Control method and display control device for road projection display

Abstract

A control method for a road projection display is provided, enabling the display of specific information to a driver upon entering or exiting a vehicle, in a uniform orientation towards the driver approaching the vehicle, without the need for sensors. In this road projection display control method, where an image is projected from a road projector unit onto a road surface 50 in front of / around the opening of a side door 12 of a vehicle 1, a projection control unit displays the upper end of the road projection display design 63 on the side of the vehicle 11 when wireless unlocking is detected with the ignition off while the vehicle 11 is stationary.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method and a display control device for the road projection display, which projects various information onto a road surface. Technical background

[0002] Conventional projectors are devices that project and display images or videos onto a projection surface. In recent years, projectors have also been integrated into the headlights or doors of motor vehicles. Some devices, similar to projection mapping, use light for theatrical purposes, projecting letters, pictograms, etc., onto a road surface (known as "road projection"). Furthermore, the integration of various safety functions of the projector is being considered, such as displaying the vehicle's trajectory and issuing warnings when its doors are opened, not only for the driver but also for other road users like pedestrians and cyclists.For example, patent document 1 aims to project and display various pieces of information onto a road surface, etc., based on information about a vehicle, such as its driving status. To this end, it discloses an image projection device comprising a detection unit that captures information about a vehicle and an image projection unit that projects an image based on the information captured by the detection unit. It further discloses a passenger car equipped with the image projection device, from which an image is projected in front of and behind the vehicle. In the passenger car from patent document 1, which is equipped with the image projection device described therein, an arrow indicating the vehicle's direction of travel is projected onto a road surface in front of the vehicle, for example, based on a signal from a turn signal indicator.Simultaneously, an arrow projected onto the road surface in front of the vehicle flashes, generated based on the vehicle's speed (as measured by a vehicle speed sensor) and the steering angle (as measured by a steering angle sensor). This provides a more reliable warning to nearby drivers and pedestrians. State of the art document (patent document)

[0003] Patent Document 1: JP A 2021-167197 Summary of the invention Problem to be solved by the invention

[0004] In the vehicle described in patent document 1, which is equipped with the described image projection device (road projector), an arrow indicating the vehicle's direction of travel is projected onto the road surface. However, the image is not displayed in a suitable orientation for pedestrians to easily perceive as their positions change. In vehicles with such road projectors, the image orientation differs between up and down when passengers are entering and exiting the vehicle, thus affecting the visibility of letters, pictograms, and other designs. Furthermore, this could lead to the problem that additional high-precision sensors required for driver position detection would increase the product price.

[0005] In view of the problems mentioned above, the object of the present invention is to provide a control method for road projection displays in which certain information can be displayed in a suitable orientation towards the driver approaching the vehicle, without the need to use sensors, when certain information is presented to the driver upon entering or exiting the vehicle. Means of solving the task

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a control method for a road projection display, wherein a road projector unit projects an image onto a road surface around a door opening on one side of a vehicle, wherein a projection control unit rotates the upper end of the display design of the road projection display on the side of the vehicle when it detects wireless unlocking with the vehicle stationary and the ignition off.

[0007] In a second aspect, which depends on the first aspect, when the display orientation is such that the upper end of the road projection display design is turned towards the side of the vehicle, the projection control unit displays the lower end of the road projection display design towards the side of the vehicle when it detects that an unlocked door has been opened.

[0008] In a third aspect, which depends on the second aspect, when the projection control unit is in a display orientation where the lower end of the road projection display design is shown on the side of the vehicle, it will display the upper end of the road projection display design in a rotated manner over time when it detects that the unlocked door has been opened.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, which depends on the second aspect, when the display orientation is such that the lower end of the road projection display design is shown on the vehicle side, the projection control unit displays the upper end of the road projection display design on the vehicle side, with the road projection display cooperating with a display device in the vehicle not changing the orientation of the display even when the door is opened.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a control method for a road projection display, wherein a road projection unit projects an image onto a road surface around a door opening on one side of a vehicle, wherein a projection control unit displays a specific road projection display indicating the charging or refueling when the vehicle is being charged or refueled, and wherein it determines the position of a vehicle driver based on the position of a power supply unit or a fuel opening of the vehicle in order to predefine the upper and lower ends of the display design of the road projection display.

[0011] The sixth aspect of the display control device relates to a display control device that controls a road projector unit which projects a road projection display onto a road surface around a door opening on one side of the vehicle, wherein a processor displays the top end of the display design of the road projection display on the side of the vehicle when it detects a wireless unlocking in a switched-off ignition state with the vehicle stationary.

