Projection system

Abstract

To reduce loads of constructors and workers by executing rough copy work of a road surface sign simply without difficulty.SOLUTION: A projection system of the present invention is the projection system that projects an image for coating a road surface sign onto a road surface to the road surface. The projection system comprises a projector to project the image towards the road surface, a first installation part in which the projector is installed, a base with which the first installation part is provided, and a movement mechanism to move the base.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection system.

Background Art

[0002] When drawing road markings such as letters and symbols on the road surface of sites such as roads and parking lots, first, a drawing of the road markings is created. Conventionally, surveying is performed at the site where the road markings are actually drawn, and auxiliary lines including the outer contour line of the road markings to be drawn are scribed on the road surface with chalk or the like. Then, paint is applied by a painting device according to the scribed auxiliary lines on the road surface, and the road markings are completed.

[0003] Surveying on site and scribing road markings require labor and skilled techniques of workers. Therefore, attempts have been made to reduce the labor and burden of workers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a painting device for road markings configured to be communicable with GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites and quasi-zenith satellites. The painting device for road markings in Patent Document 1 displays the shape of the road markings to be painted and the position of the painting nozzle on the screen of a display unit such as a liquid crystal based on the signal radio waves received from various satellites. In the painting device for road markings in Patent Document 1, painting is performed along the guideline on the screen of the display unit, and high-precision painting of road markings can be easily performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventionally, the preliminary drawing of the auxiliary line requires the skilled technique of the operator. In addition, when the road surface is a road, traffic in the area where the road markings are to be drawn needs to be controlled or stopped to allow for long-term work within the area, which places a heavy burden on the operator. Further, in the road marking painting device of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to connect to a satellite, the scale has to be large. Since the environment where the satellite communication system can be used and the users are limited, it is difficult to easily use the road marking painting device of Patent Document 1. For these reasons, there is a demand for a system that can perform the preliminary drawing of road markings simply and easily and reduce the burden on constructors and operators.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A projection system according to one aspect of the present invention is a projection system that projects an image for painting road markings onto a road surface, and includes a projector that projects the image toward the road surface, a first installation part where the projector is installed, a base provided with the first installation part, and a moving mechanism that moves the base.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the scale of dimensions may be changed depending on the component in order to make each component easier to see.

[0009] First, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of a projection system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a view when viewed along the Y direction described later. The projection system 100 is a system that projects an image for painting markings on a road surface onto the road surface. As shown in FIG. 1, the projection system 100 includes a projector 110, a first installation part 161, a base 150, and a moving mechanism 180, and further includes a second installation part 162, a handle part 154, a movement restricting mechanism, and a locking mechanism.

[0010] The projector 110 is a projection device that projects an image for painting road markings on a road surface onto the road surface. The image represents, for example, a simple line of a road marking among road markings, a figure or symbol serving as a symbol, or an outline of a character or number, and includes lines and figures. The style of the road markings and the dimensions of the lines and figures included in the image are determined based on the Road Traffic Law, road signs, center lines, and orders regarding road markings depending on the content of the road markings and the location of the road surface to be painted. The image is enlarged when projected onto the road surface. Therefore, the original image before projection from the projector 110 is created so that the lines and figures included in the image have dimensions based on the above-mentioned orders when enlarged and projected onto the road surface according to the magnification and the width and length of the road surface.

[0011] In the following description, one direction parallel to the moving surface MP on which the projection system 100 moves is defined as the X direction, one side of the X direction is defined as the -X side, and the other side of the X direction is defined as the +X side. A direction parallel to the moving surface MP and orthogonal to the X direction is defined as the Y direction, one side of the Y direction is defined as the -Y side, and the other side of the Y direction is defined as the +Y side. A direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction is defined as the Z direction, one side of the Z direction is defined as the -Z side, and the other side of the Z direction is defined as the +Z side. The Z direction is orthogonal to the moving surface MP. The -Z side represents a direction approaching the moving surface MP relatively, and corresponds to the same direction as the vertical direction. Note that when the height of the moving surface MP is equal to the height of the road surface RD described later, the moving surface MP is equivalent to the road surface RD.

[0012] The projector 110 includes an exterior housing 120, a light source 122, a light modulation device 124, a projection optical system 126, and an ejection unit 132. The light source 122, the light modulation device 124, and the projection optical system 126 are housed inside the exterior housing 120.

[0013] The light source 122 emits colored light for generating image light emitted from the projector 110 in the +Z direction along the Z direction. The colored light emitted from the light source 122 is set according to the colors of lines and figures included in an image for painting road markings on a road surface, and is, for example, white or green. The light source 122 is, for example, a laser diode (LD) or a light emitting diode (LED) that emits a predetermined colored light.

[0014] The light modulation device 124 is provided on the optical path of the colored light emitted from the light source 122 and is arranged on the +Z side of the light source 122. The light modulation device 124 modulates the colored light emitted from the light source 122 and incident from the -Z side according to image information, generates image light of a predetermined color, and emits the image light in the +Z direction along the Z direction. The light modulation device 124 has, for example, a liquid crystal panel.

[0015] The projection optical system 126 corresponds to a projection optical device. The projection optical system 126 is provided on the optical path of the image light of a predetermined color emitted from the light conversion device 124. At least a part of the projection optical system 126 is arranged on the +Z side of the light conversion device 124. The projection optical system 126 emits the image light emitted from the light modulation device 124 and incident from the -Z side in the +X direction and the -Z direction.

