Vehicle projection device and mobile unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle projection device and mobile unit that allows users to view an upward-facing landscape, similar to what would be visible through a sunroof, even in vehicles without a sunroof. [Solution] The vehicle projection device comprises an imager that captures images of the area outside the vehicle, and a projector that projects the images captured by the imager onto the wall of the vehicle interior. The imager is built into a component that is mounted on the outside of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle projection device and a moving body.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle projection device including a projector that projects an image on a vehicle interior wall surface (for example, the ceiling) and an in-vehicle imager that images the projected image.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle projection device of Patent Document 1, the out-vehicle imager is disposed in front of the vehicle (for example, behind the rearview mirror as seen from the driver). Therefore, when it is desired to view an image visible through the sunroof, it may be impossible to view the desired image.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle projection device and a moving body that enable viewing of an image similar to the view visible through the sunroof even in a vehicle without a sunroof.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A vehicle projection device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an imager that images an image outside the vehicle compartment, and a projector that projects the image imaged by the imager onto a wall surface of the vehicle compartment. The imager is incorporated in a component attached outside the vehicle.

[0007] A moving body according to an aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle and the vehicle projection device installed in the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle projection device and a vehicle that allow a vehicle without a sunroof to view an upward scenery that would be visible from a sunroof. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a vehicle projection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile body according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of projector installation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of projector installation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of projector installation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (Example 2). [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of projector installation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (Example 2). [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of projector installation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (Example 3). [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile body according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to in the following description, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of thickness and length of each part may differ from those of reality.

[0011] <Embodiment 1> (Example configuration) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example configuration of a vehicle projection device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle projection device 1 comprises an image sensor 2, a projector 3, and a control unit 4. The image sensor 2 is, for example, a CMOS image sensor. The image sensor 2 is built into a component that is mounted outside the vehicle (i.e., on the outside of the vehicle) and captures images of the outside of the vehicle (for example, images of the scenery outside the vehicle). The projector 3 projects the image captured by the image sensor 2 (for example, the scenery outside the vehicle) onto the wall surface of the vehicle interior (for example, the roof trim 12b, which will be described later).

[0012] The control unit 4 controls the imaging operation of the camera 2 and the imaging operation of the projector 3 according to a pre-set program. For example, the control unit 4 controls the imaging operation of the camera 2 and the imaging operation of the projector 3 so that the image captured by the camera 2 is projected by the projector 3 in real time (or near real time).

[0013] The control unit 4 may process the image captured by the camera 2. The projector 3 may project the image processed by the control unit 4. One example of image processing is the selection of the image area to be projected. For example, consider a case where at least a part of a part attached to the outside of the vehicle is captured in the image captured by the camera 2. In this case, the control unit 4 may correct the image so that only the scenery outside the vehicle is projected by the projector 3, and the part attached to the outside of the vehicle (for example, a part of the shark fin 13 described later) is not projected. Alternatively, the control unit 4 may correct the image captured by the camera 2 so that the image area in which the part attached to the outside of the vehicle is captured is replaced with another image. These corrections may be performed automatically by the control unit 4 according to a pre-set program, or they may be performed by the control unit 4 according to the above program and user input operations.

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the moving body 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, the moving body 10 is, for example, an automobile and includes a vehicle 11. The vehicle 11 has a roof 12. A shark fin 13 (an example of the "component attached outside the vehicle" of the present invention) is attached to the upper surface (i.e., the exterior surface) 12a of the roof 12.

[0015] The shark fin 13 incorporates an antenna for receiving radio waves such as radio and an imager 2. The imager 2 is disposed inside the shark fin 13, and its lens, which is the light-receiving surface, is exposed from the surface of the shark fin 13. Alternatively, the shark fin 13 may have a window portion made of a translucent resin or the like. In this case, the imager 2 including the lens is disposed inside the shark fin 13, and the lens may face the window portion of the shark fin 13. Thereby, the imager 2 can image the scenery outside the vehicle from among the shark fins 13 attached outside the vehicle.

[0016] The imaging direction of the imager 2 is upward of the vehicle 11, and for example, is a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 12a of the roof 12. Thereby, the imager 2 can image the scenery of the sky above the vehicle 11 from outside the vehicle (for example, the blue sky, clouds floating in the blue sky, branches and leaves of street trees, the sunset sky, the moon and stars in the night sky, etc.).

[0017] (Installation example of the projector) The projector 3 is installed inside the vehicle 11 (i.e., inside the vehicle). The installation position of the projector 3 is set so as not to obstruct the view of the driver and passengers as much as possible. Also, the installation position of the projector 3 is set so that the driver and passengers do not enter between the projector 3 and the area where the image 5 is projected (i.e., on the optical path of the projection) and the optical path is not blocked. Hereinafter, Installation Examples 1 to 3 of the projector 3 are shown.

