DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION UNDER A VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a chassis with at least two axles, each with two wheels, and a body mounted on the chassis with an underbody spaced apart from a surface, wherein at least one imaging device with a projection device arranged on the underbody for projecting an information display onto the surface below the underbody, at least in the area between the two axles, is provided, wherein the imaging device is configured to generate and project an information display distorted with respect to a defined viewing angle. Such a motor vehicle is known from US 2021 / 046863 A1.

[0002] Modern motor vehicles increasingly allow communication with their surroundings and the display of information that can be perceived by bystanders or other road users. Such information can, for example, be projected as images onto the adjacent surface, i.e., the roadway. However, a problem arises when the image display is intended for daytime use in bright ambient light, as the ground projection around the vehicle is barely visible in this case. While a motor vehicle is known from CN 112601059 A in which underbody imaging devices project information onto the ground below the front and rear bumpers, i.e., in front of and behind the front and rear axles, where a certain degree of shadowing occurs due to the vehicle, making the displayed information more visible even in bright light, this does not address the specific challenges of this approach.However, this area is very small, so information that would be perceptible even from a distance cannot be reasonably displayed there. US 2019 / 163196 A1 discloses a moving robot with a projection system that displays its path. DE 10 2017 210 899 A1 describes a motor vehicle with a projection system for projecting a user-viewable, orientation-enhancing image onto a ground area adjacent to the vehicle.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the problem of specifying a motor vehicle with an improved possibility for information display.

[0004] To solve this problem, the invention provides a motor vehicle according to independent claim 1, comprising a detection device for detecting an object located in the surroundings and for assigning a determined viewing angle to the object, wherein the imaging device is configured to generate and project the distorted information display depending on the determined viewing angle. The motor vehicle according to the invention makes it possible to use the area beneath the vehicle, located between the two axles, as a projection surface. This means that, by means of a suitable imaging device and projection device, such as a sufficiently powerful projector or a laser, an information display, be it an image, a symbol, text, or the like, is projected onto the surface, i.e., the roadway.At the same time, however, the imaging device is capable of generating an optically distorted representation of information. This distortion is determined or generated with respect to a specific viewing angle, from which a position located far from the vehicle looks down into the area beneath it. Consequently, if the person, whether a pedestrian or someone sitting in another vehicle, is, for example, 10 meters away, they are looking under the vehicle from a specific viewing angle and can therefore see a correspondingly long way below it. The image is then projected onto the road with such optical distortion that, from the perspective of the person outside the vehicle, it is perceived as an optically correct image. Thus, the distortion of the original projection is optically resolved due to the viewing angle.This means that the person perceives the optically distorted image as an optically correct image. The distortion can be such that the image or information is perceived as "lying on the road" or as "standing on the road," meaning that the distortion is determined and created depending on how the final perception is intended to be.

[0005] The distorted image thus allows the area between the two vehicle axes to be used as a projection surface, so that even people standing at a distance of 5 meters or more from the vehicle can perceive the distorted information as optically correct. At the same time, a correspondingly large projection area is available, since the entire roadway between the two axes can be used. With increasing distance and consequently increasing optical distortion within the image, the person can see further and further under the vehicle, so that ideally the entire area between the two axes can be used for the optically distorted projection.This therefore makes it possible to communicate with other road users at any time of day or night, and also allows for a correspondingly large or comprehensive image display due to the large projection surface.

[0006] As described, the imaging device is initially designed or configured to project the optically distorted information onto the road surface between the two axles using the projection device, or rather, to determine the distortion in this respect. Additionally, the area in front of the front axle and / or the area in front of the rear axle can also be used, meaning that the optically distorted information extends from the area between the axles to the area in front of one or both axles.

