Vehicular projection device

Abstract

To provide a vehicular projection device capable of properly performing projection display even when there is an obstacle by selectively switching a projection area.SOLUTION: The vehicular projector (1) includes at least one projector unit (2) configured to emit illumination light (L1, L2) for displaying a predetermined image (M) on a road surface, and a control unit (4) configured to control the at least one projector unit (2). The control unit 4 executes a first irradiation process of controlling the at least one projection unit 2 to selectively execute irradiation with first irradiation light L1 for displaying a predetermined image M in a first region R1 located on a side portion of the vehicle C or irradiation with second irradiation light L2 for displaying the predetermined image M in a second region R2 on a road surface located on a side of the vehicle C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle projection device that projects a desired image to a viewer outside the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional display device is known, for example, from Patent Document 1. This display device projects a predetermined projection image onto a road surface, and includes a laser light source that emits laser light, and a transmission hologram that receives the laser light emitted from the laser light source and forms the predetermined projection image on the road surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6344545 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-described conventional display device has a problem in that it becomes difficult to project an image onto the road surface when there is an object that obstructs the projection.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a vehicle projection device that can selectively switch the projection area to properly project and display images even when there are obstacles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a vehicle projection device 1 provided on a vehicle C traveling on a road surface, and includes at least one projection unit 2 that irradiates irradiation light L1, L2 to display a predetermined image M on the road surface, and a control unit 4 that controls the at least one projection unit 2, wherein the control unit 4 performs a first irradiation process by controlling the at least one projection unit 2 to selectively irradiate a first region R1 located on the side of the vehicle C with first irradiation light L1 to display the predetermined image M, or irradiate a second region R2 of the road surface located on the side of the vehicle C with second irradiation light L2 to display the predetermined image M. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a vehicle projection device can be provided that selectively projects a display onto either the side of the vehicle or the road surface located to the side of the vehicle, thereby providing a desired projection display to a viewer outside the vehicle. [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] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating a case where an image in the second area and an image in the first area are projected and displayed, the image moving from the second area to the first area, in the vehicle projection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3A to 3B in the vehicle projection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where an image of a pattern moving from a second area toward a first area is projected and displayed in the vehicle projection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle projection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where an image moving from a first area to a second area is projected and displayed in a vehicle projection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where an image is projected and displayed when an obstacle is a guardrail in the vehicle projection device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the configuration of a vehicle projection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) the device has one projection unit configured with a variable irradiation direction, and (B) the device has a first projection unit that irradiates a first region with a first irradiation light and a second projection unit that irradiates a second region with a second irradiation light. 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 6. The vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment selectively irradiates a first region R1 located on the side of the vehicle C with a first irradiation light L1 that represents a predetermined image, or irradiates a second region R2 of the road surface located on the side of the vehicle C with a second irradiation light L2 that represents a predetermined image. Even if there is an obstacle that obstructs the irradiation of one of the irradiation lights, for example, the other irradiation light is irradiated to perform projection display, allowing a person outside the vehicle C to view the desired image.

[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 at least one projection unit 2 that emits a first irradiation light L1 or a second irradiation light L2 to display a predetermined image M, an obstacle detection unit 3 that measures whether or not an obstacle is present in a first region R1 that is irradiated with the first irradiation light L1 or a second region R2 that is irradiated with the second irradiation light L2, and a control unit 4 that controls the projection unit 2 in accordance with the measurement result of the obstacle detection unit 3.

[0011] The projection units 2 are, for example, projectors, and are attached to the left side mirror (inside or below the side mirror) and the right side mirror (inside or below the side mirror) of the vehicle C. Each projection unit 2, under the control of the control unit 4, either irradiates a first region R1 located on the side of the vehicle C (for example, the surface of a side door (particularly the region below the door handle)) with first irradiation light L1 representing an image M (predetermined image), or irradiates a second region R2 on the road surface located on the side of the vehicle C (for example, the road surface in front of the side door) with second irradiation light L2 representing an image M (predetermined image).