[0018] (1) Installation Example 1 Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams showing Installation Example 1 of the projector 3 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 shows the installation position of the projector 3 from above the vehicle 11, and Figure 4 shows the installation position of the projector 3 from inside the vehicle 11. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in this example, the projector 3 is installed near the roof 12 on the front side of the vehicle 11. It is also possible to install the projector 3 on the upper part of the pillar on the front side of the vehicle 11. Taking a specific example, a short-focus projector is installed as the projector 3 near the roof (or the upper part of the pillar) of the map lamp provided on the front side of the vehicle 11. Thereby, as shown in Figure 4, the projector 3 can project the image 5 onto the roof trim 12b which is the interior lining of the roof 12 (an example of the "wall surface of the passenger compartment" of the present invention). Note that in Figure 4, a case where clouds floating in the blue sky and the branches and leaves of street trees are projected onto the roof trim 12b is shown, but this is merely an example. For example, on a road without street trees, street trees are not imaged and thus not projected onto the roof trim 12b.

[0019] (2) Installation Example 2 Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams showing Installation Example 2 of the projector 3 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 shows the installation position of the projector 3 from above the vehicle 11, and Figure 6 shows the installation position of the projector 3 from inside the vehicle 11. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in this example, the projector 3 is installed near the roof 12 on either the left or right side of the central part of the vehicle 11. It is also possible to install the projector 3 on the upper part of the pillar on either the left or right side of the central part of the vehicle 11. Taking a specific example, a short-focus projector is installed as the projector 3 near the roof (or the upper part of the pillar) of the roof side 21 in the central part of the vehicle 11 or the B-pillar trim 22. Thereby, as shown in Figure 6, the projector 3 can project the image 5 onto the roof trim 12b. Note that also in Figure 6, a case where clouds floating in the blue sky and the branches and leaves of street trees are projected onto the roof trim 12b is shown, but this is merely an example.

[0020] (3) Installation Example 3 Figure 7 shows an example of projector 3 installation according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 shows the installation positions of projector 3 from inside the vehicle 11. As shown in Figure 7, in this example, multiple projectors 3 are installed. Specifically, projector 3A is installed near the front roof (or on the top of the pillar) of the vehicle 11, projectors 3B and 3D are installed near the roof (or on the top of the pillar) on both the left and right sides of the center of the vehicle 11, and projector 3C is installed near the rear roof (or on the top of the pillar) of the vehicle 11. The rear projector 3C is installed, for example, near the roof (or on the top of the pillar) of the back door of the vehicle 11. At one or more of each position, projectors may be placed both near the roof and on the top of the pillar. By projecting the image 5 onto the roof trim 12b with projectors 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, it becomes possible to project the image 5 in a more three-dimensional manner.

[0021] (Effects of Embodiment 1) As described above, the vehicle projection device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises an imager 2 that captures an image 5 of the area outside the vehicle interior, and a projector 3 that projects the image 5 captured by the imager 2 onto the wall surface of the vehicle interior (for example, the roof trim 12b). The imager 2 is built into a component that is mounted on the outside of the vehicle (for example, the shark fin 13). As a result, the imager 2 is mounted on the outside of the vehicle and can capture the scenery visible from the sunroof, and the projector 3 can project the scenery visible from the sunroof. Passengers can see an image similar to the scenery visible from a sunroof, even in vehicles without a sunroof.

[0022] For example, the vehicle projection device 1 captures an image of the sky visible from the sunroof and projects the captured image onto the roof trim 12b in real time (or near real time). This allows passengers to see an image on the roof trim 12b that is similar to the sky visible from the sunroof.

[0023] Since the shark fin 13, which houses the image sensor 2, is an existing part, there is no need to drill a new hole in the vehicle 11 to install the image sensor 2 outside the vehicle. There is no risk of water leakage from drilling a hole, and it is also possible to reduce the amount of work required.

[0024] The projector 3 may be installed near the roof 12 inside the vehicle (or on the top of the pillar), for example, near the roof of the map lamp, pillar, or tailgate (or on the top of the pillar). This makes it easy for the projector 3 to project the image 5 onto the roof trim 12b without obstructing the driver's or passengers' view or interfering with the projection light path. Since no people are in the projection area, it is possible to prevent unwanted objects from appearing in the image.

[0025] The vehicle projection device 1 may further include a control unit 4 that controls at least one of the image sensor 2 and the projector 3 so as not to project parts attached to the outside of the vehicle (e.g., a shark fin 13). This prevents the projection of images of parts that should not be visible from the sunroof (e.g., part of a shark fin 13). The control unit 4 can also perform image correction and utilize the maximum flat surface area to project the image 5 as a large screen.

[0026] The mobile body 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention comprises a vehicle 11 and a vehicle projection device 1 installed on the vehicle 11. The vehicle projection device 1 comprises an imager 2 that captures an image 5 of the outside of the vehicle interior and a projector 3 that projects the image 5 captured by the imager 2 onto the wall surface of the vehicle interior (for example, the roof trim 12b). The imager 2 is built into a component that is attached to the outside of the vehicle. As a result, since the mobile body 10 is equipped with the vehicle projection device 1, passengers can see an image similar to the view seen from a sunroof, even in a vehicle without a sunroof.

