Vehicle image projection system

Abstract

To provide a vehicle image projection system capable of improving visibility of a projection image as seen by each adjacent occupant.SOLUTION: A vehicle image projection system 1 is substantially constituted by comprising: a first projector 2a that projects a first projection image 21, which is, in adjacent first and second occupants 9a and 9b, less visible to the first occupant 9a compared to the second occupant 9b, onto a projection area 10 from a first direction 101; and a second projector 2b that projects a second projection image 22, which is less visible to the second occupant 9b compared to the first occupant 9a, onto the projection area 10 from a second direction 102, which differs from the first direction 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle image projection system. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional technique, an image display device is known that includes a projection means for projecting an image related to image data, a location determination means for determining a location within a vehicle where the image is to be projected, and a control means for causing the projection means to project the image onto the location determined by the location determination means (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] This image display device can display captured images of the vehicle's surroundings at a location desired by the driver, without the need to install an additional monitor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-248918 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In such a conventional image display device, when a projected captured image is specularly reflected, visibility can be ensured in the direction of specular reflection relative to the projection direction, but visibility decreases in directions close to the projection direction.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle image projection system that can improve the visibility of the projected image as seen by each of adjacent occupants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle image projection system that includes a first projection unit that projects a first projection image, which is less visible to a first occupant than to a second occupant, from a first direction onto a projection area, and a second projection unit that projects a second projection image, which is less visible to the second occupant than to the first occupant, onto the projection area from a second direction different from the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the visibility of the projected image as seen by each of the adjacent occupants can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle in which a vehicle image projection system according to an embodiment is arranged, and FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vehicle image projection system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is an example of a top view of a vehicle on which the vehicle image projection system according to the embodiment is arranged, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of regular reflection. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of a handle portion of a first projector according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of a handle portion of a second projector. [Figure 4] 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams showing an example of a first projection image projected onto a projection area by a first projector of the vehicle image projection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams showing an example of a second projection image projected onto a projection area by a second projector of the vehicle image projection system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a handle of the second projector when a part of the first projected image and a part of the second projected image overlap each other according to the embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7(a) shows an example of a first projected image projected by a first projector of the embodiment, FIG. 7(b) shows an example of a second projected image projected by a second projector, and FIG. 7(c) shows an example of a projected image formed by the first projected image and the second projected image. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing an example of a pattern of the first projector according to the embodiment, and FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing an example of a pattern of the second projector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a projected image obtained by projecting the first projected image and the second projected image according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Summary of the embodiment) The vehicle image projection system according to the embodiment includes a first projection unit that projects a first projection image, which is less visible to a first occupant than to a second occupant, from a first direction onto a projection area, of a first occupant and a second occupant who are adjacent to each other; The vehicle is generally configured to include a second projection unit that projects a second projection image that is less visible to a second occupant than to a first occupant onto a projection area from a second direction different from the first direction.

[0011] This vehicle image projection system projects a first projection image that is less visible to the first occupant than the second occupant, i.e., more visible to the second occupant, and a second projection image that is less visible to the second occupant than the first occupant, i.e., more visible to the first occupant, onto the same projection area, thereby improving the visibility of the projection image as seen by each of the adjacent occupants compared to when this configuration is not adopted.

[0012] [Embodiment Mode] (Overview of Vehicle Image Projection System 1) FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of the interior of a vehicle in which a vehicle image projection system according to an embodiment is installed, and FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of the vehicle image projection system. FIG. 2(a) is an example of a top view of a vehicle in which a vehicle image projection system according to an embodiment is installed, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of specular reflection. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of a handle of a first projector according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of a handle of a second projector. FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c) are diagrams showing an example of a first projected image projected onto a projection area by a first projector of the vehicle image projection system according to an embodiment. FIGS. 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams showing an example of a second projected image projected onto a projection area by a second projector of the vehicle image projection system according to an embodiment. The projected image 23 shown in FIG. 2(b) is formed by overlapping a first projected image 21 and a second projected image 22.

