Vehicular projection device

Abstract

To provide a projection device for a vehicle capable of accurately and easily recognizing a parking position of an own vehicle by irradiation light irradiated from the own vehicle even when the parking position of the own vehicle is lost.SOLUTION: The control unit 4 executes an illumination process of controlling the illumination unit 2 so as to display a first image R1 or a second image R2 with which the car C can be identified with respect to a first road surface M1 located in front of the car C parked in the parking lot or a second road surface M2 located behind the car C or a structure located above the car C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection device for a vehicle that displays an image that enables a person about to board a vehicle to recognize the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional vehicle management and guidance system for a parking lot is known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1. In this vehicle management and guidance system for a parking lot, a control server transfers information about a parking space assigned to a vehicle to a ticket issuing machine, which then prints the information about the parking space assigned to the vehicle on a parking ticket. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-215786 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the conventional vehicle management and guidance systems for parking lots, it can be difficult to accurately and easily identify the parking location of one's vehicle. Particularly in large shopping malls and other locations, parking spaces are often so large that it is difficult to identify the location of a parking space using only the information printed on the parking ticket. Furthermore, in recent years, many parking facilities require parking fees to be paid in advance to facilitate smooth exit from the parking lot, which can lead to situations where the parking ticket is no longer available when the driver approaches the parking space.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a projection device for a vehicle that allows a user to accurately and easily recognize the location of their own vehicle using the light emitted from the vehicle, even if they have lost sight of the parking position of their own vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a vehicle projection device 1 provided in a vehicle C, comprising an irradiation unit 2 that irradiates a first irradiation light L1 for displaying an image, and a control unit 4 that controls the irradiation unit 2, wherein the control unit 4 executes an irradiation process S6 that controls the irradiation unit 2 so as to display a first predetermined image M1 that can identify the vehicle C in the vicinity of the vehicle C parked in a parking lot. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, by displaying a first predetermined image that allows a vehicle to be identified in relation to its surroundings, the parking position of the vehicle can be recognized accurately and easily. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle projection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle projection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining processing of a vehicle projection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle projection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle projection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle projection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing of a vehicle projection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle projection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment of the present invention) The vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. The vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment displays an image that identifies a vehicle C parked in a parking lot on the road surface around the vehicle C (for example, in front of or behind the vehicle C), thereby allowing a passenger (hereinafter simply referred to as the passenger) who is about to get into the vehicle C to recognize the position of the vehicle C.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle C equipped with a vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the vehicular projection device 1 includes an irradiation unit 2 that irradiates a first irradiation light L1 for displaying a predetermined image, a space measurement unit 3 that measures the state of the space in front of and behind the parked vehicle C, and a control unit 4 that controls the irradiation unit 2 according to the detection result of the space measurement unit 3.

[0011] The illumination units 2 are, for example, projectors, and are attached to the front and rear bumpers of the vehicle C. The illumination unit 2 attached to the front bumper, under the control of the control unit 4, irradiates a first illumination light L1 onto a first road surface R1 located in front of the vehicle C so as to display a predetermined first image M1 (first predetermined image). The illumination unit 2 (not shown in FIG. 1) attached to the rear bumper, under the control of the control unit 4, irradiates a first illumination light L1 onto a second road surface R2 located behind the vehicle C so as to display the predetermined first image M1. This ensures that the first image M1 is displayed reliably on the first road surface R1 in front when the illumination unit 2 is attached to the front bumper, and on the second road surface R2 in rear when the illumination unit 2 is attached to the rear bumper. Note that in FIG. 1, the first illumination light L1 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0012] The space measurement unit 3 is, for example, an imaging sensor such as a camera, or an obstacle detection sensor such as a sonar sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or millimeter-wave radar, and detects the presence or absence of obstacles in the areas in front of or behind the vehicle C (for example, other vehicles C parked in front of or behind the vehicle C, or walls, etc.), and captures images of a first road surface R1 in front of the vehicle C and a second road surface R2 behind the vehicle C on the road surface R of the parking lot in which the vehicle C is parked.