[0012] The projection unit 2 may be attached to only one of the left and right side mirrors.

[0013] Furthermore, the projector of the projection unit 2 may, for example, house the light source unit inside the dashboard of the vehicle C, place the emission unit below the side mirror, connect the light source unit and the emission unit with an optical fiber, send the RGB light generated by the light source unit to the emission unit, and emit the first irradiation light L1 and the second irradiation light L2 as a display image from the emission unit.

[0014] The obstacle detection unit 3 is an obstacle detection sensor, such as an imaging sensor such as a camera, a sonar sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a millimeter-wave radar, and is disposed near the projection unit 2 on the side mirror. The obstacle detection unit 3 measures the presence or absence of an obstacle or person when irradiating the second irradiation light L2 onto the second region R2. Specifically, for example, the obstacle detection unit 3 measures and captures an occupant D approaching a side door to get into the vehicle C, a guardrail installed on the side of the road, or the like. Note that the obstacle detection unit 3 may not only be disposed near the projection unit 2 on the side mirror, but may also be an obstacle detection sensor that has been previously installed in various parts of the vehicle C for another purpose.

[0015] The control unit 4 has a computer connected to at least the projection unit 2 and the obstacle detection unit 3 in a state capable of transmitting and receiving any information including control signals thereto, and is disposed, for example, housed in an instrument panel. The control unit 4 receives the results of measurements by the obstacle detection unit 3 and executes a determination process to determine whether or not an obstacle is present in the second region R2. Depending on the determination result of this determination process, the control unit 4 executes a first illumination process to control the projection unit 2 to selectively illuminate the first region R1 with first illumination light L1 representing the image M, or illuminate the second region R2 with second illumination light L2 representing the image M.

[0016] Specifically, if it is determined in the determination process that an obstacle is not detected, the projection unit 2 is controlled to irradiate the second region R2 with the second irradiation light L2, and if it is determined in the determination process that an obstacle is detected, the projection unit 2 is controlled to irradiate the first region R1 with the first irradiation light L1.

[0017] 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating a case where an image M moving from the second region R2 toward the first region R1 is projected and displayed in the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3A illustrates a case where the image M is projected and displayed in the second region R2, and FIG. 3B illustrates a case where the image M is projected and displayed in the first region R1. Note that FIG. 3 illustrates a case where a first performance image M1 consisting of the word "WELCOME" is projected and displayed as the projected image M, which has a performance effect on an occupant D about to get into the passenger seat of a vehicle C.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3(A), when occupant D approaches the passenger side door of vehicle C (i.e., when occupant D approaches vehicle C and attempts to get into vehicle C, for example, when the side door of vehicle C is unlocked), the first performance image M1, the word "WELCOME," begins to be projected and displayed from the position farthest from vehicle C in the second area R2, and the control unit 4 controls the projection unit 2 so that this first performance image M1 is projected and displayed as a transition image MT that moves toward the first area R1 (i.e., the side approaching vehicle C) as occupant D approaches.

[0019] Then, as shown in Figure 3(B), when occupant D enters the second area R2 and the detection of occupant D is determined to be the detection of an obstacle in the above-mentioned judgment process, the control unit 4 controls the projection unit 2 so that the first performance image M1 is projected and displayed as a transition image MT that moves away from the second area R2 in the first area R1 (i.e., upward along the side door of the vehicle C).

[0020] When the first performance image M1 is projected and displayed as shown in FIG. 3, the transition from the display mode in the second region R2 of FIG. 3(A) to the display mode in the first region R1 of FIG. 3(B) may be instantaneous. Alternatively, the first performance image M1 may gradually and continuously move from the display mode in FIG. 3(A) to the display mode in FIG. 3(B). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the state of the first performance image M1 as it gradually and continuously moves from the mode in FIG. 3(A) to the mode in FIG. 3(B). As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 4 may execute a second illumination process in which the projection unit 2 is controlled to illuminate the first region R1 with first illumination light L1 to display a first portion M11, which is a portion of the first performance image M1, and illuminate the second region R2 with second illumination light L2 to display a second portion M12, which is the remaining portion of the first performance image M1. In other words, the first illumination light L1 representing one side of the divided first performance image M1 and the second illumination light L2 representing the other side may be simultaneously irradiated onto both the first region R1 and the second region R2, respectively, and the two divided images may be combined into a single first performance image M1, which may be projected and displayed while moving continuously.

