Vehicle projection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle projection device that makes projected images easily visible even when the surrounding environment of the vehicle is bright. [Solution] A vehicle projection device 1 installed on a vehicle C comprises a side mirror projector 11 that projects a predetermined image onto the exterior of the vehicle C, a brightness sensor 5 that detects the brightness around the vehicle C, and a control unit 7. The control unit 7 performs a display format change process that changes the display format of the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 based on the brightness around the vehicle C detected by the brightness sensor 5.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle projection device for performing a desired display for a viewer outside the vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a vehicle display device described in Patent Document 1 is known. In this display device, a projector is installed in a side mirror of an automobile, and an image is projected onto the surface of a side panel of the automobile.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle projection device that can make projected images easier to see even when the surrounding environment of the vehicle is bright. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A side view of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle projection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] A functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a vehicle projection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram showing the change in the size of the display area when the side mirror projector is moved closer to or further away from the vehicle using a movement mechanism. [Figure 4] A side view of a vehicle when the display mode change process, executed by the control unit, changes the size of the display area, etc., according to the brightness. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the control process performed by the control unit when it performs the display format change processing shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the contents of the database. [Figure 7] A side view of a vehicle when the amount of information in the video is changed according to the brightness during a display mode change process executed by the control unit. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the process of changing the display format in another example of a video containing multiple pieces of display information with different levels of importance. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the process of changing the display format in yet another example of a video containing multiple display information items of different importance levels. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing the control process performed by the control unit when it performs the display format change processing shown in Figures 7 to 9. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the contents of the database. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the contents of the database. [Figure 13] A side view of a vehicle in which, during a display mode change process executed by the control unit, the image is replaced with text information according to the brightness. [Figure 14] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a sliding operation of character information by ticker display. [Figure 15] A flowchart showing the control content when the control unit performs the display form change process shown in FIGS. 13 to 14.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of the vehicle projection device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15.

[0010] <Configuration of Vehicle and Vehicle Projection Device> The configuration of the vehicle and the vehicle projection device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle projection device according to the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle projection device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the change in the size of the display area when the side mirror projector is moved closer to and farther from the vehicle by the moving mechanism.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle projection device 1 is provided in a vehicle C having doors 3F and 3R that can be opened and closed on the side surface of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle projection device 1 includes a brightness sensor 5 (brightness detection unit), a control unit 7, a projection video generation unit 9, a side mirror projector 11 (projection unit), a moving mechanism 13, and a database 16.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle C has a front door 3F (first door) and a rear door 3R (second door) arranged adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction on the left side surface. Hereinafter, the door 3F will be referred to as the "front door 3F" and the door 3R will be referred to as the "rear door 3R" as appropriate. The front door 3F is a rotary door that opens and closes by rotating around a predetermined axis. The rear door 3R is a sliding door that opens and closes by sliding along the side surface of the vehicle C. Note that the rear door 3R may be a rotary door. Also, the number of doors on one side surface of the vehicle C is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. Note that the vehicle C also has doors similar to the doors 3F and 3R on the right side surface.

[0013] The side mirror projector 11 is provided on the left side mirror 15 of the vehicle C via a moving mechanism 13, and projects a predetermined image onto the exterior of the vehicle C (the outer surfaces of the doors 3F and 3R) that is located behind the side mirror projector 11 and serves as the projection target. Specifically, the side mirror projector 11 projects an image by irradiating the irradiation light L1 representing a predetermined image onto the substantially rectangular display area R1 on the outer surfaces of the doors 3F and 3R of the vehicle C. In this embodiment, the case where the predetermined image is, for example, an advertisement will be described, but it may be an image other than an advertisement. The display area R1 may be an area that straddles both of the doors 3F and 3R, or may be an area that fits within either one of the doors 3F and 3R. Note that the side mirror projector 11 may be provided only on the left side mirror 15 of the vehicle C, or may be provided on both the left and right side mirrors of the vehicle C.

[0014] The moving mechanism 13 is interposed between the side mirror projector 11 and the side mirror 15, and moves the side mirror projector 11 so as to approach or separate from the exterior of the vehicle C (the outer surfaces of the doors 3F and 3R) (in the state where the side mirror 15 is opened, move to the outside or inside of the vehicle). The configuration of the moving mechanism 13 is not particularly limited, but for example, it may have a motor, a rail, and a slider to which the side mirror projector 11 is fixed, and the slider may be moved along the rail by the motor.

