Vehicle control device, vehicle control method, and vehicle

Abstract

Directs the occupants' gaze outside the vehicle. [Solution] The vehicle control device (10) includes an information acquisition unit that acquires information input into a specified input medium by a passenger in the vehicle, and a control unit (30) that projects the information acquired by the information acquisition unit onto an area outside the vehicle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle control device, a vehicle control method, and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known inventions for transmitting various messages to pedestrians around a vehicle, other vehicles, etc. (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Patent Document 1 describes a method for transmitting a message to the outside of the vehicle by displaying a message according to the situation around the vehicle on a display device mounted on the vehicle. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a method for transmitting a message to the outside of the vehicle by irradiating the outer panel of the vehicle with a visible light beam in order to communicate with the outside of the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 17141 / 1983 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-174117 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are technologies that display messages on a display device mounted on the vehicle or on the vehicle body itself, so the occupants of the vehicle cannot see the messages. In order for the occupants of the vehicle to see the message, the message needs to be displayed in an area outside the vehicle, but the conventional technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not mention this point. Therefore, the conventional technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not allow the occupants to direct their gaze outside the vehicle.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure aims to direct the line of sight of occupants outside the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a vehicle control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition unit that acquires information input into a predetermined input medium by an occupant of the vehicle, and a control unit that projects the information acquired by the information acquisition unit onto an area outside the vehicle.

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a vehicle control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an information acquisition step of acquiring information input into a predetermined input medium by an occupant of the vehicle, and a control step of projecting the information onto an area outside the vehicle.

[0008] The vehicle control device according to each aspect of the present disclosure may be realized by a computer. In this case, the control program that realizes the vehicle control device on a computer by causing the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the vehicle control device, and the computer-readable recording medium on which the control program is recorded, also fall within the scope of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to direct the line of sight of the occupant outside the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system used in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a vehicle control device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a vehicle control device. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating one mode of deploying a graffiti medium inside a vehicle. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a vehicle control device. [Figure 6]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other configurations of the graffiti medium. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of functions of the vehicle control device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of functions of the vehicle control device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of functions of the vehicle control device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of functions of the vehicle control device. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating other examples of graffiti media. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, identical or substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0012] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. used in this disclosure are used to distinguish a certain component from other components and are not intended to limit the number, order, priority, etc. of the components. For example, the presence of the terms "first element" and "second element" does not mean that only two elements, "first element" and "second element," are employed, nor does it mean that the "first element" must precede the "second element."

[0013] (System Overview) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system used in a vehicle 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system used in the vehicle 100 projects a graffiti G1 written by an occupant P3 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a child P3) aboard the vehicle 100 on a graffiti medium installed in the vehicle 100 onto an area outside the vehicle 100 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as outside the vehicle), thereby directing the gaze of the child P3 outside the vehicle. Note that the term "graffiti" may also be referred to as "drawing." The "graffiti medium" in this embodiment will be described later. The "area outside the vehicle 100" here refers to an area a predetermined distance away from the vehicle 100. For example, the "area outside the vehicle 100" may refer to a road surface away from the vehicle 100, a wall surface away from the vehicle 100, or a space away from the vehicle 100.

[0014] The structure of the vehicle 100 is not particularly limited, but in the example shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 100 has three rows of seats. An occupant P1 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as father P1) is seated in the first seat S1 in the front row. A child P3 is seated in the third seat S3 in the center row. An occupant P4 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as mother P4) is seated in the fourth seat S4 in the center row. A table T1 extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 100 is provided between the first seat S1, the second seat S2, the third seat S3, and the fourth seat S4. In the following description, the occupant P1 is described as the driver. The vehicle 100 may also be a vehicle equipped with an automatic driving function.

[0015] The graffiti G1 written by the child P3 is projected outside the vehicle. The projected graffiti is illustrated as "graffiti G2" in FIG. 1. That is, in FIG. 1, the graffiti G1 written by the child P3 is projected onto the road surface. By projecting in this manner, the graffiti G1 written by the child P3 can be reflected outside the vehicle, which can attract the interest of the child P3. This can direct the child P3's gaze outside the vehicle.

