Passenger protection device using graphic light projection and corresponding method

Abstract

A device mounted on a vehicle to protect a passenger by using a graphic light projection, comprising a first detection unit (10) which detects an opening of a vehicle door; a second detection unit (20) which detects a boarding of a person or a disembarking of a person; a side step drive unit (40) which drives a side step; a light projection unit (50) which projects an anti-boarding light or an anti-exiting light and is mounted on one side of the side step in such a way as to prevent the anti-boarding light and the anti-boarding light from being partially obscured by the person getting off or on, the anti-boarding light on the side of the person getting off being projected onto a road and the anti-boarding light on the side of the person getting on the road; and a control unit (70) which controls the side step drive unit (40) to move out the side step arranged inside the vehicle when the first detection unit (10) detects the opening of the vehicle door, and controls the light projection unit (50) to project the exit prevention light when the second detection unit (20) detects the exiting of the exiting person.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger protection device using graphic light projection and a method thereof, and more particularly to a passenger protection device using graphic light projection and a method thereof, in which passengers can be protected from a car or motorcycle approaching from a rear by projecting an anti-boarding light onto a road on a side of a person about to get into a vehicle (hereinafter "boarding person") when the boarding person is detected, and the anti-boarding light is projected onto a road on a side of a person about to get out of the vehicle (hereinafter "exiting person") when the exiting person is detected.

[0002] The term “passenger” is used herein to refer to the person boarding and the person alighting, which includes a driver and a passenger. Description of related technology

[0003] Generally, a vehicle driver is responsible for ensuring that a passenger exits the vehicle safely. However, the driver cannot inform neighboring vehicles or motorcycles about the passenger's exit behavior, and therefore traffic accidents often occur in which the exiting passenger collides with, for example, the motorcycle.

[0004] To solve this problem, a technique has been proposed in which a lamp is installed in the vehicle to indicate the opening of a vehicle door; however, such a technical design has a negligible effect because the lamp cannot sufficiently attract the attention of a driver of a car or a motorcycle.

[0005] Recently, a graphic light projection has received increasing attention, which highlights individual characteristics of buildings, bridges, monuments and trees through illumination in order to create a unique identity of a city and to create an orientation aid or a point of interest (hereinafter referred to as orientation aid).

[0006] Such graphic light projection is used to recreate a night view of a city, to create an aesthetic landscape, to illuminate the city's facilities and objects, to ensure the safety and public order of citizens, to clarify the form and function of the city, and to add artistic value to the city's historical / cultural value, thereby enhancing the city's dignity.

[0007] There is a need for a solution to maximize passenger safety by combining graphic light projection, which has the above-mentioned features, with a vehicle's passenger protection technology.

[0008] The above information provided in this Background section is provided only to facilitate an understanding of the general background of this invention and should not be interpreted as acknowledging or suggesting that this information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0009] Furthermore, US 2006 / 0 267 308 A1 discloses an illuminated step that can be attached to a retractable and extendable side step of a vehicle. The illuminated step is equipped with a light sensor and a light source. The light sensor activates the light source upon detection of a person entering or exiting the vehicle, so that the step is illuminated for better recognition by the person entering or exiting the vehicle. Further related systems and methods are known from DE 10 2010 007 848 A1, DE 298 02 928 U1, US 5 669 699 A, DE 10 2007 022 523 A1, US 2011 / 0 211 363 A1, and DE 37 29 107 C2. BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a passenger protection device using graphic light projection and a corresponding method or method therefor, in which passengers can be protected from a car or motorcycle approaching from a rear by projecting an anti-boarding light onto a road on one side of a person who is about to get into a vehicle (hereinafter "boarding person") when the boarding person is detected and the anti-boarding light is projected onto a road on one side of a person who is about to get out of the vehicle (hereinafter "exiting person") when the exiting person is detected.

[0011] In the present invention, the term “passenger” is used to refer to the person boarding and the person alighting, which includes a driver and a passenger.