[0021] In addition, in Figure 3, the word "WELCOME" is shown as an example of the first display image M1, but other content such as "Welcome back" or "Departure" that creates a display effect for the occupant D can also be used, and these contents may be registered arbitrarily.

[0022] Furthermore, while Fig. 3 shows the case where the first performance image M1 is text, the content of the first performance image M1 is not limited to text and may be a pattern such as an icon or character. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a case where an image M of a pattern moving from the second region R2 to the first region R1 is projected and displayed in the vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment. Projecting and displaying a pattern such as that shown in Fig. 5 can enhance the performance effect, particularly for child occupants D. In addition, when a character is displayed, the character's voice or related music may be output.

[0023] Furthermore, the approach of the occupant D to the vehicle C may be detected by measuring the distance to the smart key. That is, when the distance to the smart key is equal to or less than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the occupant D has come very close to the vehicle C and an obstacle has been detected. Then, the control unit 4 may control the projection unit 2 to move the display position of the first performance image M1 in accordance with the distance to the smart key.

[0024] 3, the transition image MT displayed in a manner that moves based on the first illumination light L1 and the second illumination light L2 may be displayed at a lower resolution than the image M (first performance image M1 and second performance image M2) displayed in a manner that does not move. Also, the first portion M11 and the second portion M12 displayed based on the first illumination light L1 and the second illumination light L2, respectively, by the second illumination process described in FIGS. 4 and 5 may be displayed at a lower resolution than the image M (first performance image M1 and second performance image M2) displayed by the first illumination process.

[0025] 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicular projection device 1 according to this embodiment. The control unit 4 receives a trigger signal that triggers the projection unit 2 to project and display the image M (S1). This trigger signal is, for example, a signal indicating that the occupant D or the smart key carried by the occupant D has approached the vehicle C by a predetermined distance or more, a signal indicating that the occupant D has exited the vehicle C and closed the side door, or a signal indicating that the turn signal of the vehicle C has been operated to turn left or right.

[0026] When the control unit 4 receives the trigger signal, it determines whether an obstacle has been detected based on the measurement results of the obstacle detection unit 3 (S2) (determination process). If it is determined that an obstacle has not been detected, it irradiates the second region R2 with the second irradiation light L2 (S3) (first irradiation process). If it is determined that an obstacle has been detected, it irradiates the first region R1 with the first irradiation light L1 (S4) (first irradiation process). Then, it returns to the determination process of S2 again, and the process of S3 or S4 is selectively executed.

[0027] At this time, in the illumination process of S3 or S4, as the detected obstacle (particularly when the occupant D is detected as an obstacle) moves, the transition image MT as described above may be projected and displayed. Furthermore, when the display mode of the illumination process of S3 is shifted to the display mode of the illumination process of S4, or when the display mode of the illumination process of S4 is shifted to the display mode of the illumination process of S3 as will be described later in the second embodiment, the second illumination process may be executed during the transition as shown in FIG.

[0028] In the above, we have described the case where the projection unit 2 is installed on the left or right side mirror or one of the left and right side mirrors of the vehicle C, but the placement location of the projection unit 2 is not limited to this, and it may be installed anywhere as long as it can project and display the image M on the road surface around the vehicle C and on any area of ​​the side of the vehicle body including the front and rear of the vehicle C.

[0029] As described above, the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment includes at least one projection unit 2 that emits first illumination light L1 and second illumination light L2 to display a predetermined image M on the road surface, and a control unit 4 that controls the at least one projection unit 2. The control unit 4 executes a first illumination process that controls the at least one projection unit 2 to selectively emit the first illumination light L1 to display the predetermined image M onto a first region R1 located on the side of the vehicle C, or emit the second illumination light L2 to display the predetermined image M onto a second region R2 of the road surface located to the side of the vehicle C. Therefore, if an obstacle is present in the illumination onto the road surface, the predetermined image M can be accurately displayed on the side of the vehicle C using the first illumination light L1 rather than the second illumination light L2.