[0016] Furthermore, by projecting the doodles G1 drawn by the child P3 onto the exterior of the vehicle, it is possible to stimulate the child P3's imagination and provide a completely new car experience, allowing the child P3 to create a special space of his or her own. Such a vehicle 100 does not simply provide a means of transportation, but can make driving more fun and creative, and provide a space that the whole family can enjoy.

[0017] (Hardware configuration of vehicle control device) Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the vehicle control device 10 mounted on the vehicle 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the vehicle control device 10. The vehicle control device 10 is a microcomputer capable of controlling various devices mounted on the vehicle 100. Such a vehicle control device 10 may be configured as a so-called vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit).

[0018] 2, the vehicle control device 10 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, and an input / output I / F 13. These components are connected via a bus 14 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0019] The memory 12 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores programs executed by the processor 11, information used by the programs, etc. The processor 11 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs arithmetic processing, reads programs from the ROM, and executes the programs using the RAM as a working area. Although one processor 11 is shown in FIG. 2, this is not limiting, and multiple processors 11 may be provided. Furthermore, recording media readable by the processor 11 are not limited to ROM and RAM, and may include EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (registered trademark), etc.

[0020] The input / output I / F 13 is used for data communication with various devices mounted on the vehicle 100. Specifically, the input / output I / F 13 is used for data communication with a GPS receiver 20, a navigation device 21, a graffiti shade 22, a camera 23, and a projector 24 mounted on the vehicle 100. Such an input / output I / F 13 may be configured as a communication circuit such as a CAN controller for performing communication according to a CAN protocol (Car Area Network).

[0021] The GPS receiver 20 receives radio waves from artificial satellites to acquire information about the terrestrial position of the vehicle 100. The position information of the vehicle 100 acquired by the GPS receiver 20 is transmitted to the vehicle control device 10. The GPS receiver 20 also transmits the position information to the navigation device 21.

[0022] The navigation device 21 is a device that provides guidance along a route to a destination set by the occupant P1, who is the driver. A vehicle-specific OS, which is an OS (Operating System) used in smartphones, tablet terminals, etc. customized for the vehicle, may be installed in the navigation device 21. This makes it possible to link the navigation device 21 with the smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. With this configuration, it becomes possible, for example, to send doodles drawn by a child P3 on the tablet terminal to the vehicle control device 10 via the navigation device 21. This point will be described later.

[0023] The navigation device 21 may be provided with various functions in addition to route guidance. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the navigation device 21 may have the function of a virtual switch 211. Such a virtual switch 211 may be configured to be displayed on a center display used in the navigation device 21. The virtual switch 211 is a virtual switch for switching a graffiti mode on and off. When the occupant P1 taps the virtual switch 211, the graffiti mode is switched on. When the occupant P1 taps the virtual switch 211 again, the graffiti mode is switched off. Such an on signal or off signal is transmitted to the vehicle control device 10 each time the occupant P1 taps the virtual switch 211. The vehicle control device 10 controls the operation of the graffiti shade 22 based on the received on signal or off signal. In other words, the virtual switch 211 can be said to be a switch for controlling the deployment and storage of the graffiti shade 22.

[0024] The graffiti shade 22 is a type of the above-mentioned "graffiti medium" and is a sheet-like member that can be deployed inside the vehicle 100 (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as the vehicle interior). The graffiti shade 22 has a graffiti surface on which the child P3 can doodle. The graffiti shade 22 can be automatically deployed and stored inside the vehicle by an electric actuator. More specifically, the vehicle control device 10 activates the electric actuator based on an ON signal generated when the occupant P1 taps the virtual switch 211 to switch the graffiti mode on, thereby controlling the deployment and storage of the graffiti shade 22. The graffiti shade 22 may also be configured to be manually deployed and stored inside the vehicle. The "graffiti shade" may also be referred to as a "graffiti canvas," a "graffiti sheet," or the like.

[0025] The material of the graffiti shade 22 may be a material that is easy for children P3 to write on with writing implements such as pens and crayons, and that allows graffiti to be easily erased by spraying oil or the like on the material. Such a material may include synthetic leather.

[0026] Furthermore, the surface of the graffiti shade 22 may be subjected to a surface treatment such as nylon coating so that pens, crayons, etc. can produce strong colors.