[0012] To this end, the present invention provides a device mounted on a vehicle for protecting a passenger by using graphic light projection according to claim 1 and passenger protection methods using graphic light projection according to claims 8 and 12. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages that will be apparent from, or more particularly explained in, the accompanying drawings. Together with the Detailed Description, they serve to explain certain principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a configuration view showing an exemplary embodiment of a passenger protection device using graphic light projection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a view showing an example of an anti-entry light and an anti-exit light according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an exemplary embodiment of a protection method for an alighting person of a passenger protection device using graphic light projection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a boarding person protection method of a passenger protection device using graphic light projection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, and that they present a somewhat simplified representation of the features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features of the present invention, such as specific dimensions, orientations, positioning, and shapes, will also be determined in part by the intended use and application environment.

[0015] In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or similar parts of the present invention throughout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention. Examples are illustrated by the accompanying drawings and the text below. While the invention will be explained in connection with exemplary embodiments, this is not to be construed as limiting the invention to the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments, apart from the exemplary embodiments set forth, which fall within the scope of the claims.

[0017] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a configuration view showing an exemplary embodiment of a passenger protection device according to the present invention that uses an exemplary graphic light projection according to the present invention.

[0019] As in Fig. 1, a passenger protection device using graphic light projection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first detection unit 10, a second detection unit 20, a third detection unit 30, a side step drive unit 40, a light projection unit 50, an alarm unit 60, and a controller 70.

[0020] Each element will be described in detail. First, the first detection unit 10 is a sensor mounted on one side of a vehicle door and detects whether the vehicle door is opened or closed by a person entering or exiting the vehicle.

[0021] For example, the first detection unit 10 can detect whether the vehicle door is opened or closed depending on a locking state of a vehicle door locking device. Here, the locking device can, for example, allow the vehicle door to open by pulling an unlocking lever or pressing a button. The first detection unit 10 detects whether the door is opened or closed independently of a door opening method of the locking device.

[0022] Next, the second detection unit 20 is a pressure sensor mounted on a side step 40 and detects pressure generated when stepped on by a passenger getting on or off the vehicle. In another example, an infrared sensor or radar that detects an object in a predetermined area of ​​the side step 40 using light may be used as the second detection unit 20.

[0023] Next, the third detection unit 30 is a sensor for detecting the passenger via wireless communication, and includes, for example, a smart key detection sensor (in German, "kluger-Schlüssel-Erfassungssensor"). The third detection unit 30 detects a smart key (in German, "kluger Schlüssel") located within a predetermined distance range, e.g., 3 m to 7 m. Here, the smart key has unique identification information, so that the third detection unit 30 can identify the smart key belonging to its own or associated vehicle, rather than to another vehicle.

[0024] Typically, only one driver possesses the smart key, limiting the number and limiting the detection of passengers. Therefore, by providing at least one or more radio frequency identification devices, the third detection unit 30 can detect the radio frequency identification device.

[0025] Next, the side step drive unit 40 is used to drive a smart side step located inside the vehicle and retracted to an outside when needed. Here, the side step refers to a step stool that a person entering the vehicle or a person exiting the vehicle steps on.

[0026] In other words, the side step drive unit 40 is a module that extends the side step located inside the vehicle or places the extended side step inside the vehicle. The side step drive unit 40 extends the side step according to the control of the controller 70 when the vehicle door is opened, and when the vehicle door is closed, the side step drive unit 40 places the side step inside the vehicle according to the control of the controller 70.

[0027] The intelligent page stage described above may be of various types, such as a connection type or a rotation type, but the type of the intelligent page stage does not relate to the subject matter of the present invention.

[0028] Next, the light projection unit 50 is a module mounted on one side of the vehicle to project an anti-entry light and an anti-exit light. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the light projection unit 50 projects the exit protection light (a) and the entry protection light (b), as shown in Fig. 2, according to the control of the controller 70.

[0029] The light projection unit 50 may be mounted on one side of the side step which is pulled out according to the control of the controller 70, so that the exit prevention light is prevented from being partially obscured by the person exiting.

[0030] The alarm unit 60, which is an additional element, sends a visual or acoustic alarm according to the control of the controller 70 when the first detection unit 10 detects an unlocking of the locking device, ie when the door is opened.