[0016] The projection optical system 126 includes, for example, a lens system 128 and a reflection mirror 130. The lens system 128 is provided in an area directly irradiated with the image light emitted from the light modulation device 124 and is arranged on the +Z side of the light modulation device 124. The lens system 128 has one or more optical lenses. The optical lenses include, for example, plano-convex lenses, plano-concave lenses, biconvex lenses, biconcave lenses, meniscus lenses, aspherical lenses, free-form surface lenses, and the like. The reflection mirror 130 is provided in an area irradiated with the image light emitted from the lens system 128 and is arranged on the +Z side of the lens system 128. The reflection surface of the reflection mirror 130 is provided on the surface on the side where the image light enters the reflection mirror 130, moves to the +X side as it advances to the +Z side, and forms a concave curved surface that is concave when viewed from the incident side of the image light. The reflection surface of the reflection mirror 130 reflects the incident image light and emits it to the +X side and the -Z side.

[0017] The emission unit 132 is provided on the optical path of the image light emitted from the projection optical system 126 and is formed on the end surface on the +X side of the exterior housing 120. The emission unit 132 allows the image light emitted from the projection optical system 126 in the exterior housing 120 to pass through and emits the image light to the +X side and the -Z side toward the road surface. In the present embodiment, the position where the image light LI passes through on the emission surface of the emission unit 132, for example, the center of the emission surface of the emission unit 132, is arranged at a position at a height H from the road surface in a state where the projection system 100 is installed on the moving surface MP, that is, the road surface.

[0018] The projector 110 may include optical elements, fans, etc. (not shown) in order to modulate the colored light emitted from the light source 122 into image light by the light modulation device 124 and efficiently emit the image light from the emission unit 132 toward the moving surface MP and the road surface by folding it back with the projection optical system 126. As the projector 110, as exemplified in FIG. 1 and the like, there are configurations including a configuration in which rear projection is performed by a single reflecting mirror 128 that is a concave mirror, and a configuration in which rear projection is performed by two plane mirrors, and a projector in which an ultra-short focus projection optical system having a reflecting mirror is housed in the exterior housing, and a projector in which an ultra-short focus projection lens system is provided so as to be replaceable are widely included. Specifically, the projection optical system 126 of the present embodiment is housed inside the exterior housing 120 including the lens system 128 and the reflecting mirror 130, but is not necessarily housed inside the exterior housing 120. At least a part of the projection optical system 126 may be installed outside the exterior housing of the projector. The projection optical system 126 may be configured with a structure in which the optical path is bent.

[0019] The first installation part 161 is a part where the projector 110 is installed and is provided on the base 150. The base 150 constitutes the base of the transportation assistance mechanism of the projector 110 and is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness, that is, a size in the Z direction, and has a plate surface 150a facing upward and a plate surface 150b facing downward. The plate surfaces 150a and 150b of the base 150 extend substantially parallel to the XY plane including the X direction and the Y direction.

[0020] The first installation part 161 is provided, for example, on the +X side of the base 150 and on the plate surface 150a at substantially the center in the Y direction. The first installation part 161 has an installation surface 161s on which the projector 110 can be installed from the +Z side. The first installation part 161 is configured by, for example, a block-shaped combination stage and has rotation stages 171, 172, and 173. The rotation stages 171, 172, and 173 correspond to a rotation mechanism.

[0021] The movable part of the rotary stage 171 rotates along the XY plane parallel to the road surface or the moving surface MP about a rotation axis parallel to the Z direction. When the rotary stage 171 rotates, the projector 110 rotates within the XY plane. In FIG. 1, the image light LI from the projector 110 is emitted toward the +X side and the -Z side with respect to the base 150. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the projection system 100 and is a view when seen along the Y direction. For example, it is a view showing a state in which the rotary stage 171 rotates 90° about the rotation axis from the state shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, when the rotary stage 171 of the first installation part 161 rotates, for example, the image light LI from the projector 110 is emitted toward the +Y side or the -Y side and the -Z side with respect to the base 150. Note that the rotation angle about the rotation axis of the rotary stage 171 is mainly within the range of 180°, that is, within the range of -90° to +90° based on the state in which the image light LI is emitted along the X direction as shown in FIG. 1 and can be freely adjusted.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rotary stage 172 is mounted on the +Z side of the rotary stage 171. The movable part of the rotary stage 172 rotates along the XZ plane including the X direction and the Z direction about a rotation axis parallel to the Y direction. When the rotary stage 172 rotates, the projector 110 rotates within the XZ plane, and the orientation of the image formed by projecting the image light onto the road surface is finely adjusted. The rotary stage 173 is mounted on the +Z side of the rotary stage 172. The +Z side surface of the rotary stage 173 forms the installation surface 161s. The movable part of the rotary stage 173 rotates along the YZ plane including the Y direction and the Z direction about a rotation axis parallel to the X direction. When the rotary stage 173 rotates, the projector 110 rotates within the YZ plane, and the orientation of the image formed by projecting the image light onto the road surface is finely adjusted. Note that the projection system 100 of the present embodiment includes the rotary stages 171, 172, and 173 that rotate the projector 110 as a rotation mechanism, but does not necessarily have to include the rotary stages 171, 172, and 173. The projection system 100 may be directly fixed so that the projector 110 projects light in a specific direction without including a rotation mechanism.

[0023] In addition to the rotary stages 171, 172, and 173, the first installation portion 161 may have a wall portion (not shown) that surrounds the projector 110 from the -Y side, +Y side, and +Z side with respect to the projector 110.