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the brightness sensor 5 detects the brightness around the vehicle C. In this embodiment, the brightness sensor 5 detects the brightness of the exterior of the vehicle C (the outer surface of doors 3F and 3R), which is the projection surface for the image, as an example of the area around the vehicle C. The brightness sensor 5 may also detect the brightness of the space around the vehicle C, other than the outer surface of doors 3F and 3R. The brightness sensor 5 detects the amount of light incident from within the detection range of the outer surface of doors 3F and 3R. The detection range may be approximately the same as the projection range of the side mirror projector 11, or it may be a different range. The brightness sensor 5 may be installed inside the side mirror projector 11, or it may be installed outside the side mirror projector 11. When the brightness sensor 5 is installed inside the side mirror projector 11, it is moved together with the side mirror projector 11 by the movement mechanism 13. If the brightness sensor 5 is installed outside the side mirror projector 11, it may be moved together with the side mirror projector 11 by the moving mechanism 13, or it may be fixed in position without being moved.

[0016] The control unit 7 performs a display mode change process to change the display mode of the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 based on the brightness of the outer surface of doors 3F and 3R detected by the brightness sensor 5. For example, in the display mode change process, the control unit 7 changes the size of the display area of ​​the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 based on the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. Also, for example, in the display mode change process, the control unit 7 changes the size of the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 based on the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. Also, for example, in the display mode change process, the control unit 7 changes the distance between the side mirror projector 11 and the display area of ​​the image based on the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. Also, for example, in the display mode change process, the control unit 7 changes the amount of information contained in the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 based on the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. Also, for example, in the display mode change process, the control unit 7 gradually changes the display mode of the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 based on the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. For example, in the display mode change process, the control unit 7 controls the movement mechanism 13 to change the distance between the side mirror projector 11 and the exterior of the vehicle C (the outer surface of doors 3F and 3R) based on the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. Details of the display mode change process will be described later.

[0017] The projection image generation unit 9 generates an image to be projected onto the display area R1 by the side mirror projector 11, based on the control by the control unit 7.

[0018] Database 16 contains pre-set and recorded correlation information between the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5, the size of the display area R1, and the position of the side mirror projector 11. Database 16 also contains pre-set and recorded correlation information between multiple display information items with different levels of importance included in the video, the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 (size of the display area R1, position of the side mirror projector 11), and whether or not the display information is displayed according to its level of importance. The control unit 7 performs the display mode change process while referring to the information recorded in database 16.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, if the projection angle from the side mirror projector 11 to the doors 3F and 3R is kept constant, when the side mirror projector 11 is moved away from the outer surface of the doors 3F and 3R by the movement mechanism 13, the size of the display area R1 of the projected image by the irradiated light L1 increases. On the other hand, when the side mirror projector 11 is moved closer to the outer surface of the doors 3F and 3R by the movement mechanism 13, the size of the display area R1 of the projected image by the irradiated light L1 decreases. When the side mirror projector 11 is moved closer to the outer surface of the doors 3F and 3R, the brightness of the projected image is higher and the image is brighter than when it is moved away. In other words, a smaller display area R1 results in a brighter image than a larger one. In the example shown in Figure 3, the brightness sensor 5 moves together with the side mirror projector 11 and detects the amount of light I incident from multiple locations within the detection range overlapping with the display area R1, and detects the brightness of the outer surface of the doors 3F and 3R by, for example, taking the average of these values.

[0020] As mentioned above, the brightness sensor 5 may be fixed in position without being moved by the movement mechanism 13. Also, the brightness sensor 5 may detect light intensity at one location, rather than multiple locations.

[0021] <Specific example of display format change processing> Next, specific examples of the display format change process performed by the control unit 7 will be explained using Figures 4 to 15.