[0013] In the drawings relating to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes of the figures may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. Also, in Figure 1(b), arrows indicate the flow of main signals and information.

[0014] 1(a), the vehicle image projection system 1 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 8, for example, and projects notifications from an in-vehicle device 89, for example. Examples of the in-vehicle device 89 include a vehicle control device that controls the overall vehicle settings and automatic driving functions, an air conditioning device that adjusts the temperature inside the vehicle, a navigation device that displays a map of the current location and provides guidance to the destination, a seat device that controls the position and tilt of the seat, and a music and video playback device that plays music and videos. An overview of the vehicle image projection system 1 will be described below.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1(a) to 2(b), the vehicle image projection system 1 is generally configured to include a first projector 2a as a first projection unit that projects a first projection image 21, which is less visible to the first occupant 9a than to the second occupant 9b, from a first direction 101 onto a projection area 10, and a second projector 2b as a second projection unit that projects a second projection image 22, which is less visible to the second occupant 9b than to the first occupant 9a, onto the projection area 10 from a second direction 102 different from the first direction 101.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2(b), for example, the first projector 2a is disposed at a first location where it projects a first projection image 21 onto the projection area 10 from a first direction 101 that is a specular reflection direction for the first occupant 9a. As shown in Fig. 2(b), for example, the second projector 2b is disposed at a second location where it projects a second projection image 22 onto the projection area 10 from a second direction 102 that is a specular reflection direction for the second occupant 9b.

[0017] As an example, the first occupant 9a is an occupant seated in the driver's seat 80 of the vehicle 8. As an example, the second occupant 9b is an occupant seated in the passenger seat 81 of the vehicle 8. As an example, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the first projector 2a has a first installation location that is a front pillar 83 on the driver's seat 80 side at the front of the vehicle 8, and a panel 82 in front of the driver's seat 80 and the passenger seat 81 as its projection area 10. As an example, the second projector 2b has a second installation location that is a front pillar 84 on the passenger seat 81 side at the front of the vehicle 8, and a panel 82 as its projection area 10.

[0018] 1(b), the vehicle image projection system 1 includes a control unit 7 that comprehensively controls the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b. Note that the vehicle image projection system 1 may also include a control unit for each of the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b.

[0019] In the vehicle image projection system 1 of the present embodiment, the first occupant 9a is seated in the driver's seat 80 and the second occupant 9b is seated in the passenger seat 81, but the present invention is not limited to this and the first occupant 9a and the second occupant 9b may be seated next to each other in seats other than the driver's seat 80 and the passenger seat 81, such as in the rear seat 87. When the vehicle image projection system 1 projects the projection image 23 onto the first occupant 9a and the second occupant 9b seated in the rear seat 87, the projection area 10 is, for example, the back surface 88a of the console box 88 between the driver's seat 80 and the passenger seat 81.

[0020] (Configuration of the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b) As an example, the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b in this embodiment have the same configuration but are placed on the front pillar 83 and the front pillar 84 with different orientations, so they will be described below as having the same configuration, but they may be different.

[0021] The first and second installation locations of the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b are not limited to the front pillars 83 and 84, and may be the right ceiling 85a, the left ceiling 85b, the center pillar 86a on the driver's seat 80 side, or the center pillar 86b on the passenger seat 81 side of the ceiling 85 of the vehicle 8. When the panel 82 is used as the projection area 10, the right ceiling 85a and the left ceiling 85b are preferably the ceiling 85 above the driver's seat 80 and the passenger seat 81, for example.

[0022] As an example, the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b are roughly configured to include a light source unit 3, a condenser lens unit 4, a handle unit 5, and a projection lens unit 6, as shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0023] Arrangement of the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b As shown in Fig. 2(b), light 200a emitted from the first projector 2a forms a first projected image 21 in the projection area 10. Also, light 201a emitted from the second projector 2b forms a second projected image 22 in the projection area 10, as shown in Fig. 2(b).

