Method for operating a projector arrangement on a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a projector arrangement (3) on a vehicle (1), the projector arrangement (3) having at least one movable projector (4) on an adjustable access means (2) to the vehicle (1) and one projector (5) which is stationary on the vehicle (1). The invention makes provision for at least one of the projectors (4, 5) to be operated depending on an opening angle of the access means (2) by way of at least one individual projection (10) of at least one of the projectors (4, 5) being changed depending on the opening angle. The invention also relates to a vehicle (1) having a projector arrangement (3) operated in this way.

Description

[0001] Method for operating a projector arrangement on a vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for operating a projector arrangement on a vehicle, which comprises a projector mounted at an access point and a projector mounted statically on the vehicle. The invention further relates to a vehicle with such a projector arrangement.

[0003] The use of projectors on vehicles to project a light image onto the surroundings of the vehicle, usually onto a surface, is well known.

[0004] DE 102021 003 558 A1 discloses a method for operating a projector on a vehicle, in which the projector displays navigation instructions for reaching a navigation destination outside the vehicle. The projector is mounted on an access door, and the opening angle of the access door is taken into account when aligning the projection.

[0005] DE 10 2018 120 330 A1 describes a method for operating a projector assembly on a vehicle. The projector assembly comprises a projector mounted on an access door and a projector static on the vehicle. While the vehicle is moving, the projector assembly projects an overall projection onto a surface. This overall projection is adjusted depending on the vehicle's upcoming trajectory.

[0006] The present invention is concerned with the object of providing improved or at least different embodiments for a method for operating a projector arrangement on a vehicle and for a vehicle with such a projector arrangement.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. The present invention is therefore based on the fundamental idea of ​​projecting an overall projection onto the surroundings of the vehicle using projectors mounted on a vehicle, wherein one of the projectors is mounted at an entrance of the vehicle, and wherein the state of the entrance, i.e. an opening angle of the entrance, is taken into account in the overall projection. It is thus possible to generate any desired and predetermined overall projections regardless of the respective opening angle and thus regardless of the respective position of the projector mounted at the entrance. In this way, distortions, twists, enlargements or reductions in the overall projection caused by the opening angle are compensated for.This leads to a controlled representation and perception of the entire projection and opens up new possibilities for the use of the entire projection. Thus, both increased quality and more flexible use of the projector arrangement are achieved.

[0008] According to the inventive concept, the projector arrangement comprises at least one projector attached to an access of the vehicle. The access can be adjusted to different opening angles so that the at least one projector attached to the access moves together with the access. The projector is also referred to below as a movable projector. The projector arrangement further comprises at least one further projector attached to the vehicle, which, in contrast to the movable projector on the vehicle, is static and is also referred to below as a static projector. The respective projector can, if required, generate an associated projection, which is also referred to below as an individual projection. In the method according to the invention, an overall projection is projected onto the surroundings of the vehicle using the projector arrangement.The overall projection consists of individual projections from at least one movable projector and at least one static projector. Furthermore, the opening angle of the access associated with the movable projector is monitored, and the individual projection of at least one projector is adjusted depending on the opening angle of the access.

[0009] To monitor the opening angle, the associated vehicle can include appropriate sensors, for example a rotary angle sensor at the associated access.

[0010] The respective access can be of any type. For example, the access can be to a storage compartment of the vehicle, such as a trunk lid, hood, tailgate, frunk, and the like.

[0011] The access may also be an access door, in particular a front access door, which allows passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.

[0012] If the access is an access door, the movable projector can, for example, be attached to a housing of an exterior mirror attached to the access door.

[0013] The respective static projector can be provided at any location and on any component of the vehicle, provided that the static projector can project the associated individual image onto the vehicle's surroundings. For example, at least one projector can be mounted on a headlight of the vehicle, on a sill of the vehicle, on a taillight of the vehicle, and the like.

[0014] It is conceivable that, at a first opening angle of the associated access, the movable projector projects an individual projection in a projection section of the overall projection that is fixed to the vehicle. The first opening angle can, for example, correspond to a closed position of the access. Advantageously, the individual projection of at least one projector is changed depending on the opening angle of the access in such a way that the overall projection in the projection section remains unchanged. This means that from the outside, the overall projection can be perceived unchanged, at least in the projection section, regardless of the opening angle of the access. A symbol, for example a logo, can be displayed in the projection section; this does not change for an outsider, even if the access is moved.It is conceivable, for example, to display a logo of the vehicle manufacturer in the projection section, whereby the logo remains and is perceptible regardless of the position of the access, in particular the access door.

[0015] With this variant, it is conceivable to change the overall projection outside the projection section depending on the opening angle. Preferably, a pattern representing the opening angle is displayed outside the projection section. This pattern is advantageously one that supports access to the vehicle. Thus, for example, the pattern can represent and, in particular, highlight the path to the access and / or the position of the access, depending on the opening angle.

