Projection device for vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a projection device for a vehicle, which can properly display an image even when a door is opened. A projection device for a vehicle is provided with: an opening / closing detection sensor (5) that detects the opening / closing state of doors (3F, 3R) of a vehicle (C); a side-view mirror projector (11) that performs a desired first projection display (17) on the outer surfaces of the doors (3F, 3R); and a control unit (7) that executes variable projection processing for changing the display state of the first projection display (17) by the side mirror projector (11) on the basis of the detection result of the opening / closing state detected by the opening / closing detection sensor (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection device for a vehicle for making a desired display to a viewer outside the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, for example, there is a vehicle display device described in Patent Document 1. In this display device, a projector is built into the side mirror of the vehicle to project an image onto the surface of the side panel of the vehicle. The side panel includes the panel of the front side door and the panel of the rear side door.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6373594 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in the aforementioned conventional display devices, there is a problem that the image cannot be displayed properly when the door is open.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a projection device for a vehicle that can properly display images even when the door is open.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The present invention provides a projection device 1 for a vehicle, which is installed on a vehicle C having doors 3F and 3R that can be opened and closed. The device includes: an opening and closing detection sensor 5 for detecting the opening and closing status of the doors 3F and 3R; a side mirror projector 11 for performing a desired first projection display on the outer side of the doors 3F and 3R; and a control unit 7, which performs variable projection processing to change the display state of the first projection display 17 performed by the side mirror projector 11 based on the detection result of the opening and closing status detected by the opening and closing detection sensor 5.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, a projection device for a vehicle can be provided that can properly display images even when the door is open. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a side view of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle projection device of the first embodiment with the doors closed.

[0014] Figure 2This is a side view of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle projection device of the first embodiment with the rear door open.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the vehicle projection device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a side view of the vehicle when information with high priority remains in the variable projection process performed by the control unit.

[0017] Figure 5 This is another example of a vehicle's side view showing a case where information with a high residual priority is present.

[0018] Figure 6 This is another example of a vehicle's side view representing information with high residual priority.

[0019] Figure 7 This is another example of a vehicle's side view representing information with high residual priority.

[0020] Figure 8 This indicates that the control department is conducting... Figures 4 to 7 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a side view of the vehicle when the image is slid during variable projection processing performed by the control unit.

[0022] Figure 10 This indicates that the control department is conducting... Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a side view of the vehicle when the doorman is displayed in a variable projection process performed by the control unit.

[0024] Figure 12 This indicates that the control department is conducting... Figure 11 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a side view of a vehicle showing another example of a doorman in a variable projection process performed by the control unit.

[0026] Figure 14 This indicates that the control department is conducting... Figure 13 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a side view of the vehicle when the carpet is displayed in a variable projection process performed by the control unit.

[0028] Figure 16 This indicates that the control department is conducting... Figure 15 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a side view of the vehicle when advertising displays are eliminated during variable projection processing performed by the control unit.

[0030] Figure 18 This indicates that the control department is conducting... Figure 17 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing.

[0031] Figure 19 This is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the vehicle projection device according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 20 This is a side view of the vehicle in which the doorman is displayed based on the opening and closing status of the door and the position of the intended passenger during variable projection processing performed by the control unit.

[0033] Figure 21 This indicates that the control department is conducting... Figure 20 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing.

[0034] Figure 22 This is a side view of the vehicle when the projection direction changes according to the opening angle of the revolving door during variable projection processing performed by the control unit.

[0035] Figure 23 In the variable projection process executed by the control unit, the projected display shows the side view of the vehicle when it is sliding, depending on the opening and closing status of the door. Detailed Implementation

[0036] <First Implementation Method>

[0037] use Figures 1 to 18 A first embodiment of the projection device for vehicles of the present invention will be described.

[0038] <Structure of Vehicles and Vehicle Projection Devices>

[0039] use Figures 1 to 3 The structure of the vehicle and the projection device for the vehicle according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a side view of the vehicle C equipped with the vehicle projection device 1 of the first embodiment with its doors closed. Figure 2 This is a side view of the vehicle C equipped with the vehicle projection device 1 of the first embodiment, with the rear door open. Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of the vehicle projection device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle projection device 1 is installed on vehicle C, which has openable and closable doors 3F and 3R. Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle projection device 1 includes an opening and closing detection sensor 5 (opening and closing detection unit) for detecting the opening and closing status of doors 3F and 3R, a control unit 7, a projection image generation unit 9, a side mirror projector 11 (first projection unit), and an indoor projector 13 (second projection unit).