[0030] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 4 further includes an obstacle detection unit 3 that detects an obstacle in the second illumination light L2 in the second region R2, and the control unit 4 executes a determination process to determine whether or not an obstacle has been detected by the obstacle detection unit 3. In the first illumination process, if it is determined in the determination process that an obstacle has not been detected, the second illumination light L2 is irradiated onto the second region R2, and if it is determined in the determination process that an obstacle has been detected, the first illumination light L1 is irradiated onto the first region R1. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not an obstacle is present in the illumination of the road surface using the second illumination light L2, and if an obstacle is detected, it is possible to reliably project and display an image on the side of the vehicle C using the first illumination light L1.

[0031] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 4 controls at least one projection unit 2 in the first irradiation process to irradiate second irradiation light L2 that displays a transition image MT in which the specified image M moves toward the first region R1 within the second region R2, and then to irradiate first irradiation light L1 that displays a transition image MT in which the specified image M moves away from the second region R2 within the first region R1. That is, first, the second irradiation light L2 is emitted, and a transition image MT is displayed in which the specified image M moves toward the first area R1 (i.e., toward vehicle C) in the second area R2 of the road surface on the side of vehicle C; then, when an obstacle occurs in the irradiation of the second irradiation light L2, the first irradiation light L1 is emitted, and a transition image MT is displayed in which the specified image M moves toward the side away from the second area R2 (i.e., upward) in the first area R1 on the side of vehicle C. For example, when occupant D is approaching vehicle C, a transition image MT on the road surface based on the second irradiation light L2 is displayed to guide occupant D to vehicle C, and when occupant D arrives near vehicle C, a transition image MT on the door on the side of vehicle C based on the first irradiation light L1 is displayed to guide occupant D to get on.

[0032] Furthermore, if necessary, the specified image M is the first effect image M1 that is displayed when the side door of the vehicle C is unlocked, so that when the occupant D approaches the vehicle C and unlocks the side door, an effect can be produced, such as by displaying the text "WELCOME."

[0033] Furthermore, if necessary, the transition image MT, which is displayed in a moving manner based on the first irradiation light L1 and the second irradiation light L2, is displayed at a lower resolution than the specified image M, which is displayed in a non-moving manner. Therefore, by lowering the resolution of the moving transition image MT, the burden of control processing in the projection unit 2 and the control unit 4 can be reduced.

[0034] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 4 executes a second irradiation process that controls at least one projection unit 2 to irradiate the first region R1 with first irradiation light L1 that displays a first portion M11, which is a part of the predetermined image M, while irradiating the second region R2 with second irradiation light L2 that displays a second portion M12, which is the remaining portion of the predetermined image M. This allows the predetermined image M to be displayed across the first region R1 and the second region R2, thereby enabling the projection display to be performed in a visually smooth manner for the occupant D.

[0035] Furthermore, if necessary, the first portion M11 and the second portion M12 displayed based on the first irradiation light L1 and the second irradiation light L2, respectively, by the second irradiation process are displayed at a lower resolution than the specified image M displayed by the first irradiation process. Therefore, by lowering the resolution of the images that are displayed by dividing the original specified image M, the burden of control processing on the projection unit 2 and the control unit 4 can be reduced.