[0024] When the panel 82 specularly reflects the light 200a and the light 201a rather than diffusely reflecting them, the angles of incidence and reflection of the light 200a and the light 201a relative to the reference line 100, which is the normal to the reference surface 103 that serves as the reflecting surface, are equal, as shown in FIG. 2(b). Specifically, the angle of incidence of the light 200a from the first projector 2a is angle θ1, and the angle of reflection is angle θ2. The angle of incidence of the light 201a from the second projector 2b is angle θ2, and the angle of reflection is angle θ1. In other words, the angles θ1 and θ2 are equal in the case of specular reflection.

[0025] The panel 82 may not be a surface that only reflects light specularly, but may be a surface that mainly reflects specularly rather than diffusely.

[0026] 2(a), when the vehicle 8 is viewed from above, the reference line 100 is, for example, a straight line that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 8 and passes through the center between the driver's seat 80 and the passenger seat 81. The reference plane 103 is, for example, a plane in the projection area 10 with the reference line 100 as its normal line. The reference line 100 and the reference plane 103 are ideal lines and planes assumed for the sake of simplicity of explanation, and for example, the surface of the projection area 10 of the panel 82 and the reference plane 103 are not necessarily parallel planes.

[0027] Light 200a from the first projector 2a is reflected by the reference surface 103 and then reflected as reflected light 200b in the direction of the same reflection angle as the incident angle. Light 201a from the second projector 2b is reflected by the reference surface 103 and then reflected as reflected light 201b in the direction of the same reflection angle as the incident angle.

[0028] As described above, the light 200a is mainly specularly reflected. Therefore, the light 200a has a smaller amount of light than the reflected light 200b, which is light 200c that is reflected and travels back in the direction of the first projector 2a, which is the output source. Similarly to the light 200a, the light 201a is mainly specularly reflected. Therefore, the light 201a has a smaller amount of light than the reflected light 201b, which is light 201c that is reflected and travels back in the direction of the second projector 2b, which is the output source.

[0029] When the first occupant 9a is located in a position where the light 200c returning in the direction of the first projector 2a is visible, the first occupant 9a has difficulty viewing the first projected image 21 compared to the second projected image 22 formed by the reflected light 201b because the amount of light 200c is small. Also, when the second occupant 9b is located in a position where the light 201c returning in the direction of the second projector 2b is visible, the second occupant 9b has difficulty viewing the second projected image 22 compared to the first projected image 21 formed by the reflected light 200b because the amount of light 201c is small.

[0030] That is, the first projected image 21 is easily visible to an occupant who is positioned symmetrically to the first occupant 9a with the reference line 100 as the axis of symmetry. The second projected image 22 is easily visible to an occupant who is positioned symmetrically to the second occupant 9b with the reference line 100 as the axis of symmetry.

[0031] 2(a), the driver's seat 80 and the passenger seat 81 of the vehicle 8 are disposed in positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the reference line 100. Therefore, the first occupant 9a seated in the driver's seat 80 and the second occupant 9b seated in the passenger seat 81 are disposed in positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the reference line 100. Note that, since the first occupant 9a and the second occupant 9b are disposed in line-symmetrical positions, they are positioned equidistant from the reference line 100, but this is not a limitation, and their front-to-rear positions may change along the first direction 101 and the second direction 102.

[0032] Therefore, in the vehicle image projection system 1 of this embodiment, the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b are arranged in positions that are line-symmetrical with respect to the reference line 100 as the axis of symmetry, and are located close to the first occupant 9a and the second occupant 9b. Note that the arrangement of the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b is line-symmetrical, but is not limited to this, and they may be shifted within an allowable range depending on the position of the projection area 10. This allowable range is a range in which the second occupant 9b can easily view the first projection image 21 and the first occupant 9a can easily see the second projection image 22.

[0033] This arrangement makes it easier for the first passenger 9a to see the second projected image 22 projected by the second projector 2b than the first projected image 21 projected by the first projector 2a, which is located closer. Also, it is easier for the second passenger 9b to see the first projected image 21 projected by the first projector 2a than the second projected image 22 projected by the second projector 2b, which is located closer.

