ROAD SURFACE PROJECTION CONTROL DEVICE

Abstract

One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a road surface projection control device capable of achieving the safe movement of a pedestrian. A road surface projection control device according to the present disclosure comprises: a user detection unit that detects the presence of a user of a subject vehicle within a predetermined target area from the subject vehicle; an approaching vehicle detection unit that detects an approaching vehicle approaching the subject vehicle or the user when the user detection unit detects the user; and a road surface projection controller that directs the output of a road surface projection displaying a warning to the approaching vehicle when the approaching vehicle detection unit detects the approaching vehicle.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a road surface projection control device that controls a road surface projection to inform an approaching vehicle of the presence of a user of a subject vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] Traditionally, a technique is revealed in which a path along which a pedestrian is to move is illuminated to guide a user of a subject vehicle to a position where the subject vehicle is parked in a parking lot. DOCUMENTS ON THE STATUS OF THE TECHNICAL PATENT(S)

[0003] Patent specification 1: Japanese patent application Publication No. 2012-30613 SUMMARY: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] When a user who has parked in a parking area and exits their vehicle moves among other vehicles, a driver of an approaching vehicle may be slow to detect the user's presence, especially in twilight or at night. As a result, contact between the user and the approaching vehicle may occur. Examples of parking areas include public parking lots, commercial parking lots, residential complex parking lots, sports facility parking lots, and curbside parking, regardless of size.

[0005] Patent specification 1 does not describe a configuration by which an approaching vehicle is informed of the presence of a user when the user is moving. Therefore, improvements are needed to achieve the safe movement of pedestrians.

[0006] The present disclosure is intended to solve the aforementioned problems, and the aim is to provide a device for controlling road surface projection, with which safe movement of a pedestrian can be achieved. MEANS TO SOLVENT THE PROBLEM

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, a road surface projection control device according to the present disclosure comprises: a detection unit that detects the presence of at least one user of a subject vehicle within a predetermined target area from the subject vehicle; an approaching vehicle detection unit that detects a vehicle approaching the subject vehicle or the user when the user detection unit detects the user; and a road surface projection controller that directs the output of a road surface projection that provides a warning to the approaching vehicle when the approaching vehicle detection unit detects the approaching vehicle. EFFECTS OF INVENTION

[0008] According to the present disclosure, safe movement of a pedestrian can be achieved.

[0009] These and other objectives, features, aspects and benefits of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [ Fig. Figure 1] is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a device for controlling the projection onto the road surface according to one embodiment. [ Fig. 2] is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the device for controlling the projection onto the road surface according to the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 3] is a diagram showing an example of a projection pattern onto the road surface according to the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 4] is a diagram illustrating an example of a road surface projection pattern according to the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 5] is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a road surface projection control device according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 6] is a diagram illustrating an example of a road surface projection pattern and an auxiliary projection pattern according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 7] is a diagram illustrating an example of the auxiliary projection pattern according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 8] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern and the auxiliary projection pattern according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 9] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern and the auxiliary projection pattern according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 10] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern and the auxiliary projection pattern according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[11] is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a road surface projection control device according to modification example 2 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[12] is a diagram illustrating an example of a road surface projection pattern according to modification example 2 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[13] is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a road surface projection control device according to modification example 3 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[14] is a diagram illustrating an example of a road surface projection pattern according to modification example 3 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[15] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern according to modification example 3 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[16] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern according to modification example 3 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[17] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern according to modification example 3 of the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 18] is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a road surface projection control device according to Modification Example 4 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[19] is a diagram illustrating an example of a road surface projection pattern according to modification example 4 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[20] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern according to modification example 4 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[21] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern according to modification example 4 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[22] is a diagram illustrating an example of a road surface projection pattern and pedestrian marking according to Modification Example 5 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[23] is a diagram illustrating an example of pedestrian marking according to modification example 5 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[24] is a diagram illustrating an example of pedestrian marking according to modification example 5 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[25] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern and pedestrian protection marking according to Modification Example 6 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[26] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern and pedestrian protection marking according to modification example 6 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[27] is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a road surface projection control device according to a modification example 7 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[28] is a diagram illustrating an example of a road surface projection pattern according to modification example 7 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[29] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern according to modification example 7 of the embodiment. [ Fig.