[0036] (Second embodiment of the present invention) The vehicle projection device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where an image M moving from a first region R1 to a second region R2 is projected and displayed in the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 7(A) illustrates a case where the image M is projected and displayed in the first region R1, and Fig. 7(B) illustrates a case where the image M is projected and displayed in the second region R2. Note that Fig. 7 illustrates a case where the second performance image M2, consisting of the words "GOOD-BYE," is projected and displayed as the projected image M, to have a dramatic effect on an occupant D who is about to get out of the passenger seat of the vehicle C and leave.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7(A), when occupant D gets out of vehicle C and moves away from the passenger side door of vehicle C (i.e., the period from immediately after occupant D gets out of vehicle C and closes the side door until he locks the side door and tries to leave vehicle C, for example, when the side door of vehicle C is locked), occupant D enters the second area R2, and the detection of occupant D is determined to be the detection of an obstacle in the above-mentioned judgment process.Therefore, the control unit 4 controls the projection unit 2 so that the second performance image M2, the text "GOOD-BYE", is projected and displayed starting from the uppermost side in the first area R1 of the side door of vehicle C, and gradually the second performance image M2 moves toward the second area R2 (i.e., the lower side of the side door of vehicle C).

[0038] Then, as shown in Figure 7(B), when the occupant D moves away from the vehicle C and away from the second region R2, the above-mentioned judgment process determines that no obstacle is detected, and the control unit 4 controls the projection unit 2 so that the second performance image M2 is projected and displayed as a transition image MT in a manner that moves away from the first region R1 in the second region R2 (i.e., away from the vehicle C).

[0039] In the case of Figure 7, as in the case of Figure 3, when transitioning from the display mode in the first region R1 of Figure 7(A) to the display mode in the second region R2 of Figure 7(B), the transition may be such that the display mode of Figure 7(A) switches instantly to the display mode of Figure 7(B), or the second performance image M2 may transition gradually and continuously from the display mode of Figure 7(A) to the display mode of Figure 7(B), as in the case shown in Figure 4.

[0040] In addition, in Figure 7, the words "GOOD-BYE" are shown as an example of the second performance image M2, but other content such as "Have a nice day," "Goodbye," or "Don't forget to lock the doors" can also be used as long as it has a performance effect on the occupant D, and these contents can be registered as desired.

[0041] Furthermore, in FIG. 7, the second effect image M2 is shown as text, but similar to the case of FIG. 5, the content of the second effect image M2 is not limited to text, and may be a design such as an icon or character.

[0042] Furthermore, the transition image MT, which is displayed in a manner that moves based on the first illumination light L1 and the second illumination light L2 as described in Figure 7, may be displayed at a lower resolution than the image M (first performance image M1 or second performance image M2) that is displayed in a manner that does not move.

[0043] Thus, in the vehicle projection device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 4 controls at least one projection unit 2 in the first irradiation process to irradiate first irradiation light L1 that displays a transition image MT in which the specified image M moves toward the second region R2 within the first region R1, and then irradiate second irradiation light L2 that displays a transition image MT in which the specified image M moves away from the first region R1 within the second region R2. That is, first, the first irradiation light L1 is irradiated, and a transition image MT is displayed in a first region R1 on the side of the vehicle C, in which a predetermined image M moves toward the second region R2 (i.e., downward), and then the second irradiation light L2 is irradiated, and a transition image MT is displayed in a second region R2 on the road surface on the side of the vehicle C, in which the predetermined image M moves toward the side away from the first region R1 (i.e., the side away from vehicle C).For example, immediately after occupant D gets out of vehicle C, a transition image MT on the side door of vehicle C based on the first irradiation light L1 displays appropriate image movement to occupant D, and when occupant D leaves vehicle C, a transition image MT on the road surface based on the second irradiation light L2 displays appropriate image movement to occupant D.

[0044] Furthermore, if necessary, the specified image M is a second effect image M2 that is displayed when the side door of the vehicle C is locked, so that when the occupant D gets out of the vehicle C and locks the door, an effect can be produced, such as by displaying the text "GOOD-BYE."

[0045] (Third embodiment of the present invention) The vehicle projection device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a case where an image M is projected and displayed in the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment when the obstacle is a guardrail. Fig. 8(A) is a diagram showing a display mode when there is no guardrail as an obstacle, and Fig. 8(B) is a diagram showing a display mode when there is a guardrail as an obstacle. Here, an example is shown in which an arrow indicating a left turn or an arrow indicating a right turn is projected and displayed as a first performance image M1 in the first area R1 or the second area R2 in synchronization with the operation of the turn signal of the vehicle C.

