] like Figure 7As shown by the dashed line, boundary surface 263 is defined by end surface 273 of lid 27 when lid 27 is closed and upper surface 223 of protrusion 222. Lid 27 extends toward housing portion 20 via end 272, thereby defining first area 261 for housing object 92. Alternatively, boundary surface 263 may be defined by either end surface 273 or upper surface 223.

[0103] The projector 3 is arranged above the upper surface 223 of the convex portion 222 and projects the projection image 67 onto the back surface 271 of the cover 27 . When the cover 27 is opened, the projection of the projection image 67 is stopped.

[0104] As a modification, the projector 3 may be disposed in a portion of the convex portion 222 where projection of the projection image 67 is not obstructed by the storage object 92. Also, the projector 3 may be configured to project the first projection image 64 and the second projection image 65 as in the first embodiment.

[0105] (Effects of the Third Embodiment)

[0106] The vehicle image projection system 1 of this embodiment defines the first area 261 for accommodating the accommodation object 92 by the end portion 272 of the cover 27 and the upper surface 223 of the protrusion 222 . Therefore, compared with a case without this structure, the projection of the projection image 67 is less likely to be obstructed.

[0107] [Fourth embodiment]

[0108] The fourth embodiment is different from the other embodiments in that the projection state is switched in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of the cover 27 .

[0109] Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a first projected image and a second projected image when the lid of the vehicle image projection system according to the fourth embodiment is closed. Figure 8 (b) is a diagram showing an example of the first projected image and the second projected image when the cover is open.

[0110] like Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8As shown in (b), the vehicle image projection system 1 of this embodiment is roughly constructed as comprising: a housing portion 20, which has an internal space 26 for accommodating a storage object 92; a cover 27, which is openably and closably arranged on the housing portion 20 and has light transmittance; and a projector 3, which is arranged on a portion other than the bottom portion 25 of the inner surface portion forming the internal space 26. When the cover 27 is closed, the projection image formed by irradiating the projection light 410 on the pattern 63 is projected in a manner spanning the back side 271 of the cover 27 and the projection surface of the internal space 26 adjacent to the cover 27, so that the display image 66 formed by the projection image projected on the back side 271 of the cover 27 is displayed on the surface 270 of the cover 27. When the cover 27 is opened, it is directly projected onto the projection surface in the same irradiation direction of the projection light 410 as when it is closed.

[0111] The projector 3 is arranged in a portion of the inner surface portion excluding the bottom portion 25, that is, arranged in any one of the front inner surface portion 21, the rear inner surface portion 22, the right inner surface portion 23, and the left inner surface portion 24. As an example, Figure 8 (a) and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 2 ( b ), the projector 3 of this embodiment is arranged on the rear inner surface portion 22 .

[0112] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), the pattern 63 is divided into a first pattern area 631 and a second pattern area 632. As projection images based on the pattern 63, the projector 3 projects a first projection image 64 corresponding to the first pattern area 631 and a second projection image 65 corresponding to the second pattern area 632. As an example, the first pattern area 631 forms a pattern by including a transmissive region and a light-blocking region. As an example, the second pattern area 632 is formed solely by the transmissive region. Alternatively, the second pattern area 632 may also be patterned.

[0113] The projector 3 projects the projection image based on the pattern 63 in a manner spanning the back surface 271 of the cover 27 and the projection surface of the internal space 26 adjacent to the cover 27. As an example, Figure 8 As shown in (a) of FIG. 2 , the projector 3 of this embodiment projects a first projection image 64 and a second projection image 65 as projection images based on the pattern 63, across the back surface 271 of the cover 27 and the front inner surface 210 of the front inner surface portion 21, which is a projection surface adjacent to the cover 27. The display image 66 is a portion or the entirety of the first projection image 64 displayed on the front surface 270 via the back surface 271 of the cover 27.

[0114] In addition, as an example, Figure 8As shown in (b), when the lid 27 is open, the projector 3 maintains the same illumination direction as when closed. In other words, regardless of whether the lid 27 is open or closed, the illumination direction remains unchanged, and projection is performed in the same projection state as when closed. In other words, regardless of whether the lid 27 is open or closed, the vehicle image projection system 1 projects the first and second projected images 64 and 65 based on the pattern 63 without changing the setting angle. Because the lid 27 is open, the first projected image 64 is not formed on the back surface 271. The second projected image 65 is projected onto the front inner surface 210, illuminating the interior space 26. This illumination direction is, for example, the direction of the optical axis 411 of the projection light 410 output from the projector 3.

[0115] (Effects of the Fourth Embodiment)

[0116] The vehicle image projection system 1 of this embodiment does not switch the installation angle of the projector 3 or control the lighting of the light source unit 4. When the cover 27 is closed, the display image 66 is displayed on the surface 270, and when it is opened, the internal space 26 of the storage unit 20 can be illuminated.

[0117] According to the vehicle image projection system 1 of at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to improve the exterior design at a low cost.

[0118] The above describes several embodiments and modifications of the present invention, but these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the invention to which the claims relate. These new embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is not limited to the combination of features described in these embodiments and modifications that are all necessary for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vehicle image projection system, characterized in that: have: a receiving portion having an inner space for receiving an object; a light-transmitting cover, which is openably and closably disposed on the receiving portion; a projection unit disposed on a portion of the inner surface forming the inner space excluding the bottom portion and configured to project a projection image formed by irradiating the pattern with projection light onto the back side of the cover; as well as A switching unit switches the projection state of the projection unit in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover, and displays a display image formed based on the projection image projected on the back surface of the cover on the front surface of the cover when the cover is closed.

2. A vehicle image projection system, characterized in that: have: a receiving portion having an inner space for receiving an object; a light-transmitting cover, which is openably and closably disposed on the receiving portion; and The projection unit is arranged on a portion other than a bottom portion of an inner surface portion forming the internal space, and when the lid is closed, a projection image formed by irradiating the projection light with respect to the pattern is projected across the back surface of the lid and a projection surface of the internal space adjacent to the lid, so that a display image formed based on the projection image projected onto the back surface of the lid is displayed on the surface of the lid. When the lid is open, the projection image is directly projected onto the projection surface in the same irradiation direction of the projection light as when the lid is closed.

3. The vehicle image projection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching unit stops projection of the projection image when the cover is opened.

4. The vehicle image projection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The switching unit switches the setting angle of the projection unit according to the opening and closing status of the cover.

5. The vehicle image projection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pattern is divided into a first pattern area and a second pattern area, The projection unit projects a first projection image corresponding to the first pattern area and a second projection image corresponding to the second pattern area. The switching unit switches the projection state by switching the setting angle of the projection unit, so that when the lid is closed, the first projection image is projected onto the back surface of the lid and the second projection image is projected onto the projection surface of the internal space adjacent to the lid, and when the lid is opened, the first projection image is projected onto the projection surface and the second projection image is projected onto the bottom surface.

6. The vehicle image projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The projection portion is arranged on the inner surface portion in a direction in which a rotation axis of the hinge of the cover is provided when viewed from the internal space.

7. The vehicle image projection system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The internal space of the storage portion is divided into a first area including the lowest point of the bottom portion and accommodating the storage object and a second area above the first area, and the storage portion further includes a convex portion protruding from the inner surface portion toward the internal space. The cover has an end portion, the end portion is attached to the inner surface portion via a hinge, and faces the inner surface portion of the receiving portion. The first region and the second region are separated by a boundary surface based on at least one of an end surface of the end portion and an upper surface of the convex portion. The projection unit is arranged in the second area.

Images