[0034] The first projector 2a and the second projector 2b of this embodiment project a first projection image 21 and a second projection image 22 based on the same pattern so that they overlap on the same projection area 10. The vehicle image projection system 1 projects the second projection image 22 that is easily visible to the first occupant 9a and the first projection image 21 that is easily visible to the second occupant 9b, thereby improving the visibility of the projection images as seen by adjacent occupants.

[0035] (Configuration of light source unit 3) 1(b), the light source unit 3 of the first projector 2a has a light emitting element 31 that outputs projection light 310 for projecting pattern 51, a light emitting element 32 that outputs projection light 320 for projecting pattern 52, and a light emitting element 33 that outputs projection light 330 for projecting pattern 53. These light emitting elements 31 to 33 are arranged in a straight line at equal intervals on the substrate 30.

[0036] As an example, the light emitting elements 31 to 33 are LED (Light Emission Diode) elements that output white projection light 310 to 330, but are not limited to this and may be LD (Laser Diode) elements, etc. Furthermore, as an example, the light emitting elements 31 to 33 output projection light 310 to 330 of the same color, but are not limited to this and at least one of them may output projection light of a different color.

[0037] The light source unit 3 of the second projector 2b has a light emitting element 34 that outputs projection light 340 for projecting a pattern 54, a light emitting element 35 that outputs projection light 350 for projecting a pattern 55, and a light emitting element 36 that outputs projection light 360 for projecting a pattern 56. These light emitting elements 34 to 36 are arranged in a straight line at equal intervals on the substrate 30.

[0038] As an example, the light emitting elements 34 to 36 are LED elements that output white projection light 340 to 360, but are not limited to this and may be LD elements, etc. Furthermore, as an example, the light emitting elements 34 to 36 output projection light 340 to 360 of the same color, but are not limited to this and at least one of them may output projection light of a different color.

[0039] Although the light source unit 3 is arranged so that one light emitting element corresponds to one pattern, this is not limiting and one pattern may be configured to be projected by multiple light emitting elements. In this case, the multiple light emitting elements may be configured to output light of the same color, or at least one may be configured to output light of a different color.

[0040] (Configuration of condenser lens unit 4) 1(b), the condenser lens section 4 of the first projector 2a has a condenser lens 41 that condenses the projection light 310, a condenser lens 42 that condenses the projection light 320, and a condenser lens 43 that condenses the projection light 330. In the condenser lens section 4 of the first projector 2a, the condenser lenses 41 to 43 are integrally formed, but this is not limitative and they may be formed separately.

[0041] The condenser lens section 4 of the second projector 2b has a condenser lens 44 that condenses the projection light 340, a condenser lens 45 that condenses the projection light 350, and a condenser lens 46 that condenses the projection light 360. In the condenser lens section 4 of the second projector 2b, the condenser lenses 44 to 46 are integrally formed, but this is not limitative and they may be formed separately.

[0042] (Configuration of handle 5) 3(a) and 3(b), the pattern portion 5 has a plurality of patterns divided into regions. The control unit 7 is configured to control the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b in response to a control signal S7 obtained from the in-vehicle device 89, and to switch the pattern to be projected by switching the region onto which the projection light is irradiated.

[0043] As an example, the handle portion 5 of this embodiment has a plurality of handles indicating that the door of the vehicle 8 is open, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), but is not limited to this.

[0044] The handle portion 5 of the first projector 2a has a transparent substrate 50 on which patterns 51 to 53 are formed, as shown in Fig. 3(a), for example. The handle portion 5 of the second projector 2b has a transparent substrate 50 on which patterns 54 to 56 are formed, as shown in Fig. 3(b), for example.