[0022] <When changing the size of the display area etc. according to brightness> In the display mode change process, the control unit 7 controls the movement mechanism 13 to change the distance between the side mirror projector 11 and the exterior of the vehicle C based on the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. Specifically, when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is dark, the side mirror projector 11 is moved away from the exterior of the vehicle C, and as it gets brighter, the side mirror projector 11 is moved closer to the exterior of the vehicle C. Accordingly, the size of the display area R1 of the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 is changed according to the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. That is, the size of the display area R1 is larger when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is dark and decreases as it gets brighter. Also, the size of the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 is changed according to the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. That is, the size of the image is larger when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is dark and decreases as it gets brighter. In this embodiment, "changing the size of the image" means changing the scale without changing the aspect ratio of the image. Furthermore, the distance between the side mirror projector 11 and the image display area R1 is changed according to the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. In other words, the distance between the side mirror projector 11 and the image display area R1 is longer when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is dark, and shorter as it becomes brighter.

[0023] In Figure 4, the topmost figure shows the case where the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is at its lowest. In this state, the side mirror projector 11 is moved as far away from the exterior of the vehicle C by the movement mechanism 13, and the size of the display area R1 is maximized. In the example shown in Figure 4, the image 17 is projected onto a display area R1 that spans almost the entire front door 3F and rear door 3R. As the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 increases, the side mirror projector 11 is moved in stages by the movement mechanism 13 to move closer to the exterior of the vehicle C, and the size of the display area R1 is gradually reduced. In the example shown in Figure 4, in the state shown in the second figure from the top, the display area R1 of the image 17 has been reduced to a size that spans almost half of the front door 3F and rear door 3R. In the state shown in the third figure from the top, the display area R1 of the image 17 has been reduced from a size that spans both the front door 3F and rear door 3R to a size that fits within the front door 3F. Furthermore, in the state shown in the fourth figure from the top, the display area R1 of the video 17 is reduced in size from spanning the upper and lower parts of the front door 3F to fitting within the upper part of the front door 3F. However, if the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 decreases from the state in which the display area R1 is displayed at a size that fits within the upper part of the front door 3F, the side mirror projector 11 is moved in stages by the movement mechanism 13 so as to move away from the exterior of the vehicle C, and the size of the display area R1 is gradually increased.

[0024] In the example shown in Figure 4, the size (scale) of the image 17 is changed in accordance with the change in the size of the display area R1. That is, when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 becomes brighter, the size (scale) of the image 17 decreases in stages, and when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 becomes darker, the size (scale) of the image 17 increases in stages. In addition, the projection distance L between the side mirror projector 11 and the display area R1 of the image is also changed in accordance with the change in the size of the display area R1. That is, when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 becomes brighter, the projection distance L decreases in stages, and when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 becomes darker, the projection distance L increases in stages.

[0025] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control details when the control unit 7 performs the display mode change processing shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 5, the control unit 7 obtains the brightness detection result of the projection surface of the image 17 (outer surface of door 3F, 3R) from the brightness sensor 5 (S10).

[0026] Next, the control unit 7 obtains the size of the display area R1 and the position of the side mirror projector 11 from the database 16, which correspond to the detection result from the brightness sensor 5 (S20).

[0027] Figure 6 shows an example of the contents of the database 16. In the example shown in Figure 6, the size of the display area R1 and the position of the side mirror projector 11 are set in four stages according to the brightness of the projection surface detected by the brightness sensor 5. Brightness is defined by, for example, lumens (luminous flux), candela (luminous intensity), lux (illuminance), candela per square meter (luminance), etc. The position of the side mirror projector 11 is the stroke distance of the moving mechanism 13, with the position closest to the vehicle C being 0 cm. As shown in the top row of the table in Figure 6, when the brightness of the projection surface is at its darkest (for example, darker than the first predetermined value), the size of the display area R1 is 90 cm × 160 cm, and the position of the side mirror projector 11 to achieve that size is set to 30 cm. Furthermore, as shown in the second row from the top of the table in Figure 6, when the brightness of the projection surface is the next darkest (for example, brighter than the first predetermined value and darker than the second predetermined value), the size of the display area R1 is 60 cm × 107 cm, and the position of the side mirror projector 11 to achieve that size is set to 20 cm. Also, as shown in the third row from the top of the table in Figure 6, when the brightness of the projection surface is bright (for example, brighter than the second predetermined value and darker than the third predetermined value), the size of the display area R1 is 45 cm × 80 cm, and the position of the side mirror projector 11 to achieve that size is set to 10 cm. Also, as shown in the fourth row from the top of the table in Figure 6, when the brightness of the projection surface is the brightest (for example, brighter than the third predetermined value), the size of the display area R1 is 30 cm × 53 cm, and the position of the side mirror projector 11 to achieve that size is set to 0 cm. Note that the four setting values ​​shown in Figure 6 correspond to, for example, the four figures shown in Figure 4.

