US20170341569A1 - System and method for dynamically projecting information from a motor vehicle - Google Patents
System and method for dynamically projecting information from a motor vehicle Download PDFInfo
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- US20170341569A1 US20170341569A1 US15/165,738 US201615165738A US2017341569A1 US 20170341569 A1 US20170341569 A1 US 20170341569A1 US 201615165738 A US201615165738 A US 201615165738A US 2017341569 A1 US2017341569 A1 US 2017341569A1
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- motor vehicle
- status
- projection profile
- indicative
- sensor
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/34—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating change of drive direction
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
- B60Q1/2665—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on rear-view mirrors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/34—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating change of drive direction
- B60Q1/38—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating change of drive direction using immovably-mounted light sources, e.g. fixed flashing lamps
- B60Q1/381—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating change of drive direction using immovably-mounted light sources, e.g. fixed flashing lamps with several light sources activated in sequence, e.g. to create a sweep effect
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B21/00—Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor
- G03B21/14—Details
- G03B21/145—Housing details, e.g. position adjustments thereof
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B21/00—Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor
- G03B21/14—Details
- G03B21/20—Lamp housings
- G03B21/2053—Intensity control of illuminating light
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B29/00—Combinations of cameras, projectors or photographic printing apparatus with non-photographic non-optical apparatus, e.g. clocks or weapons; Cameras having the shape of other objects
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q2400/00—Special features or arrangements of exterior signal lamps for vehicles
- B60Q2400/40—Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q2400/00—Special features or arrangements of exterior signal lamps for vehicles
- B60Q2400/50—Projected symbol or information, e.g. onto the road or car body
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to a system and method for dynamically projecting information from a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a system and method for projecting a dynamic projection profile based on a data signal which is indicative of a status of the motor vehicle.
- Motor vehicles have been designed with increasingly advanced technologies aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, and performance of the motor vehicle.
- technologies include advanced driver assistance systems and human machine interface systems.
- advanced driver assistance systems automate, adapt, or enhance vehicle systems in order to increase vehicle safety and/or operator driving performance.
- Advanced driver assistance systems are designed to avoid accidents by offering technologies that alert the driver to potential problems or to avoid collisions by implementing safeguards, such as autonomously controlling the vehicle.
- Operator driving performance may be improved by using features that enhance certain systems, such as automated lighting, automated parking, adaptive cruise control, automated braking, or improved blind spot elimination using camera technology.
- Human machine interface systems generally include systems that provide graphics-based visualization of a control system, either to the user of the motor vehicle or to an individual external to the motor vehicle.
- An example of such a device is a projector system that projects images onto or around the motor vehicle to communicate information regarding the status of the motor vehicle.
- a method for projecting information from a motor vehicle to an observer external to the motor vehicle includes receiving, by a controller, a data signal indicative of an operating state of the motor vehicle from a sensor, determining, using the controller, a projection profile based on the data signal which includes a dynamic feature and indicative of a status of the motor vehicle, and continuously projecting the projection profile onto a surface on which the motor vehicle is traveling using a dynamic projector system that animates the dynamic feature.
- the data signal is a steering angle and the sensor is a steering wheel angle sensor.
- the projection profile is a vector of the motor vehicle relative to a flat surface calculated, by the controller, as a function of the steering angle.
- the vector is indicative of a path of the motor vehicle.
- the vector aligns with a front tire of the motor vehicle.
- the vector aligns with a front portion of the motor vehicle.
- the dynamic feature moves in real time and is indicative of a direction of travel of the motor vehicle.
- the data signal is a turn signal activation identifier and the sensor is a turn signal sensor.
- the projection profile is a turn signal identifier and the dynamic feature includes animated arrows that indicate the direction of an intended turn.
- receiving, by the controller, a data signal indicative of an operating state of the motor vehicle from a sensor includes receiving, by the controller, a plurality of data signals from a plurality of sensors.
- the plurality of data signals include a PRNDL status from a shift sensor indicative of the driving state of the motor vehicle from one of a park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low drive vehicle driving state, a lighting status from a lighting sensor indicative of the brightness of the environment of the motor vehicle, a vehicle speed from a vehicle speed sensor, and a door status from a door sensor indicative of the position of a door of the motor vehicle.
- the projection profile is a trajectory of the motor vehicle based on the vehicle speed, and wherein the projection profile is projected to a rear of the motor vehicle when the PRNDL status is reverse and the lighting status is below a brightness threshold and the door status indicates the door is closed.