[0012] In a seventh aspect of the display control device, which depends on the sixth aspect, when the display orientation is such that the upper end of the road projection display design is shown on the side of the vehicle, the processor displays the lower end of the road projection display design on the side of the vehicle when it detects that an unlocked door has been opened.

[0013] In an eighth aspect of the display control device, which depends on the sixth or seventh aspect, the processor, in a display orientation where the lower end of the road projection display design is shown on the side of the vehicle, displays the upper end of the road projection display design rotated over time in the same direction of rotation in which the door rotates around the opening axis for a certain period of time when the processor detects that the unlocked door is being opened.

[0014] In a ninth aspect of the display control device, which depends on the sixth to eighth aspects, the processor, in a display orientation where the lower end of the display design of the road projection display is shown on the side of the vehicle, displays the upper end of the display design of the road projection display on the side of the vehicle without changing the display orientation of the road projection display connected to a display device inside the vehicle, even if the door has been opened.

[0015] In a tenth aspect of the display control device, which may depend on the sixth to ninth aspects, the display control device controls a road projector unit that projects an image onto a road surface around a door opening on one side of the vehicle, wherein a processor, when the vehicle is being charged or refueled, displays a specific road projection display indicating the charging or refueling, determining the position of the driver based on the position of the vehicle's power supply unit or fuel opening to predefine the upper and lower ends of the road projection display design. Advantages of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, certain information that is to be presented to a driver when entering or exiting a vehicle can be displayed in a suitable orientation towards the driver approaching the vehicle, without the need for additional sensors, etc. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a street projection of an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a conventional road projection display, which is upside down in relation to a vehicle driver. Fig. Figure 3 shows a state in which the top end of a road projection display design is shown on the side of the vehicle when a stationary vehicle is unlocked with the ignition off (IGN OFF). Fig. Figure 4 shows the state in which an unlocked door is opened, and the lower end of the display design of the street projection is shown on the side of the vehicle. Fig. Figure 5 shows the state in which the upper end of the display design is shown rotated around the door opening axis while the unlocked door is being opened or closed. Fig. Figure 6 shows the state in which the display content, which is connected to a display device inside the vehicle, is displayed without changing the display orientation. Fig. Figure 7 shows the state in which certain display content such as refueling and charging is shown, with the upper and lower ends of the display design predefined based on the positions of the fuel filler neck and the vehicle's charging unit. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates the configuration of a road projection system according to the present invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0017] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0018] A road projection system that performs the control method according to the invention for the road projection display is integrated into a vehicle and projects various information in the vehicle's surroundings (for example, onto a road surface around a door opening on one side of the vehicle).

[0019] First, a configuration of the road projection system is described, which executes the control method for the road projection display according to the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 shows examples of embodiments of the present invention, while Fig. 8 serves to explain the configuration of the road surface projection system according to the present invention.

[0021] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7 to Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the inventive road surface projection system 10 is integrated into a vehicle 11 and comprises a detection unit 20, a projection control unit (display control device) 30 and a projection unit 40.

[0022] The detection unit 20 comprises an ignition (IGN) 21 as a power switch that turns on the engine ignition device or the power supply of a drive motor; a receiving unit for an unlocking signal 22 that detects the wireless unlocking of the lock (the latch) of the door 12 present on the vehicle 11 by a smart key or the like; a detection unit for opening and closing 23 that detects the opening and closing of the door 12; and a power supply unit 24 for the battery (or a fuel tank opening).

[0023] The projection control unit 30 controls the display content and direction (projection state) of the road projection display (image area of ​​the road projection) of the projection unit 40 based on the signal detected by the detection unit 20. In detail, the functions of the projection control unit 30 are implemented, for example, by a processor such as a CPU integrated in the vehicle 11, which executes a program pre-stored in a ROM.

[0024] The projection unit 40 projects various pieces of information onto a road surface 50 in the vicinity of the vehicle 11 (in this embodiment, around a side door opening). The projection unit 40 comprises an image generation unit 41, which generates an image to be projected, a road projector unit 42, which projects the generated image onto the road surface 50, and a display unit 43 in the vehicle, which projects the image into the vehicle 11.

[0025] The image generation unit 41 generates an image to be projected onto a road surface 50 based on information acquired by various sensors integrated into the vehicle 11. The function of the image generation unit 41 is realized, for example, by executing a program pre-stored in the projection control unit 30 integrated into the vehicle 11. The road projector unit 42 and the display device inside the vehicle 43 consist, for example, of a liquid crystal projector or other projectors.

