Vehicular projection device

Abstract

To provide a vehicular projection device capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of pieces of information.SOLUTION: A vehicular projection device 1 includes: a projector 10 which is arranged at the inside 3 or outside 4 of a vehicle and which emits a display light beam PL; and a spectroscopic element sheet 20 for performing at least two of refraction, reflection, and transmission on the emitted display light beam PL, and projects the retracted, reflected, or transmitted display light beam PL on at least two different parts. The spectroscopic element sheet 20 is arranged at a window 2 having transmissivity relative to the display light beam PL.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle projection device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a technique for displaying an image on the inside or outside of a vehicle window using a projector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-006034 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, the information required for vehicles has become more diverse, and the amount of information that needs to be displayed is increasing. This has led to a demand for an increase in the amount of information that a single projector can display.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a vehicle projection device that can simultaneously display multiple pieces of information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the vehicle projection device disclosed herein comprises a projector that is placed inside or outside the vehicle and emits display light, and a spectroscopic element that performs at least two of refraction, reflection, and transmission on the emitted display light, and projects the refracted, reflected, or transmitted display light to at least two different locations. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The vehicle projection device of the present disclosure can display a plurality of pieces of information simultaneously. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle projection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an image related to display light projected onto a side window. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration example of a vehicle projection device as a first modified example. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of images related to display light emitted by a projector. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a configuration example of a vehicle projection device as a second modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle projection device as a third modified example. [Figure 7] 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing examples of images related to display light emitted by a projector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An embodiment of a vehicle projection device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The vehicle projection device according to the present disclosure can be applied to any vehicle, such as an automobile, a motorcycle, an agricultural machine, a construction machine, etc. In this embodiment, an example in which the vehicle projection device is mounted on an automobile will be described.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the configuration of a vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an image related to the display light PL projected onto the side window 2. As shown in FIG.

[0011] In the following description, "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front" and "rear" follow the definitions of "To.", "Bo.", "R", "L", "Fr." and "Re." in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6. "Front" is the direction in which the vehicle is moving, and "rear" is the opposite direction to the direction of movement.

[0012] The vehicle projection device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "projection device 1") projects a required display light PL onto a projection member that is transparent to the display light PL, and projects (displays) an image related to the display light PL refracted, reflected, and transmitted by the projection member onto multiple locations (at least two locations) inside the vehicle 3 and outside the vehicle 4. The projection member is, for example, the glass of a side window 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "window 2"). The vehicle projection device 1 mainly has a projector 10 and a spectroscopic element sheet 20.

[0013] The projector 10 is a single projector 10 that is disposed in a position where it can project onto the window 2. The projector 10 is disposed, for example, between the seats of the rear seats 6 inside the vehicle 3. The projector 10 projects a projection image (image) onto a projection target by emitting display light PL. The projector 10 is a known projector that includes a light source, an optical system, a display panel, a control circuit, etc.

[0014] The projector 10 has three light sources, particularly red, green, and blue. As shown in Fig. 2, the projector 10 generates three images in the vertical direction in different areas of the display area of ​​the projector 10, and emits display light PL related to these images. For example, the projector 10 emits display light PL related to three images, namely, an image represented by green light LG, an image represented by blue light LB, and an image represented by red light LR, in that order from the top.

[0015] The image represented by the green light LG is a ceiling image 31 projected onto the ceiling 7 of the vehicle, and is, for example, a video with an entertainment element (e.g., a video of sunlight filtering through the trees) for the viewers 8a inside the vehicle 3, or information for passengers other than the driver while the vehicle is traveling. The image represented by the blue light LB is a window image 32, for example, an advertisement, projected onto the window 2 for the viewers 8b outside the vehicle 4. The image represented by the red light LR is a road image 33 projected onto the road surface 9 outside the vehicle 4. The road image 33 is information for calling attention for the viewers 8b outside the vehicle 4, and is, for example, an image for pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, etc. around the vehicle to call attention to the driving of the vehicle.

[0016] The spectroscopic element sheet 20 (spectroscopic element) is a diffraction grating made of a sheet-like member arranged on the window 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the spectroscopic element sheet 20 is arranged between the glass of the window 2, or on the surface of the glass facing the inside 3 or the outside 4 of the vehicle. The spectroscopic element sheet 20 reflects, transmits, and refracts the display light PL emitted from the projector 10 for each color (wavelength) of light, thereby dispersing and controlling the display light PL. The spectroscopic element sheet 20 refracts, reflects, and transmits the display light PL to project images at three different locations (at least two locations).

