Vehicle projection device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle projection device that can project images onto both the vehicle interior and the road surface while keeping costs down. [Solution] A vehicle projection device 1 is provided in a vehicle C, comprising a passenger-side door 4 that opens and closes an opening 3 of the vehicle C, a projector 12 positioned inside the vehicle C that projects a predetermined image, and a control unit 13 that controls the projector 12. The control unit 13 controls the projector 12 so that when the passenger-side door 4 is opened, the display light L that has passed through the opening 3 projects an image onto the road surface R.

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 inside or outside the vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a vehicle information display device described in Patent Document 1 is known. In this vehicle information display device, a projector attached to the ceiling surface inside the vehicle projects a projection image onto the dashboard inside the vehicle.

[0003] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The present invention comprises a door 4 that opens and closes an opening 3 of a vehicle C, a projection unit 12 positioned inside the vehicle C and projecting a predetermined image, and a control unit 13 that controls the projection unit 12, wherein the control unit 13 controls the projection unit 12 so that when the door 4 is opened, the image is projected onto the road surface R by display light L that has passed through the opening 3. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, images can be projected onto both the interior of the vehicle and the road surface while keeping costs down. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A view from the left rear diagonal direction showing the passenger side door of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle projection device according to the embodiment, with the door open. [Figure 2] A view of the vicinity of the driver's seat and passenger seat of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle projection device according to an embodiment, seen from above through the light. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of a vehicle projection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] A perspective view illustrating an example of a visual effect that transitions continuously from inside the vehicle to the road surface when passengers disembark. [Figure 5] A perspective view illustrating another example of a visual effect that transitions continuously from inside the vehicle to the road surface when passengers disembark. [Figure 6] A perspective view illustrating an example of a visual display that transitions continuously from the road surface to the interior of a vehicle when an occupant boards the vehicle. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle projection device when a V-shaped mirror is installed. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle projection device when a rotating mechanism is installed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Configuration of a vehicle projection system> The configuration of the vehicle projection device according to the embodiment will be explained using Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a view from the left rear diagonal direction with the passenger side door of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle projection device according to the embodiment open. Figure 2 is a view from above, through which the vicinity of the driver's seat and passenger seat of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle projection device according to the embodiment is seen. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle projection device according to the embodiment. Note that in Figure 1, the internal configuration is shown by passing through a part of the left side of the vehicle, and in Figure 2, the internal configuration near the driver's seat and passenger seat is shown by passing through the ceiling of the vehicle.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle C equipped with the vehicle projection device 1 according to the embodiment has a vehicle body 2 and a passenger-side door 4 (door) that opens and closes an opening 3 on the passenger side. Inside the vehicle C are a driver's seat 5, a steering wheel 6, an instrument panel 7, a console 8, a passenger seat 9, a passenger-side floor 10, and a passenger-side sun visor 11.

[0013] The vehicle projection device 1 mounted in vehicle C is located inside vehicle C and comprises a projector 12 (projection unit) that projects a predetermined image and a control unit 13 that controls the projector 12. The projector 12 is located on the front side of the ceiling 14 of vehicle C in the front-rear direction of vehicle C. The front side is, for example, near the windshield 15 or in front of the headrest 9a of the passenger seat 9. In this embodiment, the projector 12 is located near the passenger-side sun visor 11, for example, behind the passenger-side sun visor 11. The control unit 13 is located, for example, inside the instrument panel 7.