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, vehicle C has a door 3F (second door) on the front side of its left (width direction) side and a door 3R (first door) on its rear side. Hereinafter, door 3F will be appropriately referred to as "front door 3F," and door 3R as "rear door 3R." The front door 3F is a revolving door that opens and closes by rotation about a predetermined axis. The rear door 3R is a sliding door that opens and closes by sliding along the side of vehicle C. Alternatively, the rear door 3R may also be a revolving door. Furthermore, the number of doors on one side of vehicle C is not limited to two; it may be one or more. Additionally, vehicle C also has a door on its right side that is the same as doors 3F and 3R.

[0042] A side mirror projector 11 is installed inside or outside the left side mirror 15 of vehicle C, and performs a first projection display on the doors 3F and 3R located behind the side mirror projector 11, which are the projection objects. Specifically, the side mirror projector 11 illuminates a first illumination light L1 representing a predetermined image onto a first area R1 on the outer side surface of the doors 3F and 3R of vehicle C, and performs a first projection display. In this embodiment, the predetermined image is described as, for example, an advertising image, but it can also be an image other than an advertisement. The first area R1 can be an area spanning both doors 3F and 3R, or it can be an area encompassing either door 3F or 3R. Furthermore, the side mirror projector 11 can be installed only on the left side mirror 15 of vehicle C, or it can be installed on both the left and right side mirrors of vehicle C.

[0043] like Figure 2As shown, the indoor projector 13 is installed inside the vehicle C. When the rear door 3R is open, it projects a second illumination light L2, representing a predetermined image, onto a second area R2 of the road surface that serves as the passageway for passengers to move up and down within the vehicle C via the rear door 3R, thus performing a second projection display. In this embodiment, the predetermined image is described as, for example, an image guiding the passenger's up and down path (e.g., an image of a carpet), but it could also be an image other than this (e.g., an advertising image). The indoor projector 13 is installed, for example, on the left side of the roof of the vehicle C. Alternatively, the indoor projector 13 may be installed only on the left side of the roof of the vehicle C, or it may be installed on both sides of the roof.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the opening / closing detection sensor 5 detects the opening / closing status of doors 3F and 3R. The opening / closing status includes not only whether doors 3F and 3R are open or closed, but also the position of the open door (the sliding position for sliding doors, the rotation angle for revolving doors, etc.). The opening / closing detection sensor 5 can be, for example, a camera sensor, a non-contact sensor such as a magnetic, optical, or ultrasonic sensor, or a mechanical sensor such as a limit switch or microswitch.

[0045] Based on the detection results of the opening and closing status of doors 3F and 3R detected by the opening and closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 executes variable projection processing to change the display state of the first projection display of the side mirror projector 11. Furthermore, the control unit 7, in conjunction with the control of the side mirror projector 11 via the variable projection processing, controls the execution of the second projection display of the indoor projector 13. The control unit 7 executes the variable projection processing when doors 3F and 3R are opened from a closed state or closed from an open state. Details of the variable projection processing will be described later.

[0046] Based on the control of the control unit 7, the projection image generation unit 9 generates an image projected onto the first area R1 by the side mirror projector 11 and an image projected onto the second area R2 by the indoor projector 13.

[0047] <Specific Examples of Variable Projection Processing>

[0048] Next, use Figures 4 to 18 A specific example of the variable projection processing performed by the control unit 7 will be explained.

[0049] <The case where information with higher priority is retained>

[0050] In the variable projection process, the control unit 7 changes the projection range according to the opening position of the doors 3F and 3R, which are the projection targets, thereby changing the display state of the first projection display on the doors 3F and 3R. At this time, if the display information displayed on the doors 3F and 3R includes multiple display information with different display priorities, the control unit 7 can also make the display information disappear sequentially in order of increasing priority or appear sequentially in order of decreasing priority. Figure 4 In the example shown, the first projection display 17 displayed in the first area R1 spanning doors 3F and 3R contains multiple pieces of display information with different display priorities. For example, the first projection display 17 includes text information 17a representing product names or service names, and background information 17b containing multiple people. Text information 17a has a higher priority than background information 17b. Figure 4 In the example shown, when the rear door 3R is opened, the control unit 7 deletes the two ends of the low-priority background information 17b that does not contain the text information 17a, so as to retain the high-priority text information 17a on the front door 3F.

[0051] Figure 5 This represents another example of a first projection display containing multiple pieces of display information with different priorities. Figure 5 In the example shown, the first projection display 19 includes text information 19a representing the product name or service name, and text information 19b representing the company name. Text information 19a has a higher priority than text information 19b. In this case, when the rear door 3R is opened, the control unit 7 makes the lower-priority text information 19b disappear during variable projection processing. In other words, the control unit 7 only makes the higher-priority text information 19a appear on the front door 3F.