[0027] The camera 23 has an imaging element such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The camera 23 is installed at any location inside the vehicle. For example, the camera 23 may be installed at a location where it can capture an image of the graffiti shade 22 deployed inside the vehicle. Because the child P3 draws graffiti on the graffiti shade 22, capturing an image of the graffiti shade 22 means capturing an image of the graffiti written by the child P3 on the graffiti shade 22. The image of the graffiti captured by the camera 23 is transmitted to the vehicle control device 10. Note that there is no particular limitation on the number of cameras 23 installed.

[0028] The projector 24 is a device that projects an image of graffiti captured by the camera 23 onto the outside of the vehicle based on a command from the vehicle control device 10. The installation location of the projector 24 is not particularly limited, and the projector 24 may be installed inside or outside the vehicle 100.

[0029] (Functions of the vehicle control device 10) FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of the vehicle control device 10. The vehicle control device 10 functions as a control unit 30, a position information acquisition unit 31, and an image acquisition unit 32 by the processor 11 executing a program stored in the memory 12. The control unit 30 also includes a deployment control unit 301 and a projection control unit 302. Note that the term "unit" used here may be rephrased as "circuit," "device," or "equipment," or as "step," "procedure," or "process." That is, the term "unit" may be realized by a program stored in the memory 12 as described above, or may be implemented solely by software, or solely by hardware such as elements, devices, boards, and wiring, or a combination of software and hardware. These functions are described below.

[0030] The position information acquisition unit 31 acquires the position information of the vehicle 100 from the GPS receiver 20. As will be described later, the position information is used to determine whether or not the vehicle 100 has arrived at the destination.

[0031] The image acquisition unit 32 acquires an image of the graffiti (for example, the graffiti G1) captured by the camera 23. The image acquisition unit 32 outputs the acquired image to the projection control unit 302.

[0032] The deployment control unit 301 controls the operation of the graffiti shade 22 using an electric actuator.

[0033] The projection control unit 302 outputs a command to the projector 24 to project the image acquired from the image acquisition unit 32 outside the vehicle.

[0034] (Example of Graffiti Shade 22 in action) 4 is a diagram illustrating one mode of deploying the graffiti shade 22 inside the vehicle. The vehicle control device 10 activates the electric actuator based on an ON signal generated when the occupant P1 taps the virtual switch 211 to switch the graffiti mode on, and deploys the graffiti shade 22 inside the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle control device 10 may deploy the graffiti shade 22 so as to cover the side window. Deploying the graffiti shade 22 in this manner makes it easier for children P3 to doodle on the graffiti shade 22.

[0035] Furthermore, the graffiti shade 22 may be deployed to cover not only the side window but also the door trim connected to the side window. The door trim has an uneven surface, but by deploying the graffiti shade 22 to cover the door trim, the uneven surface becomes flat, making it easier for children P3 to doodle on it.

[0036] Although FIG. 4 shows an example in which the graffiti shade 22 is deployed on a side window, the location where the graffiti shade 22 can be deployed is not limited to this. For example, the graffiti shade 22 may be provided on the ceiling and deployed to cover the ceiling. This allows the child P3 to draw graffiti on the ceiling, which is normally not possible. In this way, this embodiment can provide a completely new car experience. It is also possible to provide multiple graffiti shades 22 so that they can be deployed on both the side window and the ceiling, or they can be deployed in other interior spaces in addition to the side window and the ceiling. For example, the graffiti shade 22 may be configured to be deployed on a seat back. This allows the child P3 to freely draw pictures in large spaces such as the side window, the ceiling, and the seat back.

[0037] (Processing flow) Next, the flow of processing executed by the vehicle control device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the vehicle control device 10.

[0038] In step S101, the vehicle control device 10 accepts an input of a destination by an occupant (for example, occupant P1). The method of accepting the input of a destination is not particularly limited. Usually, the occupant P1 inputs a destination into the navigation device 21 and starts driving, so the vehicle control device 10 may acquire the destination input into the navigation device 21 from the navigation device 21.

[0039] In step S102, the vehicle control device 10 accepts an input to switch the graffiti mode from the occupant P1. As described above, the occupant P1 can switch the graffiti mode on and off each time he or she taps the virtual switch 211.