[0046] In the case of Fig. 8(A), there is no obstacle in the second area R2 (the road surface on the side of vehicle C) that would obstruct the display of first performance image M1, so control unit 4 controls projection unit 2 so that first performance image M1 is projected and displayed in second area R2. On the other hand, in the case of Fig. 8(B), there is a guardrail in second area R2 that obstructs the display of first performance image M1, so control unit 4 controls projection unit 2 so that first performance image M1 is projected and displayed in first area R1 (the side door on the side of vehicle C).

[0047] Note that, when a wall, another vehicle parked adjacent, or the like is detected as an obstacle in the second region R2 other than a guardrail, the control unit 4 may control the projection unit 2 in a similar manner so that the first performance image M1 is projected and displayed in the first region R1. In this way, when an obstacle such as a guardrail is present in the illumination of the road surface, the predetermined image M can be accurately displayed on the side of the vehicle C using the first illumination light L1 rather than the second illumination light L2.

[0048] (Fourth embodiment of the present invention) The vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment includes at least one projection unit 2. The at least one projection unit 2 may include a single projection unit 2 configured to have a variable irradiation direction, or may include a first projection unit 2a that irradiates a first region R1 with a first irradiation light L1 and a second projection unit 2b that irradiates a second region R2 with a second irradiation light L2. FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the projection unit 2 in the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 9(A) shows a case where the vehicle projection device 1 has a single projection unit 2 configured to have a variable irradiation direction, and FIG. 9(B) shows a case where the vehicle projection device 1 has a first projection unit 2a that irradiates the first region R1 with the first irradiation light L1 and a second projection unit 2b that irradiates the second region R2 with the second irradiation light L2.

[0049] In Figure 9 (A), the projection unit 2 is capable of varying the emission direction of the first irradiation light L1 and the second irradiation light L2. Therefore, in the display mode described in Figure 3, for example, in the second region R2, the projection unit 2 is rotated and swung to project and display the second irradiation light L2 representing the first performance image M1 and its transition image MT in the desired direction, and the projection unit 2 continues to swivel in this state, projecting and displaying the first irradiation light L1 representing the first performance image M1 and its transition image MT in the first region R1 so as to move in the desired direction.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, in the case of the display mode described in Figure 7 of the second embodiment, in the first region R1, the projection unit 2 is rotated and swung so as to move the first illumination light L1 representing the second performance image M2 and its transition image MT in the desired direction, and the projection unit 2 continues to swung, and in the second region R2, the second illumination light L2 representing the second performance image M2 and its transition image MT is projected and displayed so as to move in the desired direction.

[0051] In the case of Figure 9 (B), there is a first projection unit 2a that irradiates the first region R1 with the first irradiation light L1 and a second projection unit 2b that irradiates the second region R2 with the second irradiation light L2.Therefore, in the display mode described in Figure 3, for example, the second projection unit 2b projects and displays the second irradiation light L2 representing the first performance image M1 and its transition image MT in the second region R2 so as to move in the desired direction, and when the first performance image M1 switches from the second region R2 to the first region R1, the projection process is handed over from the second projection unit 2b to the first projection unit 2a, and the first projection unit 2a projects and displays the first irradiation light L1 representing the first performance image M1 and its transition image MT in the first region R1 so as to move in the desired direction.

[0052] Also, for example, in the display mode described in Figure 7 of the second embodiment, the first projection unit 2a projects and displays the first illumination light L1 representing the second performance image M2 and its transition image MT in the first region R1 so as to move in the desired direction, and when the second performance image M2 switches from the first region R1 to the second region R2, the projection process is handed over from the first projection unit 2a to the second projection unit 2b, and the second projection unit 2b projects and displays the second illumination light L2 representing the second performance image M2 and its transition image MT in the second region R2 so as to move in the desired direction.