[0028] In the example shown in Figure 6, the size of the display area R1 and the position of the side mirror projector 11 are changed in steps (for example, 4 steps) according to the brightness of the projection surface, but the number of steps may be other than 4 (for example, 2 steps, 3 steps, 5 steps or more). Furthermore, the size of the display area R1 and the position of the side mirror projector 11 may be changed continuously according to the brightness of the projection surface, rather than in steps.

[0029] Returning to Figure 5, the control unit 7 controls the movement mechanism 13 to start moving the side mirror projector 11 to the position obtained from the database 16 (S30) (display mode change process).

[0030] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the movement of the side mirror projector 11 has been completed (S40). If the control unit 7 determines that the movement of the side mirror projector 11 has not been completed, it returns to S30. If the control unit 7 determines that the movement of the side mirror projector 11 has been completed, it projects the image 17 onto at least one outer surface of the door 3F, 3R (S50). If the image 17 has already been projected, it continues projecting the image 17 (S50).

[0031] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether or not it has received a command to stop the projection of the image 17 (S60). The control unit 7 determines that it has received a stop command, for example, when the driver turns off the advertisement display switch or stops the engine. If the control unit 7 has not received a command to stop the projection of the image 17, it returns to S10. On the other hand, if the control unit 7 has received a command to stop the projection of the image 17, it terminates the process.

[0032] <When changing the amount of information in the video according to the brightness> In the display mode change process, the control unit 7 may, in addition to changing the size of the display area R1, etc., according to the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5, also change the amount of information contained in the image. Specifically, if the projected image contains multiple display information of different importance levels, and the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 increases, the control unit 7 may reduce the amount of information by removing the display information contained in the image in order of decreasing importance.

[0033] In Figure 7, the topmost diagram shows the case where the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is at its darkest. In this state, the side mirror projector 11 is moved as far away from the exterior of the vehicle C by the movement mechanism 13, the size of the display area R1 becomes maximum, and all display information contained in the video 17 is displayed. In the example shown in Figure 7, the video 17 includes text information 17a representing the product name or service name, talent image information 17b containing images of multiple talents, and supplementary information 17c containing supplementary text, etc. The text information 17a is of higher importance than the talent image information 17b, and the talent image information 17b is of higher importance than the supplementary information 17c.

[0034] When the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 increases, the movement mechanism 13 moves the side mirror projector 11 in stages to move closer to the exterior of the vehicle C, and the size of the display area R1 decreases in stages. In the example shown in Figure 7, in the state shown in the second figure from the top, the display area R1 of the video 17 has been reduced to a size that spans approximately half of the front door 3F and the rear door 3R. In this state, all display information contained in the video 17 is displayed. In the state shown in the third figure from the top, the display area R1 of the video 17 has been reduced from a size that spans both the front door 3F and the rear door 3R to a size that fits within the front door 3F. In this state, the supplementary information 17c, which is of the lowest importance, is removed, and the text information 17a and talent image information 17b are displayed. Furthermore, in the state shown in the fourth figure from the top, the display area R1 of the video 17 has been reduced from a size that spans the upper and lower parts of the front door 3F to a size that fits within the upper part of the front door 3F. In this state, the talent image information 17b, which is the second least important, is further removed, and only the text information 17a is displayed. If the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 decreases from the state where only the text information 17a is displayed, the side mirror projector 11 is moved in stages by the movement mechanism 13 so that it moves away from the exterior of the vehicle C, and the amount of information contained in the image 17 increases in stages.