- the projection profile is projected to a front of the motor vehicle when the when the PRNDL status is drive and the lighting status is below a brightness threshold and the door status indicates the door is closed.
- the method includes receiving, by the controller, a data signal indicative of a brightness level in an environment of the motor vehicle from a lighting sensor, wherein a brightness of the projection profile is a function of the brightness level of the environment.
- the data signal is a door status of the motor vehicle from a door status sensor
- the projection profile has a message communicating the door status
- the data signal is a unique identifier from a motor vehicle key and the projected profile is a unique message associated with the unique identifier.
- the dynamic projection system is mounted to a side of the motor vehicle.
- the method includes receiving, by a controller, a steering angle from a steering wheel angle sensor, calculating, using the controller, a vector of the motor vehicle relative to a flat surface as a function of the steering angle, wherein the vector indicates the projected path of the motor vehicle, and projecting the vector of the motor vehicle onto a surface on which the motor vehicle is traveling using a dynamic projector system mounted on the motor vehicle.
- the vector of the motor vehicle includes a dynamic feature that is animated in real-time by the dynamic projector system.
- the method includes receiving, by a controller, a plurality of data signals indicative of an operating state of the motor vehicle including a steering angle, a turn signal activation identifier, a PRNDL status indicative of the driving state of the motor vehicle from one of a park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low drive vehicle driving state, a lighting status indicative of the brightness of the environment of the motor vehicle, and a vehicle speed, determining, using the controller, one of a plurality of projection profiles based on the plurality of data signals, wherein each of the plurality of projection profiles include a dynamic feature and is indicative of a status of the motor vehicle, and the plurality of projection profiles includes a first projection profile which displays a vector of the motor vehicle relative to a flat surface as a function of the steering angle, a second projection profile which displays a trajectory of the motor vehicle based on the vehicle speed, and a third projection profile which displays an intended turn direction based on the turn signal activation identifie
- FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary motor vehicle having a dynamic projection system according to the principles of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the dynamic projection system
- FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for dynamically projecting information using the dynamic projection system
- FIG. 4 is a top view of a first exemplary projection profile
- FIG. 5 is a top view of a second exemplary projection profile
- FIG. 6 is a top view of a third exemplary projection profile
- FIG. 7 is a top view of a fourth exemplary projection profile.
- a dynamic projection system is illustrated and indicated generally by reference number 10 .
- the dynamic projection system 10 is shown in use with an exemplary motor vehicle 12 .
- the motor vehicle 12 is illustrated as a passenger vehicle.
- the motor vehicle 12 may be a truck, sport utility vehicle, van, motor home, or any other type of vehicle without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- the motor vehicle 12 includes a front 14 , a rear 16 , a left side 18 , and a right side 20 .
- the dynamic projection system 10 includes one or more dynamic projectors 22 mounted to an exterior of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the dynamic projection system 10 may include one of, or a combination of, a front dynamic projector 22 A, a rear dynamic projector 22 B, a left side dynamic projector 22 C, and a right side dynamic projector 22 D.
- the front dynamic projector 22 A is mounted to the front 14 of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the rear dynamic projector 22 B is mounted to the rear 16 of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the left side dynamic projector 22 C is mounted to the left side 18 of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the right side dynamic projector is mounted to the right side 20 of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the left and right side projectors 22 C, 22 D are housed within left and right side view mirrors 24 and 26 , respectively.
- the left and right side projectors 22 C, 22 D may be housed within multifunctional electronic armatures that replace the left and right side view mirrors 24 and 26 .
- An example of a multifunctional electronic armature is shown and described in commonly assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 15/165,022, filed May 26, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- the dynamic projectors 22 A-D are preferably laser projectors, such as RGB laser projectors or phosphorus laser projectors, capable of emitting or projecting a projection profile onto a surface.
- each of the dynamic projectors 22 A-D are in electronic communication with a controller or electronic control unit (ECU) 28 via any wired connection, for example a vehicle bus network.
- the ECU 28 is mounted within the motor vehicle 12 and may be a dedicated projector controller or an engine control module, a transmission control module, a body control module, an infotainment control module, etc.
- the ECU 28 is a non-generalized, electronic control device having a preprogrammed digital computer or processor 29 , memory or non-transitory computer readable medium 31 used to store data such as control logic, instructions, image data, lookup tables, etc., and a plurality of input/output peripherals or ports 33 .