[0013] The control unit 4 has a computer connected to at least the irradiation unit 2 and the space measurement unit 3 in a state capable of transmitting and receiving any information, including control signals, to and from them, and is disposed, for example, housed in an instrument panel. The control unit 4 receives the results of measurements by the space measurement unit 3 and executes a space detection process to detect whether or not there is a space on the first road surface R1 or the second road surface R2 in which the first image M1 can be displayed. Specifically, for example, if the space measurement unit 3 is an image sensor, the control unit 4 analyzes the captured image and determines whether or not there is a space in which the first image M1 can be displayed. Furthermore, if the space measurement unit 3 is an obstacle sensor, the control unit 4 executes a process to determine whether or not there is a space in which the first image M1 can be displayed if there is no obstacle, and whether or not there is a space in which the first image M1 can be displayed if there is an obstacle.

[0014] If the result of the space detection process determines that there is a space in which the first image M1 can be displayed, an irradiation process is executed to control the irradiation unit 2 to display the first image M1 on the first road surface R1 or the second road surface R2, or both, where the space is detected.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the processing of the vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3(A) is a plan view showing the entire parking lot where vehicle C is parked, and FIG. 3(B) is an enlarged view of the parking space where vehicle C is parked. In the case of a parking lot built on a vast area of ​​land as shown in FIG. 3(A), similar views are repeated, and occupants often lose track of where their vehicle C is parked. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3(B), the vehicular projection device 1 mounted on vehicle C projects and displays a first image M1 (here, an image of the letters "HERE") onto a first road surface R1 located in front of vehicle C and a second road surface R2 located behind vehicle C, thereby enabling occupants to accurately and easily find their vehicle C even from a distance.

[0016] 3 is executed when, for example, a keyless key or smart key (hereinafter referred to as a key switch) for remotely operating the door lock of vehicle C is turned on (unlocked), when the key switch is pressed and held down, when the distance between vehicle C and the key switch becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, etc. In other words, the above-mentioned illumination process can be executed when an occupant is within a predetermined range centered on vehicle C (a range within which radio waves from the key switch can reach vehicle C, for example, a range of several tens of meters to 150 meters depending on the vehicle model).

[0017] When the key switch is turned on, the illumination process may be executed the first time, and the door lock may be released the second time, or the illumination process may be executed before the door lock is released. That is, to improve security, the door lock may not be released simultaneously with the key switch being turned on. Similarly, when the key switch is pressed and held down, only the illumination process may be executed, and the door lock may be released by a separate operation.

[0018] In addition, the vehicle position detection function that performs the projection irradiation as described above may be configured to allow the user to set whether or not to enable it, and the vehicle position detection function may be executed only if the occupant turns the setting on before getting out of the vehicle.

[0019] 3 may be performed at any time regardless of the brightness of the surrounding environment, but if the surroundings are too bright, it may be difficult to visually recognize the projected and displayed image, and if the surroundings are dark, the projected and displayed image becomes easier to clearly recognize. Therefore, a detection sensor (not shown) (detection unit) that detects the brightness (illuminance, luminance, etc.) of the surrounding environment of vehicle C may be disposed at any position on vehicle C, and control unit 4 may perform brightness determination processing to determine whether the brightness detected by the detection sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined brightness, and if it is equal to or lower than the predetermined brightness, the above-mentioned illumination processing may be performed.

[0020] Furthermore, the content of the first image M1 displayed on the first road surface R1 or the second road surface R2 by irradiation with the first irradiation light L1 is content that allows at least the occupant to identify the vehicle C in which they are riding, and may be characters or geometric figures that represent other words in addition to the word "HERE" shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the display content such as these characters, figures, and colors may be freely selected by the occupant or customized and registered in the control unit 4.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment. First, a signal is received from the key switch (S1). The control unit 4 determines whether the vehicle position detection function is on (S2). If the vehicle position detection function is off, the process ends. If the vehicle position detection function is on, the control unit 4 determines whether the received signal is a trigger signal that triggers the execution of the illumination process (S3). If the received signal is a trigger signal, the process ends. If the received signal is a trigger signal, the control unit 4 determines whether the brightness of the environment surrounding the vehicle C is equal to or less than a predetermined brightness (S4) (brightness determination process). If the brightness is greater than the predetermined brightness, the process ends. If the brightness is equal to or less than the predetermined brightness, the control unit 4 determines whether there is a space on the first road surface R1 or the second road surface R2 where the first image M1 can be displayed based on the measurement result of the space measurement unit 3 (S5) (space detection process). If there is no space, the process ends. If there is a space, the projection unit 2 is controlled to display the first image M1 on the first road surface R1 or the second road surface R2 or both where the space is detected (S6) (projection process), and the process ends.