[0024] The second installation portion 162 is a portion where the electronic device 250 that controls the image projected by the projector 110 is installed, and is provided on the base 150. The second installation portion 162 is provided, for example, on the plate surface 150a substantially at the center in the X direction and Y direction of the base 150. The second installation portion 162 is configured, for example, in a box shape. The electronic device 250 is housed inside the box body of the second installation portion 162.

[0025] The electronic device 250 is electrically connected to the light modulation device 124 of the projector 110 by a wired or wireless connection (not shown), and transmits the information of the original image of the road marking to the light modulation device 124 as image information. The electronic device 250 is, for example, a desktop computer, but may be replaced with a tablet terminal device that can be easily installed and removed with respect to the second installation portion 162. The electronic device 250 has a processor that controls the image to be transmitted to the light modulation device 124. The processor of the electronic device 250 holds the information of the original image of the road marking, and controls the image by adjusting the magnitude and timing of the electrical signal related to the image information to be transmitted to the light modulation device 124. The electronic device 250 may also be electrically connected to the light source 122 of the projector 110 by a wired or wireless connection (not shown). In this case, the processor of the electronic device 250 adjusts the electrical signal that adjusts the light amount of the color light emitted from the light source 122 with respect to the light source 122 according to the electrical signal related to the image information to be transmitted to the light modulation device 124.

[0026] In the second installation part 162, in addition to the electronic device 250, a power supply 280 for the projector 110 and the electronic device 250, and a display device 270 are installed. The power supply 280 is housed, for example, inside the box body of the second installation part 162, similarly to the electronic device 250. The display device 270 is installed on an outer wall surface substantially parallel to the XY plane on the +Z side of the box body of the second installation part 162 via a support part extending along the Z direction.

[0027] The display device 270 displays, for example, an image projected by the projector 110, an electrical signal transmitted from the electronic device 250 to the light modulation device 124, etc., and information regarding the movement of the base 150 toward the -X side. The display surface of the display device 270 is inclined with respect to the X direction and the Z direction when viewed along the Y direction, and moves from the -Z side to the +Z side as it moves from the -X side to the +X side.

[0028] The handle part 154 is a configuration for moving the base 150 along the moving surface MP, and is provided, for example, on the plate surface 150a at substantially the center in the -X side and the Y direction of the base 150. The handle part 154 has two shaft parts 156 and a grip part 158.

[0029] The shaft part 156 extends from the base 150 toward the +Z side. The axis of the shaft part 156 is inclined with respect to the Z direction when viewed along the Y direction, and moves from the +X side to the -X side as it moves from the -Z side to the +Z side. The -Z side end of one of the two shaft parts 156 is connected to the plate surface 150a at the -X side and -Y side ends of the base 150. The -Z side end of the other of the two shaft parts 156 is connected to the plate surface 150a at the -X side and +Y side ends of the base 150. The +Z side end of the shaft part 156 is located at least on the +Z side of the ejection part 132 of the projector 110, further on the +Z side of the +Z side end of the display device 270, and further on the -X side of the -X side end of the base 150. In other words, the height from the moving surface MP, that is, the road surface, to the center of the grip part 158 in the Z direction is greater than the height H of the ejection part 132 from the road surface.

[0030] The gripping part 158 is connected to the two shaft parts 156. For example, the +Z-side ends of the two shaft parts 156 are connected along the Y direction and extend along the Y direction. The gripping part 158 is provided so that an operator (not shown) of the projection system 100 can grip it to move the base 150 along the moving surface MP. Therefore, the length of the gripping part 158 in the Y direction is set to a length with an appropriate margin for the distance between the operator's two hands in the Y direction when the operator of the projection system 100 grips the gripping part 158. The gripping part 158 may be provided with operation buttons (not shown) and a display surface related to the movement of the base 150 and the like.

[0031] The moving mechanism 180 is disposed on the plate surface 150b of the base 150 and moves the base 150. The moving mechanism 180 is constituted by, for example, the wheels 190 of four casters 282. The casters 282 are provided on the plate surfaces 150b at the -X-side and -Y-side ends, -X-side and +Y-side ends, +X-side and -Y-side ends, and +X-side and +Y-side ends of the base 150, respectively.

[0032] The caster 282 includes a main body 184, an axle 186, a stopper 188, and a wheel 190. The caster 282 is a so-called fixed caster in which only the wheel 190 rotates without a swivel part.

[0033] In the caster 282, the main body 184 is connected to the plate surface 150b and extends from the plate surface 150b toward the -Z side. The width of the main body 184 in the XY plane becomes smaller as it moves toward the -Z side. That is, the main body 184 tapers toward the -Z side. The main body 184 is formed so as to surround the wheel 190 from both sides in the Y direction in which the axle 186 extends. The axle 186 is disposed at the -Z-side tip of the main body 184, extends parallel to the Y direction, and passes through the central part of the wheel 190 and the -Z-side end of the main body 184 along the Y direction. The wheel 190 rotates in the circumferential direction about the axis of the axle 186. The -Z-side end of the wheel 190 is in contact with the moving surface MP.

[0034] When the caster 282 is arranged, since the main body 184 is fixed to the plate surface 150b of the base 150, as the wheel 190 rotates, the base 150 moves along the X direction, and the moving direction of the base 150 is restricted. The main body 184 of the caster 282 corresponds to a movement restricting mechanism.

[0035] Among the four casters 282, the two casters 182 on the -X side or +X side, or all four casters 282 may be replaced with the caster 182 described below. In the present embodiment, two of the casters 282 arranged at the -X side and -Y side ends and the casters 282 arranged at the -X side and +Y side ends are replaced with the caster 182. The caster 182 includes a main body 184, a main shaft 185, an axle 186, a stopper 188, and a wheel 190. The caster 182 is a so-called swivel caster in which a swivel part (not shown) and the wheel 190 rotate.