[0027] <Embodiment 2> In Embodiment 1 described above, the "part attached to the outside of the vehicle" of the present invention was explained as a shark fin 13. However, the "part attached to the outside of the vehicle" is not limited to a shark fin 13. The "part attached to the outside of the vehicle" may be, for example, a spoiler for the tailgate.

[0028] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobile body 10A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the mobile body 10A includes a spoiler 14 attached to the back door. An image sensor 2 is built into the spoiler 14. The imaging direction of the image sensor 2 built into the spoiler 14 is upward on the vehicle 11. The other configurations are the same as those of the mobile body 10 according to Embodiment 1. Even in this configuration, the same effects as those of Embodiment 1 are achieved.

[0029] <Embodiment 3> In embodiments of the present invention, the image projected by the projector 3 is not limited to the scenery outside the vehicle. For example, at the operation of the passenger, the projector 3 may project a map of the driving area onto the roof trim 12b, or project videos such as dramas or movies onto the roof trim 12b while the vehicle 10 is stopped (for example, while an electric vehicle is charging). Thus, in addition to the function of projecting the scenery outside the vehicle in real time (or near real time), the vehicle projection device 1 may also have the function of using the roof trim 12b as a large screen. This can make the interior of the vehicle an even more enjoyable space for the passenger.

[0030] <Other Embodiments> As described above, the present invention has been described by embodiments 1 to 3, but the descriptions and drawings that constitute part of this disclosure should not be understood as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. For example, Figures 4 and 6 show a case where clouds floating in the blue sky and the branches and leaves of street trees are projected onto the roof trim 12b, but the control unit 4 may perform image correction so that the street trees are not projected and only the sky is projected. This image correction may be performed by the control unit 4 at the operation of the passenger, or it may be performed automatically by the control unit 4 according to a pre-programmed program. For example, the control unit 4 may automatically perform image correction so that only the sky is projected while the moving object is moving at a speed above a certain speed.

[0031] Additionally, a screen sheet may be provided on the roof trim 12b. This screen sheet may be fixed to the roof trim 12b, or it may be retractable or detachable from the roof trim 12b. Projecting onto the screen sheet by the projector 3 may make it possible to achieve a clearer image 5.

[0032] Thus, this technology naturally includes various embodiments not described herein. Within the scope of the embodiments described above, at least one of various omissions, substitutions, and modifications of the components can be made. Furthermore, the effects described herein are merely illustrative and not limiting, and other effects may also exist.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention can also employ the following configurations. (1) A vehicle projection device comprising an imager for capturing images of the outside of the vehicle interior, and a projector for projecting the images captured by the imager onto the wall surface of the vehicle interior, wherein the imager is built into a component that is mounted on the outside of the vehicle. (2) The vehicle projection device according to (1), wherein the part attached to the outside of the vehicle is a shark fin. (3) The vehicle projection device according to (1) or (2), wherein the projector is installed near the roof (or on the upper part of the pillar) inside the vehicle. (4) The projector is installed near the roof of the map lamp, pillar, or back door (or on the top of the pillar), and is a vehicle projection device as described in any one of items (1) to (3) above. (5) A vehicle projection device according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising: a control unit that controls at least one of the image sensor and the projector so that the parts attached to the outside of the vehicle are not projected. (6) A mobile body comprising a vehicle and a vehicle projection device installed on the vehicle, wherein the vehicle projection device comprises an imager for capturing images of the outside of the vehicle interior and a projector for projecting the images captured by the imager onto the wall surface of the vehicle interior, and the imager is built into a component attached to the outside of the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1. Vehicle projection device 2. Imaging device 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D projectors 4. Control Unit 5 images 10, 10A Mobile Unit 11 vehicles 12 Roof 12a Top side 12b Roof trim 13 Shark Fin 14 Spoiler 21 Roofside 22 B Pillar Trim

Claims

1. An imager that captures images of the outside of the vehicle, The vehicle comprises a projector that projects the image captured by the camera onto the wall of the vehicle interior, The aforementioned imaging device is a vehicle projection device built into a component mounted on the exterior of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, wherein the part attached to the outside of the vehicle is a shark fin.

3. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projector is installed near the roof inside the vehicle.

4. The vehicle projection device according to claim 3, wherein the projector is installed near the roof of a map lamp, pillar, or back door.

5. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control unit that controls at least one of the imager and the projector so as not to project the parts attached to the outside of the vehicle.

6. Vehicles and, The vehicle includes a vehicle projection device installed in the aforementioned vehicle, The aforementioned vehicle projection device is An imager that captures images of the outside of the vehicle, The vehicle comprises a projector that projects the image captured by the camera onto the wall of the vehicle interior, The aforementioned imaging device is a mobile unit built into a component mounted on the outside of the vehicle.

Images