[0052] Figure 6 This is another example of a first projection display containing multiple pieces of display information with different priorities. Figure 6 In the example shown, the first projection display 21 contains representations of events (in...) Figure 6 In this example, the text information 21a shows the date and time of a new song release event, along with an image 21b of the event organizer. The text information 21a has a higher priority than the image 21b. In this case, when the rear door 3R is opened, the control unit 7 makes the lower-priority image 21b disappear during variable projection processing. In other words, the control unit 7 only displays the higher-priority text information 21a at the front door 3F.

[0053] Figure 7 This is another example of a first projection display containing multiple pieces of display information with different priorities. Figure 7In the example shown, the first projection display 23 contains text information 23a representing the movie title, text information 23b representing the date and time of the movie's theatrical release, and text information 23b representing the movie's series name (in... Figure 7 In the example, the text information 23c (the animation title) and the background information 23d (containing the characters appearing in the movie) are displayed. Text information 23a is the highest priority display information, text information 23b is the second highest priority display information, text information 23c is the third highest priority display information, and background information 23d is the lowest priority display information. In this case, when the rear door 3R is opened, the control unit 7, in the variable projection processing, sequentially makes a portion of both sides of the background information 23d, text information 23c, and text information 23b disappear in order of lowest to highest priority. In other words, the control unit 7 only makes the highest priority text information 23a and its surrounding background information 23d appear on the front door 3F.

[0054] Figure 8 This indicates that control unit 7 is performing... Figures 4 to 7 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing. Figure 8 As shown, the control unit 7 illuminates the first area R1 on the outer side of the doors 3F and 3R of the vehicle C through the side mirror projector 11, and displays advertising images on the doors 3F and 3R (S10).

[0055] Next, based on the detection results of the opening / closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has started to open (S20). The control unit 7 repeats S20 until the rear door 3R starts to open. If it is determined that the rear door 3R has started to open, the control unit 7 detects the position and priority of each piece of information contained in the advertising image (S30). Next, the control unit 7 reconstructs the advertising image in a way that allows the display of information with high priority and displays it on the front door 3F (S40) (variable projection processing).

[0056] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has been closed based on the detection result of the opening and closing detection sensor 5 (S50). The control unit 7 repeats S50 until the rear door 3R is closed. If the rear door 3R is determined to be closed, the displayed image is restored to the original advertising image, and the original advertising image is displayed on the doors 3F and 3R (S60) (variable projection processing).

[0057] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received (S70). For example, if the driver turns off the advertising display or stops the engine, the control unit 7 determines that a stop command has been received. If no stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 returns to S20. On the other hand, if a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 terminates the process.

[0058] <Cases that cause image to slide>

[0059] In the variable projection process, the control unit 7 changes the projection range according to the sliding position of the doors 3F and 3R, which are the projection objects, thereby changing the display state of the first projection display on the doors 3F and 3R. At this time, the control unit 7 can also, in the variable projection process, make the first area R1 of the first projection display on the rear door 3R disappear according to the opening and closing state of the rear door 3R, and based on this disappearance, make the display content of the first projection display on the front door 3F slide within the display area of ​​the front door 3F to display the display content on the rear door 3R. Figure 9 In the example shown, compared with the above Figure 4 Similarly, a first projection display 17 is displayed in the first area R1 spanning doors 3F and 3R. When the rear door 3R is opened, the control unit 7 causes the first area R1 of the first projection display 17 on the rear door 3R to disappear, leaving only the first area R1 of the front door 3F. As a result, since the first area R1 narrows, the display content on the rear door 3R is not displayed. Therefore, the control unit 7 slides the first projection display 17, which is already displayed in the first area R1 on the front door 3F, forward to display the display content on the rear door 3R. That is, the first projection display 17 on the front door 3F is moved forward by animation.

[0060] Figure 10 This indicates that control unit 7 is performing... Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing. Figure 10 As shown, the control unit 7 illuminates the first area R1 on the outer side of the doors 3F and 3R of the vehicle C through the side mirror projector 11, and displays advertising images on the doors 3F and 3R (S110).

[0061] Next, based on the detection result of the opening / closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has started to open (S120). The control unit 7 repeats S120 until the rear door 3R starts to open. If it is determined that the rear door 3R has started to open, the advertising image is displayed only on the front door 3F, and the advertising image is slid to display the entire image (S130) (variable projection processing). The image sliding action can be performed only once or a preset number of times, or it can be continuously and repeatedly performed.

