Method and system for displaying at least one graphic content when opening and / or closing a vehicle door

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (1) for displaying at least one graphic content (1) when opening and / or closing a vehicle door (3) of a vehicle. The invention is characterized in that the graphic content (2) is adapted in a positioning and / or orientation depending on whether the vehicle door (3) is opened from the outside or from the inside. The invention further relates to at least one system for carrying out the method.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for displaying at least one graphical content when opening and / or closing a vehicle door. The invention also relates to at least one system for implementing the method.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to project graphic content from an exterior mirror onto a ground surface near the vehicle. This can be used to create a staged or graphical background for the vehicle. In particular, a greeting scenario can be created, where a driver is greeted by a personalized logo or image as they approach the vehicle.

[0003] EP 2 740 632 A1 discloses a vehicle with such an exterior mirror projector, whereby in a greeting scenario, for example, “Welcome” can be projected onto the floor in front of the driver’s door.

[0004] DE 10 2016 202 752 A1 shows a vehicle with an ambient lighting system, wherein a first projection module is provided on a stationary body part adjacent to the pivoting vehicle door, and a second projection module is provided on the exterior of the vehicle. Upon detection of an event triggered by a user in the vehicle's surroundings, the two projection modules are activated with a time offset from one another, so that a pictogram of the second production module can be projected onto the light distribution of the first production module. The pictogram can be dimmed or deactivated depending on the closing of the vehicle door.

[0005] For further prior art, reference can also be made to DE 10 2017 210 899 B4, which discloses a method for projecting an image onto the ground near a vehicle. A user's position or viewing position is detected, and the projected image is rotated according to this position or viewing position. The image can therefore always be displayed facing the user. Furthermore, a personalized display can be selected so that the user or driver can be personally greeted.

[0006] DE 10 2020 006 360 A1 also shows a way to modify a projected image. Lighting on the exterior mirrors can also be used to illuminate the area surrounding the vehicle or to implement an LED puddle projection.

[0007] Furthermore, reference can be made to DE 10 2021 000 247 A1, which shows a method for operating an ambient lighting device of a vehicle.

[0008] However, due to the placement of a projection device on an exterior mirror or a door, the orientation of the projection depends on the angle of the door. Therefore, with an open door, the image cannot always be oriented so that it faces a driver or user. Furthermore, detecting a person's position is difficult if the focus is on the person themselves, and in particular the position of the person's eyes.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system which overcome the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0010] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, and in particular in the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the dependent claims. Systems for implementing the method are also described.

[0011] At the core of the method according to the invention, the positioning and / or orientation of the graphic content is adjusted depending on whether the vehicle door is opened from the outside or from the inside, the graphic content being aligned depending on the opening angle of a vehicle door in such a way that the positioning and / or orientation is readable by a person when getting in or out, the opening angle of the vehicle door being recognized and the graphic content being projected onto a floor surface in the area of ​​the vehicle door depending on the recognized opening angle, the graphic content being projected onto the floor surface parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle regardless of the opening angle. Advantageously, the projected image can be rotated in such a way that artistic freedom is possible. If, for example, text is projected onto the floor, the displayed text information can be read by the user orThe driver can read the information when they exit the vehicle or approach the vehicle to get in. The displayed content can also be differentiated according to a "welcome scenario" or a "goodbye scenario." In particular, detection of a person's position, especially the position of the person's eyes, can be dispensed with, making the method robustly applicable.

[0012] The method is designed to display at least one graphic content when a vehicle door of a vehicle is opened and / or closed. According to the invention, in particular, either the projection itself can be adapted by positioning or aligning it accordingly, and / or the projection can be adapted in such a way that a corresponding content can be selected.

[0013] The graphic content is aligned depending on the opening angle of a vehicle door so that the positioning and / or orientation is readable by a person when getting in or out. In particular, an open door can first be detected via a door opening sensor. Subsequently, an opening angle of the door can be detected, for example, via an opening angle sensor, which is positioned in particular on the vehicle door. The opening angle sensor can, for example, be arranged in a hinge of the vehicle door. The graphic representation can thus be projected onto a floor surface in the area of ​​the door depending on the detected opening angle of the driver's door or the vehicle door, in particular by adjusting the orientation of the exterior mirror projector, for example via the servo motor, or also via software.For example, the graphic representation can contain a text which can be projected onto the floor surface parallel to the vehicle, i.e. in particular parallel to an outer edge or to a vehicle longitudinal direction, regardless of the opening angle of the door.