[0031] The function of the controller 70 can be realized by using an electronic control unit (ECU) with which the vehicle is equipped or by a separate control device associated with the ECU.

[0032] When the first detection unit 10 detects that the vehicle door is opened, the controller 70 controls the side step drive unit 40 to extend the side step arranged in the vehicle interior, and when the second detection unit detects that the person getting out of the vehicle gets out, the controller 70 controls the light projection unit 50 to project the exit prevention light.

[0033] Next, the controller 70 controls the light projection unit 50 to stop projecting the exit prevention light when the vehicle is operated in the driving state.

[0034] In addition, the controller controls the light projection unit 50 to project the anti-entry light when the third detection unit 30 detects that the person boarding is approaching it, and controls the side step drive unit 40 to pull out the side step arranged in the vehicle interior when the first detection unit 10 detects that the vehicle door is opened.

[0035] Next, the controller 70 controls the light projection unit 50 to stop projecting the anti-entry light when the vehicle is operated in the driving state.

[0036] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for protecting an exiting person, particularly in an exemplary passenger protection device according to the invention that utilizes an exemplary graphic light projection according to the invention.

[0037] First, when the locking state of the locking device is unlocked so that the exiting person gets out of the vehicle, namely when the vehicle door is opened, the first detection unit 10 detects such an operation (301).

[0038] Next, the controller 70 controls the side step drive unit 40 to extend the side step disposed inside the vehicle (302). In other words, the side step drive unit 40 extends the side step based on the control by the controller 70. At this time, the controller 70 may control the alarm unit 60 to send an alarm.

[0039] Next, the second detection unit 20 detects the exiting person (303). In other words, the second detection unit 20 detects, for example, a pressure generated when the driver steps onto the side step or a side step.

[0040] Then, the controller 70 controls the light projection unit 50 to project the exit prevention light. In other words, the light projection unit 50 projects the exit prevention light according to the control of the controller 70 (304).

[0041] Next, when the vehicle is operated in the running state, the controller 70 controls the light projection unit 50 to stop projecting the exit prevention light.

[0042] By projecting the exit prevention light onto a road surface in this way, a driver in a car or a motorcycle approaching from behind can recognize the person getting out and drive safely, thereby avoiding a vehicle accident.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an exemplary inventive protection method for a boarding person, in particular in an exemplary inventive passenger protection device that uses graphic light projection.

[0044] First, the third detection unit 30 detects a passenger who is within a certain distance range from the vehicle (401). In other words, an identification device possessed by the passenger who is within the predetermined distance range from the vehicle is identified.

[0045] Then, the controller 70 determines that the passenger is boarding the vehicle and controls the light projection unit 50 to project the anti-entry light (402). In other words, the light projection unit 50 projects the anti-entry light according to the control of the controller 70.

[0046] Next, when the boarding person unlocks the locking state of the locking device to get into the vehicle, namely when the vehicle door is opened, the first detection unit 10 detects such an operation (403).

[0047] Next, the controller 70 controls the side step drive unit 40 to extend the side step arranged in the vehicle interior (404). In other words, the side step drive unit 40 extends the side step according to the control of the controller 70. At this time, the controller 70 can control the alarm unit 60 to send an alarm.

[0048] By projecting the anti-entry light onto the road surface in this way, the driver in the vehicle or motorcycle approaching from the rear can recognize the person getting out and drive safely, thereby avoiding a vehicle accident.

[0049] Next, when the vehicle is operating in the driving state, the controller 70 controls the light projection unit 50 to stop projecting the anti-theft light. Here, the controller 70 may control the light projection unit 50 to stop projecting the anti-theft light when the vehicle door is closed.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention described above, when a person about to enter the vehicle (i.e., a person boarding) is detected, the anti-entry light is projected onto a road on the side of the person boarding, and when a person about to exit the vehicle is detected, the anti-exit light is projected onto a road on the side of the person exiting the vehicle. Accordingly, passengers can be protected from a car or motorcycle approaching from behind. REFERENCE SYMBOLS OF THE INDIVIDUAL ELEMENTS IN THE FIGURES