[0017] In this embodiment, the light-splitting element sheet 20 has a reflective layer 21 and a refractive layer 22, and thereby splits the display light PL into three components: green light LG, red light LR, and other display light LO other than the green light LG and the red light LR. The reflective layer 21 and the refractive layer 22 may be on the front and back as shown in FIG. 2, or may be on the same surface. The other display light LO is mainly blue light LB, and is light including the green light LG that is not reflected by the reflective layer 21 and the red light LR that is not refracted by the refractive layer 22. The light-splitting element sheet 20 also has a diffusion layer 23 in an area where the blue light LB is irradiated. The diffusion layer 23 diffuses the other display light LO, which is mainly composed of blue light LB and transmits through the light-splitting element sheet 20, so that it is visible to the viewer 8b outside the vehicle 4.

[0018] The spectroscopic element sheet 20 reflects the green light LG at the reflective layer 21. The reflective layer 21 has a reflection angle set so that the green light LG is reflected toward the ceiling 7. The spectroscopic element sheet 20 refracts the red light LR at the refractive layer 22 and transmits the red light LR. The refractive layer 22 has a refraction angle set so that the red light LR is irradiated onto the road surface 9 outside the vehicle 4. The spectroscopic element sheet 20 also transmits other display light LO and diffuses the blue light LB in particular at the diffusion layer 23.

[0019] Next, the operation of the projection device 1 when projecting an image will be described.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the projector 10 projects a ceiling image 31, a window image 32, and a road surface image 33 using green light LG, blue light LB, and red light LR, respectively, and projects display light PL related to these images toward the dispersive element sheet 20 on the window 2.

[0021] The spectroscopic element sheet 20 reflects the green light LG associated with the ceiling image 31 toward the ceiling 7. As a result, the ceiling image 31 is projected onto the ceiling 7 and is mainly viewed by a viewer 8a inside the vehicle 3. The spectroscopic element sheet 20 also refracts and transmits the red light LR associated with the road surface image 33 toward the road surface 9. As a result, the road surface image 33 is projected onto the road surface 9 outside the vehicle 4 and is mainly viewed on the road surface 9 by a viewer 8b outside the vehicle 4, such as a pedestrian.

[0022] Furthermore, the light-splitting element sheet 20 transmits the blue light LB associated with the window image 32 and the other display light LO, which is the red light LR and green light LG that are reflected or refracted by the light-splitting element sheet 20 and not transmitted. The blue light LB associated with the window image 32 is diffused by the diffusion layer 23, and the window image 32 associated with the blue light LB is projected onto the window 2 on the vehicle exterior 4 side and is mainly viewed on the window 2 by the viewer 8b outside the vehicle 4. At this time, the reflection layer 21 and the refraction layer 22 cannot reflect or refract all of the red light LR and green light LG. For this reason, the green light LG and red light LR that are not reflected or refracted are transmitted as they are in the upper and lower regions of the light-splitting element sheet 20, but since the diffusion layer 23 is not arranged in those regions, the ceiling image 31 and the road image 33 are difficult for the viewer 8b to view.

[0023] Such a projection device 1 can simultaneously project multiple pieces of information by disposing one projector 10 in a vehicle. This allows the projection device 1 to reduce the number of parts and costs of the projection device 1 without increasing the number of projectors 10 even when multiple projection contents or projection locations are required.

[0024] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0025] For example, although an example of projecting three images has been shown, two or more images may be displayed. The colors, contents, and projection locations of the display light related to the images are merely examples and are not limited thereto. For example, the projector 10 has three light sources, but the light source may be a white monochromatic light source that is passed through red, green, or blue color filters.

[0026] For example, the projection device 1 may be mounted on a vehicle such as a public transportation bus to provide information to passengers.

[0027] In this way, the projection device 1 can provide information in a variety of forms by appropriately setting the image generated by the projector 10 and the projection location according to the application location.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the configuration of the projection device 1 as a first modified example. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image related to the display light PL emitted by the projector 10. As shown in FIG.

[0029] The projection device 1 in Fig. 3 differs from the projection device 1 in Fig. 1 in that the projection device 1 is mounted on a bus, and that the contents and projection locations of the three images are different. The same reference numerals are used for the configurations and parts corresponding to the projection device 1 in Fig. 1, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0030] The projector 10 is disposed in a position capable of projecting onto the window 2, for example, on the ceiling 7 of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 4, the projector 10 generates three images in different regions in the vertical direction (or the horizontal direction), and emits display light PL related to these images.