[0035] Figure 8 shows another example of a video containing multiple display information of varying importance. In the example shown in Figure 8, video 19 includes, for example, text information 19a representing the release date of a new song, talent image information 19b containing an image of the talent releasing the new song, and text information 19c representing the title of the new song. Text information 19c is of higher importance than text information 19a, and text information 19a is of higher importance than talent image information 19b. In this case, as the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 increases, the control unit 7 removes the display information in order of decreasing importance, in this example, talent image information 19b, then text information 19a, until finally only text information 19c is displayed. If the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 decreases from the state where only text information 19c is displayed, the display information is added in the reverse order, i.e., text information 19a, then talent image information 19b.

[0036] Figure 9 shows yet another example of a video containing multiple display information of varying importance. In the example shown in Figure 9, the video 21 includes, for example, text information 21a representing a service name, text information 21b representing a company name, and supplementary information 21c containing supplementary characters. Text information 21a is of higher importance than supplementary information 21c, and supplementary information 21c is of higher importance than text information 21b. In this case, as the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 increases, the control unit 7 removes the display information in order of decreasing importance, in this example, text information 21b, then supplementary information 21c, until finally only text information 21a is displayed. If the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 decreases from the state where only text information 21a is displayed, the display information is added in the reverse order, i.e., supplementary information 21c, then text information 21b.

[0037] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the control details when the control unit 7 performs the display mode change processing shown in Figures 7 to 9. As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 7 obtains the brightness detection result of the projection surface of the image (outer surface of door 3F, 3R) from the brightness sensor 5 (S110).

[0038] Next, the control unit 7 obtains the size of the display area R1 and the position of the side mirror projector 11 from the database 16, which correspond to the detection result from the brightness sensor 5 (S120).

[0039] Next, the control unit 7 controls the movement mechanism 13 to start moving the side mirror projector 11 to the position obtained from the database 16 (S130) (display mode change process).

[0040] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the movement of the side mirror projector 11 has been completed (S140). If the control unit 7 determines that the movement of the side mirror projector 11 has not been completed, it returns to S130. If the control unit 7 determines that the movement of the side mirror projector 11 has been completed, it determines whether the visibility has decreased due to the reduction of the image 17 (S150). The method for determining whether the visibility has decreased is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, it is determined that the visibility has decreased when the size of the display area R1 becomes less than or equal to a predetermined size (for example, 45 cm x 80 cm), or when the position of the side mirror projector 11 becomes less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 10 cm). Note that other methods may be used for determination. If the control unit 7 determines that the visibility has not decreased, it proceeds to S180.

[0041] If the control unit 7 determines that visibility has decreased, it obtains from the database 16 information regarding multiple display information items of different importance included in the projected image, and information regarding the presence or absence of display information for each importance level corresponding to the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 (S160).

[0042] Figures 11 and 12 show an example of the contents of the database 16. In the example shown in Figure 11, the size of the display area R1 and the position of the side mirror projector 11 are set in four stages according to the brightness of the projection surface detected by the brightness sensor 5. In addition, for each stage, the presence or absence of display of display information included in the image according to its importance is set. Rank 1 is more important than rank 2, and rank 2 is more important than rank 3. As shown in the top row of the table in Figure 11, when the brightness of the projection surface is the darkest, display information of all importance levels from rank 1 to rank 3 is displayed. Similarly, as shown in the second row from the top of the table in Figure 11, when the brightness of the projection surface is the next darkest, display information of all importance levels from rank 1 to rank 3 is displayed. Furthermore, as shown in the third row from the top of the table in Figure 11, when the brightness of the projection surface is bright, the display information of rank 3 disappears, and the display information of rank 1 and rank 2 is displayed. Furthermore, as shown in the fourth row from the top of the table in Figure 11, when the brightness of the projection surface is the brightest, the display information of rank 2 and rank 3 disappears, and only the display information of rank 1 is displayed.

[0043] As shown in Figure 12, each projected image is assigned an importance level (Rank 1, Rank 2, and Rank 3) for the display information contained within it. In the example shown in Figure 12, for example, image No. 1 includes the service name, talent image, and supplementary text as display information, with the importance level set in the order of service name, talent image, and supplementary text. Similarly, for example, image No. 2 includes the song title, release date, and talent image as display information, with the importance level set in the order of song title, release date, and talent image. Furthermore, for example, image No. 3 includes the service name, supplementary text, and company name as display information, with the importance level set in the order of service name, supplementary text, and company name. Note that the importance level of image No. 1 shown in Figure 10 corresponds to image 17 in Figure 7, the importance level of image No. 2 corresponds to image 19 in Figure 8, and the importance level of image No. 3 corresponds to image 21 in Figure 9.