[0016] In an alternative variant, the individual projection of at least one projector can be changed depending on the opening angle in such a way that the overall projection remains the same regardless of the opening angle.

[0017] The described changes can be implemented by a corresponding change in the individual projection of the movable projector moving with the access and / or by a change in the individual projection of another projector, in particular a static projector. It is also conceivable to activate or deactivate at least one of the projectors, in particular at least one static projector, depending on the opening angle.

[0018] In advantageous variants, an obstacle in the vicinity of the vehicle is marked with the overall projection, particularly in the projection section. This visually alerts a user that there is an obstacle in the vicinity of the vehicle, which should be taken into account when moving toward the vehicle, for example, when entering the vehicle, and / or when moving away from the vehicle, for example, when exiting the vehicle. Since such obstacles generally have a fixed position relative to the vehicle, the solution according to the invention achieves reliable marking of the obstacle and thus increased comfort and safety.

[0019] The obstacle is conveniently marked by a prior detection of the obstacle. Detection can be performed optically, for example, in particular by means of at least one camera. The motor vehicle is designed accordingly, for example, by having at least one camera.

[0020] The obstacle can be, for example, a tripping hazard, a slippery surface, a puddle, and the like.

[0021] It is understood that, in addition to the method, the vehicle with the projector arrangement, which is operated according to the method, also falls within the scope of this invention. The vehicle preferably has a correspondingly configured control device for implementing / executing the method.

[0022] Further important features and advantages of the invention emerge from the subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated description of the figures based on the drawings.

[0023] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combination specified in each case, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components.

[0025] Showing schematically:

[0026] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a vehicle with an overall projection in a first position of an access,

[0027] Fig. 2 a plan view of the vehicle with the overall projection in a different position of the access,

[0028] Fig. 3 a plan view of the vehicle with the overall projection in the first position in another embodiment

[0029] Fig. 4 a top view of the vehicle with the overall projection in a different access position.

[0030] A vehicle 1, as shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 4, usually has at least one access 2. The access 2 is, as a comparison between Figures 1 and 2 or 3 and 4 shows, adjustable between different opening angles and thus positions. The vehicle 1 has a projector arrangement 3 with at least two projectors 4, 5, which are not visible in the figures and are only indicated. At least one projector 4 is attached to an associated one of the accesses 2 and is thus movable with the access 2. The projector 4 is also referred to below as a movable projector 4. Furthermore, at least one of the projectors 5, in contrast to the movable projector 4, is statically attached to the vehicle 1 and is also referred to below as a static projector 5.In the exemplary embodiments shown, for the sake of simplicity and purely by way of example, it is assumed that the projector arrangement 3 has a single such movable projector 4. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments shown, it is assumed, by way of example, that the access 2 to which the movable projector 4 is attached is an access door 6 in the front area of ​​the vehicle 1, wherein the movable projector 4 is attached to an exterior mirror 21 of the access door 6.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the projector arrangement 3 has, purely by way of example, three static projectors 5, wherein one of the static projectors 5, 5a is attached to a headlight 7, one of the static projectors 5, 5b is attached to a rear light 8, and one of the projectors 5, 5c is attached to a sill 9 of the vehicle 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, it is assumed, by way of example, that the projector arrangement 3 has a single static projector 5, which is attached to the headlight 7. The projectors 4, 5 are each configured to generate an associated projection 10, which is also referred to below as an individual projection 10. With the individual projections 10, the arrangement 3 generates an overall projection 11, which is projected onto the surroundings of the vehicle 1, in the exemplary embodiments shown, onto a background in the lateral region of the vehicle 1.This means that the projector arrangement 3 projects an overall projection 11 onto the surroundings of the vehicle 1, which projection is composed of individual projections 10 from at least one movable projector 4 and at least one static projector 5. As shown by a combination of Figures 1 and 2 as well as 3 and 4, the opening angle of the access 2 associated with the movable projector 4 is monitored, for example by means of a rotary encoder (not shown), and the individual projection 10 of at least one projector 4, 5 is changed depending on the opening angle of the access 2.

[0032] To carry out the method, the vehicle 1 can have a control device 12, which is only indicated in Figure 1 and configured accordingly. The control device 12 is expediently connected to the projector arrangement 3 in a communicative manner.

[0033] The change depending on the opening angle of the access 2 can, as explained below, be made by a corresponding change in the individual projection 10 of the movable projector 4 and / or by a change in the individual projection 10 of at least one static projector 5. The change can also include activating and deactivating at least one projector 4, 5, wherein the projector 4, 5 generates an individual projection 10 in the activated state and no individual projection 10 in the deactivated state.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiments shown, an individual projection 10 is projected in a projection section 13 of the overall projection 11 with the movable projector 4 at a first opening angle of the access 2, which corresponds to a closed state of the access 2. The projection section 13 therefore comprises the individual projection 10 of the movable projector 4 at the first opening angle. In the exemplary embodiments shown, the projection section 13 at the first opening angle consists of the individual projection 10 of the movable projector 4 or the individual projection 10 of the movable projector 10 forms the projection section 13. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, a logo 14 is displayed as a character 15 in the projection section 13.In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, an obstacle 16 indicated in the figures, for example a puddle, a tripping hazard, a smooth surface and the like, is marked in the surroundings of the vehicle 1 with the projection section 13, i.e. the projection section 13 is a marking 17 of the obstacle 16.