[0014] The projector 12 is, for example, a short-focus projector or an ultra-short-focus projector, has a wide projection angle θ, and projects an image at a wide angle (for example, θ ≥ 80°). Thereby, when the passenger seat door 4 is open, in addition to projecting an image into the vehicle interior by the display light L, the projector 12 projects an image onto the road surface R by the display light L that has passed through the opening 3. FIG. 2 shows the projection area AR by the projector 12. The projection area AR is an area straddling the vehicle interior and the road surface R. As shown in FIG. 1, the projection area AR includes a projection area AR1 inside the vehicle and a projection area AR2 on the road surface R outside the vehicle. In FIG. 1, an image is projected by the display light L at the portions shaded in gray.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the projection area AR1 includes, for example, a part of the surface of the instrument panel 7, a part of the surface of the console 8, a part of the surface of the passenger seat 9, a part of the surface of the passenger seat floor 10, a part of the surface of the side sill 16 that constitutes the edge of the opening 3, a part of the inner wall 4a of the passenger seat door 4, etc. Note that the projection area AR1 may include areas other than the above, such as the windshield 15 and the door glass 4b of the passenger seat door 4. Further, the projection area AR2 is an area of the road surface R between the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle C and the passenger seat door 4 and an area obtained by projecting the rotation range of the passenger seat door 4 onto the road surface R.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle projection device 1 includes the aforementioned projector 12 and control unit 13, a door open / close detection unit 17, and an image generation unit 18. The door open / close detection unit 17 is installed, for example, near the opening 3, and detects whether the passenger seat door 4 is open or closed. The door open / close detection unit 17 is constituted by, for example, a door switch, a magnetic sensor, an optical sensor, a hall sensor, etc.

[0017] Based on the control by the control unit 13, the image generation unit 18 generates an image to be projected by the projector 12.

[0018] Based on the detection result by the door opening / closing detection unit 17, when the passenger seat door 4 is opened, the control unit 13 controls the projector 12 to project an image onto the road surface R by the display light L passing through the opening 3. At this time, the control unit 13 controls the projector 12 to project an image onto the projection area AR2 between the vehicle body 2 of the vehicle C and the passenger seat door 4 on the road surface R by the display light L. Also, the control unit 13 controls the projector 12 to project an image onto the projection area AR1 inside the vehicle C by the display light L. For example, the control unit 13 may control the projector 12 to project an image that continuously transitions between the inside of the vehicle and the road surface R by the display light L. Also, the control unit 13 may control the projector 12 to project an image that continuously transitions to a plurality of locations inside the vehicle by the display light L.

[0019] <Specific example of the image> Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, a specific example of the image projected by the projector 12 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a production display that continuously transitions from inside the vehicle toward the road surface R when a passenger gets off the vehicle C. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another example of a production display that continuously transitions from inside the vehicle toward the road surface R when a passenger gets off the vehicle C. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a production display that continuously transitions from the road surface R into the vehicle when a passenger gets on the vehicle C.

[0020] The display shown in Figure 4 is executed, for example, when an occupant (not shown) is sitting in the passenger seat of vehicle C, and a predetermined image is projected onto the instrument panel 7 by the projector 12, and the passenger door 4 is opened. As shown in Figure 4, when the passenger door 4 is opened, the image of a character or the like displayed on the instrument panel 7 switches to a circular light effect 20, and this light effect 20 moves continuously to multiple locations inside the vehicle. After that, the light effect 20 moves continuously from inside the vehicle towards the road surface R, and at the road surface R, it finally switches from the light effect 20 to a character effect 21. The character effect 21 is displayed until the passenger door 4 is closed, and the display ends when the passenger door 4 is closed. In the example shown in Figure 4, the special effect light 20 transitions from the instrument panel 7 to the console 8, passenger side floor 10, and side sill 16 inside the vehicle, and then transitions to the road surface R outside the vehicle, switching to, for example, the special effect text 21 of "Goodbye".

[0021] Furthermore, the special effect light 20 may be an image other than a circular light, as long as it is a simple image suitable for movement and has good visual appeal. For example, it may be an image of an arrow or a simplified character image. Also, the special effect text 21 displayed at the end of the movement may be an image other than text, such as a character image.

[0022] Figure 5 shows a visual effect that is executed in the same case as in Figure 4, but the path taken by the visual effect light 20 is different from that in Figure 4. In the example shown in Figure 5, the visual effect light 20 moves along the instrument panel 7 inside the vehicle towards the passenger door 4, then transitions to the inner wall 4a of the passenger door 4, and then transitions to the road surface R outside the vehicle, switching to the visual effect text 21 of "Goodbye". In the example shown in Figure 5, there is an advantage that the visual effect light 20 is less likely to interfere with occupants who have gotten out of the vehicle.