[0036] The main body 184 is connected to the plate surface 150b via the main shaft 185 and a swivel part (not shown), and extends from the plate surface 150b to the -Z side. The main shaft 185 extends along the Z direction. The swivel part is rotatable in the circumferential direction, that is, in the XY plane, about the axis parallel to the Z direction of the main shaft 185. The main body 184 is fixed to the swivel part and rotates in the XY plane as the swivel part rotates. The axle 186 is arranged at the -Z side tip of the main body 184, extends parallel to one direction in the XY plane, and penetrates the central part of the wheel 190 and the -Z side end of the main body 184 along one direction. The main body 184 is formed so as to surround the wheel 190 from both sides in the one direction in which the axle 186 extends. When the caster 182 is arranged, the swivel part rotates in the XY plane about the axis of the main shaft 185, so that the one direction in which the axle 186 extends, that is, the extending direction of the axis of the axle 186 rotates in the XY plane, and as the wheel 190 rotates, the base 150 moves in the XY plane, and the moving direction of the base 150 is freely changed on the XY plane and the moving surface MP.

[0037] In either of the casters 182, 282, the stopper 188 is provided on the outer side of the main body 184 surrounding the wheel 190, that is, on the side opposite to the wheel 190 side of the main body 184. The axle 186 passes through the central portion of the stopper 188. The stopper 188 is configured to be rotatable by the user's foot of the projection system 100 in the XZ plane perpendicular to the axis about the axis of the axle 186. When the stopper 188 is at a predetermined release position in the circumferential direction about the axis of the axle 186, the wheel 190 is not braked at all, and the movement of the base 150 by the casters 182, 282 is not restricted. On the other hand, when the stopper 188 is rotated to a predetermined lock position in the circumferential direction about the axis of the axle 186, the wheel 190 is braked, and the movement of the base 150 by the casters 182, 282 is restricted. Specifically, the rotation of the wheel 190 stops, and the movement of the base 150 by the caster 282 stops. The stopper 188 of the casters 182, 282 corresponds to a locking mechanism.

[0038] The above-described base 150, the handle portion 154, and the moving mechanism 180 constitute a transport assist mechanism for mounting the projector 110 in the projection system 100.

[0039] FIGS. 3 to 5 are perspective views showing a state in which a draft of an auxiliary line of a road marking is made using the projection system 100 to paint a road marking on a road surface. In this description, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the road surface RD extends parallel to the XY plane, is long along the X direction, and has a predetermined width based on the Road Traffic Law in the Y direction. A dividing line is drawn along the X direction at the center of the road surface RD in the Y direction. When facing the road surface RD from the -X side to the +X side, the road surface RDL on the -Y side of the dividing line is assumed to be a road surface on which a draft of an auxiliary line of a road marking is made using the projection system 100 and a road surface on which a road marking is drawn. In the present embodiment, the image IM projected by the projection system 100 is a road marking image.

[0040] As an example of a mode of making a draft of the auxiliary line of the road surface marking, in the first mode, as shown in FIG. 3, when the projector 110 faces the road surface RDL from the -X side to the +X side, it is arranged on the road shoulder surface RS of the road shoulder on the -Y side of the road surface RDL. The road shoulder surface RS corresponds to the moving surface MP described above. In the first mode, the projection system 100 is in the state illustrated in FIG. 2. That is, the rotation stage 171 of the first installation part 161 is aligned in the circumferential direction so that the image light LI from the projector 110 is emitted toward the +Y side and the -Z side with respect to the base 150.

[0041] In the first mode, the moving direction D1 of the base 150, that is, the projection system 100, is a direction along the X direction from the -X side to the +X side. FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the road surface marking drawn and drafted on the road surface RDL is a single stop line and the vertically written "Stop" from the +X side to the -X side along the Y direction. In the first mode, from the character "re" of the road surface marking, the characters "ma" and "re" and the line of the stop line are sequentially drawn toward the +X side. In the first mode, the projection direction of the projector 110 is lateral, that is, the +Y side, with respect to the moving direction D1 of the base 150. In the first mode, the orientation of the image IM projected from the projector 110 is a direction from the -X side to the +X side and is along the moving direction D1 of the base 150.

[0042] An operator (not shown) installs the projection system 100 at a position on the road shoulder surface RS for making a draft of "re" on the road surface RDL in the X direction, projects the image light LI from the projector 110 onto the road surface RDL, and enlargedly projects an image of the draft of "re". An outer contour line LL of "re" with appropriate dimensions in accordance with the Road Traffic Law is instantaneously projected onto the road surface RDL. While the outer contour line LL of "re" is projected on the road surface RDL, the operator (not shown) makes a draft of the auxiliary line along part or all of the outer contour line LL of "re" with chalk or the like.

[0043] Next, the worker grasps the grip 158 of the handle 154, moves the projection system 100 along the movement direction D1, and places it in a position where the character "Ma" is to be sketched on the road surface RDL on the road shoulder surface RS in the X direction. The projector 110 projects image light LI onto the road surface RDL, and enlarges and projects an image of the sketch of the character "Ma". The outline line LL of the character "Ma" with appropriate dimensions in accordance with the Road Traffic Act is instantly projected onto the road surface RDL. While the outline line LL of the character "Ma" is being projected onto the road surface RDL, the worker sketches an auxiliary line along part or all of the outline line LL of the character "Ma" with chalk or the like. By applying a similar process to the road markings of "Stop" and a stop line, a sketch of the road marking consisting of one stop line along the Y direction and a vertical "Stop" is drawn on the road surface RDL. Thereafter, a worker uses a painting device (not shown) to paint the road surface RDL along the outline, thereby completing the stop line and the "Stop" road marking.