[0014] Particularly good legibility is achieved when the graphic content, including text, logo, or trademark, is aligned parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis and the lettering is not upside down relative to the viewer. For viewers or passengers inside the vehicle, i.e., when opening the door from the inside, the lower edge of the lettering, logo, or trademark is aligned toward the vehicle. When opening the door from the outside, however, the lettering, logo, or trademark is rotated approximately 180°, or the lower edge of the lettering, logo, or trademark points away from the vehicle.

[0015] Preferably, the graphic content can be aligned and / or adjusted in a direction corresponding to a person's entry or exit, so that the graphic content is readable depending on the exit or entry. This advantageously allows for the implementation of a "welcome scenario" or a "goodbye scenario." The graphic content, such as a text message, can always be aligned accordingly so that it can be read by the person in the appropriate position or orientation. It is also possible to display video projections that are positioned and / or aligned accordingly.

[0016] According to a very advantageous development of the concept, the graphic content can be provided by a projector mounted on an exterior mirror of the vehicle. The projector can, in particular, be an exterior mirror projector, which in particular also has at least one servo motor. This allows the alignment and / or positioning of the exterior mirror projector or the projector to be implemented accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable for the graphic representation to be positioned and / or aligned accordingly using software.

[0017] A distinction can also be made between whether the user is exiting the vehicle or approaching it. In particular, the graphic representation can be aligned accordingly, i.e., readable once when exiting and once when the user approaches the vehicle. The graphic representation can, in particular, be rotated 180° relative to each other to be readable when entering or exiting the vehicle, especially if the representation also contains text or a logo or trademark.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment can provide for the graphic content to be generated by at least one exterior mirror projector, wherein the positioning and / or alignment of the graphic content is adjusted, in particular, by at least one servomotor. This allows the alignment and / or positioning of the exterior mirror projector or the projector to be implemented accordingly, in particular by the servomotor rotating, aligning, and / or positioning the exterior mirror projector accordingly.

[0019] According to a very advantageous development of the concept, the graphic content can be displayed in a door sill. For example, a text such as "Welcome" or "Goodbye" can be displayed in a door sill. The door sill is, in particular, the lower section of the door frame that can be visually perceived by a driver or other user of the vehicle.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the graphic content is displayed in a reference position of 0° when getting in and in a position rotated by 180° when getting out. This means that the text information can be displayed legibly for the user depending on whether the person is getting in or out. The display can be via a projector arranged at any position in the area of ​​the vehicle door, in particular in the area of ​​the vehicle door frame. Furthermore, the display can be via a display that is integrated in the door sill. The orientation of the graphic display is carried out in particular via software, with the software rotating the graphic display in particular by 180° depending on whether a person is approaching in the vehicle or wants to get out of the vehicle.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment can provide that the opening of the vehicle door from the inside is detected by a weight load on the seat.

[0022] This makes it possible, in particular, to detect that a person is getting out of the vehicle, whereby the graphic representation can be aligned and / or positioned accordingly. The graphic content can also be specified accordingly.

[0023] The invention further comprises a system for implementing a method according to the invention. It is proposed that at least one exterior mirror projector be included, which has at least one servomotor, so that the positioning and / or orientation of the graphic content can be adjusted by the servomotor.

[0024] The invention further comprises a further system for implementing a method according to the invention. It is proposed that at least one projector or at least one display be included, with the positioning and / or alignment of the graphic content being controlled by software.

[0025] The systems share the same features and advantages as those already outlined for the process. Therefore, the systems can be integrated into a vehicle, especially an electric vehicle.

[0026] Overall, the proposed method or systems can increase the user-friendliness and comfort of the vehicle users. In particular, a personalized greeting or farewell can be displayed, with different graphical content being selectable according to a scenario.