[30] is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern according to modification example 7 of the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 31] is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the road surface projection control device according to the embodiment. [ Fig. Figure 32] is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the road surface projection control device according to the embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE FORM(S)<AUSFÜHRUNGSFORM> <konfiguration>

[0010] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a road surface projection control device 1 according to one embodiment. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the road surface projection control device 1 comprises a user detection unit 2, an approaching vehicle detection unit 3 and a road surface projection control 4.

[0011] The user detection unit 2 detects the presence of a user of a subject vehicle within a predetermined target area (a defined area). Fig. 3 Illustrated target area 14) of the subject vehicle based on information obtained from an environmental monitoring device 5 and from subject vehicle information 8. The user detection unit 2 can also use information obtained from a remote control key 9 instead of the information obtained from the environmental monitoring device 5. The user of the subject vehicle is hereinafter also referred to simply as "the user". The user includes a driver and a passenger.

[0012] The environmental monitoring device 5 detects the position, direction of movement, and speed of a user located in the vicinity of the subject vehicle. The environmental monitoring device 5 also detects the position, direction of movement, and speed of an approaching vehicle located in the vicinity of the subject vehicle. The approaching vehicle is any other vehicle approaching the subject vehicle or the user.

[0013] The environmental monitoring device 5 includes an environmental camera 6 and a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor 7 and monitors the surroundings of the subject vehicle. Examples of environmental cameras 6 include a front camera, a rear-view camera, a side camera, a driver monitoring system (DMS), and an occupant monitoring system (OMS). Examples of ToF sensors 7 include radar, lidar, and sonar.

[0014] Subject vehicle information 8 is information obtained from various sensors of the vehicle in question. Examples of subject vehicle information 8 include information about the vehicle's speed, information about whether the ignition is switched on or off, information about a switch indicating whether a seatbelt is fastened or unfastened, information about a switch indicating whether a user is seated, and information about whether a door is opened or closed.

[0015] The remote control key 9 has a communication function for communicating with the subject vehicle and can use this function to remotely open and close a door of the subject vehicle. Using this communication function, the remote control key 9 detects information (the user's distance from the subject vehicle and the user's direction of movement) about the user's (for example, the driver's) relative position to the subject vehicle. Not only the remote control key 9, but also a smartphone with a similar function can be used. In this case, the user detection unit 2 can, for example, obtain information about the position of each of the multiple users with a smartphone.

[0016] The approaching vehicle detection unit 3 detects the vehicle approaching the vehicle or the user based on information obtained from the environmental monitoring device 5. The approaching vehicle detection unit 3 obtains information about the approaching vehicle (its position, direction of movement, and speed).

[0017] When the user detection unit 2 detects the presence of the user within the target area and the approaching vehicle detection unit 3 detects the vehicle approaching the vehicle or the user, the road surface projection control 4 instructs a road surface projection light tool 10 to project a road surface projection (a projection in Fig. 3. The road surface projection pattern shown (18) is to be output in an output that displays a warning to the approaching vehicle.

[0018] The road surface projection light tool 10 illuminates a road surface with a predetermined road surface projection pattern in accordance with the instruction of the road surface projection control 4. The road surface projection light tool 10 is, for example, built into or attached to at least one headlight, one marker light and one side mirror. <betrieb>

[0019] Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the road surface projection control device 1. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 are diagrams, each showing an example of the road surface projection pattern 18 with which the road surface projection light tool 10 illuminates the road surface in accordance with the control of the road surface projection control device 1. A driver 12 and a passenger 13 are hereinafter also referred to collectively as "the user".

[0020] The road surface projection control device 1 determines the start of a Fig. 2. Operation as described above is based on subject vehicle information 8. In particular, the road surface projection control device 1 determines that the subject vehicle 11 is parked and the user is moving away from the subject vehicle 11 based on the information that the subject vehicle 11 is stopped (vehicle speed is zero), the engine is off (ignition is off), the seat belt is unfastened (the seat belt switch is off), the user is moving away from the seat (a seat switch is off), and the door of the subject vehicle 11 is opened and then closed, for example. If the surround-view camera 6 is a DMS or an OMS, it is possible at this point to detect the presence of multiple users and to determine that all users or a specific user are exiting the subject vehicle 11 and moving away.