- the processor 29 is configured to execute the control logic or instructions.
- each of the dynamic projectors 22 A-D may have a local projector controller in communication with the ECU 28 .
- An example of this controller system for a dynamic projector is shown and described in commonly assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 15/165,055, filed May 26, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- the ECU 28 is in electronic communication with a plurality of sensors 30 mounted to the motor vehicle 12 .
- the sensors 30 are operative to provide information or data signals to the ECU 28 indicative of an operating state of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the sensors 30 include a steering wheel angle sensor 32 , a turn signal sensor 34 , a shift sensor 36 , a lighting sensor 38 , a vehicle speed sensor 40 , a door sensor 42 , and a security data receiver 44 .
- the steering wheel angle sensor 32 detects or senses a steering wheel angle indicative of a degree of turn of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the turn signal sensor 34 detects whether a left or right turn signal has been activated in the motor vehicle 12 .
- the shift sensor 36 detects the driving state of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the driving state may be a one of a park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low drive (PRNDL) vehicle driving state.
- the lighting sensor 38 detects a brightness of the environment, i.e. the illumination intensity of the ambient lighting surrounding the motor vehicle 12 .
- the vehicle speed sensor 40 detects a vehicle speed of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the door sensor 42 detects a status of a vehicle door, such as open or closed, latched or unlatched.
- the security data receiver 44 is a wireless receiver configured to detect a security identifier from, for example, a key fob.
- the security identifier may include a personal identification number that authenticates the owner of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the method 100 begins at step 102 when the ECU 28 receives data signals from one of, or a combination of, the plurality of sensors 30 .
- the data signals are indicative of an operating state of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the data signals may include a steering angle detected from the steering wheel angle sensor 32 .
- the data signals may include a turn signal activation identifier detected from the turn signal sensor 34 .
- the data signals may include a PRNDL status detected from the shift sensor 36 indicative of the driving state of the motor vehicle from one of the park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low drive vehicle driving states.
- the data signals may include a lighting status from the lighting sensor 38 indicative of the brightness of the environment of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the data signals may include a vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 40 .
- the data signals may include a door status from the door sensor 42 indicative of the position of a door of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the data signals may include a unique identifier indicative that a key fob associated with the motor vehicle 12 is proximate the motor vehicle 12 .
- the method 100 proceeds to step 104 where the ECU 28 determines or generates a projection profile based on the data signals from the plurality of sensors 30 .
- the projection profile is a graphical image or other visual representation of information relating to the particular data signals received by the ECU 28 at step 102 .
- the projection profile quantifies the data signals to inform an individual external to the motor vehicle 12 of a state of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the projection profile preferably includes a dynamic feature.
- the dynamic feature is a set of graphical images that may be animated by the dynamic projector.
- the method 100 then proceeds to step 106 where the dynamic projectors 22 continuously projects the projection profile onto a surface on which the motor vehicle 12 is running. At step 108 the dynamic projectors 22 animate the dynamic feature of the projection profile. The method 100 then repeats, allowing for projection updates as the operating conditions of the motor vehicle 12 change.
- FIG. 4 an example of a projection profile is illustrated relative to the motor vehicle 12 and indicated by reference number 200 .
- the projection profile 200 is projected from the right side projector 22 D or the left side projector 22 C.
- the projection profile 200 is calculated from the sensed steering angle and includes a vector 202 of the motor vehicle 12 projected to a relatively flat surface 204 , such as a road, driveway, parking lot, etc.
- the vector 202 is indicative of a path of movement of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the vector 202 aligns with a front tire 206 of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the vector 202 may align with the front 14 of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the projection profile 200 preferably includes a dynamic feature 208 .
- the dynamic feature 208 is a set of arrows 210 , 212 that, when animated, travel along a length of the vector 202 over time.
- the dynamic feature 208 preferably indicates a direction of travel of the motor vehicle 12 .
- the projection profile 200 may be a vector parallel with the motor vehicle 12 .
- FIG. 5 another example of a projection profile is illustrated relative to the motor vehicle 12 and indicated by reference number 300 .
- the projection profile 300 is projected from the right side projector 22 D or the left side projector 22 C.
- the projection profile 300 is calculated from the sensed turn signal indicator and includes an arrow 302 projected to the surface 204 .