[0007] The imaging device or its projection unit can either be fixed in position on the underbody. It can, for example, be housed in a casing with a suitably transparent cover. A suitable control unit, as part of the imaging device, allows the type of image display and the image size to be varied accordingly. If the device is fixed in position, the illuminated roadway area can ultimately be varied in size by means of a zoom function. To also allow for variation of the projection location within the entire projection area, it is advantageous for the imaging device or the projection unit to be movably mounted on the underbody. It is conceivable that the imaging device or...The projection device is rotatable, meaning it can be rotated 360° around a vertical axis, so that the projection is optimally positioned depending on the viewing angle from which the vehicle is being viewed. It is also conceivable to move the projection linearly, positioning it optimally between the two axes. In the case of a movable arrangement, the positioning of the imaging device or the projection device can also depend on the viewpoint from which a person is looking under the vehicle, or rather, on the person's location. This can be captured, as will be discussed later; that is, the positioning is ultimately determined based on the current viewing angle of the person being informed.

[0008] In principle, a single imaging device is sufficient, as it allows for a comprehensive display of information, especially if it is movable. However, it is advantageous to have multiple imaging or projection devices, each projecting onto different areas of the surface. In this case, for example, the best-positioned imaging setting can be used depending on the location of a person looking under the vehicle or requiring information. Of course, it is also possible to operate both imaging or projection devices synchronously, so that the various information displays they project complement each other and, at least in some areas, overlap, thus creating a larger overall image.

[0009] In an unclaimed embodiment, the distortion occurs depending on a defined viewing angle from which at least one fictitious person looks under the vehicle. For example, it is assumed that this viewing angle is determined with respect to a person sitting in a vehicle at a defined distance of 15 meters from the vehicle itself. Thus, both the height of the person, from which they look obliquely under the vehicle, and the distance are defined as the corresponding viewing angle-determining parameters. With respect to such a fixed, predefined viewing angle, the imaging device can then generate and project the corresponding optically distorted information display.For example, it is conceivable to use vehicle-mounted sensors to determine the distance to a vehicle in the vicinity, such as one driving behind the vehicle, and then project the information display when the vehicle behind, or the person in it, is within a distance of, say, 10-20 meters. This ensures that the person can still see sufficiently far under the vehicle, even if not necessarily from the ideal viewing angle. However, even with a slightly altered viewing angle, a sufficiently detailed information display is still possible.

[0010] However, according to the invention, a detection device is provided for detecting an object located in the environment and for assigning a viewing angle to the object, wherein the imaging device is designed to generate and project the distorted information representations depending on the determined viewing angle. According to the invention, an object located in the environment, such as another motor vehicle, is therefore detected, and its distance is determined. The viewing angle from which a person sitting in the vehicle looks under their own vehicle is then determined, and based on this, the optical distortion is determined, and the corresponding optically distorted projection image is generated and projected.This means that in this case, the required distortion is not determined using a predefined viewing angle, but rather using a viewing angle appropriate to the current situation. This is particularly useful, for example, in the case of autonomous driving, where vehicles travel one behind the other at a consistent distance over an extended period, and information needs to be displayed. The distorted information display remains unchanged because the viewing angle, which forms the basis for image generation, does not change.

[0011] In a further development of this inventive concept, it is conceivable that the detection device is also designed to detect the movement of the object and to assign the changing viewing angle, and that the imaging device is designed to generate and project the distorted information display with respect to the changed viewing angle. This would allow the system to detect changes in the distance between the vehicle and the object. For example, if a vehicle is detected at a distance of 20 meters, a corresponding viewing angle could first be assigned to this position, and the distortion could then be determined and generated based on this. If the vehicle approaches, this would be detected, so that, for example, if the detected distance is only 15 meters, a different viewing angle would be assigned, the distortion would be determined again, and the information display would be adapted.As the user gets closer, for example to a distance of 10 meters, the viewing angle is re-assigned and the information display is further adapted. This allows for, for example, a stepwise adaptation of the information display to changing distances to the object or person.