[0053] At this time, when the first performance image M1 switches from the second region R2 to the first region R1 or when the second performance image M2 switches from the first region R1 to the second region R2, the second illumination process is executed as described in Fig. 4. That is, the first projection unit 2a illuminates the first region R1 with first illumination light L1 that represents a first portion M11 that is a part of the first performance image M1 or the second performance image M2, while the second projection unit 2b illuminates the second region R2 with second illumination light L2 that represents a second portion M12 that is the remaining part of the first performance image M1 or the second performance image M2, and these two divided images are combined and projected and displayed as a single first performance image M1 or second performance image M2 while moving continuously.

[0054] In this way, in the vehicle projection device 1 of this embodiment, by having at least one projection unit 2 that is configured with a variable irradiation direction, the number of parts can be reduced and space can be saved compared to when multiple projection units 2 are provided.

[0055] Furthermore, if necessary, at least one projection unit 2 can be provided, which includes a first projection unit 2a that irradiates the first region R1 with the first irradiation light L1 and a second projection unit 2b that irradiates the second region R2 with the second irradiation light L2, thereby allowing the projection unit 2 to have a simple configuration without any moving parts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] C vehicle D Crew M Image MT transition image M1 1st performance image M11 1st part M12 2nd part M2 2nd production image L1 1st irradiation light L2 2nd irradiation light R1 1st area R2 2nd area 1. Vehicle projection device 2 Projection section 2a 1st projection section 2b 2nd projection section 3 Obstacle detection unit 4. Control Unit

Claims

1. A vehicle projection device provided on a vehicle traveling on a road, at least one projection unit that projects light to display a predetermined image on the road surface; a control unit that controls the at least one projection unit; Equipped with The control unit a first projection unit that selectively projects a first projection light onto a first area located on a side of the vehicle, the first projection light displaying the predetermined image, or a second projection light onto a second area of ​​the road surface located on the side of the vehicle, the second projection light displaying the predetermined image; A vehicle projection device.

2. an obstacle detection unit that detects an obstacle to the second irradiation light in the second area; The control unit further executes a determination process to determine whether or not the obstacle has been detected by the obstacle detection unit; In the first irradiation process, when it is determined in the determination process that the obstacle is not detected, the second irradiation light is irradiated onto the second area; When it is determined that the obstacle is detected in the determination process, the first irradiation light is irradiated onto the first area.

2. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit In the first irradiation process, the at least one projection unit is controlled so as to irradiate the second irradiation light to display a transition image in which the predetermined image moves in the second region toward the first region, and then irradiate the first irradiation light to display a transition image in which the predetermined image moves in the first region away from the second region.

2. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1.

4. The predetermined image is 10 is a first effect image displayed when the side door of the vehicle is unlocked.

4. The vehicle projection device according to claim 3.

5. The control unit In the first irradiation process, the at least one projection unit is controlled so as to irradiate the first irradiation light to display a transition image in which the predetermined image moves in the first region toward the second region, and then irradiate the second irradiation light to display a transition image in which the predetermined image moves in the second region away from the first region.

2. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1.

6. The predetermined image is A second effect image is displayed when the side door of the vehicle is locked.

6. The vehicle projection device according to claim 5.

7. The transition image displayed in a manner moving based on the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light is displayed at a lower resolution than the predetermined image displayed in a manner not moving.

6. The vehicle projection device according to claim 3 or 5.

8. The control unit further a second illumination process is performed by controlling the at least one projection unit to illuminate the first region with the first illumination light that displays a first portion that is a part of the predetermined image, while illuminating the second region with the second illumination light that displays a second portion that is the remaining portion of the predetermined image; 2. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1.

9. The first portion and the second portion displayed based on the first irradiation light and the second irradiation light, respectively, by the second irradiation process are displayed at a lower resolution than the predetermined image displayed by the first irradiation process.

9. The vehicle projection device according to claim 8.

10. The at least one projection unit has one projection unit configured to have a variable irradiation direction.

2. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1.

11. The at least one projection unit includes a first projection unit that irradiates the first region with the first irradiation light and a second projection unit that irradiates the second region with the second irradiation light.

2. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1.

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