[0044] As another example of the manner in which a draft of an auxiliary line of a road marking is performed, in a second manner, the projector 110 is placed on the road shoulder surface RS in the same manner as in the first manner, as shown in Fig. 4. In the second manner as well, the rotation stage 171 of the first installation unit 161 is aligned in the circumferential direction so that the image light LI from the projector 110 is emitted toward the +Y side and the -Z side relative to the base 150.

[0045] In the second embodiment, the moving direction D2 of the base 150, i.e., the projection system 100, is a direction from the +X side to the -X side along the X direction. FIG. 4 illustrates a case in which the road marking drawn and underlined on the road surface RDL is a stop line along the Y direction from the -X side to the +X side and a vertically written "STOP". In the second embodiment, the road marking character "re" is drawn in sequence on the -X side, followed by the characters "ma" and "to" and the stop line. In the second embodiment, the projection direction of the projector 110 is a side, i.e., the +Y side, with respect to the moving direction D2 of the base 150. In the second embodiment, the direction of the image IM projected from the projector 110 is also a direction from the -X side to the +X side, which is a direction along the moving direction D1 of the base 150.

[0046] The operator installs the projection system 100 at a position on the shoulder surface RS where it underwrites "re" with respect to the road surface RDL in the X direction, and can complete the underwriting of the road surface marking of "re" on the road surface RDL by the same process as in the first aspect.

[0047] Subsequently, an operator (not shown) grips the gripping portion 158 of the handle portion 154, moves the projection system 100 along the moving direction D2, installs it at a position on the shoulder surface RS where it underwrites "ma" with respect to the road surface RDL in the X direction, projects the image light LI from the projector 110 onto the road surface RDL, and enlargedly projects the image of the underwriting of "ma". On the road surface RDL, the outer contour line LL of "ma" with appropriate dimensions in accordance with the Road Traffic Law is instantaneously projected. While the outer contour line LL of "ma" is projected on the road surface RDL, the operator underwrites an auxiliary line along part or all of the outer contour line LL of "ma" with chalk or the like. By applying the same process to the road surface marking of "stop" and the stop line, the underwriting of the road surface marking composed of one stop line along the Y direction and the vertically written "stop" is drawn on the road surface RDL. Thereafter, the operator uses a painting device (not shown) to apply paint along the underwriting to the road surface RDL, thereby completing the stop line and the road surface marking of "stop".

[0048] As another example among the aspects of underwriting the auxiliary line of the road surface marking, in the third aspect, as shown in FIG. 5, the projector 110 is disposed on the road surface RDL. In the third aspect, the projection system 100 is in the state illustrated in FIG. 1. That is, the rotation stage 171 of the first installation portion 161 is aligned in the circumferential direction so that the image light LI from the projector 110 is emitted toward the +X side and the -Z side with respect to the base 150.

[0049] In the third aspect, the moving direction D3 of the base 150, that is, the projection system 100, is a direction from the +X side to the -X side along the X direction. FIG. 5 illustrates a case where the road marking drawn and drafted on the road surface RDL is the horizontally written "City Hall" from the -X side to the +X side. In the third aspect, the characters of "office" and "city" are sequentially drawn from the character of "place" of the road marking on the road surface RDL toward the -X side. In the third aspect, the projection direction of the projector 110 is opposite to the moving direction D3 of the base 150 in the X direction, that is, a direction from the -X side to the +X side. In the third aspect, the orientation of the image IM projected from the projector 110 is a direction from the +Y side to the -Y side, and is an orientation intersecting the moving direction D3 of the base 150.

[0050] The operator can install the projection system 100 at a position on the road surface RDL where "place" is drafted in the X direction, and complete the drafting of the road marking of "place" on the road surface RDL by the same process as in the first aspect.

[0051] Subsequently, an operator (not shown) grips the gripping portion 158 of the handle portion 154, moves the projection system 100 along the moving direction D3, installs it at a position on the road surface RDL where "office" is drafted in the X direction, projects the image light LI from the projector 110 onto the road surface RDL, and enlargedly projects the image of the drafting of "office". On the road surface RDL, the outer contour line LL of "office" with appropriate dimensions in accordance with the Road Traffic Law is instantaneously projected. While the outer contour line LL of "office" is projected on the road surface RDL, the operator drafts an auxiliary line along a part or all of the outer contour line LL of "ma" with chalk or the like. By applying the same process to the road marking of "city", the drafting of the road marking composed of the horizontally written "City Hall" along the Y direction is drawn on the road surface RDL. Thereafter, the operator uses a painting device (not shown) to apply paint along the drafting onto the road surface RDL, thereby completing the road marking of "City Hall".

[0052] Next, in the present embodiment, a form in which the operator can suitably perform the drafting of the road marking by the road marking image IM projected onto the road surface RD by the projection system 100 will be described.

[0053] Table 1 shows an example of the relationship between the size of the image IM when the aspect ratio of the image IM projected onto the road surface RD is changed, the height H of the projection unit 132 of the projector 110 from the road surface RD, and the slow ratio of the projection system 100. The unit of the size of the image IM is inches, and the unit of the height H of the projection unit 132 from the road surface RD is millimeters.

[0054] [Table 1]

[0055] The size of the image IM is the size of the image IM projected onto the road surface RD, and is 80 inches or more and 200 inches or less. Thus, a rough actual-size road marking image can be suitably projected onto the road surface RD. The aspect ratio of the image IM is the ratio of the length along the horizontal direction of the image IM to the length along the vertical direction.