[0040] In step S103, the vehicle control device 10 determines whether or not the graffiti mode has been switched on by tapping the virtual switch 211. If it is determined that the graffiti mode has been switched on (YES in step S103), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0041] The virtual switch 211 may function only when a predetermined condition is met. An example of the "predetermined condition" is that the drive time to the destination input in step S101 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (for example, two hours or longer). When such a condition is set, the virtual switch 211 functions only when the drive time to the destination is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. In other words, the father P1 can switch on the graffiti mode and have the child P3 doodle on the graffiti shade 22 only when the drive time to the destination is equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

[0042] The "predetermined condition" is not limited to the above conditions, but may be a condition that the distance traveled to the destination is a predetermined distance or more (for example, 200 km or more), or a condition that the drive time to the destination is a predetermined time or more and the distance traveled to the destination is a predetermined distance or more.

[0043] In step S104, the vehicle control device 10 activates the electric actuator based on an ON signal generated when the occupant P1 taps the virtual switch 211 to switch the graffiti mode ON, and deploys the graffiti shade 22 inside the vehicle (see FIG. 4). This allows the child P3 to draw graffiti on the graffiti shade 22.

[0044] Note that, in this flowchart, the trigger for deploying the graffiti shade 22 inside the vehicle has been described using an example in which "the virtual switch 211 is tapped." However, the trigger for deploying the graffiti shade 22 is not limited to this. For example, a physical switch may be provided inside the vehicle, and "operation of the physical switch" may be treated as the trigger for deploying the graffiti shade 22. Furthermore, the trigger for deploying the graffiti shade 22 inside the vehicle may be a voice input by a passenger in the vehicle 100. As a specific example, the trigger for deploying the graffiti shade 22 inside the vehicle may be a voice input by the father P1 or the mother P4. For example, if the father P1 or the mother P4 utters a voice command such as "Please deploy the graffiti shade 22," the voice is input to the vehicle control device 10 via a microphone mounted on the vehicle 100. The vehicle control device 10 may recognize the voice and deploy the graffiti shade 22 inside the vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle control device 10 may be configured to automatically deploy the graffiti shade 22 when a drive time to the destination is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. According to this configuration, if the drive time to the destination is longer than a predetermined time, the graffiti shade 22 will be automatically deployed, so the occupant P1 will no longer need to perform any operation to deploy the graffiti shade 22, such as tapping the virtual switch 211, thereby improving convenience for the occupant P1.

[0045] In step S105, the camera 23 captures an image of the graffiti (e.g., graffiti G1) that the child P3 has written on the graffiti shade 22. The vehicle control device 10 acquires the image of the graffiti G1 captured by the camera 23. Note that the timing at which the camera 23 captures the image of the graffiti G1 is not particularly limited. The occupant P1 can capture the image of the graffiti G1 using the camera 23 at a desired timing. For example, a switch for controlling the camera 23 may be displayed on a display used in the navigation device 21, and the camera 23 may capture the image of the graffiti G1 when the occupant P1 taps the switch.

[0046] The camera 23 may also be configured to automatically capture the image of the graffiti G1.

[0047] In step S106, the vehicle control device 10 outputs a command to the projector 24 to project the image of the graffiti G1 acquired in the processing of step S105 outside the vehicle (see FIG. 1). This makes it possible to project the graffiti G1 drawn by the child P3 outside the vehicle, which can attract the child P3's interest. This can attract the child P3's gaze outside the vehicle.

[0048] In step S107, the vehicle control device 10 determines whether the vehicle 100 has arrived at the destination. The determination method is not particularly limited, but the vehicle control device 10 can determine whether the vehicle 100 has arrived at the destination using position information acquired from the GPS receiver 20. Alternatively, the vehicle control device 10 may be configured to acquire, from the navigation device 21, a signal indicating that the vehicle 100 has arrived at the destination. In this case, the vehicle control device 10 can determine that the vehicle 100 has arrived at the destination by acquiring the signal.

[0049] If it is determined that the vehicle 100 has arrived at the destination (YES in step S107), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0050] In step S108, the vehicle control device 10 operates the electric actuator to store the graffiti shade 22. Note that, in this flowchart, the trigger for storing the graffiti shade 22 has been described as "determining that the vehicle 100 has arrived at the destination" as an example, but the trigger for storing the graffiti shade 22 is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle control device 10 may store the graffiti shade 22 when the occupant P1 taps the virtual switch 211 again to switch the graffiti mode from on to off.

[0051] As described above, the vehicle control method of this embodiment includes an information acquisition step (S105) of acquiring information input by a passenger in vehicle 100 into a predetermined input medium (e.g., a graffiti medium), and a control step (S106) of projecting the information onto an area outside vehicle 100.