[0062] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has been closed based on the detection result of the opening and closing detection sensor 5 (S140). The control unit 7 repeats S140 until the rear door 3R is closed. If it is determined that the rear door 3R is closed, the displayed image is restored to the original advertising image, and the original advertising image is displayed on the doors 3F and 3R (S150) (variable projection processing).

[0063] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received (S160). If no stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 returns to S120. On the other hand, if a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 terminates the process.

[0064] <Showing the doorman's situation>

[0065] In variable projection processing, the control unit 7 can also replace the first projected image displayed on the doors 3F and 3R that are the projection targets with other images based on their opening or closing status. Figure 11 In the example shown, compared with the above Figure 4 Similarly, a first projection display 17 is displayed in the first area R1 spanning doors 3F and 3R. When the rear door 3R is opened, the control unit 7 switches the first projection display 17 to a first projection display 25 as another image. The first projection display 25 includes, for example, a "Welcome" text image 25a displayed on the front door 3F, and an image of a doorman 25b and a "Open" text image 25c displayed on the rear door 3R. When the "Open" text image 25c becomes outside the projection area due to the rear door 3R moving backward, the control unit 7 stops displaying the text image 25c and only displays the image of the doorman 25b.

[0066] Figure 12 This indicates that control unit 7 is performing... Figure 11 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing. Figure 12 As shown, the control unit 7 illuminates the first area R1 on the outer side of the doors 3F and 3R of the vehicle C through the side mirror projector 11, and displays advertising images on the doors 3F and 3R (S210).

[0067] Next, based on the detection results of the opening / closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has started to open (S220). The control unit 7 repeats S220 until the rear door 3R starts to open. If it is determined that the rear door 3R has started to open, the advertising image is changed to an image containing the text "Welcome", an image of a doorman, and the text "Open". The text "Welcome" is displayed on the front door 3F, and the image of a doorman and the text "Open" are displayed on the rear door 3R (S230) (variable projection processing).

[0068] Next, based on the detection results of the opening / closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the text "Open" has become outside the projection area due to the rear door 3R moving backward (S240). The control unit 7 repeats S240 until the text "Open" becomes outside the projection area. If it becomes outside the projection area, the display of the text "Open" on the rear door 3R is stopped, and only the image of the doorman is displayed (S250).

[0069] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has been closed based on the detection result of the opening and closing detection sensor 5 (S260). The control unit 7 repeats S260 until the rear door 3R is closed. If the rear door 3R is determined to be closed, the displayed image is restored to the original advertising image, and the original advertising image is displayed on the doors 3F and 3R (S270) (variable projection processing).

[0070] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received (S280). If no stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 returns to S220. On the other hand, if a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 terminates the process.

[0071] Figure 13 This shows another example of a doorman being displayed. Figure 13 In the example shown, when the rear door 3R is opened, the control unit 7 switches the first projection display 17 to a first projection display 27 as an additional image. The first projection display 27 includes, for example, an image 27a of a doorman displayed on the front door 3F and a "Open" text image 27b displayed on the rear door 3R. When the "Open" text image 27b becomes outside the projection area due to the rear door 3R moving backward, the control unit 7 stops displaying the text image 27b.

[0072] Figure 14 This indicates that control unit 7 is performing... Figure 13 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing. Figure 14 As shown, the control unit 7 illuminates the first area R1 on the outer side of the doors 3F and 3R of the vehicle C through the side mirror projector 11, and displays advertising images on the doors 3F and 3R (S310).

[0073] Next, based on the detection results of the opening / closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has started to open (S320). The control unit 7 repeats S320 until the rear door 3R starts to open. If it is determined that the rear door 3R has started to open, the advertising image is changed to an image containing an image of a doorman and the text "Open". The image of the doorman is displayed on the front door 3F, and the text "Open" is displayed on the rear door 3R (S330) (variable projection processing).

[0074] Next, based on the detection results of the opening / closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the word "Open" has become outside the projection area due to the rear door 3R moving backward (S340). The control unit 7 repeats S340 until the word "Open" becomes outside the projection area. If it does, the display of the word "Open" on the rear door 3R is stopped, and only the image of the doorman is displayed (S350).

[0075] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has been closed based on the detection result of the opening and closing detection sensor 5 (S360). The control unit 7 repeats S360 until the rear door 3R is closed. If the rear door 3R is determined to be closed, the displayed image is restored to the original advertising image, and the original advertising image is displayed on the doors 3F and 3R (S370) (variable projection processing).