[0026] Fig. Figure 1 shows a street projection of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] As shown in the figure, a street projection display (street projection image area) 61 is projected by the projection unit 40 (see Fig. 8) of vehicle 11. The road projection display 61 is shown around the opening of door 12 on the side of vehicle 11.

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows a conventional road projection display that is upside down relative to the driver. If the position of the driver 51, who perceives the display, is not detected by a sensor, the orientation of the conventional road projection display 62 (the orientation of the signs) will not correspond to the driver's 51 standing position, as shown in Figure 2. Fig. 2 shown.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows a state in which the upper end of a road projection display design is shown on the side of the vehicle when a stationary vehicle of an embodiment of the present invention is unlocked with the ignition off (IGN OFF). In a road projection display control method in which a road projector unit 42 projects an image onto a road surface around the opening of a door 12 on one side of a vehicle 11, a projection control unit 30 displays information in the direction of the driver 51 approaching the vehicle 11 by showing the upper end of the display design, such as a road projection display 63 (e.g., the letters "HELLO"), on the side of the vehicle 11 when an unlock signal receiver 22 detects a wireless unlocking of the door 12.

[0030] In this way, unlocking door 12 can be used as a trigger to display the information in a suitable orientation towards the driver 51, who is approaching vehicle 11, without the need for additional sensors.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 shows the state in which an unlocked door is opened and the lower end of the road projection display design is shown on the side of the vehicle. The control procedure for the road projection display is as follows: In a display alignment state in which the upper end of the road projection display design 63 (see Figure 4) Fig. 3) displayed on the side of the vehicle 11, the projection control unit 30 displays the lower end of the display design on the side of the vehicle 11, as with the road projection display 64, according to the position of the driver 51 and thereby displays information in alignment with the driver 51, who is near the door 12 of the vehicle 11, when the door opening and closing detection unit 23 detects the process of opening the unlocked door 12.

[0032] In this way, by using the opening process of the door 12 as a trigger for the upper end of the display design to be displayed on the side of the vehicle 11 as a road projection display 64, it is possible to position the display in a suitable orientation towards the driver 51 who opens the door 12 of the vehicle 11 without the need for additional sensors.

[0033] Fig. Figure 5 shows the state in which the top of the display design is rotated around the door opening axis while the unlocked door is being opened or closed. The control method for the street projection display works such that in a display orientation state in which the bottom of the street projection display design is 64 (see Figure 5), the top of the display design is rotated around the door opening axis. Fig. 4) displayed on the side of the vehicle 11, the projection control unit 30 aligns the upper end of the display design of the road projection display 65 to the opening axis of the door 12 for a certain time and displays it rotated while the unlocked door 12 (in the unlocked state) is being opened or closed.

[0034] In this way, opening door 12 serves as a trigger, and the display can be shown in a suitable orientation according to the movement of the driver 51, who approaches door 12 of vehicle 11, opens it, and enters, without the need for additional sensors. The open time of door 12 can be set as desired, for example, to 5, 10, or 20 seconds.

[0035] Fig. Figure 6 shows the state in which the display content, connected to a display device inside the vehicle, is shown without changing the display orientation. The control method for the road projection display and the orientation where the lower end of the road projection display design 63 (see on display orientation) Fig. 3) displayed on the side of the vehicle 11, the projection control unit 30 displays the upper end of the display design of the road projection display 66 on the side of the vehicle 11, wherein the road projection display 66 (for example, a symbol indicating the direction of travel) is connected to the vehicle-internal display 52 generated by the display device inside the vehicle 43, without changing the display orientation, even when the door 12 is opened.

[0036] In this way, for content connected to the display device inside the vehicle 43, the display orientation can remain unchanged without the use of additional sensors, conveying a sense of connection with the display in the vehicle (in-vehicle connected display 52).

[0037] Fig. Figure 7 shows the state in which certain display content, such as refueling and charging, is shown, with the top and bottom of the display design predefined based on the positions of the vehicle's fuel filler neck and charging unit. In the road projection display control procedure, the projection control unit 30 displays a specific road projection display (display content) 67 indicating charging or refueling when it detects a power supply state while the vehicle 11 is charging or refueling, determining the driver's position 51 based on the position of the vehicle 11's power supply unit (or fuel filler neck) 24 to predefine the top and bottom of the road projection display design 67.

[0038] In Fig. 7 shows the lower end of the display design of the road projection display 67 on the side of the power supply unit (or tank opening) 24.