[0044] Returning to Figure 10, the control unit 7 generates a projected image by gradually increasing or decreasing multiple display information of different importance levels based on the information obtained from the database 16 by the projection image generation unit 9 (S170).

[0045] Next, the control unit 7 projects the generated image 17 onto at least one outer surface of door 3F, 3R (S180). If image 17 is already being projected, the projected image 17 is replaced with the image generated in S170 (S180) (display mode change process).

[0046] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether or not it has received a command to stop the projection of the image (S190). The control unit 7 determines that it has received a stop command, for example, when the driver turns off the advertisement display switch or stops the engine. If the control unit 7 has not received a command to stop the projection of the image, it returns to S110. On the other hand, if the control unit 7 has received a command to stop the projection of the image, it terminates the process.

[0047] <When replacing video with text information depending on brightness> In the display mode change process, the control unit 7 may, in addition to changing the size of the display area R1 according to the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5, replace the video with text information according to the brightness. Specifically, if the video contains text information, the control unit 7 performs a judgment process to determine the visibility of the text information based on the size of the video, and if it determines that the visibility is low, it replaces the displayed video with a text video that mainly consists of text information. At that time, the text information is displayed by sliding it within the display area R1 of the text video.

[0048] In Figure 13, the topmost diagram shows the case where the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is at its darkest. In this state, the side mirror projector 11 is moved as far away from the exterior of the vehicle C by the movement mechanism 13, and the size of the display area R1 is maximized. In the example shown in Figure 13, the video 19 includes, for example, text information 19a representing the release date of the new song, talent image information 19b containing an image of the talent releasing the new song, and text information 19c representing the title of the new song. Text information 19c is of higher importance than text information 19a, and text information 19a is of higher importance than talent image information 19b.

[0049] When the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 increases, the movement mechanism 13 moves the side mirror projector 11 in stages to move closer to the exterior of the vehicle C, and the size of the display area R1 decreases in stages. In the example shown in Figure 13, in the state shown in the second figure from the top, the display area R1 of the video 19 is reduced to a size that spans approximately half of the front door 3F and the rear door 3R. In this state, all the display information contained in the video 19 is displayed. In the state shown in the third figure from the top, the display area R1 of the video 19 is reduced from a size that spans both the front door 3F and the rear door 3R to a size that fits within the front door 3F. In this state, the video 19 is replaced with a text video containing text information 19a and 19c. In the state shown in the fourth figure from the top, the text information 19a and 19c is displayed so that it slides in the front-to-back direction (moves from the back to the front) within the display area R1 (a so-called ticker display). Furthermore, when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 becomes dim, the opposite of the above occurs: the side mirror projector 11 is gradually moved away from the exterior of the vehicle C by the movement mechanism 13, and the text image containing the text information 19a and 19c is replaced with the original image 19 which includes the talent image information 19b.

[0050] Figure 14 shows an example of the sliding motion of text information using a ticker display. As shown in Figure 14, for the text information 19a and 19c, "New song release date: *Month* *Day*, 2024", the display area R1 moves one character backward at a time. As a result, the text information is displayed as if it is sliding forward within the display area R1.

[0051] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the control details when the control unit 7 performs the display mode change processing shown in Figures 13 and 14. As shown in Figure 15, the control unit 7 obtains the brightness detection result of the projection surface of the image (outer surface of door 3F, 3R) from the brightness sensor 5 (S210).

[0052] Next, the control unit 7 obtains the size of the display area R1 and the position of the side mirror projector 11 from the database 16, which correspond to the detection result from the brightness sensor 5 (S220).

[0053] Next, the control unit 7 controls the movement mechanism 13 to start moving the side mirror projector 11 to the position obtained from the database 16 (S230) (display mode change process).