[0056] The height H of the projection unit 132 from the road surface RD is the length from the center of the projection unit 132 to the road surface RD onto which the image IM is projected, or in other words, the projection distance. Here, the height H of the projection unit 132 from the road surface RD is set to be 100 mm or more and 1000 mm or less. The height H of the projection unit 132 from the road surface RD is set to be, for example, 1000 mm or less so as not to exceed the height from the moving surface MP of the gripping unit 158 as described above, and further set to be 100 mm or more so as to be able to form a large road marking image of 80 inches or more and 200 inches or less.

[0057] The throw ratio of the projection system 100 is a value obtained by dividing the projection distance, i.e., height H, by the length along the horizontal direction of the image IM. The throw ratio of the projection system 100 is, for example, 0.023 or more and 0.615 or less. From this, it is possible to project a road marking image onto the road surface RD by so-called ultra-short focus projection. Also, it is possible to suppress the situation where an object that blocks or enters the image is placed between the projection unit 132 of the projector 110 and the road surface RD onto which the image IM is projected. Furthermore, there is no defect in the road marking image, and the state of the road marking image projected onto the road surface RD can be maintained more suitably.

[0058] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment described above is a projection system that projects an image for painting a road marking onto the road surface RD, and includes a projector 110, a first installation part 161, a base 150, and a moving mechanism 180. The projector 110 projects the image IM toward the road surface RD. The projector 110 is installed in the first installation part 161. The first installation part 161 is provided on the base 150. The moving mechanism 180 moves the base 150.

[0059] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, since the projector 110 can project an image IM including the same outer contour line LL as that after the instant completion of the underwriting of the road marking onto the road surface RD, the time required for the conventional underwriting work of the road marking is significantly reduced. Even a novice worker involved in the underwriting of the road marking can use the projection system 100 to represent the accurate outer contour line LL on the road surface RD and proceed with the drawing of the road marking. According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the underwriting work of the road marking can be performed simply and easily, and the burden on constructors and workers can be reduced.

[0060] Conventionally, surveying on the road surface RD was performed before the draft work of road markings. However, in the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, for example, since data regarding the road surface RD can be acquired in advance at the stage of creating the original image and reflected in the original image, it is not necessary to perform surveying on the road surface RD again immediately before the draft work. Also from this, by using the projection system 100, the burden on constructors and workers can be reduced.

[0061] Conventionally, when the traffic volume during the day on the road surface RD where road markings are drawn is large, the draft work of road markings was performed under the situation where traffic was stopped at night, for example. In that case, for example, the worker was proceeding with the draft work while wearing night lighting on the head or the like. However, in the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, since the image light LI projected from the projector 110 onto the road surface RD also serves as illumination during the draft work, the worker does not need to wear illumination, and it is not necessary to separately install strong illumination. Also, by using the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the working time of road markings including the draft work can be shortened, and the time for taking measures such as traffic stoppage can be shortened. Furthermore, even when the projection system 100 of the present embodiment is used during the day, the outer contour line LL of the image IM projected onto the road surface RD is easily visible as a light-emitting part. Also from these, by using the projection system 100, the burden on constructors and workers can be reduced.

[0062] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 110 can be mounted on the first installation part 161 and stabilized with respect to the base 150. In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, since the base 150 on which the projector 110 is installed can be moved by the moving mechanism 180, for example, compared with a conventional device that directly displays road markings in a predetermined direction without a moving mechanism, a single projection system can efficiently perform the draft of a plurality of road markings.

[0063] Conventionally, for example, projecting road markings onto the road surface from the lighting section of a vehicle has been considered. However, with such a technique, it is difficult to instantaneously project and stably display an image as a draft of the road markings onto the road surface, as in the projection system 100 of the present embodiment.

[0064] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 110 includes a light modulation device 124 that modulates the color light (light) emitted from the light source 122, and a projection optical system (projection optical device) 126 that projects the image light (light) LI emitted from the light modulation device 124 as an image IM. The projection optical system 126 has a reflection mirror 128 that bends the optical path of the image light LI incident from the light modulation device 124.

[0065] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, since the projection optical system 126 has the reflection mirror 128, the projector 110 can be arranged on the -Z side in a position close to the road surface RD in the Z direction, that is, in a region on the +Z side from the base 150, and the emission unit 132 of the projector 110 can be brought closer to the road surface RD. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the situation where an object that blocks or enters the image light LI and the image IM is arranged between the projector 110 and the road surface RD, and it is possible to more suitably maintain the state where the image IM is projected on the road surface RD.

[0066] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 110 has an emission unit 132 from which the image light (light as an image) LI is emitted from the exterior housing 120 of the projector. The size of the image IM on the road surface is 80 inches or more and 200 inches or less. The height of the emission unit 132 from the road surface RD is 100 mm or more and 1000 mm or less. The slow ratio of the projection system 100 of the present embodiment is 0.023 or more and 0.615 or less.

[0067] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 110 is disposed at a position close to the road surface RD, and the image IM is projected with a large image size. According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, an image IM having a size sufficient to project the actual size of the road marking for draft can be projected onto the road surface RD, and it is possible to reduce the situation where an object that blocks the image light LI and the image IM is disposed or enters between the projector 110 and the road surface RD, and the state in which the image IM is projected onto the road surface RD can be maintained more preferably.

[0068] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the base 150 has a second installation portion 162 where the electronic device 250 that controls the image IM projected by the projector 110 is installed.