[0076] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received (S380). If no stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 returns to S320. On the other hand, if a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 terminates the process.

[0077] <Showing the condition of the carpet>

[0078] In the variable projection process, the control unit 7 can also replace the first projected image displayed on the doors 3F and 3R that are the projection targets with other images based on their opening or closing status. Furthermore, the control unit 7 can also control the indoor projector 13 in conjunction with the control of the side mirror projector 11 via the variable projection process to perform a desired second projected display of the road surface. Figure 15 In the example shown, compared with the above Figure 4Similarly, a first projection display 17 is displayed in the first area R1 spanning doors 3F and 3R. When the rear door 3R is opened, the control unit 7 switches the first projection display 17 to a first projection display 29 as another image. The first projection display 29 includes, for example, an image 29a of a doorman displayed on the front door 3F. Additionally, the control unit 7 controls the interior projector 13 to display a second projection display 31 on the road surface that forms the path for passengers to ascend and descend through the rear door 3R into the vehicle C when the rear door 3R is open. The second projection display 31 is, for example, an image of carpet laid on the stairs.

[0079] Figure 16 This indicates that control unit 7 is performing... Figure 15 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing. Figure 16 As shown, the control unit 7 illuminates the first area R1 on the outer side of the doors 3F and 3R of the vehicle C through the side mirror projector 11, and displays advertising images on the doors 3F and 3R (S410).

[0080] Next, based on the detection results of the opening / closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has started to open (S420). The control unit 7 repeats S420 until the rear door 3R starts to open. If it is determined that the rear door 3R has started to open, the image changes from an advertising image to an image of a doorman, and the image of the doorman is displayed on the front door 3F (S430) (variable projection processing). Next, the control unit 7 uses the indoor projector 13 to illuminate the second area R2 of the road surface, which becomes the vertical path into the vehicle C, and displays a carpet image (S440).

[0081] Next, based on the detection results of the opening / closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has been closed (S450). The control unit 7 repeats S450 until the rear door 3R is closed. If the rear door 3R is determined to be closed, the display of the carpet image on the indoor projector 13 is stopped (S460). In addition, the control unit 7 restores the image of the doorman displayed on the front door 3F to the original advertising image and displays the original advertising image on doors 3F and 3R (S470) (variable projection processing).

[0082] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received (S480). If no stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 returns to S420. On the other hand, if a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 terminates the process.

[0083] <Cases where ad display is cancelled>

[0084] In variable projection processing, the control unit 7 can also make the first projection display displayed on the doors 3F and 3R disappear based on the opening or closing status of the doors 3F and 3R that are the projection targets. Figure 17 In the example shown, compared with the above Figure 4 Similarly, a first projection display 17 is displayed in the first area R1 spanning doors 3F and 3R. The control unit 7 stops the first projection display 17 when the rear door 3R is opened. Furthermore, the control unit 7 can also stop the first projection display 17 when the front door 3F is opened.

[0085] Figure 18 This indicates that control unit 7 is performing... Figure 17 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing. Figure 18 As shown, the control unit 7 illuminates the first area R1 on the outer side of the doors 3F and 3R of the vehicle C through the side mirror projector 11, and displays advertising images on the doors 3F and 3R (S510).

[0086] Next, based on the detection results of the opening and closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has started to open (S520). The control unit 7 repeats S520 until the rear door 3R starts to open. If it is determined that the rear door 3R has started to open, the display of the advertising images on the doors 3F and 3R is stopped (S530) (variable projection processing).

[0087] Next, based on the detection results of the opening and closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has been closed (S540). The control unit 7 repeats S540 until the rear door 3R is closed. If the rear door 3R is determined to be closed, the original advertising image is displayed on the doors 3F and 3R (S550) (variable projection processing).

[0088] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received (S560). If no stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 returns to S520. On the other hand, if a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 terminates the process.

[0089] <Effects of the First Implementation Method>

[0090] As described above, in the vehicle projection device 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 7 detects the opening and closing status of doors 3F and 3R, and changes the projection display of the side mirror projector 11 based on the detection result. Therefore, even when the rear door 3R is open, projection information can be displayed, allowing viewers outside the vehicle C to view it appropriately. Furthermore, displays that are inappropriate for viewers to view (such as displays lacking important information) can be avoided.

[0091] Additionally, depending on the needs, the control unit 7 changes the projection range from the side mirror projector 11 according to the position when the rear side door 3R is slid open, thereby enabling the display of advertising information so that viewers can view it appropriately.