[0023] The display shown in Figure 6 is executed, for example, when an occupant (not shown) outside vehicle C approaches the passenger door 4 and the passenger door 4 is opened. As shown in Figure 6, when the passenger door 4 is opened, a display light 20 is shown on the road surface R and transitions continuously from the road surface R to the interior of the vehicle. Subsequently, the display light 20 transitions continuously to multiple locations inside the vehicle, and finally switches from the display light 20 to the display text 22 on the instrument panel 7. When the passenger door 4 is closed, the displays other than the instrument panel 7 are terminated, and the display text 22 on the instrument panel 7 switches to a predetermined image. In the example shown in Figure 6, after the display light 20 transitions from the road surface R to the interior of the vehicle, it transitions to the side sill 16, passenger floor 10, console 8, and instrument panel 7 inside the vehicle, and switches to the display text 22 of, for example, "Welcome" on the instrument panel 7.

[0024] Furthermore, in the reverse order of Figure 5 mentioned above, the light 20 may transition from the road surface R to the inner wall 4a of the passenger-side door 4, then from the passenger-side door 4 to the instrument panel 7, move across the instrument panel 7 towards the driver's side, and then switch to the "Welcome" text 22. In this case as well, there is the advantage that the light 20 is less likely to interfere with the occupants while they are in the vehicle. In addition, after the passenger-side door 4 is closed, the state of the vehicle C may be detected, and the text 22 on the instrument panel 7 may be switched to a display that represents the detected state. For example, if the passenger-side door 4 is ajar, an image indicating that it is ajar may be displayed.

[0025] <Effects of the Embodiment> As described above, in the vehicle projection device 1 of this embodiment, when the passenger-side door 4 is opened, the projector 12 located inside the vehicle projects an image onto the road surface R using the display light L that has passed through the opening 3. Therefore, it is not necessary to place a projector outside the vehicle or at the bottom of the door in order to project an image onto the road surface R. On the other hand, since the projector 12 is located inside the vehicle, it is possible to project an image inside the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to project an image onto both the inside of the vehicle and the road surface R while keeping the number of projectors 12 to a minimum. Thus, a vehicle projection device 1 that can project an image onto both the inside of the vehicle and the road surface R can be realized while keeping costs down.

[0026] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 13 controls the projector 12 using the display light L to project an image onto the projection area AR2 on the road surface R between the vehicle body 2 and the passenger side door 4 of the vehicle C. This allows the image to be projected onto the road surface R so that it can be seen by the occupants of the vehicle C. As a result, for example, special effects can be displayed when occupants get out of or get into the vehicle.

[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the projector 12 is positioned in the front direction of the vehicle C, on the front side of the ceiling 14 of the vehicle C. This allows a single projector 12 to project images onto both projection targets located on the front side of the vehicle interior (e.g., the instrument panel 7, passenger seat 9, passenger floor 10, side sill 16, passenger door 4, windshield 15, etc.) and the road surface R near the front doors (passenger door 4 or driver's door).

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 13 controls the projector 12 to project an image into the vehicle using the display light L. This allows an image to be projected onto both the vehicle interior and the road surface R using a single projector 12. Therefore, a vehicle projection device 1 that can project an image onto both the vehicle interior and the road surface R can be realized while keeping costs down.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 13 controls the projector 12 using the display light L to project an image that transitions continuously between the inside of the vehicle and the road surface R. This allows for, for example, a visual prompt to get off the vehicle by projecting an image that transitions continuously from inside the vehicle to the road surface R when a passenger is getting off, or a visual prompt to get on the vehicle by projecting an image that transitions continuously from the road surface R to inside the vehicle when a passenger is getting on.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 13 controls the projector 12 using the display light L to project an image that transitions sequentially between multiple locations inside the vehicle. This allows for, for example, when a passenger is getting off the vehicle, a visual prompt to get off can be displayed by projecting an image that transitions sequentially between multiple locations inside the vehicle and then from inside the vehicle towards the road surface R. Alternatively, when a passenger is getting on the vehicle, a visual prompt to get on can be displayed by projecting an image that transitions sequentially between the road surface R and the vehicle, and then between multiple locations inside the vehicle.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the projector 12 projects images at a wide angle. This allows the image to be projected onto a projection area AR that spans both the interior of the vehicle and the road surface R.

[0032] <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.