[0022] It should be noted that the flowchart in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and it is not necessary to execute all of the processes in this order, and only some of the processes may be executed in any order.

[0023] Furthermore, although the above description has been given of the case where the illumination unit 2 is attached to the front bumper and rear bumper of the vehicle C, it may also be attached to any other position, such as the top of the windshield or the top of the rear window inside the vehicle cabin, as long as it is capable of projecting the first illumination light L1 representing the first image M1 to the front and rear of the vehicle C.

[0024] Furthermore, when parking in a parking space where it is not possible to secure space in front of or behind the vehicle C, such as when parallel parking is being performed in succession, a mode may be set that can extend the vehicle position detection function to the left and right of the vehicle C. In this case, it is desirable that the irradiation unit 2 is also disposed in a position where it can project the first irradiation light L1 representing the first image M1 onto the left and right of the vehicle C, such as on a side mirror.

[0025] As described above, the vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment includes an irradiation unit 2 that irradiates a first irradiation light L1 for displaying a predetermined image, and a control unit 4 that controls the irradiation unit 2. The control unit 4 executes an irradiation process that controls the irradiation unit 2 to display a first image M1 that enables a vehicle C parked in a parking lot to be identified in relation to the surroundings of the vehicle C. This allows an occupant to accurately grasp the parking location of the vehicle even from a distance by visually recognizing the first image M1 displayed around the vehicle. In particular, since vehicles C are typically parked in rows and columns in a grid pattern in parking lots, if the first image M1 is projected and displayed on the first road surface R1 in front of the vehicle or the second road surface R2 behind the vehicle, rather than on the road surfaces to the left and right of the parking location, the occupant can easily determine the location of the vehicle at a glance.

[0026] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 4 executes a space detection process to detect whether or not there is a space in the vicinity of the vehicle C (the above-mentioned first road surface R1 or the second road surface R2) in which the first image M1 can be displayed, and in the irradiation process, controls the irradiation unit 2 to display the first image M1 on the vicinity of the vehicle C (the above-mentioned first road surface R1 or the second road surface R2) in which a space is detected in the space detection process. Therefore, when parking in a parking lot, in many cases there is a space only at the rear in case of forward parking, and a space only at the front in case of backward parking, and by detecting such a space by the space detection process, the first image M1 can be reliably displayed in that space in the irradiation process.

[0027] Furthermore, if necessary, a detection sensor for detecting the brightness of the environment surrounding the vehicle C may be provided, and the control unit 4 executes a brightness determination process for determining whether the brightness detected by the detection sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined brightness, and controls the illumination unit 2 to execute the illumination process when the brightness determination process determines that the brightness is equal to or less than the predetermined brightness. Therefore, illumination is performed after it has become dark to a certain extent based on the determination result of the brightness determination process, thereby making it possible to reliably notify the occupants of the vehicle's position.

[0028] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 4 controls the illumination unit 2 to execute the illumination process when the key switch of the vehicle C is turned on, when the key switch is pressed and held, or when the distance between the vehicle C and the key switch becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. Therefore, the illumination process is executed in response to the occupant's key switch operation or approach to the vehicle C, and the position of the vehicle can be projected and displayed in an easy-to-understand manner at a glance.

[0029] (Second embodiment of the present invention) The vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 8. The vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment displays an image that identifies a vehicle C parked in a parking lot above the vehicle C, thereby allowing the occupant to recognize the position of the vehicle C. Note that descriptions of this embodiment that overlap with those of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0030] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle C equipped with a vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the vehicle projection device 1 includes an irradiation unit 2 that irradiates second irradiation light L2 to display a predetermined image, a structure measurement unit 5 that measures whether or not there is a structure above the parked vehicle C that can be projected, and a control unit 4 that controls the irradiation unit 2 according to the detection result of the structure measurement unit 5.