[0039] In this way, the operation of the power supply is used as a trigger to display certain display contents 67 in a suitable orientation according to the power supply and the like, without the need for additional sensors.

[0040] As described above, the following is possible with the aforementioned control method for the road projection display: if certain information is to be presented to a driver when entering or exiting the vehicle, the information is displayed in a suitable orientation towards the driver approaching the vehicle, without the need for additional sensors, etc.

[0041] Furthermore, the display content of the road projection displays 61, 63, 64, 65, 66 and 67 can include characters other than "HELLO" or symbols other than the direction symbols. Additionally, the size (area) of the projection of the road projection displays 61, 63, 64, 65, 66 and 67 can be fixed or variable.

[0042] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the road projection display is projected onto a road surface 50 on the left side of the vehicle (passenger side). However, this is not limited to this. The road projection display can be projected onto the road surfaces 50 of the rear seat side on the left side of the vehicle, the front seat side (driver's seat side) on the right side of the vehicle, or the rear seat side on the right side of the vehicle.

[0043] In other words, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments, as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are achieved. Reference symbol list 10 Street projection system 11 vehicles 12 Door 13 Door opening axis 20 recognition units 21 Ignition (IGN) 22 Receiving unit for unlocking signal 23 Detection unit for opening and closing the door 24 Power supply unit (tank opening) 30 Projection control unit (display control device) 40 projection units 41 Image generation unit 42 street projector units 43 Display device inside the vehicle 50 Road surface 51 drivers 52 In-vehicle display 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 Street projection display (image area of ​​the street projection) 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 A 2021-167197

[0003]

Claims

[1] Control method for road projection display in which a road projector unit projects an image onto a road surface around a door opening on one side of a vehicle, characterized by , that a projection control unit displays an upper end of the display design of the road projection display on the side of the vehicle when it detects a wireless unlock in a switched-off ignition state with the vehicle stationary. [2] Control method for road projection display according to claim 1, characterized by , that in a display orientation where the upper end of the street projection display design is shown on the vehicle side, the projection control unit displays a lower end of the street projection display design on the vehicle side when it detects that an unlocked door has been opened. [3] Control method for road projection display according to claim 2, characterized by, that in a display direction where the lower end of the road projection display design is shown on the side of the vehicle, the projection control unit displays the upper end of the road projection display design rotated over time in the same direction of rotation in which the door rotates around the opening axis for a certain period of time when it detects that the unlocked door has been opened. [4] Control method for a street projection display according to claim 2, characterized by , that in a display orientation where the lower end of the display design of the road projection display is shown on the side of the vehicle, the projection control unit displays the upper end of the display design of the road projection display on the side of the vehicle without changing the display orientation of the road projection display connected to a display device inside the vehicle, even if the door has been opened. [5] Control method for road projection display in which a road projector unit projects an image onto a road surface around a door opening on one side of a vehicle, characterized by , that a projection control unit displays a specific road projection display indicating the charging or refueling of a vehicle, determining the position of a vehicle driver based on the position of the power supply unit or the fuel filler opening of the vehicle in order to predefine the upper and lower ends of the display design of the road projection display. [6] Display control device that controls a road projector unit which projects a road projection display onto a road surface around the door opening on one side of the vehicle, characterized by, that a processor displays the upper end of the display design of the road projection display on the side of the vehicle when it detects a wireless unlock in a switched-off ignition state with the vehicle stationary. [7] Display control device according to claim 6, characterized by , that in a display orientation where the upper end of the street projection display design is shown on the side of the vehicle, the processor displays the lower end of the street projection display design on the side of the vehicle when it detects that an unlocked door has been opened [8] Display control device according to claim 7 characterized by, that in a display orientation where the lower end of the road projection display design is shown on the side of the vehicle, the display control device rotates the upper end of the road projection display design over time to show it in the same direction in which the door rotates around the opening axis for a certain period of time when the processor detects that the unlocked door has been opened. [9] Display control device according to claim 7, characterized by , that in a display orientation where the lower end of the road projection display design is shown on the side of the vehicle, the processor displays the upper end of the road projection display design on the side of the vehicle without changing the display orientation of the road projection display connected to a display device inside the vehicle, even if the door has been opened. [10] Display control device controlling a road projector unit that projects an image onto a road surface around a door opening on one side of the vehicle, characterized by , that a processor displays a specific road projection display indicating the charging or refueling of the vehicle, determining the position of the driver based on the position of the vehicle's power supply unit or fuel filler opening to predefine the upper and lower ends of the road projection display design.

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