[0012] In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the detection device is designed for the continuous recording of movement and the continuous assignment of the changing viewing angle, and the imaging device is designed for the continuous adjustment of the distorted information display to the changing viewing angle. According to this embodiment of the invention, there is thus a permanent adaptation to a changing distance and therefore a changing viewing angle. Based on an initial distortion measurement, the distorted information display is therefore continuously updated and also adapted in size. This means that a person in a following vehicle continuously approaching their own vehicle can always perceive an optimal information display below their own vehicle, despite the changing distance and thus changing viewing angle.As described, the optical distortion of the information display and, of course, the display size are continuously adjusted and adapted to the changing viewing angle.

[0013] In addition to the motor vehicle itself, the invention further relates to a method according to independent claim 8 for displaying information on a surface in the area of ​​a motor vehicle with at least two axles, wherein an imaging device comprising a projection device arranged on an underbody of the motor vehicle spaced apart from the surface generates an information display distorted with respect to a viewing angle and projects it onto the surface located between the two axes. According to the invention, a detection device detects an object located in the vicinity and assigns a determined viewing angle to the object within the projection area, wherein the imaging device generates and projects the distorted information display depending on the determined viewing angle.

[0014] The imaging device can also project the distorted information display onto the surface in an area in front of and / or behind the axes.

[0015] A detection device is used to detect an object located in the environment and assign a viewing angle to the object within the projection area, whereby the imaging device generates and projects the distorted information display depending on the determined viewing angle.

[0016] In further detail, the detection device can detect movement of the object and a change in position, as well as assign a changing viewing angle, and the imaging device generates and projects the distorted information representation with regard to the changed viewing angle.

[0017] It is particularly preferred if the detection device continuously records the movement and continuously assigns a changing viewing angle, and the imaging device continuously adapts the distorted information display to the changing viewing angle, meaning that a complete tracking of the distortion and image size and thus adaptation of the distorted image display to the changing viewing angle takes place.

[0018] Further advantages and details of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. These show: Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle according to the invention in a first traffic situation, and Fig. 2 shows a motor vehicle according to the invention in a second traffic situation.

[0019] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention, comprising a chassis 2 with a front axle 3 and a rear axle 4, each having two wheels 5, 6. A body 7 is also provided, which sits on the chassis 2. The body 7 has an underbody 8, which is spaced apart from a surface 9 by means of the chassis 2.

[0020] The motor vehicle 1 has an imaging device 10, comprising a control device 11 and a projection device 12 controlled by the control device, for example, a projector or the like. The imaging device 10 is capable of projecting an information display 13 onto the surface 9, i.e., a roadway. The information display 13 is optically distorted so that, as described below, it can be perceived as accurately and as effectively as possible by a following vehicle or a person in it. The motor vehicle 1 also includes a detection device 14, which is capable of detecting, for example, the distance to a following object 15, in this case, a vehicle.The detection device 14, for example, has its own control unit to determine, based on distance information, the viewing angle from which a person sitting in the following vehicle is looking under the vehicle 1. The detection device 14 can also communicate with the control unit 11 or use it to determine the viewing angle; that is, the control unit 11 is then also, in effect, part of the detection device 14. In any case, the detection device 14 communicates with the imaging device 10 so that the viewing angle underlying further image generation is ultimately available there.

[0021] As described in the Figur 1 The traffic situation shown depicts a following vehicle traveling at a distance from the vehicle 1. A person sitting in the vehicle 15, i.e., the following vehicle, is looking under the vehicle 1 from a viewing angle α1. Since the vehicle 15 is traveling, for example, only 10 meters behind the vehicle 1, the person cannot see the entire area between the two axles 3 and 4, but only the rear portion. The imaging device 10, or control device 11, is then able to determine, based on the viewing angle α1, the size and position in which an information display 13 should be projected onto the surface 9 so that the person in the vehicle 15 can see the information display as completely as possible.Furthermore, the imaging device 10 is also able, based on the viewing angle α1, to determine the degree of optical distortion with which the information display 13 is to be projected onto the surface 9, so that the person in the vehicle 15 can actually perceive the information display 13 correctly, i.e., as an undistorted representation. In the example shown, the information display 13 extends from the rear axle 4 to approximately the midpoint between the two axles 3 and 4. In this context, it would also be conceivable for the imaging device 10 to determine the size of the information display in such a way that it extends into the area behind the rear axle 4, i.e., almost to the end of the vehicle 1, since this area is also clearly visible and is partially shaded by the vehicle 1 itself.