[0027] Further advantageous embodiments of the method or system according to the invention also emerge from the exemplary embodiment which is described in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0028] Showing: Fig. 1 a vehicle door with a system for carrying out the method in a possible embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a process flow.

[0029] In the presentation of the Fig. 1 shows a vehicle door 3 with a system for implementing method 1 in one possible embodiment. A door opening sensor 9 is provided on the vehicle door 3, which can be located in particular in the area of ​​the door handle or the door lock. Furthermore, an opening angle sensor 8 can be provided, which is located in particular in the area of ​​the door hinge. A projector 4, such as in particular an exterior mirror projector 6, is provided on the exterior mirror 5.

[0030] By means of the method 1 according to the invention, for example, a graphic representation can be implemented in a door sill 7 and / or a projection of a graphic content 2 onto a floor surface in the area of ​​the vehicle, in particular in the area of ​​the vehicle door 3, wherein the position, orientation, and content of the graphic representation can be adjusted depending on the opening angle of the vehicle door 3 and / or on an entry or exit. Consequently, a graphic content 2 can also be indicated in the door sill 7.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a sequence of the method 1. In the explanation of the method, reference is also made to the reference numerals from Fig. 1 referred to.

[0032] The method can be carried out, for example, by adapting at least one projector 4, such as in particular an exterior mirror projector 6, in particular with a servo motor. If a vehicle door 3 is opened from the outside, this can be referred to as a "welcome scenario". Media data can be displayed according to an orientation and / or positioning so that it can be presented in an aligned manner by the person approaching the vehicle. An overall ECU presentation, item A, can provide graphic content, such as in particular media data, e.g. video data, of an ECU interior presentation, item B, and an ECU exterior presentation, item C, in particular once. The content can be played back using known methods according to the state of the art, in particular when the door is closed and when unlocking / parking.When the vehicle door 3 is opened, the sensor 9 detects that the vehicle door 3 was opened from the outside, and the opening angle sensor 8 can detect or determine the opening angle of the vehicle door 3. The opening angle sensor 8 can send the opening angle to the ECU exterior staging, position C. The ECU can forward the calculated angle, in particular to the servo motors, preferably to the exterior mirror projector 6. The exterior mirror projector 6 can project the content to match the opening angle of the vehicle door 3.

[0033] If a vehicle door 3 is opened from the inside, this can be referred to as a "goodbye scenario." When the vehicle door 3 is opened from the inside, the door opening sensor 9, and in particular a seat sensor, can detect that the vehicle door 3 was opened from the inside, and the opening angle sensor 8 can detect the size of the opened angle of the vehicle door 3. The sensors 8, 9 can send the opening angle to the ECU exterior staging, position C. The ECU can forward the calculated angle, in particular to the servo motors of the exterior mirror projector 6. The exterior mirror projector 6 can project the graphic content 2 to match the opening angle of the vehicle door 3 and the scenario. This is possible, in particular, because the seat sensor can detect a weight on the seat.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the method can, for example, output an exterior mirror projection as graphic content 2 by adapting the content via the opening angle of a vehicle door 3. In a "Welcome Scenario," graphic content 2 can be displayed in the form of media data, with an ECU overall scenario, item A, making the media data of the ECU interior scenario, item B, and the ECU exterior scenario, item C, available, in particular once. The content can be played back using known prior art methods, in particular when the door is closed and when unlocking / parking. When the vehicle door 3 is opened, the sensor 9 detects that the vehicle door 3 has been opened, and the opening angle sensor 8 can detect the opened angle of the vehicle door 3. The sensor 9 can send the detected opening angle to the ECU exterior scenario, item C.In contrast to the previously described embodiment, the ECU can transmit the calculated angle and adapt the content via software. Thus, the exterior mirror projector 6 can project the graphic content 2 to match the opening angle of the vehicle door 3. Regardless of the embodiment, a projection can be made on a floor area near the vehicle door 3.