[0092] Furthermore, as needed, the control unit 7 turns off the projection display when doors 3F and 3R are open, thereby preventing meaningless and useless displays that are not properly viewed by viewers outside the vehicle C.

[0093] Furthermore, as needed, when the rear door 3R is open and the projected display on the rear door 3R disappears, the control unit 7 slides the image already displayed in the display area of ​​the front door 3F to display the content displayed on the rear door 3R on the front door 3F. This allows for a display method where the projected display on the front door 3F is moved by animation. As a result, advertising information can be displayed even when the rear door 3R is open, allowing viewers outside the vehicle C to view it appropriately.

[0094] Furthermore, if, as needed, the information displayed on doors 3F and 3R includes multiple pieces of information with different display priorities, the control unit 7 causes the displayed information to disappear sequentially in ascending order of priority, or to appear sequentially in descending order of priority. This ensures that important information is saved for last for the viewer, thus preventing a decline in the value of the advertisement.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 7 can replace the previously displayed projected image with other images as needed, thus creating a more convenient projection display. For example, in taxis, the door is opened when picking up passengers, but this sudden opening can sometimes startle them. Therefore, by replacing the image with one that indicates the door is open (such as the word "Welcome," an image of a doorman, or the word "Open"), it is possible to prevent startling customers and improve service.

[0096] In addition, as needed, when the rear door 3R is opened, the control unit 7 can project a second projection 31 onto the road surface that becomes the path in front of the door from inside the vehicle through the open rear door 3R, thereby providing passengers with a variety of performances and display services.

[0097] Furthermore, as needed, the control unit 7 can perform variable projection processing by triggering the opening or closing of the rear door 3R, so that projection information can be displayed regardless of the opening or closing status of the rear door 3R, allowing viewers outside the vehicle C to view it appropriately.

[0098] Furthermore, as needed, the control unit 7 can project onto the doors 3F and 3R behind the side mirror 15 via the side mirror projector 11 mounted on the side mirror 15, so as to smoothly project the display onto the doors 3F and 3R without compromising the appearance of the vehicle C and without obstructing the light.

[0099] <Second Implementation Method>

[0100] use Figures 19 to 21 A second embodiment of the projection device for vehicles of the present invention will be described.

[0101] Functional Structure of Vehicle Projection Devices

[0102] use Figure 19 The functional structure of the vehicle projection device according to the second embodiment will be explained. Figure 19 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the functional structure of the vehicle projection device 1 according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 19 In the middle, regarding the above Figure 3 The same structure is labeled with the same symbol, and the explanation is omitted.

[0103] like Figure 19 As shown, the vehicle projection device 1 of the second embodiment, in addition to the opening / closing detection sensor 5, control unit 7, projection image generation unit 9, side mirror projector 11, and indoor projector 13 described above, also includes a camera 33 (position detection unit). The camera 33 detects the position of a intended passenger who will be riding in the vehicle C, located outside the vehicle C. The camera 33 is, for example, an in-vehicle camera installed inside the vehicle C capable of capturing a 360-degree field of view. In the second embodiment, the control unit 7 performs variable projection processing based on the detection results of the opening / closing status of doors 3F and 3R detected by the opening / closing detection sensor 5 and the detection results of the intended passenger's position detected by the camera 33.

[0104] <Specific Examples of Variable Projection Processing>

[0105] Next, use Figure 20 and Figure 21 A specific example of the variable projection processing performed by the control unit 7 will be explained.

[0106] like Figure 20 As shown, in the second embodiment, the rear door 3R of vehicle C is a revolving door that opens and closes by rotation about a predetermined axis. Figure 20 In the example shown, compared with the above Figure 4Similarly, a first projection display 17 is displayed in the first area R1 spanning doors 3F and 3R. When the rear door 3R is rotated open, if the position of the intended passenger M detected by the camera 33 is such that the outer side of the rear door 3R is visible, the control unit 7 switches a portion of the area on the rear door 3R in the first projection display 17 to a first projection display 35 as another image. The first projection display 35 is, for example, an image of a doorman. Afterwards, if the position of the intended passenger M detected by the camera 33 is such that the outer side of the rear door 3R is not visible, the control unit 7 switches the first projection display 35 on the rear door 3R back to the original first projection display 17, and displays the original advertising image on doors 3F and 3R. Furthermore, the position where the outer side of the rear door 3R is visible is, for example, a position that is forward of the rear door 3R or its extension when viewed from above in the vertical direction, and the position where the outer side of the rear door 3R is not visible is, for example, a position that is backward of the rear door 3R or its extension when viewed from above in the vertical direction.