[0031] As in the first embodiment, the irradiation unit 2 is, for example, a projector, and is attached to the left side mirror (inside or above the mirror) and the right side mirror (inside or above the mirror) of the vehicle C. Each irradiation unit 2, under the control of the control unit 4, irradiates a second irradiation light L2 so as to display a predetermined second image M2 (second predetermined image) on a structure above the vehicle C. Note that the irradiation unit 2 may be attached to only one of the left and right side mirrors.

[0032] The structure measurement unit 5 is an imaging sensor such as a camera, or an obstacle detection sensor such as a sonar sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or millimeter-wave radar, as in the first embodiment, and detects the presence or absence of structures above the vehicle C (for example, ceilings in indoor parking lots such as multi-story parking lots and underground parking lots, roofs and trees in outdoor parking lots, etc.) and takes images of the area above the vehicle C.

[0033] The control unit 4 has a computer that is connected in a state where it can send and receive any information including control signals to and from at least the irradiation unit 2 and the structure measurement unit 5. The control unit 4 receives the results of measurements by the structure measurement unit 5 and executes a structure detection process to detect the presence or absence of a structure above the vehicle C that can display the second image M2.

[0034] If it is determined as a result of the structure detection process that there is a structure capable of displaying the second image M2, an irradiation process is executed to control the irradiation unit 2 so as to display the second image M2 for the structure.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the processing of the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 7(A) is an image diagram illustrating a state in which a vehicle C parked in an indoor parking lot projects and displays a second image M2, and FIG. 7(B) is an image diagram illustrating a state in which the second image M2 is projected and displayed from a side mirror as viewed from inside the vehicle. Note that while the image diagram in FIG. 7(A) is shown on a two-dimensional plane, in reality, there are multiple parking spaces adjacent to each other in the depth direction, and a vehicle C is parked in each parking space. As shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), by projecting and displaying the second image M2 on a portion of the ceiling of the indoor parking lot above the vehicle C, the occupant can accurately and easily find their vehicle C even from a distance.

[0036] At this time, it is desirable that the second image M2 be projected and displayed on a ceiling portion corresponding to the aisle side of the indoor parking lot, rather than on a ceiling portion directly above the vehicle C. This makes it easier for the occupants to view the second image M2. Furthermore, the illumination unit 2 and the structure measurement unit 5 may be disposed on only one of the left and right side mirrors.

[0037] 7(B) illustrates a case in which the second illumination light L2 representing the second image M2 is emitted from the illumination unit 2 attached to the side mirror, but the illumination unit 2 may also be configured to emit the second illumination light L2 from the top of the rear window, as shown in the forward-parked vehicle C illustrated on the left side of FIG. 7(A) in addition to emitting light from the side mirror. This makes it easier to project and display the second image M2 on the ceiling portion corresponding to the aisle side of an indoor parking lot in the case of a vehicle C parked facing forward. Any other position may be used, such as the top of the windshield, from which the second illumination light L2 representing the second image M2 can be projected above the vehicle C.

[0038] The content of the second image M2 displayed on the structure by irradiation with the second irradiation light L2 is content that allows at least the occupant to identify the vehicle C in which they are riding, and may be the word "HERE" or other characters or geometric figures representing other words as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the display content of these characters, figures, etc. may be freely selected by the occupant or customized and registered in the control unit 4.

[0039] Furthermore, the illumination process for projecting and displaying the second image M2 may be performed even when the structure detection process determines that no structure exists. That is, even when no structure exists, the second illumination light L2 can be illuminated toward the sky, where it can be reflected by airborne objects and become visible, allowing the vehicle's position to be easily recognized. In this case, the second illumination light L2 may be a colored beam of light that is easily noticeable depending on the surrounding environment. In particular, when the brightness of the surrounding environment is below a predetermined brightness level, the second illumination light L2 can be more clearly visible to the occupant.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment. First, a signal is received from the key switch (S1). The control unit 4 determines whether the vehicle position detection function is on (S2). If the vehicle position detection function is off, the process ends. If the vehicle position detection function is on, the control unit 4 determines whether the received signal is a trigger signal that triggers the execution of the projection process (S3). If the received signal is not a trigger signal, the process ends. If the received signal is a trigger signal, the control unit 4 determines whether there is a space (structure) in which the second image M2 can be displayed based on the measurement results of the structure measurement unit 5 (S4) (structure detection process). If there is no structure, the process ends. If there is a structure, the control unit 4 controls the projection unit 2 to display the second image M2 on the structure (S5) (projection process), and the process ends.