[0031] For example, the projector 10 generates a floor image 31a that is represented by green light LG and is projected onto the floor surface 5 that is the passageway of the vehicle. The floor image 31a is information for the viewer 8a, for example, a passenger inside the vehicle 3. The floor image 31a is, for example, a message such as "Next stop" for stopping, or "Please take a ticket" for boarding, or a message for vacant seats. The projector 10 also generates a window image 32 that is represented by blue light LB and is projected onto the window 2. The window image 32 is information for the viewer 8b, for example, a passenger or pedestrian outside the vehicle 4. The window image 32 is a display for guiding the destination, an advertising video, or the like. The projector 10 also generates a road image 33 that is represented by red light LR and is projected onto the road surface 9 outside the vehicle 4. The road image 33 is information for the viewer 8b, for example, a passenger outside the vehicle 4. The road surface image 33 includes messages such as "Be careful of steps" to warn passengers when boarding, and "Thank you for using the vehicle" for passengers getting off.

[0032] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing an example of the configuration of the projection device 1 as a second modified example.

[0033] As in the projection device 1 of FIG. 5, the projection location of the display light PL (green light LG) reflected by the light dispersing element sheet 20 may be the ceiling 7 in addition to the floor surface 5.

[0034] Furthermore, FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing an example of the configuration of the projection device 1 as a third modified example. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image related to the display light PL emitted by the projector 10. As shown in FIG.

[0035] The projection device 1 in Fig. 6 differs from the projection device 1 in Fig. 1 in that the projection member on which the light-splitting element sheet 20 is disposed is a transparent member 2a such as an acrylic plate installed in the vehicle interior 3, and that the contents and projection locations of the three images are different. The same reference numerals are used for configurations and parts corresponding to those of the projection device 1 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0036] The projector 10 is disposed in a position where it can project onto the transparent member 2a, for example, in a position close to the bus driver on the ceiling 7 of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 7, the projector 10 generates three images in different regions in the vertical direction, and emits display light PL related to these images.

[0037] For example, the projector 10 generates a ceiling image 31 that is represented by green light LG and is projected onto the ceiling 7 of the vehicle. The ceiling image 31 is information for the viewer 8a who is, for example, a passenger in the vehicle 3, and is an image related to a tourist guide related to a bus route. The projector 10 also generates a transparent member image 32a that is represented by blue light LB and is projected onto the transparent member 2a. The transparent member image 32a is information for the viewer 8a who is, for example, a passenger in the vehicle 3, and is a display guiding the destination, an advertising video, and the like. The projector 10 also generates a floor image 33a that is represented by red light LR and is projected onto the floor surface 5 that serves as the vehicle's aisle. The floor image 33a is information for the viewer 8a who is, for example, a passenger in the vehicle 3, and is a message such as "next stop" that guides the bus to a stop.

[0038] In this way, the projection device 1 is not limited to the window 2, and various components can be used as projection components as long as they transmit the display light PL and can accommodate the spectroscopic element sheet 20, and the desired location can be set as the projection location.

[0039] As another modified example, the projector 10 may be disposed on the outside 4 of the vehicle, such as a side mirror, and the display light PL may be irradiated from the outside 4 onto a projection member, such as a window 2, to project a plurality of images onto a plurality of locations inside and outside the vehicle. In this case, the dispersing element sheet 20 may perform at least two of reflection, transmission, and refraction on the emitted display light PL. Although the dispersing element has been described using an example in which it is a sheet-like member, it may be of another form having a similar function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1 Vehicle projection device (projection device) 2 Side windows (windows) 2a Transparent member 3. Inside the car 4 Outside the vehicle 5. Floor 6 Rear seat 7. Ceiling 8a, 8b Viewer 9 Road surface 10. Projectors 20 Spectroscopic element sheet (spectroscopic element) 21 Reflective layer 22 Refractive Layer 23 Diffusion Layer 31 Ceiling Images 31a Floor image 32 Window Images 32a Transparent component image 33 Road surface images 33a Floor image LB blue light lg green light LO Other indicator lights LR Red light PL display light

Claims

1. A projector that is disposed inside or outside the vehicle and emits display light; a spectroscopic element that performs at least two of refraction, reflection, and transmission on the emitted display light, A vehicle projection device that projects the refracted, reflected or transmitted display light to at least two different locations.

2. the projector emits the display light relating to at least two images; The vehicle projection device according to claim 1 , wherein the spectroscopic element projects the images at the two different locations by refracting, reflecting or transmitting the display light at the spectroscopic element.

3. The projector generates the at least two images in different areas of a display area; The vehicle projection device according to claim 2 , wherein the spectroscopic element further comprises a diffusion layer that diffuses the display light transmitted through the spectroscopic element to a position where the display light is emitted.

4. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1 , wherein the light separating element is disposed on a projection member that is transparent to the display light.

5. 5. The vehicle projection device according to claim 4, wherein the projection member is a glass window of the vehicle or a transparent member disposed inside the vehicle.

6. The vehicle projection device according to claim 4 , wherein the light separating element is a sheet-like member attached to the projection member.

Images