[0051] Fig. 1 10 First recording unit 20 Second recording unit 30 Third registration unit 40 Side step drive unit 50 light projection unit 60 alarm unit 70 Control Fig. 3 301 Detect opening of a vehicle door 302 Pull out the side step located inside the vehicle in response to opening the vehicle door 303 Detect a person getting out 304 Project exit protection light when detecting the exit of a person Fig. 4 401 Detect passenger who is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle 402 Project anti-entry light when detecting a person boarding 403 Detect vehicle door opening 404 Pull out the side step located inside the vehicle when the vehicle door is opened

Claims

[1] A device mounted on a vehicle to protect a passenger by using a graphic light projection, comprising a first detection unit (10) which detects an opening of a vehicle door; a second detection unit (20) which detects a boarding of a person or a disembarking of a person; a side step drive unit (40) which drives a side step; a light projection unit (50) which projects an anti-boarding light or an anti-exiting light and is mounted on one side of the side step in such a way as to prevent the anti-boarding light and the anti-boarding light from being partially obscured by the person getting off or on, the anti-boarding light on the side of the person getting off being projected onto a road and the anti-boarding light on the side of the person getting on the road; and a control unit (70) which controls the side step drive unit (40) to move out the side step arranged inside the vehicle when the first detection unit (10) detects the opening of the vehicle door, and controls the light projection unit (50) to project the exit prevention light when the second detection unit (20) detects the exiting of the exiting person. [2] The device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (70) controls the light projection unit (50) to stop projecting the exit prevention light when the vehicle is operated in a driving state. [3] The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a third detection unit (30) which detects the boarding person who is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle, wherein the control unit (70) controls the light projection unit (50) to project the anti-entry light when the third detection unit (30) detects the person boarding, and controls the side step drive unit (40) to move out the side step arranged inside the vehicle when the first detection unit (10) detects the opening of the vehicle door. [4] The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third detection unit (30) comprises a smart key detection sensor. [5] The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (70) controls the light projection unit (50) to stop projecting the anti-entry light when the vehicle is operated in a driving state. [6] The device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: an alarm unit (60), wherein the control unit (70) controls the alarm unit (60) to send an alarm when the first detection unit (10) detects the opening of the vehicle door. [7] The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second detection unit (20) detects a pressure generated when the boarding person or the alighting person steps thereon. [8] A passenger protection method using graphic light projection, comprising: Detecting an opening of a vehicle door by a first detection unit (40); (301) Moving out a side step arranged within a vehicle by a side step drive unit (40) in response to the opening of the vehicle door; (302) Detecting a person getting out by a second detection unit (20) arranged in the or a side step; (303) and Projecting an anti-exit light by a light projection unit (50) mounted on one side of the side step in such a way as to prevent the anti-exit light from being partially obscured by the person exiting, on the side of the person exiting, onto a road upon detecting the exiting of the person exiting. (304) [9] The passenger protection method according to claim 8, further comprising: Stop projecting the exit prevention light when the vehicle is operating in a driving condition. [10] The passenger protection method according to one of claims 8 and 9, further comprising: Sending an alarm in response to the vehicle door being opened. [11] The passenger protection method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein detecting the exiting of the exiting person comprises detecting a pressure generated by the stepping of the exiting person. [12] A passenger protection method using graphic light projection, comprising: Detecting a person boarding who is within a predetermined distance from a vehicle by a third detection unit (30); (401) Projecting an anti-entry light by a light projection unit (50) mounted on one side of a side step in such a way as to prevent the anti-entry light from being partially obscured by the boarding person, upon detecting the boarding person on the side of the boarding person onto a road; (402) Detecting an opening of a vehicle door by a first detection unit (10); (403) and Moving the side step arranged within a vehicle outward by a side step drive unit (40) in response to the opening of the vehicle door. (404) [13] The passenger protection method according to claim 12, further comprising stopping the projecting of the anti-entry light when the vehicle is operated in a driving state. [14] The passenger protection method according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the third detection unit comprises a smart key detection sensor. [15] The passenger protection method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising: sending an alarm in response to the vehicle door being opened.

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