[0022] The in Fig. 2 The traffic situation shown is somewhat different from the one in Fig. 1 The situation shown illustrates the following: The object 15, i.e., the vehicle, is clearly located at a considerable distance from the vehicle 1, for example, approximately 20 meters. The detection device 14 is preferably capable of continuously detecting the distance between the vehicle 15 and the vehicle 1, i.e., determining the movement and the change in distance. It is also capable of determining the necessarily continuously changing viewing angle α and transmitting it to the imaging device 10, which then continuously adapts the degree of distortion of the optical information display so that, despite the changing distance between the vehicles, the person in the vehicle 15 can always optimally perceive the information display.Not only is the distortion adapted, but also the corresponding size of the information display, since a person at a distance can obviously see much further under one's own vehicle 1 than a person who is closer.

[0023] The in Fig. 2 The schematic diagram shown illustrates precisely this case. Object 15 is clearly located at a significantly greater distance, and the captured viewing angle α2 is considerably smaller than the viewing angle α1. Consequently, the person in object 15 can see considerably further under the vehicle 1. In the example shown, almost the entire area below the underbody 8 between the two axles 3 and 4 is visible. Based on the viewing angle α2, the imaging device 10 determines the required size of the information display 13, which in the example shown extends from the front axle 3 to the rear axle 4 and may, if necessary, extend even beyond. The degree of distortion is also adapted to the viewing angle α2, which, of course, is adjusted according to the situation. Fig. 1 It must also be a different one, since the person in the following vehicle is looking at a significantly more oblique or shallower angle under vehicle 1.

[0024] As described, assuming that continuous distance and thus viewing angle detection, and therefore also continuous adaptation of the information display 13, takes place, ultimately during the time between the change from the driving situation according to Fig. 1 As driving situation 2 and the resulting variation in distance occur, the information display 13 is continuously adjusted in both its projection size and projection distortion. The person in object 15 therefore sees a clear, optically undistorted information display at all times. This can be perceived as lying on the road or standing on the road, with a corresponding optical distortion naturally required depending on the type of display.

[0025] Overall, the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention therefore enables, on the one hand, the display of information in a light-optical manner projected onto the roadway at any time of day or night, since there is a sufficiently large, shaded area beneath the motor vehicle 1 in which light-optical information projection is possible even in bright ambient light. Furthermore, the use of the entire roadway area located beneath the underbody 8 also offers the possibility of projecting the information display to a sufficiently large size, whereby, as described, the information display takes place at least in the area between the two axles 3, 4, but also, if required, in front of or behind the respective axle 3, 4.

[0026] While in the example shown, an object 15 driving behind the vehicle 1 (in this case, the vehicle) looks underneath the vehicle and is to be informed via the information display 13, other driving scenarios are of course conceivable. For example, another vehicle could be driving in front of the vehicle 1. The driver of that vehicle could, for instance, look underneath the vehicle 1 using the rearview mirror, so that the driver of the vehicle in front could also be given a visual information display. Again, the distance and viewing angle are factored into the distortion and size calculation. It must also be taken into account that the driver looking underneath the vehicle 1 using the rearview mirror sees the information display in reverse, which is also factored into the corresponding display generation.