[0054] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether the movement of the side mirror projector 11 has been completed (S240). If the control unit 7 determines that the movement of the side mirror projector 11 has not been completed, it returns to S230. If the control unit 7 determines that the movement of the side mirror projector 11 has been completed, it determines whether the visibility of the text information contained in the image 17 has decreased due to the reduction in size of the image 17 (S250) (determination process). The method for determining whether the visibility of the text information has decreased is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, it is determined that the visibility of the text information has decreased when the size of the display area R1 becomes less than or equal to a predetermined size (for example, 45 cm x 80 cm), or when the position of the side mirror projector 11 becomes less than or equal to a predetermined value (for example, 10 cm). Note that other methods may be used for determination. If the control unit 7 determines that the visibility of the text information has not decreased, it proceeds to S280.

[0055] If the control unit 7 determines that the visibility of the text information has decreased, it retrieves the text information contained in the projected image from the database 16 (S260).

[0056] Next, the control unit 7 generates a projected image for displaying the character information in a ticker, based on the character information obtained from the database 16 by the projection image generation unit 9 (S270).

[0057] Next, the control unit 7 projects the generated image 19 onto at least one outer surface of door 3F, 3R (S280). If image 17 is already being projected, the projected image 17 is replaced with the image generated in S270 (S280) (display mode change process).

[0058] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether or not it has received a command to stop the projection of the image (S290). The control unit 7 determines that it has received a stop command, for example, when the driver turns off the advertisement display switch or stops the engine. If the control unit 7 has not received a command to stop the projection of the image, it returns to S210. On the other hand, if the control unit 7 has received a command to stop the projection of the image, it terminates the process.

[0059] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, in the vehicle projection device 1 according to this embodiment, the brightness sensor 5 detects the brightness of the exterior of the vehicle C (outer surfaces of doors 3F and 3R), and the control unit 7 changes the display mode of the image from the side mirror projector 11 according to the detected brightness. By changing to a display mode that is easy to see even when the surrounding environment is bright, the projected image can be made easier to see even when the surrounding environment of the vehicle C is bright.

[0060] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 7 reduces the size of the display area R1 of the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is bright. This makes the projected image brighter. Therefore, the projected image can be made easier to see even when the surrounding environment of the vehicle C is bright.

[0061] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 7 changes the size of the display area R1 from a size that spans both doors 3F and 3R to a size that fits within the front door 3F as the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 increases. This ensures that the size of the display area R1 is reliably reduced. Therefore, the projected image can be made brighter, making the projected image easier to see even when the surrounding environment of vehicle C is bright.

[0062] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 7 changes the size of the display area R1 from a size that spans the upper and lower parts of the front door 3F to a size that fits within the upper part of the front door 3F as the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 becomes brighter. By gradually reducing the size of the display area R1, the brightness of the projected image can be gradually increased. Therefore, the brightness of the projected image can be adjusted in stages according to the brightness of the surrounding environment of vehicle C, making the projected image easy to see even when the surrounding environment of vehicle C is bright.

[0063] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 7 reduces the size (scale) of the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is high. This makes the projected image brighter, so the projected image can be easily seen even when the surrounding environment of the vehicle C is bright.

[0064] Furthermore, if the projected image includes text information, reducing the image size (scale) may decrease the legibility of the text information. Therefore, the control unit 7 can, as needed, determine the legibility of the text information according to the image size, and if it determines that the legibility is low, it can replace the displayed image with a text-based image to ensure the legibility of the text information. This helps to prevent a decrease in the value of advertisements when the image is an advertisement.

[0065] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 7 performs a so-called ticker display in which the text information slides along with animation (video). This allows the entire text information to be displayed while ensuring the size (visibility) of the characters, even when the display area R1 is small.

[0066] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 7 can brighten the projected image by shortening the projection distance L between the side mirror projector 11 and the image display area R1 when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is bright. This makes the projected image easier to see even when the surrounding environment of the vehicle C is bright.

[0067] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 7 can reduce the amount of information contained in the image when the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 is bright, thereby reducing the size of the display area R1 of the image while ensuring visibility. This makes the projected image brighter, so the projected image can be easily seen even when the surrounding environment of the vehicle C is bright.

[0068] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 7 reduces the amount of information in the video by removing less important display information in order as the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 increases. This allows highly important display information to be retained and displayed until the end of the video. Therefore, if the video is an advertisement, the decrease in the value of the advertisement can be suppressed.