[0052] The processing flow in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be changed within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0053] (Action and effect) As described above, according to this embodiment, the following advantageous effects can be obtained.

[0054] The vehicle control device 10 includes an information acquisition unit that acquires information input into a predetermined input medium by a passenger (e.g., a child P3) riding in the vehicle 100, and a control unit 30 that projects the information acquired by the information acquisition unit onto an area outside the vehicle 100. An example of the "input medium" here is a graffiti medium. Also, an example of the "information acquisition unit" here is the image acquisition unit 32 described above.

[0055] According to the above configuration, the information that the child P3 inputs to the graffiti medium, i.e., the graffiti G1 that the child P3 has written, can be reflected outside the vehicle, which can attract the interest of the child P3 and draw the child P3's attention to the outside of the vehicle.

[0056] In addition, the child P3 can enjoy more activities while traveling, such as drawing graffiti on the car and having the drawing reflected on the outside of the car, which prevents the child P3 from getting bored while traveling. This is particularly useful during long drives or when stuck in traffic.

[0057] Furthermore, by drawing pictures together and the parents (father P1, mother P4) commenting on the drawings of their child P3, opportunities for communication increase and the bond between parent and child deepens.

[0058] Furthermore, child P3 can feel the joy of having his work recognized by seeing the picture he drew reflected on the outside of the car, which leads to an improvement in his self-esteem.

[0059] Furthermore, by projecting the doodles G1 drawn by the child P3 onto the exterior of the vehicle, it is possible to stimulate the child P3's imagination and provide a completely new car experience, allowing the child P3 to create a special space of his or her own. Such a vehicle 100 does not simply provide a means of transportation, but can make driving more fun and creative, and provide a space that the whole family can enjoy.

[0060] In the above description, the number of children riding in the vehicle 100 is described as one, but the number of children is not limited to one and may be two or more. Similarly, the number of adults is not particularly limited. Any combination of the number of adults and children may be used as long as the number of people can ride in the vehicle 100. The input medium is a graffiti medium (e.g., a graffiti shade 22) mounted on the vehicle 100 on which the child P3 can doodle using a predetermined writing implement (pen, crayon, etc.). The information acquisition unit (image acquisition unit 32) acquires an image of the graffiti captured by the camera 23 mounted on the vehicle 100. The control unit 30 projects the image of the graffiti acquired by the information acquisition unit onto an area outside the vehicle.

[0061] As described above, the graffiti shade 22 is a graffiti medium that can be deployed on a side window (see FIG. 4), a ceiling, etc. For children P3, graffiti is not just a pastime but also has many positive effects on their development. Large spaces such as side windows and ceilings are suitable for drawing large pictures or stories. By deploying the graffiti shade 22 in such a large space, children P3 can fully utilize their imagination and freely draw pictures or stories. Therefore, the above configuration can foster the imagination of children P3 and make travel time, which can often be boring, more meaningful.

[0062] The area outside the vehicle 100 is not particularly limited, but may include at least the road surface. In addition to the road surface, it may also include wall surfaces, spaces, and the like.

[0063] The graffiti G2 (see FIG. 1) projected onto the road surface attracts the child P3's interest, and can direct the child P3's gaze outside the car.

[0064] The graffiti medium may also be a sheet-like member that can be deployed inside the vehicle 100. The control unit 30 may deploy the graffiti medium inside the vehicle 100 when a predetermined condition is met. As described above, the "predetermined condition" here means that the drive time to the destination is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, the travel distance to the destination is equal to or longer than a predetermined distance, etc.

[0065] Since graffiti media such as the graffiti shade 22 are deployed over a large space such as a side window or ceiling, it takes a certain amount of time for the child P3 to fully enjoy graffitiing. As such, the vehicle control device 10 according to this embodiment is suitable for long-distance driving. Therefore, when certain conditions are met, the graffiti shade 22 can be deployed, allowing the whole family to enjoy long-distance driving.

[0066] The graffiti medium may also be deployed to cover the side windows of the vehicle 100 and the door trims connected to the side windows.

[0067] The door trim has a structure with an uneven surface, but the above configuration makes the uneven surface flat, making it easier for children P3 to scribble on it.