[0021] In step S1, the user detection unit 2 detects the presence of the user of the subject vehicle 11 outside the subject vehicle 11 based on the subject vehicle information 8. Subsequently, the user detection unit 2 detects the user's position, speed, and direction of movement relative to the subject vehicle 11 as a reference, based on information obtained from the environmental monitoring device 5. The user detection unit 2 can detect the user's position, speed, and direction of movement using information obtained from the remote control key 9 or a smartphone instead of the information obtained from the environmental monitoring device 5.

[0022] In step S2, the user detection unit 2 determines whether the user of subject vehicle 11 is within the predetermined target area 14 of subject vehicle 11. If the user is within target area 14, the process proceeds to step S3. If, however, the user is not within target area 14, the process returns to step S1. Target area 14 is an area within which the user moves from the position where they exit subject vehicle 11 to a position in a safe area that the vehicle cannot enter, and is an area excluding the subject vehicle's surroundings 15. The safe area is, for example, an area delimited by an edge.Since the user's movement can be monitored in a large parking lot using a ground monitoring system and a communication device, setting the target area 14 and determining that the user is moving outside of the target area 14 can be easily accomplished. The target area 14 can be the area within which the user moves from the subject vehicle 11 to the point where the door locks. The subject vehicle environment 15 can be the same size as the subject vehicle 11 (overall length and width) or larger.

[0023] In step S3, the approaching vehicle detection unit 3 detects the vehicle 16 approaching the user or the subject vehicle 11 based on the information obtained from the environmental monitoring device 5. At this time, the approaching vehicle detection unit 3 detects a position, a speed of movement, and a direction of movement 17 of the approaching vehicle 16.

[0024] In step S4, when the user detection unit 2 detects the user within the target area 14 and the approaching vehicle detection unit 3 detects the vehicle 16 approaching the user or the subject vehicle 11, the road surface projection control 4 determines whether there is a possibility of contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16. If there is a possibility of contact, the process proceeds to step S5. If, however, there is no possibility of contact, the process returns to step S1.

[0025] In particular, the road surface projection control 4 calculates an intersection position at which the extensions of the movement directions of the user and the approaching vehicle 16 intersect, based on the position, speed and direction of movement of the user detected by the user detection unit 2, and the position, speed and direction of movement of the approaching vehicle 16 detected by the approaching vehicle detection unit 3, and calculates a time at which the user and the approaching vehicle 16 reach the intersection position.If the time at which the user positions the intersection position and the time at which the approaching vehicle 16 positions the intersection position are identical or within a predetermined time range, the road surface projection control 4 determines that there is a possibility that the user and the approaching vehicle 16 will come into contact with each other.

[0026] In step S5, if the road surface projection controller 4 determines that there is a possibility of contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16, it instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to project the road surface projection pattern 18 to indicate a warning to the approaching vehicle 16. The road surface projection light tool 10 illuminates the road surface with the predetermined road surface projection pattern 18 in accordance with the instruction from the road surface projection controller 4. Although Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of irradiating the front of the driver 12 and passenger 13 with the road surface projection pattern 18; however, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 illustrates that the front of the driver 12 and the passenger 13 is irradiated with a road surface projection pattern 18.

[0027] In step S6, the user detection unit 2 determines whether the user is within target area 14. Specifically, user detection unit 2 determines whether the user is moving outside target area 14. If the user is not within target area 14 (i.e., the user is moving outside target area 14), the process proceeds to step S7. Conversely, if the user is within target area 14, the process returns to step S1. Determining whether the user is moving outside target area 14 (the security area described above) can be based on map information and location data obtained from the remote control key 9 or the smartphone.

[0028] In step S7, the road surface projection control 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to end the road surface projection. The road surface projection light tool 10 stops illuminating with the road surface projection pattern 18. <wirkung>

[0029] The road surface projection control device 1, according to the embodiment, determines whether there is a possibility of contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16 when the user detection unit 2 detects the user within the target area 14 and the approaching vehicle detection unit 3 detects the approaching vehicle 16 approaching the user or the subject vehicle 11. If there is then a possibility of contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16, the road surface projection control device 10 outputs the road surface projection pattern 18, which provides a warning to the approaching vehicle 16, to the road surface projection light tool 10.Since the warning of a possible collision with the user is sent to the driver of the approaching vehicle 16 and the driver is made aware of it, safe movement of the pedestrian is ensured in an area where the vehicle and the pedestrian are in position together. <MODIFIKATIONSBEISPIEL 1>

[0030] Since the configuration of the road surface projection control device according to modification example 1 is the same as that of the road surface projection control device 1 (see Fig. 1) Since the embodiment is similar, the description is omitted here.