[0069] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 7 gradually changes the display mode of the image projected by the side mirror projector 11 according to the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5. This allows for gradual adjustment of the image display mode, making the projected image easy to see regardless of the brightness of the surrounding environment of the vehicle C.

[0070] Furthermore, if necessary, the control unit 7 can brighten the projected image so that it is not overpowered by the ambient light by moving the side mirror projector 11 closer to the exterior of the vehicle C as the brightness detected by the brightness sensor 5 increases. This makes the projected image easier to see even when the surrounding environment of the vehicle C is bright.

[0071] <Variation> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit and technical concept.

[0072] In the above example, the side mirror projector 11 is placed on the side mirror 15, but the projector (projection unit) may also be placed on a part of the vehicle C other than the side mirror that protrudes from the vehicle.

[0073] In addition to what has already been described above, the methods described in the above embodiments and their respective modifications may be used in appropriate combinations.

[0074] Furthermore, although not to be exemplified individually, the present invention may be implemented with various modifications without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1. Vehicle projection device 3rd floor, front door (door 1) 3R Rear door (2nd door) 5. Brightness sensor (brightness detection unit) 7 Control Unit 9. Projection Image Generation Unit 11. Side mirror projector (projection unit) 13 Moving mechanism 15 Side mirrors 16 Databases 17 Video 17a Text information (display information) 17b Talent image information (display information) 17c Supplementary information (display information) 19 Video 19a Text information (display information) 19b Talent image information (display information) 19c Text information (display information) 21 Video 21a Text information (display information) 21b Text information (display information) 21c Supplementary information (display information) C Vehicle I. Light intensity L projection distance L1 irradiation light R1 display area

Claims

1. A vehicle projection device installed in a vehicle, A projection unit that projects a predetermined image onto the exterior of the vehicle, A brightness detection unit for detecting the brightness around the vehicle, It comprises a control unit and, The control unit, Based on the brightness around the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit, a display format change process is executed to change the display format of the image projected by the projection unit. A vehicle projection device characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit, in the display format change process, Based on the brightness around the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit, the size of the display area of ​​the image projected by the projection unit is changed. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

3. The aforementioned vehicle is The exterior features a first door and a second door arranged adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction. The control unit, in the display format change process, As the brightness around the vehicle, as detected by the brightness detection unit, increases, the size of the display area is changed from a size that spans both the first and second doors to a size that fits within the first door. The vehicle projection device according to claim 2, characterized in that it is as described above.

4. The control unit, in the display format change process, As the brightness around the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit becomes brighter, the size of the display area is changed from a size that spans the upper and lower parts of the first door to a size that fits within the upper part. The vehicle projection device according to claim 3, characterized in that it is as described in the previous version.

5. The control unit, in the display format change process, Based on the brightness around the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit, the size of the image projected by the projection unit is changed. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

6. The aforementioned video is It contains text information, The control unit, A determination process is performed to determine the visibility of the text information based on the size of the video. If it is determined that the visibility is low, in the display format change process, Replace the displayed video with a text-based video primarily consisting of the text information. The vehicle projection device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

7. The control unit, in the display format change process, The character information is displayed by sliding it within the display area of ​​the character image. The vehicle projection device according to claim 6, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

8. The control unit, in the display format change process, Based on the brightness around the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit, the distance between the projection unit and the display area of ​​the image is changed. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

9. The control unit, in the display format change process, Based on the brightness around the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit, the amount of information included in the video is changed. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

10. The aforementioned video is It contains multiple pieces of information with varying levels of importance. The control unit, in the display format change process, As the brightness around the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit increases, the display information included in the video is removed in order of decreasing importance to reduce the amount of information. The vehicle projection device according to claim 9, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

11. The control unit, in the display format change process, Based on the brightness around the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit, the display mode of the image by the projection unit is changed in stages. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

12. The aforementioned vehicle is The projection portion has a moving mechanism that moves it closer to or further away from the exterior, The control unit, in the display format change process, Based on the brightness of the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle detected by the brightness detection unit, the movement mechanism is controlled to change the distance between the projection unit and the exterior. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

Images