[0069] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the electronic device 250 can easily adjust the image IM suitable for the draft of the road marking, and the electronic device 250 can be mounted on the second installation portion 162 and stabilized with respect to the base 150.

[0070] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment further includes a handle portion 154 having a grip portion 158 that a user grips to move the base 150. In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the projector 110 has an emission portion 132 from which image light (light) LI as an image is emitted from the exterior housing 120. The height of the emission portion 132 from the road surface RD is lower than the height of the grip portion 158 from the road surface RD.

[0071] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the emission portion 132 of the projector 110 can be brought closer to the road surface RD than the position where the user grips the grip portion 158.

[0072] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, for example, the projection direction of the projector 110 is lateral with respect to the moving directions D1 and D2 of the base 150. In this case, the orientation of the image IM projected from the projector 110 is along the moving directions D1 and D2 of the base 150.

[0073] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, an image IM is projected from the road shoulder surface RS on the side of the road surface RD that makes a draft of the road marking onto the road surface RD, and the draft of the road marking in the direction along the extending direction of the road surface RD can be instantaneously performed.

[0074] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, for example, the projection direction of the projector 110 is opposite to the moving direction D3 of the base 150. In this case, the direction of the image IM projected from the projector 110 is a direction intersecting the moving direction D3 of the base 150.

[0075] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, an image IM is projected onto the road surface RD on the road surface RD that makes a draft of the road marking, and the draft of the road marking in the direction intersecting the extending direction of the road surface RD can be instantaneously performed.

[0076] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment further includes a main body (movement regulation mechanism) 184 that regulates the moving directions D1, D2, and D3 of the base 150 moved by the casters 282 as the movement mechanism 180 in a predetermined direction.

[0077] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, since the moving directions of the wheels 190 and the base 150 are determined in a predetermined direction by the main body 184 that is rotationally different with respect to the moving surface MP and the road surface RD in the casters 282, the base 150 can be accurately moved and stabilized.

[0078] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment further includes a stopper (locking mechanism) 188 that regulates the movement of the base 150 by the movement mechanism 180.

[0079] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, in the casters 182 and 282 as the moving mechanism 180, when the stopper 188 is switched to the locked position, the rotation of the wheel 190 can be easily stopped, and unexpected movement of the base 150 can be prevented. For example, when the road surface RD is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, while the projection system 100 projects the image IM for the draft of the road marking onto the road surface RD, by switching the stopper 188 from the released position to the locked position, the projection system 100 can be stabilized on the moving surface MP and the road shoulder surface RS. This can reduce the burden on constructors and workers.

[0080] The projection system 100 of the present embodiment further includes rotary stages (rotating mechanisms) 171, 172, and 173. The rotary stage 171 is provided at the first installation portion 161, and by rotating the projector 110, the projection direction of the projector 110 with respect to the moving directions D1, D2, and D3 of the base 150 is changed.

[0081] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, according to the relative position between the installation surface of the projection system 100, that is, the moving surface MP and the road surface RD, and the relative relationship between the installation position of the projection system 100 and the position on the road surface RD where the image IM is to be projected, the emission direction of the image light LI from the projector 110 and the orientation of the image IM can be adjusted freely and easily. This expands the usage range of the projection system 100.

[0082] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the rotary stage (rotating mechanism) 171 rotates the projector 110 in the direction along the road surface RD.

[0083] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, by using the rotary stage 171, the emission direction of the image light LI from the projector 110 can be adjusted freely and easily within the XY plane parallel to the road surface RD.

[0084] In the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, the rotary stages (rotation mechanisms) 172 and 173 rotate the projector 110 in the Z direction that intersects the direction along the road surface RD.

[0085] According to the projection system 100 of the present embodiment, by using the rotary stages 172 and 173, the posture of the projector 110 can be adjusted within a plane including the Z direction perpendicular to the road surface RD, and the direction of the image IM projected from the projector 110 onto the road surface RD can be freely and easily adjusted.

[0086] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0087] [Summary of the Present Disclosure] The summary of the present disclosure is appended below. (Supplementary Note 1) A projection system for projecting an image for painting road markings on a road surface, the projection system including: a projector that projects the image toward the road surface; a first installation portion on which the projector is installed; a base provided with the first installation portion; and a moving mechanism that moves the base.

[0088] With the configuration of Supplementary Note 1, a draft image such as an outline of a road marking can be instantaneously projected from the projector onto the road surface, so that the time required for the conventional draft work of road markings is reduced. With the configuration of Supplementary Note 1, the draft work of road markings can be performed simply and easily, and the burden on constructors and workers can be reduced.

[0089] (Supplementary Note 2) The projector includes a light modulation device that modulates light emitted from a light source, and a projection optical device that projects the light emitted from the light modulation device as the image, and the projection optical device has a reflection mirror that bends the optical path of the light incident from the light modulation device. The projection system of Supplementary Note 1.

[0090] With the configuration of Supplementary Note 2, the projector can be placed close to the road surface. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the placement or intrusion of obstacles that block the image between the projector and the road surface, and it is possible to more suitably maintain the state where the image is projected onto the road surface.

[0091] (Supplementary Note 3) The projector has an emission part from which light as the image is emitted from the exterior housing of the projector. The size of the image on the road surface is 80 inches or more and 200 inches or less. The height of the emission part from the road surface is 100 mm or more and 1000 mm or less. The slow ratio is 0.023 or more and 0.615 or less. The projection system according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2.