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a road surface projection control device according to Modification Example 1 of the embodiment. Since steps S1 to S6 in Fig. 5 the steps S1 to S6 in Fig. Since steps 2 are similar, a detailed description is omitted here. Steps S11 and S12 are described below.

[0032] In step S11, the road surface projection controller 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to specify an auxiliary projection pattern for output, indicating to the user or subject vehicle 11 the direction in which the approaching vehicle 16 is located, based on the direction of movement of the approaching vehicle 16 as detected by the approaching vehicle detection unit 3. The road surface projection light tool 10 illuminates the road surface with the predetermined auxiliary projection pattern in accordance with the instruction from the road surface projection controller 4. In the example in Fig. 6 The right side of the driver 12 (in a direction in which the approaching vehicle 16 is located) is illuminated with an auxiliary projection pattern 19.

[0033] Irradiation with the auxiliary projection pattern 19 cannot be performed together with irradiation with the road surface projection pattern 18. For example, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates that only the illumination with the auxiliary projection pattern 19 is performed. For the driver of the approaching vehicle 16, it is easier to see the projection pattern if only the illumination with the auxiliary projection pattern 19 is performed, than if both the illumination with the road surface projection pattern 18 and the illumination with the auxiliary projection pattern 19 are performed. Therefore, in an emergency, it is more effective to perform only the illumination with the auxiliary projection pattern 19.

[0034] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an example of irradiating the front of the driver 12, who is moving along a line of vehicles, with the road surface projection pattern 18 and the auxiliary projection pattern 19 in a case where the approaching vehicle 16 is parked at an angle in a free space 20. Since the approaching vehicle 16 is moving along the direction of motion 17, the side on which the approaching vehicle 16 is located relative to the driver 12 (the left side of the driver 12) is irradiated with the auxiliary projection pattern 19.

[0035] Fig. Figure 9 illustrates an example of irradiating the front of a driver 12 moving away from a row of vehicles with the road surface projection pattern 18 and the auxiliary projection pattern 19 in a case where the approaching vehicle 16 is parked parallel in the free space 20. Since the approaching vehicle 16 is moving along the direction of motion 17, the side on which the approaching vehicle 16 is located relative to the driver 12 (the driver 12's right side) is irradiated with the auxiliary projection pattern 19.

[0036] Fig. Figure 10 illustrates an example of how the front of the driver 12, who is moving along a line of vehicles, is illuminated with the road surface projection pattern 18 and the auxiliary projection pattern 19 in a case where the approaching vehicle 16 is parked parallel in the free space 20. Since the approaching vehicle 16 is moving along the direction of motion 17, the side on which the approaching vehicle 16 is located with respect to the driver 12 (the left side of the driver 12) is illuminated with the auxiliary projection pattern 19.

[0037] Back to the explanation of Fig. 5: In step S12, the road surface projection control 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to end the road surface projection. The road surface projection light tool 10 stops illuminating with the road surface projection pattern 18 and the auxiliary projection pattern 19.

[0038] As described above, according to modification example 1, since the irradiation is carried out with the auxiliary projection pattern 19, the driver 12 can be clearly and instinctively informed about the direction in which the approaching vehicle 16 is located. <MODIFIKATIONSBEISPIEL 2>

[0039] In modification example 2, an operation is described in which the user moves from outside the target area 14 within the target area 14 to enter the subject vehicle 11. Since the configuration of the road surface projection control device according to modification example 2 is the same as that of road surface projection control device 1 (see Fig. 1) Since the embodiment is similar, the description is omitted here.

[0040] Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the road surface projection control device according to modification example 2 of the embodiment. Since steps S3, S4, and S7 in Fig. 11 similar to step S3, step S4 and step S7 in Fig. Since there are two steps, their descriptions are omitted here. Steps S21, S22, S23, and S24 are described below.

[0041] In step S21, the user detection unit 2 obtains the user's position, speed, and direction of movement relative to the subject vehicle 11 using the remote control key 9 or the smartphone. If the communication between the road surface projection control device 1 and the remote control key 9 or the smartphone is short-range, the road surface projection control device 1 can obtain the user's position, speed, and direction of movement if the road surface projection control device 1 is within a distance of the remote control key 9 or the smartphone at which communication can take place.