[0068] [Modification] A modification of this embodiment will now be described.

[0069] (Other configurations of Graffiti Shade 22) FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another configuration of the graffiti shade 22. In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the graffiti shade 22 was made of a sheet-like synthetic leather that is easy to doodle on, but the configuration of the graffiti shade 22 is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the graffiti shade 22 may be made of multiple sheets of film or drawing paper that are easy to doodle on. The graffiti surfaces of these multiple films or drawing papers are adhered with an adhesive that maintains the laminated state, and are configured to be removable by flipping over the top surface. The next graffiti surface appears when the top surface is flipped over. With this configuration, it is possible to doodle on the next film or drawing paper without erasing the previous doodle. This eliminates the need to erase the previous doodle when writing new graffiti.

[0070] 7 is a block diagram showing another example of the functions of the vehicle control device 10. As shown in FIG.

[0071] The image processing unit 303 performs predetermined image processing on the image of the graffiti captured by the camera 23. The predetermined image processing is, for example, coloring. By projecting the image of the graffiti that has been colored onto the road surface, the road surface is decorated with vivid colors, which can attract the interest of the child P3. This can attract the child P3's attention to the outside of the vehicle.

[0072] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of functions of the vehicle control device 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the vehicle control device 10 may further include a seat control unit 304 and a seating position identification unit 33. The seating position identification unit 33 identifies the position where the child P3 is seated when the graffiti mode is switched on. Here, "identifying the position where the child P3 is seated" may be rephrased as "identifying the seat where the child P3 is seated." The method for identifying the seat where the child P3 is seated is not particularly limited. For example, the seating position identification unit 33 can identify the seat where the child P3 is seated by detecting the child P3 from an image of the interior of the vehicle captured by the camera 23. The seating position identification unit 33 outputs the identified seat information to the seat control unit 304.

[0073] Based on the information acquired from the seating position identification unit 33, the seat control unit 304 moves the seat having the graffiti medium to the position where the child P3 is seated. Here, in FIG. 1, the seat where the child P3 is seated is the third seat S3. Assume that the seat back of the first seat S1 is provided with a graffiti medium, for example, a graffiti shade 22. In this case, the seat control unit 304 moves the first seat S1 so that the first seat S1 approaches the third seat S3. This reduces the distance between the graffiti shade 22 and the child P3. This makes it easier for the child P3 to doodle on the graffiti shade 22.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another example of the functions of the vehicle control device 10. As shown in FIG. 9, the vehicle control device 10 may further include an interlocking control unit 305. The interlocking control unit 305 controls interior components in conjunction with graffiti by the child P3. To explain a specific example, assume that the child P3 has drawn a graffiti of the fourth seat S4 on the graffiti shade 22. In this case, the interlocking control unit 305 controls the actual fourth seat S4 to rotate in conjunction with the graffiti on the fourth seat S4, or to recline the seat back of the fourth seat S4 by executing the reclining function. In this way, by controlling the interior components in conjunction with the graffiti, the child P3 can treat the interior space of the vehicle as if it were his or her own base. Therefore, the above configuration can provide a completely new car experience.

[0075] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of functions of the vehicle control device 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle control device 10 may further include an image generation unit 34. The image generation unit 34 acquires the voice of the child P3 and generates an image corresponding to the voice of the child P3. As an example of a method for acquiring the voice of the child P3, a microphone may be installed inside the vehicle. Such a microphone is an example of an "input medium." The vehicle control device 10 may project an image corresponding to the voice of the child P3 generated by the image generation unit 34 outside the vehicle.

[0076] According to the above configuration, an image reflecting the intention of the child P3 can be projected outside the vehicle without providing a physical graffiti medium such as the graffiti shade 22 in the vehicle 100.