[0035] In a "Goodbye Scenario," when the vehicle door 3 is opened from the inside, the sensor 9 and a seat sensor can detect that the vehicle door 3 has been opened from the inside. The opening angle sensor 8 can detect the opened angle of the vehicle door 3. The sensors 8, 9 can send the detected opening angle to the ECU exterior staging, position C. The ECU forwards the calculated angle and can adapt the graphic content 2 via software. The exterior mirror projector 6 can then project the graphic content 2 to match the opening angle of the vehicle door 3 and the scenario, since the seat sensor, in particular, has detected a weight on the seat.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the method can, for example, display contents in a door sill 7 of the vehicle, wherein in particular two files are stored in order to display the “Welcome Scenario” and the “Goodbye Scenario”.

[0037] In a “Welcome Scenario,” an overall ECU staging, Pos. A, can make the media data, such as video data, available to the ECU interior staging, Pos. B, and the ECU exterior staging, Pos. C, in particular once, in order to be able to display graphic content 2. In this embodiment, two pieces of media data, i.e. two pieces of graphic content 2, are stored in the ECU interior. The media data are assigned to a Welcome Scenario or a Goodbye Scenario. The graphic content 2 for the Welcome Scenario corresponds in particular to an orientation of 0°. The graphic content 2 for the Goodbye Scenario is preferably rotated by 180° in advance, in particular with regard to the positioning and orientation of the Welcome Scenario. Therefore, two pieces of media data are stored in the ECU interior. The sensor 9 can detect that the vehicle door 3 has been opened.The graphic content 2 for the welcome scenario can then be played, with a projection on the entry bar.

[0038] In a "goodbye scenario," when the vehicle door 3 is opened from the inside, the sensor 9, and in particular a seat sensor, can detect that the vehicle door 3 was opened from the inside. The graphic content 2 for the goodbye scenario corresponds in particular to the display rotated by 180° and can then be played or projected.

[0039] In all of the illustrated embodiments, a harmonious, coordinated design can be created in an overall presentation. Graphic content 2, for example, media data such as video files, can result in an optimized animation flow and a visually seamless appearance, regardless of the side from which the vehicle door 3 is opened and regardless of the opening angle of the vehicle door 3. Advantageously, in a text display, particularly in a welcome and goodbye scenario, the text can be legible and projected toward the user, driver, or passenger.

Claims

[1] Method (1) for displaying at least one graphic content (1) when opening and / or closing a vehicle door (3) of a vehicle, wherein the graphic content (2) is adjusted in positioning and / or orientation depending on whether the vehicle door (3) is opened from the outside or from the inside, characterized by , that the graphic content (2) is aligned depending on an opening angle of the vehicle door (3) such that the positioning and / or alignment is readable for a person when getting in or out, wherein an opening angle of the vehicle door (3) is detected and the graphic content (2) is projected onto a floor surface in the region of the vehicle door (3) depending on the detected opening angle, wherein the graphic content (2) is projected onto the floor surface parallel to a vehicle longitudinal axis regardless of the opening angle. [2] Method (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the graphic content (2) is aligned and / or adjusted in a direction corresponding to a person's entry or exit, so that the graphic content (2) is readable depending on the entry or exit. [3] Method (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the graphic content (2) is output by a projector (4) which is attached to an exterior mirror (5) of the vehicle. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the graphic content contains text, logo or trademark and is aligned parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, whereby when the door is opened from the inside the lower edge of the lettering, logo or trademark is aligned towards the vehicle, and / or when the door is opened from the outside the lower edge of the lettering, logo or trademark is aligned away from the vehicle. [5] Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the graphic content (2) is generated by at least one exterior mirror projector (6), wherein in particular the positioning and / or alignment of the graphic content is adjusted by at least one servo motor. [6] Method (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the graphic content (2) is displayed in a start bar (7). [7] Procedure (1) according to 6, characterized by that the graphic content (2) is displayed in a reference position of 0° when boarding, and is displayed in a position rotated by 180° when exiting. [8] Method (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that opening of the vehicle door (3) from the inside is detected by a change in the weight load on the seat. [9] System for carrying out a method (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat at least one exterior mirror projector (6) is included, which has at least one servomotor, so that the representation of the graphic content can be aligned in terms of positioning and / or orientation by the servomotor. [10] System for carrying out a method (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that at least one projector (4) or at least one display is included, wherein the positioning and / or alignment of the representation of the graphic content (2) is carried out via software.

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