[0027] Even a side view under the motor vehicle 1 can be the basis for an information display, for example if a pedestrian approaches the motor vehicle from the side, whereby this person can also be detected via a corresponding detection device 14 and the viewing angle can be assigned, etc.

[0028] As an information display 13, any information can be displayed optically, for example in image, symbol or text form, as well as in any colors, so that warnings, mostly in red, luminous display, can also be issued.

[0029] The imaging device 10, or at least its projection device 12, can be fixed in position, with the projection device 12 configured to project information displays of any size and orientation as required. However, it is also conceivable to arrange the imaging device 10, or at least its projection device 12, so that it can be rotated and / or moved linearly, i.e., its position can be changed, allowing it to position itself optimally for the upcoming projection. Furthermore, more than one imaging device or more than one projection device can be provided, with the respective projected information displays complementing each other or even partially overlapping. A second imaging device 10 or projection device 12 is shown with dashed lines in the figures.

Claims

1. Motor vehicle, comprising a chassis (2) with at least two axles (3, 4) each having two wheels (5, 6), and a body (7) sitting on the chassis (2) and having an underbody (8) spaced apart from an underlying surface (9), wherein at least one imaging device (10) having a projection device (11), which is arranged on the underbody (8), for projecting an information display (13) onto the underlying surface (9) below the underbody at least in the region between the two axles (3, 4) is provided, the imaging device (10) being designed for generating and projecting an information display (13) which is distorted with respect to a viewing angle (α1, α2), characterized in that a detection device (14) for detecting an object (15) located in the surroundings and for assigning a determined viewing angle (α1, α2) to the object (15) is provided, the imaging device (10) being designed for generating and projecting the distorted information display (13) depending on the determined viewing angle (α1, α2).

2. Motor vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the imaging device (10) is also designed for generating and projecting the distorted information display (13) into a region in front of and / or behind the axles (3, 4).

3. Motor vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the imaging device (10) or the projection device (12) is movably arranged on the underbody.

4. Motor vehicle according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a plurality of imaging devices (10) or a plurality of projection devices (12) are provided, each projecting onto different regions of the underlying surface (9).

5. Motor vehicle according to Claim 4, characterized in that the various information displays (13) overlap, at least in some regions.

6. Motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device (14) is designed for detecting a movement of the object (15) and for assigning a changing viewing angle (α1, α2), and the imaging device (10) is designed for generating and projecting the distorted information display (13) with respect to the changed viewing angle (α1, α2).

7. Motor vehicle according to Claim 6, characterized in that the detection device (14) is designed for continuously detecting the movement and for continuously assigning the changing viewing angle (α1, α2), and the imaging device (10) is designed for continuously adapting the distorted information display (13) to the changing viewing angle (α1, α2).

8. Method for displaying information on an underlying surface (9) in the region of an at least two-axle motor vehicle (1), wherein an imaging device (10) comprising a projection device (11), which is arranged on an underbody (8) of the motor vehicle (1), the underbody being spaced apart from the underlying surface (9), is used for generating an information display (13), which is distorted with respect to a viewing angle (α1, α2), and for projecting same onto the underlying surface (9) located between the two axles (3, 4), characterized in that a detection device (14) is used to detect an object (15) located in the surroundings and to assign to the object (15) a determined viewing angle (α1, α2) into the projection region, the imaging device (10) generating and projecting the distorted information display (13) depending on the determined viewing angle (α1, α2).

9. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the imaging device (10) is used to also project the distorted information display (13) onto the underlying surface (9) in a region in front of and / or behind the axles (3, 4).

10. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the detection device (14) detects a movement of the object (15) and a changed position, and assigns a changing viewing angle (α1, α2), and the imaging device (10) generates and projects the distorted information display (13) with respect to the changed viewing angle (α1, α2).

11. Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that the detection device (14) continuously detects the movement and continuously assigns the changing viewing angle (α1, α2), and the imaging device (10) continuously adapts the distorted information display (13) to the changing viewing angle (α1, α2).