[0045] The patterns 51 to 56 are formed by light-transmitting regions that transmit light and light-blocking regions that block light. As an example, the light-transmitting regions and light-blocking regions are formed on a surface 500 of a transparent substrate 50, as shown in FIG. 1(b). The surface 500 of the transparent substrate 50 faces the projection lens unit 6, and the back surface 501 faces the condenser lens unit 4.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3(a), the transparent substrate 50 of the first projector 2a has a surface 500 divided into a first region 50a, a second region 50b, and a third region 50c. A pattern 51 is formed in the first region 50a. A pattern 52 is formed in the second region 50b. A pattern 53 is formed in the third region 50c. As shown in Figs. 3(a) and 3(b), the transparent substrate 50 of the second projector 2b is divided into three regions and patterns 54 to 56 are formed thereon, similar to the first projector 2a.

[0047] Although patterns 51 to 53 and patterns 54 to 56 are formed by dividing one transparent substrate 50 into three regions, the present invention is not limited to this and a transparent substrate may be prepared for each pattern. Furthermore, first projector 2a and second projector 2b may be configured to switch patterns by rotating or displacing transparent substrate 50 to change the projection location on surface 500.

[0048] Pattern 51 is a design combining a vehicle with its right door open and the words "RIGHT DOOR OPEN." This pattern 51 is projected by projection light 310 from the rear surface 501 of transparent substrate 50. Therefore, when pattern 51 is projected, as shown in FIG. 4(a), it is projected onto projection area 10 as first projection image 21, which is an inverted version of the pattern. Note that pattern 54 of second projector 2b has the same design as pattern 51, and is projected onto projection area 10 as second projection image 22 by projection light 340, as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 5(a), for example.

[0049] Pattern 52 is a design combining a vehicle with its left door open and the words "LEFT DOOR OPEN." This pattern 52 is projected by projection light 320 from the rear surface 501 of transparent substrate 50. Therefore, when pattern 52 is projected, as shown in FIG. 4(b), it is projected onto projection area 10 as first projection image 21, which is an inverted version of the pattern. Note that pattern 55 of second projector 2b has the same design as pattern 52, and is projected onto projection area 10 as second projection image 22 by projection light 350, as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 5(b), for example.

[0050] Pattern 53 is a design combining a vehicle with its rear gate open and the words "BOOT OPEN." This pattern 53 is projected by projection light 330 from the rear surface 501 of the transparent substrate 50. Therefore, when pattern 53 is projected, as shown in FIG. 4(c), it is projected onto the projection area 10 as a first projection image 21 in which the design is inverted. Note that pattern 56 of the second projector 2b has the same design as pattern 53, and is projected onto the projection area 10 as a second projection image 22 by projection light 360, as shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 5(c), for example.

[0051] As a modified example, the pattern portion 5 may be configured as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, etc. In this case, the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b display and project the same pattern corresponding to the control signal S7 acquired from the in-vehicle device 89 on the liquid crystal display, the organic EL display, etc.

[0052] (Configuration of projection lens unit 6) The projection lens unit 6 of the first projector 2a has a projection lens 61 that enlarges and projects the pattern 51, a projection lens 62 that enlarges and projects the pattern 52, and a projection lens 63 that enlarges and projects the pattern 53. In the projection lens unit 6 of the first projector 2a, the projection lenses 61 to 63 are integrally formed, but are not limited to this and may be formed separately.

[0053] The projection lens unit 6 of the second projector 2b has a projection lens 64 that enlarges and projects the pattern 54, a projection lens 65 that enlarges and projects the pattern 55, and a projection lens 66 that enlarges and projects the pattern 56. In the projection lens unit 6 of the second projector 2b, the projection lenses 64 to 66 are integrally formed, but are not limited to this and may be formed separately.

[0054] (Configuration of control unit 7) The control unit 7 is a microcomputer that includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on acquired data according to stored programs, and semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, programs for operating the control unit 7. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area for temporarily storing calculation results and the like.

[0055] 1(b), the control unit 7 is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 31 to 33 of the first projector 2a. The control unit 7 is configured to control the turning on and off of the light-emitting elements 31 to 33 of the first projector 2a by outputting first lighting control signals S1 to third lighting control signals S3.

[0056] 1(b), the control unit 7 is electrically connected to the light-emitting elements 34 to 36 of the second projector 2b. The control unit 7 is configured to control the turning on and off of the light-emitting elements 34 to 36 of the second projector 2b by outputting a fourth lighting control signal S4 to a sixth lighting control signal S6.