[0107] Figure 21 This indicates that control unit 7 is performing... Figure 20 The flowchart shown illustrates the control procedures during variable projection processing. Figure 21 As shown, the control unit 7 illuminates the first area R1 on the outer side of the doors 3F and 3R of the vehicle C through the side mirror projector 11, and displays advertising images on the doors 3F and 3R (S610).

[0108] Next, based on the detection results of the opening / closing detection sensor 5, the control unit 7 determines whether the rear door 3R has started to open (S620). The control unit 7 repeats S620 until the rear door 3R starts to open. If the rear door 3R is determined to be open, the control unit 7 determines whether the position of the intended passenger M detected by the camera 33 is such that the outer side of the rear door 3R can be seen (S630). If the control unit 7 determines that the position of the intended passenger M is such that the outer side of the rear door 3R can be seen, the control unit 7 changes the image of the rear door 3R portion in the advertising image to an image of a doorman (S640) (variable projection processing). After that, it returns to S630.

[0109] On the other hand, in S630, if the control unit 7 determines that the position of the intended passenger M is not visible to the outer side of the rear door 3R, it will restore the image of the doorman displayed on the rear door 3R to the original advertising image and display the original advertising image on the doors 3F and 3R (S650) (variable projection processing).

[0110] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received (S660). If no stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 returns to S620. On the other hand, if a stop command for displaying the advertising image has been received, the control unit 7 terminates the process.

[0111] <Effects of the Second Implementation>

[0112] As described above, in the vehicle projection device 1 of the second embodiment, the control unit 7 performs variable projection processing not only based on the opening and closing status of the rear door 3R, but also based on the position of the predetermined passenger M in the predetermined vehicle C. This allows for the provision of more detailed display services.

[0113] <Variation Example>

[0114] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit and technical concept. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in sequence. The same symbols are used to denote the parts identical to those in the first and second embodiments, and descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0115] exist Figure 22 In the variant shown, the rear door 3R of vehicle C is a revolving door that opens and closes by rotation about a predetermined axis. Figure 22 In the example shown, compared with the above Figure 4 Similarly, a first projection display 17 is displayed in the first area R1 spanning doors 3F and 3R. In this modified example, when the rear door 3R is rotated open, the control unit 7, in the variable projection process, causes the portion of the first projection display 17 on the rear door 3R to change its projection direction according to the opening angle of the rear door 3R, thereby changing the display state of the first projection display 17 on the rear door 3R. In this way, even when the opened door is a revolving door, projection information can be displayed so that a viewer outside the vehicle C can view it appropriately. Furthermore, when the front door 3F is rotated open, the projection direction can also be changed according to the opening angle of the front door 3F, thereby changing the display state of the first projection display 17 on the front door 3F.

[0116] In addition, Figure 23 In the variant shown, the rear door 3R of vehicle C is a sliding door that opens and closes by sliding along the side of vehicle C. Figure 23 In the example shown, compared with the above Figure 4 Similarly, the first projected display 17 is displayed in the first region R1 spanning doors 3F and 3R. Furthermore, in this modified example, the front-rear dimension of the first region R1 is larger than that described above. Figure 4The first region R1 has a small front-to-back dimension. In this modified example, when the control unit 7 slides open the rear door 3R, in the variable projection processing, according to the opening and closing state of the rear door 3R, the display area of ​​the first projection display 17 on the rear door 3R is reduced or disappears, and according to this reduction or disappearance, the first projection display 17 reappears on the front door 3F or the display area of ​​the already displayed first projection display 17 is expanded. Thus, as Figure 23 As shown, the first projection display 17, which spans doors 3F and 3R, can slide upwards onto the front door 3F. This allows projection information to be displayed even when the rear door 3R is open, ensuring proper viewing for a viewer outside vehicle C. Furthermore, in Figure 23 In the example shown, the size of the first projection display 17 is not changed while it is slidable, but it can also be slidable while enlarging or shrinking the size of the display area on the front door 3F.

[0117] In addition, the above explanation addresses the case where the rear door 3R is open, but the same variable projection process can also be performed when the front door 3F is open.

[0118] In addition, although it is a side mirror projector 11, a projector (first projection unit) can also be installed in a part that protrudes from the vehicle C other than the side mirror.

[0119] In addition, although the side mirror projector 11 is used to project a first image onto the first region R1 of the outer side of the doors 3F and 3R of the vehicle C by irradiating a first illumination light L1 that represents a predetermined image, it may also be a display such as a TFT (first image display unit) that displays a first image representing a predetermined image onto the first region R1.