[0042] In step S22, user detection unit 2 determines whether the user is within target area 14. If the user is within target area 14, the process proceeds to step S3. If the user is not within target area 14, the process returns to step S21. The state indicating that the user is within target area 14 means that the user has moved from outside target area 14 into target area 14. Fig. Figure 12 illustrates an example of how the driver 12 moves from outside the target area 14 to within the target area 14.

[0043] In step S23, when the road surface projection control 4 determines in step S4 that there is a possibility of contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16, the road surface projection control 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to output the road surface projection pattern 18. The road surface projection light tool 10 illuminates the road surface with the road surface projection pattern 18 in accordance with the instruction from the road surface projection control 4. In the example in Fig. 12 The front of the driver 12 is irradiated with the road surface projection pattern 18.

[0044] If there are a large number of users, the front of each user can be irradiated, for example, with the road surface projection pattern 18, as shown in Fig. 3 illustrated, or also with a road surface projection pattern 18, as in Fig. 4 illustrated.

[0045] The size of the target area 14 can be varied depending on whether the user moves from inside to outside the target area 14 (exiting the vehicle) or from outside to inside the target area 14 (entering the vehicle). For example, if the target area 14 is set larger when entering the vehicle than when exiting, the approaching vehicle 16 can be notified of the user's presence in advance.

[0046] As described above, according to modification example 2, irradiation with the road surface projection pattern 18 is also performed in a case where the user moves from outside the target area 14 into the target area 14. Thus, such a configuration can contribute to the user's safety when entering the vehicle. <MODIFIKATIONSBEISPIEL 3>

[0047] Modification Example 3 has the feature that, if there is a possibility that the user and the approaching vehicle 16 will come into contact, and a predicted time until contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16 is equal to or less than a predetermined time, the prominence of a form of road surface projection is modified to increase it. Since the configuration of the road surface projection control device according to Modification Example 3 differs from that of the road surface projection control device 1 (see Fig. 1) Since the embodiment is similar, the description is omitted here.

[0048] Fig. Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the road surface projection control device according to modification example 3 of the embodiment. Since steps S1 to S3 and steps S5 to S7 in Fig. 13 the steps S1 to S3 and the steps S5 to S7 in Fig. Since the two are similar, the description is omitted here.

[0049] In step S31, the road surface projection controller 4 determines, based on the user's position, speed, and direction of travel, as well as the position, speed, and direction of travel of the approaching vehicle 16, whether the predicted time until contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16 is equal to or less than the predetermined time (for example, three seconds or less). If the predicted time until contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16 is equal to or less than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S32. Conversely, if the predicted time until contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16 is not equal to or less than the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S5. At this point, the road surface projection controller 4 performs similar processing to that in step S4. Fig. 2 and determines that there is a possibility that the user and the approaching vehicle 16 will come into contact with each other.

[0050] In step S32, the road surface projection control 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to output the road surface projection pattern 18, which has a higher prominence than the one executed in step S5. The road surface projection light tool 10 illuminates the road surface with the highly prominence road surface projection pattern 18 in accordance with the instruction of the road surface projection control 4.

[0051] The Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 to Fig. Figure 17 are diagrams, each illustrating a highly conspicuous example of the road surface projection pattern 18.

[0052] Fig. Figure 14 illustrates an example of illumination with the road surface projection pattern 18 as an image of an intersection. A high-contrast color phase (a complementary color phase) can be selected to match the color of the road surface (one of the in Fig. The selected road surface projection pattern 18 shown in Figure 15 can be selected. The selected road surface projection pattern 18 can flash in a constant cycle or its luminance can be modulated. As shown in the Fig. 16 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 17, the road surface projection pattern 18 can be a sequential pattern that moves along the direction of movement of the user.

[0053] Although the case of irradiation with the road surface projection pattern 18 with high conspicuousness is described above, the conspicuousness of the auxiliary projection pattern 19 described in modification example 1 can also be increased in a similar way during irradiation.

[0054] The highly conspicuous road surface projection pattern 18 is not limited to the pattern as a representation of the intersection, but is also the one in Fig. 4 illustrated road surface projection patterns 18 applicable.