[0092] With the configuration of Supplementary Note 3, the projector can be placed close to the road surface, and furthermore, an image can be projected with a large image size. Therefore, it is possible to project an image of a size sufficient to project the actual size of the road surface marking for proofreading onto the road surface, and it is possible to reduce the placement or intrusion of obstacles that block the image between the projector and the road surface, and it is possible to more suitably maintain the state where the image is projected onto the road surface.

[0093] (Supplementary Note 4) The base has a second installation part where an electronic device that controls the image projected by the projector is installed. The projection system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3.

[0094] With the configuration of Supplementary Note 4, it is possible to easily adjust an image suitable for proofreading of the road surface marking by an electronic device, and it is possible to mount the electronic device on the second installation part and stabilize it with respect to the base.

[0095] (Appendix 5) The projector further includes a handle portion having a gripping portion that a user grips to move the base. The projector has an ejection portion from which light as the image is ejected from the exterior housing of the projector, and the height of the ejection portion from the road surface is lower than the height of the gripping portion from the road surface. The projection system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4.

[0096] With the configuration of Appendix 5, the ejection portion of the projector can be brought closer to the road surface than the position where the user grips the gripping portion.

[0097] (Appendix 6) The projection direction of the projector is lateral with respect to the moving direction of the base, and the orientation of the image projected from the projector is in the direction along the moving direction of the base. The projection system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5.

[0098] With the configuration of Appendix 6, an image can be projected onto the road surface from the shoulder surface on the side of the road surface where a draft of the road marking is made, and a draft of the road marking in the direction along the extending direction of the road surface can be made.

[0099] (Appendix 7) The projection direction of the projector is opposite to the moving direction of the base, and the orientation of the image projected from the projector is an orientation intersecting the moving direction of the base. The projection system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5.

[0100] With the configuration of Appendix 7, an image can be projected onto the road surface on the road surface where a draft of the road marking is made, and a draft of the road marking in an orientation intersecting the extending direction of the road surface can be made.

[0101] (Appendix 8) The projection system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7 further includes a movement restricting mechanism that restricts the moving direction of the base moved by the movement mechanism to a predetermined direction.

[0102] With the configuration of Appendix 8, since the moving direction of the base is determined in a predetermined direction, the base can be moved accurately and the base can be stabilized.

[0103] (Appendix 9) The projection system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, further comprising a locking mechanism for restricting the movement of the base by the movement mechanism.

[0104] With the configuration of Appendix 9, the operation of the movement mechanism can be easily stopped, and unexpected movement of the base can be prevented. Even when the road surface is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, while an image is being projected from the projector, the projection system can be stopped on the installation surface, and the underwriting of the road marking can be performed smoothly.

[0105] (Appendix 10) The projection system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9, further comprising a rotation mechanism provided in the first installation portion for changing the projection direction of the projector with respect to the movement direction of the base by rotating the projector.

[0106] In the configuration of Appendix 10, the emission direction of light from the projector and the orientation of the image can be adjusted freely and easily, and the usage range of the projection system can be expanded.

[0107] (Appendix 11) The projection system according to Appendix 10, wherein the rotation mechanism rotates the projector in a direction along the road surface.

[0108] In the configuration of Appendix 11, the emission direction of light from the projector can be adjusted freely and easily.

[0109] (Appendix 12) The projection system according to Appendix 10, wherein the rotation mechanism rotates the projector in a direction intersecting the direction along the road surface.

[0110] In the configuration of Appendix 12, the orientation of the image projected from the projector can be adjusted freely and easily.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0111] 100... Projection system, 110... Projector, 150... Base, 161... First installation portion, 180... Movement mechanism.

Claims

1. A projection system for projecting an image for painting a road surface marking onto the road surface, comprising: a projector for projecting the image onto the road surface; a first installation part where the projector is installed; a base provided with the first installation part; a moving mechanism for moving the base; and a projection system.

2. The projector includes: a light modulation device for modulating light emitted from a light source; a projection optical device for projecting the light emitted from the light modulation device as the image; and the projection optical device has a reflection mirror for bending the optical path of the light incident from the light modulation device. The projection system according to Claim 1.

3. The projector has an emission part from which light as the image is emitted from an outer housing of the projector, the size of the image on the road surface is 80 inches or more and 200 inches or less, the height of the emission part from the road surface is 100 mm or more and 1000 mm or less, and the slow ratio is 0.023 or more and 0.615 or less. The projection system according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The base has a second installation part where an electronic device for controlling the image projected by the projector is installed. The projection system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

5. The projection system further includes a handle part having a gripping part for a user to grip to move the base, the projector has an emission part from which light as the image is emitted from an outer housing of the projector, and the height of the emission part from the road surface is lower than the height of the gripping part from the road surface. The projection system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

6. The projection direction of the projector is lateral with respect to the moving direction of the base, and the orientation of the image projected from the projector is along the moving direction of the base. The projection system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

7. The projection direction of the projector is opposite to the moving direction of the base, and the orientation of the image projected from the projector intersects the moving direction of the base. The projection system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

8. The projection system further includes a movement restricting mechanism for restricting the moving direction of the base moved by the moving mechanism to a predetermined direction. The projection system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

9. Further comprising a locking mechanism for restricting the movement of the base by the moving mechanism The projection system according to claim 1 or claim 2

10. Further comprising a rotating mechanism provided on the first installation part and changing the projection direction of the projector with respect to the moving direction of the base by rotating the projector The projection system according to claim 1 or claim 2

11. The rotating mechanism rotates the projector in a direction along the road surface The projection system according to claim 10

12. The rotating mechanism rotates the projector in a direction intersecting the direction along the road surface The projection system according to claim 10

Images