[0041] It should be noted that the flowchart in FIG. 8 is merely an example, and it is not necessary to execute all of the processes in this order, and only some of the processes may be executed in any order.

[0042] As described above, the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment includes an irradiation unit 2 that irradiates the second irradiation light L2 and a control unit 4 that controls the irradiation unit 2. The control unit 4 executes an irradiation process that controls the irradiation unit 2 so that the second irradiation light L2, which can identify the vehicle C, is directed upward from the vehicle C parked in the parking lot. This allows the occupant to accurately determine the parking position of the vehicle even from a distance by visually recognizing the second irradiation light L2 extending upward from the vehicle C. In particular, when the distance to the vehicle C is far, the method of irradiating the road surface R may make it difficult to see the irradiated light due to the obstruction of many other vehicles C located in front of the vehicle C. However, by irradiating the irradiated light upward, the occupant can easily see the irradiated light and accurately and easily recognize the parking position of the vehicle.

[0043] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 4 executes a structure detection process to detect whether there is a structure that can be projected above the vehicle C parked in the parking lot, and in the irradiation process, controls the irradiation unit 2 to display a second image M2 that can identify the vehicle C for the structure detected in the structure detection process. Therefore, for example, in a multi-story parking lot, there will always be a structure such as a ceiling above the vehicle C, and by finding this structure in the structure detection process, the second image M2 can be reliably displayed on the structure in the irradiation process.

[0044] Furthermore, if necessary, the illumination unit 2 is provided on a side mirror provided on the vehicle C, and the second image M2 can be easily displayed on the structure by emitting the second illumination light L2 upward from the illumination unit 2 provided on the left or right side mirror. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] C vehicle L1 1st irradiation light L2 2nd irradiation light M1 1st image M2 2nd image R1 1st road surface R2 2nd road surface 1. Vehicle projection device 2. Irradiation unit 3 Space Measurement Section 4. Control section 5. Structural Measurement Section

Claims

1. A vehicle projection device provided in a vehicle, an irradiation unit that irradiates a first irradiation light for displaying an image; a control unit that controls the irradiation unit, The control unit an illumination process for controlling the illumination unit so as to display a first predetermined image that allows the vehicle parked in the parking lot to be identified in relation to the surroundings of the vehicle; A vehicle projection device.

2. The control unit further executes a space detection process for detecting whether or not there is a space in the vicinity where the first predetermined image can be displayed; In the irradiation process, the irradiation unit is controlled so as to display the first predetermined image in the vicinity of the space detected in the space detection process.

2. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1.

3. The surrounding area is a first road surface located in front of the vehicle or a second road surface located behind the vehicle.

2. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1.

4. A vehicle projection device provided in a vehicle, an irradiation unit that irradiates the second irradiation light; a control unit that controls the irradiation unit, The control unit an illumination process of controlling the illumination unit so as to illuminate the second illumination light, which can identify the vehicle, toward an upper portion of the vehicle parked in the parking lot; A vehicle projection device.

5. The control unit further execute a structure detection process to detect whether or not there is a structure that can be projected above the vehicle parked in the parking lot; In the illumination process, the illumination unit is controlled so as to display a second predetermined image that can identify the vehicle with respect to the structure detected in the structure detection process.

5. The vehicle projection device according to claim 4.

6. The irradiation unit is The vehicle is provided with a side mirror.

6. The vehicle projection device according to claim 5.

7. A detection unit that detects the brightness of the surrounding environment of the vehicle is further provided, The control unit further execute a brightness determination process to determine whether the brightness detected by the detection unit is equal to or less than a predetermined brightness; The illumination unit is controlled so that the illumination process is executed when the brightness is determined to be equal to or less than the predetermined brightness in the brightness determination process.

5. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1 or 4.

8. The control unit The illumination unit is controlled so that the illumination process is executed when a key switch of the vehicle is turned on, when the key switch is pressed and held down, or when the distance between the vehicle and the key switch becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value.

5. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1 or 4.

Images