[0057] The light emitting elements 31 to 36 of the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b are turned on by inputting, for example, the first lighting control signal S1 to the sixth lighting control signal S6, and are turned off when no such signal is input. The first lighting control signal S1 to the sixth lighting control signal S6 are, for example, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals, but are not limited to this.

[0058] The control unit 7 selects the patterns 51 to 56 to be turned on or off based on the control signal S7 obtained from the in-vehicle device 89, and outputs a lighting control signal for the light emitting elements to be turned on.

[0059] (Other configurations of the handle 5) Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a handle of a second projector when a first projected image and a second projected image according to an embodiment partially overlap. Fig. 7(a) shows an example of a first projected image projected by a first projector according to an embodiment, Fig. 7(b) shows an example of a second projected image projected by a second projector, and Fig. 7(c) is a diagram showing an example of a projected image formed by the first projected image and the second projected image. Fig. 8(a) is a diagram showing an example of a handle of a first projector according to an embodiment, and Fig. 8(b) is a diagram showing an example of a handle of a second projector. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a projected image obtained by projecting the first projected image and the second projected image according to an embodiment.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the first projected image 21 and the second projected image 22 have the same shape, but this is not limiting. Another example of the configuration of the handle 5 will be described below.

[0061] The first projected image 21 and the second projected image 22 at least partially overlap in the projection area 10 .

[0062] Specifically, as an example, the first projector 2a has a pattern 51a in the first region 50a, a pattern 52a in the second region 50b, and a pattern 53a in the third region 50c, as shown in Fig. 6. The patterns 51a to 53a are the left half patterns of the patterns 54 to 56 of the second projector 2b shown in Fig. 3(b).

[0063] The first projected image 21 based on the patterns 51a to 53a is projected onto the projection area 10, overlapping a portion of the second projected image 22. The first occupant 9a visually recognizes the projected image 23, in which the brightness of the portion overlapped by the first projected image 21 is increased. Note that the color of one of the first projected image 21 and the second projected image 22 may be changed, or the thickness or shape of one of the lines may be changed.

[0064] Therefore, the vehicle image projection system 1 can adjust the brightness, color, etc. of the overlapping portion by overlapping one of the first projected image 21 and the second projected image 22 with the other.

[0065] In the vehicle image projection system 1, the first projection image 21 includes information for the second occupant 9b, and the second projection image 22 includes information for the first occupant 9a.

[0066] As shown in Fig. 7(a), the handle 5 of the first projector 2a has a handle 51b of "MESSAGE B" as information for the second occupant 9b. As shown in Fig. 7(b), the handle 5 of the second projector 2b has a handle 54b of "MESSAGE A" as information for the first occupant 9a.

[0067] Although the first projected image 21 is difficult for the first occupant 9a to see, it is not impossible for the first occupant 9a to see, and the same is true for the second projected image 22. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7(c), the handles 51b and 54b are provided on the handle portion 5 at the left and right sides so that the projected image 23b representing "MESSAGE A" and the projected image 23a representing "MESSAGE B" do not overlap.

[0068] The first occupant 9a mainly views the projection image 23a showing "MESSAGE A" among the projection images 23. The second occupant 9b mainly views the projection image 23b showing "MESSAGE B" among the projection images 23.

[0069] 7(a) and 7(b), the patterns 51b and 54b are positioned to the left and right so as not to overlap when projected, but this is not limited thereto and they may at least partially overlap. Furthermore, the patterns 51b and 54b may have other designs in addition to the designs indicating information.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 8(a), the pattern 51c of the first projector 2a indicates the airflow rate of the air conditioner as information for the second occupant 9b. As shown in Fig. 8(b), the pattern 54c of the second projector 2b indicates the approach of another vehicle.

[0071] The patterns 51c and 54c are formed so as not to overlap each other. The first projected image 21 and the second projected image 22, which are projected patterns 51c and 54c, are projected onto the projection area 10 as a projected image 23 in which the designs do not overlap each other, as shown in FIG.