[0077] As described above, the graffiti in this embodiment may be directly written by the child P3 using a writing implement such as a pen or crayon, or may be indirectly written by the child P3 by uttering a voice. In other words, the drawing (graffiti) in this embodiment may be directly or indirectly done by the child P3.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of a graffiti medium. As shown in FIG. 11, a graffiti board 61, which is a graffiti medium, may be attached to an attachment port 60 provided on the back surface of the first seat S1. The surface of the table T1 (see FIG. 1) may also be configured to allow graffiti to be written on. With this configuration, the child P3 can doodle on various graffiti media, such as the graffiti shade 22, the graffiti board 61, and the table T1. By projecting images of graffiti written on multiple graffiti media outside the vehicle, the child P3's interest can be attracted. This can direct the child P3's gaze outside the vehicle.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, a "graffiti medium mounted on the vehicle 100" has been described as an example of an "input medium." However, the "input medium" is not limited to a "graffiti medium mounted on the vehicle 100." The "input medium" does not necessarily have to be mounted on the vehicle 100. For example, the "input medium" may be any device that has an input function that allows graffiti to be written on the vehicle and is communicatively connected to the vehicle control device 10. Examples of such "input media" include smartphones, tablet terminals, laptop PCs, and portable game consoles. These devices correspond to "external terminals." As described above, if a vehicle-specific OS is installed in the navigation device 21, the vehicle control device 10 can communicate with external smartphones, tablet terminals, and the like via the navigation device 21. In the following description, the "input medium" will be described as an external tablet terminal as an example.

[0080] The child P3 can doodle on the screen of the tablet terminal using a pen-shaped operating member or his / her fingertip. The pen-shaped operating member is, for example, a touch pen. As described above, the tablet terminal and the vehicle control device 10 are communicatively connected, so that an image of the doodle input to the tablet terminal is transmitted from the tablet terminal to the vehicle control device 10 via the navigation device 21. The vehicle control device 10 projects the image of the doodle acquired from the tablet terminal to the outside of the vehicle. This configuration is advantageous in terms of cost because the doodle written by the child P3 can be projected outside the vehicle without installing an input medium such as a doodle shade 22 in the vehicle 100.

[0081] The screen of the tablet terminal may also reflect and display the interior parts of the vehicle 100. This allows the child P3 to doodle on the screen of the tablet terminal as if he or she were doodle directly on the interior parts of the vehicle 100.

[0082] Note that the projection of graffiti images outside the vehicle may be configured to occur only during autonomous driving, or only when the vehicle is stopped.

[0083] In the above description, an image of graffiti has been used as the information to be projected outside the vehicle, but the information to be projected outside the vehicle is not limited to this. The information to be projected outside the vehicle can be changed depending on the situation of the vehicle 100. For example, the information to be projected outside the vehicle may be information to be communicated to an external target (such as a security guard or store clerk, as described below) outside the vehicle 100. A specific example will be described. Consider a scenario in which a driver visits a factory that requires the presentation of identification. Typically, when entering such a factory, the driver stops in front of a security gate and presents their identification to the security guard. In this case, if an image of the identification is projected outside the vehicle, the driver does not need to open the window or hand over their identification, allowing the identification to be verified quickly and smoothly. This verification process also contributes to reducing the chances of contact. Furthermore, if images of multiple identifications are projected outside the vehicle, multiple identifications can be verified at once, which helps to alleviate traffic congestion. Furthermore, at night, the identification images are brightly illuminated, making them easy to see even at night and reducing the risk of verification errors.

[0084] As another example, consider a scenario where you order at a drive-through. Normally, you would pay by showing a smartphone screen with a QR code (registered trademark) displayed on it to the store clerk. In this case, if the QR code image is projected outside the car, the driver would no longer need to show the smartphone screen to the store clerk, allowing for quick and smooth payment. This type of payment method also contributes to reducing contact opportunities.

[0085] The use of such QR code projection is not limited to drive-throughs. For example, when sending a friend request on a social networking service (SNS), if the QR code image is projected outside the car, it is possible to send the friend request while reducing the chances of contact.

[0086] As another example, consider an emergency situation where rescue is requested from outside the vehicle. In such an emergency, an image saying "HELP" can be projected outside the vehicle. This makes it easy for those around to see the message for help. This is effective when it is not possible to get out of the vehicle because the door will not open, for example. Also, at night, the "HELP" image is brightly lit, making it easy to see and allowing for quick rescue.

[0087] As another example, information showing a "confession of love" can be projected outside the vehicle. Unlike a regular confession, a "confession of love" projected large outside the vehicle has a visual impact and can strongly appeal to the other person's heart. At night, it can create a romantic atmosphere and make for a special and memorable moment.