[0055] As described above, according to modification example 3, irradiation with the road surface projection pattern 18 is performed with high conspicuousness when the predicted time until contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16 is equal to or less than the predetermined time. Thus, if the risk of contact between the user and the approaching vehicle 16 increases, the driver of the approaching vehicle 16 can be made to recognize this early. <MODIFIKATIONSBEISPIEL 4>

[0056] Fig. Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a road surface projection control device 21 according to a modification example 4 of the embodiment. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the road surface projection control device 21 has a direction-of-motion detection unit 22. Since the remaining configuration is the same as that of the road surface projection control device 1 (see Figure 18), the road surface projection control device 21 has a direction-of-motion detection unit 22. Fig. 1) Since the embodiment is similar, a detailed description is omitted here.

[0057] The direction of movement detection unit 22 successively detects a pedestrian's direction of movement from the information about the position, speed of movement and direction of movement of the user detected by the user detection unit 2, and outputs the detection result to the road surface projection control 4.

[0058] The road surface projection controller 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to output the road surface projection pattern along the direction of movement of the pedestrian as detected by the direction of movement detection unit 22. At this point, the instruction from the road surface projection controller 4 to the road surface projection light tool 10 includes an illumination position (for example, an illumination direction and a length of a pattern) of the road surface projection pattern.

[0059] The Fig. 19, Fig. 20 to Fig. 21 are diagrams, each illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern 18.

[0060] Fig. Figure 19 illustrates an example of the road surface projection pattern 18 during irradiation when the driver 12 moves along a row of angled parking spaces. The irradiation with the road surface projection pattern 18 is performed along a direction of movement 23 of the driver 12.

[0061] Fig. Figure 20 illustrates an example of the road surface projection pattern 18 during irradiation when the driver 12 moves away from a row of parallel parking spaces. The irradiation with the road surface projection pattern 18 is performed along the direction of movement 23 of the driver 12.

[0062] Fig. Figure 21 illustrates an example of the road surface projection pattern 18 during irradiation when the driver 12 moves along a row of parallel parked vehicles. The irradiation with the road surface projection pattern 18 is performed along the direction of movement 23 of the driver 12.

[0063] As described above, according to modification example 4, the irradiation with the road surface projection pattern 18 is carried out along the user's direction of travel. Thus, the driver of the approaching vehicle 16 can be informed about the user's traffic flow. In particular, there is a high probability that the driver 12 and the approaching vehicle 16 will be in a Fig. The illustrated conditions 20 come into contact with each other. However, the irradiation with the road surface projection pattern 18 is carried out along the direction of the user's movement. Thus, the driver of the approaching vehicle 16 can be immediately informed about the user's traffic flow, and the safety of the driver 12 can be ensured. <MODIFIKATIONSBEISPIEL 5>

[0064] Since the configuration of the road surface projection control device according to modification example 5 is the same as that of the road surface projection control device 1 (see Fig. 1) Since the embodiment is similar, the description is omitted here.

[0065] Fig. Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern 18 and a pedestrian marking 24 according to a modification example 5 of the embodiment.

[0066] The road surface projection control 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to output the pedestrian marking 24 (user projection), which indicates the presence of the user (driver 12), at a position immediately opposite the approaching vehicle 16, to be superimposed on or connected to the road surface projection pattern 18.

[0067] Pedestrian marking 24 is not on the one in Fig. 22 illustrated markings are limited. The pedestrian marking 24, for example, can be one of those shown in the Fig. 23 and Fig. There are 24 illustrated markings. The pedestrian marking can be selected according to a user characteristic. For example, a marking for a man, a woman, a child, or an elderly person can be selected according to the user's age or gender. If the user is accompanied by a pet, a marking corresponding to the type of pet can be added.

[0068] Although in Fig. 22 The example illustrates how the irradiation can be carried out with both the road projection pattern 18 and the pedestrian marking 24, irradiation can also be carried out using only the pedestrian marking 24.

[0069] As described above, according to modification example 5, the pedestrian marking 24 is applied. In this way, the driver of the approaching vehicle 16 can instinctively recognize the presence of the user. <MODIFIKATIONSBEISPIEL 6>

[0070] Since the configuration of the road surface projection control device according to modification example 6 is the same as that of the road surface projection control device 1 (see Fig. 1) Since the embodiment is similar, the description is omitted here.

[0071] Fig. Figure 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of the road surface projection pattern 18 and a pedestrian protection marking 25 according to a modification example 6 of the embodiment.