[0072] The first occupant 9a mainly sees the projection image 23a, which indicates the approach of another vehicle, among the projection images 23. The second occupant 9b mainly sees the projection image 23b, which indicates the airflow rate of the air conditioner, among the projection images 23. Note that the patterns 51c and 54c may be arranged to partially overlap each other.

[0073] (Effects of the embodiment) The vehicle image projection system 1 according to this embodiment can improve the visibility of the projected image as seen by each of the adjacent occupants. Specifically, the vehicle image projection system 1 projects the second projected image 22, which is easily visible, to the first occupant 9a, and the first projected image 21, which is easily visible to the second occupant 9b, to form the projected image 23 in the projection area 10. This makes it possible to improve the visibility of the projected image as seen by the adjacent occupants, compared to when only one of the projected images is projected.

[0074] The vehicle image projection system 1 can adjust the visibility of the occupants by positioning the first projector 2a and the second projector 2b in different directions and making the contours of the first projected image 21 and the second projected image 22 coincide or partially coincide.

[0075] The vehicle image projection system 1 can adjust the brightness and color of the overlapping portion to produce the projection image 23 by superimposing all or part of the first projection image 21 or the second projection image 22 onto the other projection image.

[0076] The vehicle image projection system 1 can project information for each of the first occupant 9a and the second occupant 9b onto the same projection area 10. This makes it easier for the vehicle image projection system 1 to make the information to be conveyed to the first occupant 9a and the information to be conveyed to the second occupant 9b visible to the corresponding occupant.

[0077] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. These novel embodiments and modifications can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential to solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1...vehicle image projection system, 2a...first projector, 2b...second projector, 3...light source unit, 4...condensing lens unit, 5...handle unit, 6...projection lens unit, 7...control unit, 8...vehicle, 9a...first occupant, 9b...second occupant, 10...projection area, 21...first projection image, 22...second projection image, 23, 23a, 23b...projection images, 30...substrate, 31-36...light-emitting element, 41-46...condensing lens, 50...transparent substrate, 50a-50c...first area to third area, 51-56, 51a-51c, 54b, 54c...handle, 61-6 6...projection lens, 80...driver's seat, 81...passenger seat, 82...panel, 83, 84...front pillar, 85...ceiling, 85a...right ceiling, 85b...left ceiling, 86a, 86b...center pillar, 87...rear seat, 88...console box, 88a...back, 89...vehicle-mounted device, 100...reference line, 101...first direction, 102...second direction, 103...reference surface, 200a...light, 200b...reflected light, 200c...light, 201a...light, 201b...reflected light, 201c...light, 310-360...projected light, 500...surface, 501...back

Claims

1. a first projection unit that projects a first projection image, which is less visible to the first occupant than to the second occupant, from a first direction onto a projection area; a second projection unit that projects a second projection image that is less visible to the second occupant than to the first occupant onto the projection area from a second direction different from the first direction; A vehicle image projection system comprising:

2. the first projected image and the second projected image at least partially overlap in the projection area; The vehicle image projection system of claim 1 .

3. the first projection image includes information for the second occupant; the second projection image includes information for the first occupant; The vehicle image projection system of claim 1 .

4. the first projection unit is disposed at a first location to project the first projection image onto the projection area from the first direction which is a specular reflection direction with respect to the first occupant; the second projection unit is disposed at a second location to project the second projection image onto the projection area from the second direction, which is a specular reflection direction with respect to the second occupant; The vehicle image projection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first occupant is an occupant seated in the driver's seat of the vehicle, the second occupant is an occupant seated in a passenger seat of the vehicle, the first projection unit has a first placement location that is a front pillar on the driver's seat side in the front of the vehicle, and a panel in front of the driver's seat and the passenger seat is set as the projection area; the second projection unit is disposed at a second location on a front pillar on the passenger seat side in the front of the vehicle, and the panel is used as the projection area; 5. The vehicle image projection system according to claim 4.

Images