[0088] As another example, the vehicle control device 10 may project various driving-related messages outside the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle control device 10 projects a message such as "Please cross" outside the vehicle, communication between the vehicle 100 and pedestrians is realized. Furthermore, when the vehicle control device 10 projects a message such as "Please go ahead" outside the vehicle, communication between the vehicle 100 and other vehicles, i.e., vehicle-to-vehicle communication, is realized. Furthermore, when the vehicle control device 10 projects a message such as "Would you like to take a break?" outside the vehicle, communication between the vehicle 100 and the driver is realized.

[0089] Furthermore, in the above description, a method using the virtual switch 211, sound, and the like has been described as an example of a method for deploying the graffiti shade 22 inside the vehicle. However, the method for deploying the graffiti shade 22 inside the vehicle is not limited to this. For example, the graffiti shade 22 may be provided with a locking mechanism that prevents deployment inside the vehicle. In this case, the virtual switch 211, sound, and the like may be used to unlock the graffiti shade 22. After the lock of the graffiti shade 22 is unlocked by the virtual switch 211, sound, and the like, the graffiti shade 22 may be deployed inside the vehicle by, for example, a child P3 operating a physical switch provided inside the vehicle. With this configuration, the graffiti shade 22 will not be deployed inside the vehicle until the lock is released. In other words, if the graffiti shade 22 is to be deployed inside the vehicle, the lock must be released. Even if the child P3 mistakenly operates the switch, the graffiti shade 22 will not be deployed inside the vehicle unless the lock is released. Therefore, with this configuration, the graffiti shade 22 can be safely deployed inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the graffiti shade 22 may be configured to be manually deployed and stored inside the vehicle by unlocking the graffiti shade 22 using the virtual switch 211, a voice command, etc. Even with this configuration, the graffiti shade 22 can be deployed inside the vehicle in a safe manner, as described above.

[0090] [Software implementation example] The functions of the vehicle control device 10 can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the vehicle control device 10, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the vehicle control device 10 (for example, the control unit 30).

[0091] In this case, the vehicle control device 10 includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The computer executes the program to realize each function described in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0092] The program may be stored non-temporarily in one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the vehicle control device 10. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the vehicle control device 10 via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0093] In addition, some or all of the functions of each control block can be realized by a logic circuit. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each control block is formed is also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the functions of each control block can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0094] Furthermore, each process described in the above-described embodiment may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may operate on the vehicle control device 10 or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0095] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 100 vehicles 10 Vehicle control device 22 Graffiti Shade 23 Camera 24 Projector 30 Control Unit 32 Image acquisition unit 34 Image generation unit 211 Virtual Switch

Claims

1. an information acquisition unit that acquires information input into a predetermined input medium by a passenger in the vehicle; a control unit that projects the information acquired by the information acquisition unit onto an area outside the vehicle, Vehicle control device.

2. the occupants include at least one or more children; the input medium is a graffiti medium mounted on the vehicle on which the child can write graffiti using a predetermined writing implement; The information acquisition unit acquires an image of the graffiti captured by a camera mounted on the vehicle, The control unit projects the image of the graffiti acquired by the information acquisition unit onto an area outside the vehicle. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 .

3. the occupants include at least one or more children; the input medium is an external terminal on which the child can write graffiti using an operating member or his / her fingertip; The information acquisition unit acquires an image of the graffiti from the terminal, The control unit projects the image of the graffiti acquired by the information acquisition unit onto an area outside the vehicle. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 .

4. the occupants include at least one or more children; the input medium is a microphone mounted on the vehicle, through which the child's voice is input; further comprising an image generating unit that generates an image corresponding to the child's voice; the information acquisition unit acquires the image generated by the image generation unit, The control unit projects the image acquired by the information acquisition unit onto an area outside the vehicle. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 .

5. The information is information to be transmitted to an object outside the vehicle. The vehicle control device according to claim 1 .

6. The area outside the vehicle includes at least a road surface. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. the graffiti medium is a sheet-like member that can be deployed inside the vehicle, The control unit deploys the graffiti medium inside the vehicle when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The vehicle control device according to claim 2.

8. The graffiti medium is a sheet-like member that can be deployed to cover the side window of the vehicle and the door trim connected to the side window. The vehicle control device according to claim 7.

9. an information acquisition step of acquiring information input by a passenger in the vehicle to a predetermined input medium; and controlling the projection of the information onto an area outside the vehicle. Vehicle control method.

10. A vehicle equipped with the vehicle control device according to claim 1.

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