[0120] In addition to the methods described above, the methods of the above embodiments or their variations can also be appropriately combined and utilized.

[0121] Furthermore, although not all examples are provided, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications without departing from its spirit.

[0122] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0123] 1…Projection devices for vehicles;

[0124] 3F…Front door;

[0125] 3R…rear door;

[0126] 5…Opening / closing detection sensor (opening / closing detection unit);

[0127] 7…Control Department;

[0128] 9…Projection Image Generation Unit;

[0129] 11…Side-viewing mirror projector (first projection unit);

[0130] 13…Indoor projector (second projection unit);

[0131] 15…side mirrors;

[0132] 17…First projection display;

[0133] 17a…text information;

[0134] 17b…Background information;

[0135] 19…First projection display;

[0136] 19a…text information;

[0137] 19b…text information;

[0138] 21…First projection display;

[0139] 21a…text information;

[0140] 21b…Portrait of a person;

[0141] 23…First projection display;

[0142] 23a…text information;

[0143] 23b…text information;

[0144] 23c…text information;

[0145] 23d…background information;

[0146] 25…First projection display;

[0147] 25a…text and images;

[0148] 25b…Image of a doorman;

[0149] 25c…text and images;

[0150] 27…First projection display;

[0151] 27a…Image of a doorman;

[0152] 27b…text and images;

[0153] 29…First projection display;

[0154] 29a…Image of a doorman;

[0155] 31…Second projection display;

[0156] 33… cameras;

[0157] 35…First projection display;

[0158] C…vehicle;

[0159] L1…first illumination light;

[0160] L2…second illumination light;

[0161] M…reserved passenger;

[0162] R1…First region;

[0163] R2…Second region.

Claims

1. A projection device for a vehicle, installed on a vehicle having openable and closable doors, characterized in that, The vehicle projection device includes: an opening / closing detection section that detects an opening / closing state of the door; a first projection section that performs a desired first projection display to an outer side surface of the door; and a control section that performs a variable projection process that changes a display state of the first projection display performed by the first projection section based on a detection result of the opening / closing state detected by the opening / closing detection section.

2. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein the door is opened and closed by sliding along a side surface of the vehicle, in the variable projection process, the display state of the first projection display on the door is changed in accordance with a sliding position of the door as a projection target.

3. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein the door is opened and closed by rotating around a predetermined axis, in the variable projection process, a display state of the first projection display on the door is changed in accordance with an opening angle of the door as a projection target.

4. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein in the variable projection process, the first projection display displayed on the door is made to disappear in accordance with the opening / closing state of the door as a projection target.

5. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle has a plurality of doors including a first door and a second door on one side in a width direction, in the variable projection process, a display area of the first projection display on the first door is made to shrink or disappear in accordance with the opening / closing state of the first door, and in accordance with the shrinking or disappearance, the first projection display is made to reappear on the second door or a display area of the first projection display that has been displayed is made to expand.

6. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle has a plurality of doors including a first door and a second door on one side in a width direction, in the variable projection process, a display area of the first projection display on the first door is made to disappear in accordance with the opening / closing state of the first door, and in accordance with the disappearance, a display content based on the first projection display on the second door is made to slide within a display area of the second door, and the display content on the first door is displayed.

7. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein the first projection display contains a plurality of display information that differ from each other in a display priority, in the variable projection process, the display information displayed on the door as a projection target is made to disappear in order from low to high in the display priority or to appear in order from high to low in the display priority in accordance with the opening / closing state of the door.

8. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein in the variable projection process, ​ The image displayed by the first projection display on the door is replaced with another image in accordance with the opening / closing state of the door as the projection target.

9. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein a second projection section is further provided in the vehicle interior, and performs a desired second projection display on a road surface that becomes an up-and-down path to a passenger in the vehicle via the door when the door is in the open state, the control section controls the execution of the second projection display by the second projection section in conjunction with the control of the first projection section by the variable projection process.

10. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein the control section executes the variable projection process on the occasion of the door being opened from the closed state or on the occasion of the door being closed from the open state.

11. The vehicle projection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a position detection section is further provided, which detects the position of a predetermined occupant who is present outside the vehicle and is scheduled to get on the vehicle, the control section executes the variable projection process based on both the detection result of the opening / closing state by the opening / closing detection section and the detection result of the position of the predetermined occupant by the position detection section.

12. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein the first projection section is provided on a side mirror of the vehicle, and performs the first projection display on the door as the projection target that is located behind the first projection section.

Images