[0072] The road surface projection control 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to output the pedestrian protection marking 25 (user projection), which indicates the presence of the user (the driver 12), at a position immediately opposite the approaching vehicle 16, in order to be superimposed on or connected to the road surface projection pattern 18. The user's feet are illuminated with the pedestrian protection marking 25 to reach the user's position.

[0073] The in Fig. 25 Illustrated pedestrian protection marking 25 is a luminescent dot marking, but is not limited to this. The pedestrian protection marking 25 can be a Fig. 26 illustrated block markings.

[0074] As described above, according to modification example 6, the irradiation with the pedestrian protection marking 25 is carried out. This allows the driver of the approaching vehicle 16 to instinctively recognize the presence of the user. <MODIFIKATIONSBEISPIEL 7>

[0075] Fig. Figure 27 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a road surface projection control device 26 according to a modification example 7 of the embodiment. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, the road surface projection control device 26 has the feature that it includes a risk level detection unit 27. Since the remaining configuration is the same as that of the road surface projection control device 1 (see Figure 27), the road surface projection control device 26 has the feature that it includes a risk level detection unit 27. Fig. 1) Since the embodiment is similar, a detailed description is omitted here.

[0076] The risk level detection unit 27 detects a risk level that indicates the degree of probability of contact with the approaching vehicle 16 for each user when a large number of users are within the target area 14.

[0077] The road surface projection control 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to output the road surface projection according to the risk level detected by the risk level detection unit 27.

[0078] For example, as in Fig. Figure 28 illustrates a case in which a number of users (the driver 12 and passengers 131 to 134) move away from the subject vehicle 11 after exiting it. The risk level detection unit 27 determines, based on the position, speed, and direction of movement of each user, detected by the user detection unit 2, and based on the position, speed, and direction of movement 17 of the approaching vehicle 16, detected by the approaching vehicle detection unit 3, whether there is a possibility that each user and the approaching vehicle 16 will come into contact with each other.Subsequently, the risk level detection unit 27 calculates, for the user for whom the possibility of contact with the approaching vehicle 16 has been determined, a predicted time at which the user and the approaching vehicle 16 will come into contact, and obtains a risk level for each user in accordance with the calculated predicted time. In an example in . Fig. 28 There is a possibility of contact between the driver 12 and the passenger 131 and the approaching vehicle 16, with the driver 12 having a higher risk level than the passenger 131. Accordingly, the road surface projection control 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to illuminate the front of the driver 12, who has the high risk level, with a road surface projection pattern 28.

[0079] Fig. Figure 29 illustrates a case in which the passenger 131 has a higher risk level than the driver 12. In this case, the road surface projection control 4 instructs the road surface projection light tool 10 to illuminate the front of the passenger 131, who has the higher risk level, with a road surface projection pattern 29.

[0080] Although Fig. Figure 29 illustrates a case in which only the front of passenger 131, with the highest risk level, is irradiated with the road surface projection 29; however, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as in Fig. Figure 30 illustrates how the road surface projection control 4 irradiates the front of passenger 131 and driver 12, who could come into contact with the approaching vehicle 16, with road surface projection patterns 30 and 31. At this point, road surface projection pattern 30, which irradiates the front of passenger 131 with the high risk level, may exhibit high conspicuousness. If driver 12 and passenger 131 have the same risk level as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the front of the driver 12 and the passenger 131 can be illuminated with a road surface projection pattern 18.

[0081] As described above, according to modification example 7, the lighting is implemented with the road surface projection pattern corresponding to the risk level, thereby suppressing a disturbance of the road surface projection in a case where there is a large number of users and allowing the required road surface projection to be implemented preferentially. <hardwarekonfiguration>

[0082] Each function of the user detection unit 2, the approaching vehicle detection unit 3, and the road surface projection control 4 in the road surface projection control device 1 described in the embodiment is implemented by a processing circuit. That is, the road surface projection control device 1 comprises a processing circuit for detecting the presence of the user of the vehicle in question within the target area, for detecting the vehicle approaching the vehicle in question or the user, and for instructing the output of the road surface projection when the user is within the target area and the approaching vehicle is approaching the vehicle in question or the user.The processing circuit can be dedicated hardware or a processor (also known as CPU, central processing unit, processing device, computing device, microprocessor, microcomputer or digital signal processor (DSP)) that executes a program stored in memory.

[0083] If the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 31, for example, a single circuit, a complex circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof falls under the processing circuit 201. Each function of the user detection unit 2, the approaching vehicle detection unit 3, and the road surface projection control 4 can be implemented by the processing circuit 201 or jointly by a processing circuit 201.