[0035] As a combination of Figures 1 and 2 as well as Figures 3 and 4 shows, the described changes occur depending on the opening angle in such a way that the overall projection 11 in the projection section 13 remains unchanged. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, this means that the displayed symbol 15 remains in place regardless of the opening angle and also retains its orientation. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 3 and 4, marking 16 means that the marking 17 remains in place regardless of the opening angle. For this purpose, the individual projection 10 of at least one projector 4, 5 is changed accordingly depending on the opening angle of the access 2.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiments, this is achieved by the fact that, when a predetermined aperture angle is exceeded, the projection section 13 is no longer formed by the individual projection 10 of the movable projector 4, but rather by the individual projection 10 of one of the static projectors 5, in the illustrated embodiments purely by way of example, the static projector 5, 5a mounted in the headlight 7. In the illustrated embodiments, the movable projector 4 can therefore be deactivated when the predetermined aperture angle is exceeded.

[0037] As shown in the exemplary embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the overall projection 11 outside the projection section 13 can, in contrast, be changed depending on the opening angle of the access 2. This means that the overall projection 11 outside the projection section 13 changes depending on the opening angle. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, a pattern 18 is shown which is used to mark access to the access 2, in this case the access door 5. In the closed position of the access 2, which corresponds to the first opening angle, the pattern 18 essentially frames the area of ​​the access 2, in this case purely by way of example using evenly curved lines. If, in contrast, the access 2 is opened, as shown in Figure 2, said pattern 18 changes in order to show a user 19, for example a driver 20, how to get into the vehicle 1, thus simplifying entry.An analog overall projection 11 can assist when exiting the vehicle 1. As can be seen from Figure 2, this is done in the example shown by displaying straight, radial lines on the sill 9 using the static projector 5, 5c.

[0038] In addition, curved lines are displayed by means of the static projector 5, 5b mounted on the rear light 8 and by means of the static projector 5, 5c mounted on the sill 9. In the illustrated embodiment, a pattern 18 representing the opening angle is projected and thus displayed outside the projection section 13 to assist access.

[0039] In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, the change dependent on the opening angle is made in such a way that the overall projection 13 is maintained regardless of the opening angle.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for operating a projector arrangement (3) comprising at least two projectors (4, 5) on a vehicle (1), wherein the projector arrangement (3) has at least one projector (4) attached to an access (2) of the vehicle (1) and movable with the access (2), which access (2) is adjustable at different opening angles, and wherein the projector arrangement (3) has at least one projector (5) static on the vehicle (1), - wherein the projector arrangement (3) projects an overall projection (11) onto the surroundings of the vehicle (1), which overall projection consists of individual projections (10) at least one movable projector (4) and at least one static projector (5), - wherein the opening angle of the access (2) associated with the movable projector (4) is monitored, - wherein the individual projection (10) of at least one projector (4, 5) is changed depending on the opening angle of the access (2).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that - that the movable projector (4) projects a single projection (10) in a projection section (13) of the overall projection (11) fixed to the vehicle (2) at a first opening angle of the associated access (2), - that the individual projection (10) of at least one projector (4, 5) is changed depending on the opening angle of the access (2) in such a way that the overall projection (11) remains unchanged in the projection section (13).

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the total projection (11) is outside the projection section (13) changes depending on the opening angle.

4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a character (15), in particular a logo (14), is displayed in the projection section (13).

5. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that in the overall projection (11) outside the projection section (13) a pattern (18) representing the opening angle, in particular a pattern (18) for assisting access to the vehicle (1), is displayed.

6. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the individual projection (10) of at least one projector (4, 6) is changed depending on the opening angle in such a way that the overall projection (11) is maintained regardless of the opening angle.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the individual projection (10) of at least one of the at least one static projectors (5) is changed depending on the opening angle of the access (2).

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an obstacle (16) in the surroundings of the vehicle (1) is marked with the overall projection (11).

9. Method according to claim 8 and one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the obstacle (16) is marked in the projection section (13).

10. Vehicle (1) with at least one access (2), in particular at least one access door (6), which is adjustable in different opening angles, and with a projector arrangement (3) comprising at least one projector (4, 5), which at at least one access (2) has a projector (4) which is movable with the access and a projector (5) static on the vehicle, and with a control device (12) which is designed such that it operates the projector arrangement (3) according to the method according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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