[0033] For example, the vehicle projection device 1 may be configured so that the projector 12 can project an image with a wider field of view. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle projection device when a V-shaped mirror is installed. Note that in Figure 7, the projection area AR, which includes the projection area AR1 inside the vehicle and the projection area AR2 on the road surface R, is shown in a simplified manner. As shown in Figure 7, the vehicle projection device 1 of this modified example has a V-shaped mirror 23 that reflects the display light L of the projector 12 to the left and right. The projector 12 projects the display light L reflected by the V-shaped mirror 23 onto the projection area AR, thereby projecting an image at a wide angle (for example, θ≧160°). The V-shaped mirror 23 is installed near the projector 12 (for example, on the upper part of the windshield 15, the rearview mirror, between the passenger-side sun visor 11 and the driver-side sun visor, etc.), or on the instrument panel 7, etc.

[0034] According to this modified version, by reflecting the display light L of the projector 12 to the left and right using the V-shaped mirror 23, the image can be projected at a wider angle. This makes it possible, for example, to project images onto both the passenger side and the driver's side using a single projector 12.

[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a vehicle projection device when a rotating mechanism is installed. In Figure 8, as in Figure 7, the projection area AR, which includes the projection area AR1 inside the vehicle and the projection area AR2 on the road surface R, is shown in a simplified manner. As shown in Figure 8, the vehicle projection device 1 of this modified example has a rotating mechanism 24 that rotates the projector 12. The projector 12 projects a wide-angle image (for example, θ≧160°) by rotating with the rotating mechanism 24 and projecting display light L. The rotating mechanism 24 is installed on the front side of the ceiling 14 of the vehicle C (for example, above the windshield 15, near the rearview mirror, between the passenger-side sun visor 11 and the driver-side sun visor, etc.).

[0036] According to this modified version, by rotating the projector 12 with the rotation mechanism 24 while projecting the display light L, it is possible to project an image at a wider angle. This makes it possible, for example, to project images onto both the passenger side and the driver's side using a single projector 12.

[0037] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the case in which the projector 12 projects an image onto the passenger side, projectors may also be installed on other seats, such as the driver's side, the left or right side of the rear seat, etc., to project images onto both the interior of the vehicle and the road surface R.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Furthermore, although not to be exemplified individually, the present invention may be implemented with various modifications without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 1. Vehicle projection device 2 car bodies 3 Opening 4. Passenger side door (door) 4a inner wall 4b Door glass 5. Driver's seat 6 handles 7. Instrument Panel 8 Console 9. Passenger seat 9a Headrest 10 Passenger side floor 11. Passenger-side sun visor 12. Projector (projection unit) 13 Control Unit 14 Ceiling 15 Windshield 16 Side sill 17 Door opening / closing detection unit 18. Video Generation Unit 20 Stage lighting 21. Visual Effects 22 Performance text 23 V-shaped mirror 24 Rotation mechanism AR projection area AR1 projection area AR2 projection area C car 䡡 L represents light R road surface θ drawing angle

Claims

1. A vehicle projection device installed in a vehicle, A door for opening and closing the opening of the aforementioned vehicle, A projection unit is placed inside the vehicle and projects a predetermined image, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the projection unit, The control unit, When the door is opened, the projection unit is controlled so that the image is projected onto the road surface by the display light passing through the opening. A vehicle projection device characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit, The projection unit is controlled by the aforementioned display light to project the image onto the area of ​​the road surface between the vehicle body and the door. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

3. The projection unit is In the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, it is positioned on the front side of the roof of the vehicle. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

4. The control unit, The projection unit is controlled by the aforementioned display light to project the image into the vehicle. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

5. The control unit, The projection unit is controlled by the display light to project the image that transitions continuously between the interior of the vehicle and the road surface. The vehicle projection device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit, The projection unit is controlled by the aforementioned display light to project the image, which shows a continuous transition between multiple locations inside the vehicle. The vehicle projection device according to claim 5, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

7. The projection unit is Project the aforementioned image at a wide angle. The vehicle projection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

8. The projection unit has a V-shaped mirror that reflects the display light to the left and right, The projection unit is By projecting the display light reflected by the V-shaped mirror, the image is projected over a wide angle. The vehicle projection device according to claim 7, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

9. It has a rotation mechanism for rotating the projection section, The projection unit is By rotating with the aforementioned rotation mechanism and projecting the display light, the image is projected over a wide angle. The vehicle projection device according to claim 7, characterized in that it is a vehicle projection device.

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