[0084] If the processing circuit 201 is in Fig. As shown in Figure 32, each function of the user detection unit 2, the approaching vehicle detection unit 3, and the road surface projection control 4 is implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is described as a program and stored in a memory 203. The processor 202 reads a program stored in memory 203 and executes it, thereby implementing each function.That is, the road surface projection control device 1 includes memory 203 for storing programs that consequently perform the following steps: detecting the presence of the user of the subject vehicle within the target area; detecting the vehicle approaching the subject vehicle or the user; and instructing the output of the road surface projection when the user is within the target area and the approaching vehicle is approaching the subject vehicle or the user. These programs also cause a computer to execute procedures or processes of the user detection unit 2, the approaching vehicle detection unit 3, and the road surface projection control 4.In this context, a memory can be a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disc, a digital versatile disc (DVD), or any other storage medium that may be used in the future.

[0085] It is also possible that some of the functions of the user detection unit 2, the approaching vehicle detection unit 3 and the road surface projection control 4 are implemented by dedicated hardware and the other functions by software or firmware.

[0086] As described above, the processing circuit can perform any of the functions described above through hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0087] Although above the in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the road surface projection control device described in Figure 1, the same applies to the one described in Figure 1. Fig. 18 illustrated road surface projection control device 21 and the in Fig. 27 illustrated road surface projection control device 26.

[0088] Each embodiment may be suitably varied or omitted within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0089] Although the present revelation is described in detail, the foregoing description is in every respect illustrative and does not limit the revelation. It is therefore understood that numerous examples of modifications can be developed. EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 Road surface projection control device, 2 user detection units, 3 Approaching Vehicle Detection Unit, 4 Road surface projection control, 5 Environmental monitoring device, 6 Surround camera 7 ToF sensor, 8 Subject vehicle information, 9 remote control keys, 10 Road surface projection light tool, 11 Subject vehicle, 12 drivers, 13 passengers, 14 Target area, 15 Subject vehicle environment, 16 approximate vehicle, 17 Direction of movement, 18 road surface projection patterns, 19 Auxiliary projection, 20 free space, 21 Road surface projection control device, 22 Movement direction detection unit, 23 Direction of movement, 24 Pedestrian markings, 25 Pedestrian protection markings, 26 Road surface projection control device, 27 risk level detection unit, 28 road surface projection patterns, 29 road surface projection patterns, 30 road surface projection patterns, 31 road surface projection patterns, 131 passengers, 132 passengers, 133 passengers, 134 passengers, 201 Processing circuit, 202 processor, 203 storage locations. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2012-30613

[0003] < / hardwarekonfiguration> < / wirkung> < / betrieb> < / konfiguration>

Claims

Road surface projection control device comprising: a user detection unit for detecting the presence of at least one user of a subject vehicle within a predetermined target area of ​​the subject vehicle; an approaching vehicle detection unit for detecting an approaching vehicle that is approaching the subject vehicle or the user when the user detection unit detects the user; and a road surface projection control for instructing the output of a road surface projection that displays a warning for the approaching vehicle when the approaching vehicle detection unit detects the approaching vehicle. Road surface projection control device according to claim 1, wherein the road surface projection control directs the output of an auxiliary projection which, in addition to the road surface projection, indicates a direction in which the approaching vehicle is located. Road surface projection control device according to claim 1, wherein the user detection unit detects the presence of the user when the user enters the target area from outside the target area. Road surface projection control device according to claim 1, wherein, if a predicted time until the user and the approaching vehicle come into contact is equal to or less than a predetermined time, the road surface projection control changes a form of road surface projection to have high conspicuousness. Road surface projection control device according to claim 1, further comprising a direction of movement detection unit for detecting a direction of movement of the user, wherein the road surface projection control directs the output of the road surface projection along the direction of movement detected by the direction of movement detection unit. Road surface projection control device according to claim 1, wherein the road surface projection control directs the output of a user projection indicating the presence of the user to a position directly opposite the approaching vehicle. Road surface projection control device according to claim 1, further comprising a risk level detection unit for detecting a risk level which indicates a degree of probability of contact with the approaching vehicle for each of the users when the plurality of users is within the target area, wherein the road surface projection control directs the output of the road surface projection which corresponds to the risk level detected by the risk level detection unit.

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