- the arrow 302 is indicative of the intention of the motor vehicle 12 to turn, based on the activation of the turn signal.
- the dynamic feature is a set of additional arrows 304 , 306 that, when animated, travel away from the motor vehicle 12 .
- FIG. 6 another example of a projection profile is illustrated relative to the motor vehicle 12 and indicated by reference number 400 .
- the projection profile 400 is projected from the right side projector 22 D and the left side projector 22 C.
- the projection profile 400 is calculated from the sensed unique identifier and includes a message 402 projected to the surface 204 .
- the message may be personalized based on the personal identification number or a generalized message.
- the dynamic feature may be animated lettering.
- FIG. 7 another example of a projection profile is illustrated relative to the motor vehicle 12 and indicated by reference number 500 .
- the projection profile 500 is projected from the front projector 22 A or the rear projector 22 B.
- the projection profile 500 is calculated from the vehicle speed and the PRNDL status and includes an arrow 502 projected to the surface 204 .
- the arrow 502 is indicative of the intention of the motor vehicle 12 to move either forward when the PRNDL status indicates a drive shift condition or backwards when the PRNDL status indicates a reverse shift position.
- which projector 22 A, 22 B is used is based on whether the shift condition is drive or reverse.
- the dynamic feature is a set of additional arrows 504 , 506 that, when animated, travel away from the motor vehicle 12 .
- the length of the animation may be based on the vehicle speed wherein a greater vehicle speed in turn generates additional arrows.
- Each of the projection profiles 200 , 300 , 400 , and 500 may further be modified by the lighting status and the door status. For example, if the lighting status is above a brightness threshold, the ECU 28 may determine not to project the projection profile. Likewise, if the door status indicates that the motor vehicle door is open, the ECU 28 may determine not to project the projection profile. Alternatively, a brightness of the projection profile may be a function of the sensed lighting status of the environment. In another example, the projection profile may include a message communicating the door status, such as “door open”.
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates generally to a system and method for dynamically projecting information from a motor vehicle, and more particularly to a system and method for projecting a dynamic projection profile based on a data signal which is indicative of a status of the motor vehicle.
- The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may or may not constitute prior art.
- Motor vehicles have been designed with increasingly advanced technologies aimed at improving the safety, efficiency, and performance of the motor vehicle. Examples of such technologies include advanced driver assistance systems and human machine interface systems. Generally, advanced driver assistance systems automate, adapt, or enhance vehicle systems in order to increase vehicle safety and/or operator driving performance. Advanced driver assistance systems are designed to avoid accidents by offering technologies that alert the driver to potential problems or to avoid collisions by implementing safeguards, such as autonomously controlling the vehicle. Operator driving performance may be improved by using features that enhance certain systems, such as automated lighting, automated parking, adaptive cruise control, automated braking, or improved blind spot elimination using camera technology. Human machine interface systems generally include systems that provide graphics-based visualization of a control system, either to the user of the motor vehicle or to an individual external to the motor vehicle. An example of such a device is a projector system that projects images onto or around the motor vehicle to communicate information regarding the status of the motor vehicle.
- Conventional projector systems, while useful for their intended purpose, are limited in their ability to project information. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system and method for projecting information that provides dynamic and predictive information to an observer of the motor vehicle.
- A method for projecting information from a motor vehicle to an observer external to the motor vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving, by a controller, a data signal indicative of an operating state of the motor vehicle from a sensor, determining, using the controller, a projection profile based on the data signal which includes a dynamic feature and indicative of a status of the motor vehicle, and continuously projecting the projection profile onto a surface on which the motor vehicle is traveling using a dynamic projector system that animates the dynamic feature.
- In one aspect, the data signal is a steering angle and the sensor is a steering wheel angle sensor.
- In another aspect, the projection profile is a vector of the motor vehicle relative to a flat surface calculated, by the controller, as a function of the steering angle.
- In another aspect, the vector is indicative of a path of the motor vehicle.
- In another aspect, the vector aligns with a front tire of the motor vehicle.
- In another aspect, the vector aligns with a front portion of the motor vehicle.
- In another aspect, the dynamic feature moves in real time and is indicative of a direction of travel of the motor vehicle.
- In another aspect, the data signal is a turn signal activation identifier and the sensor is a turn signal sensor.
- In another aspect, the projection profile is a turn signal identifier and the dynamic feature includes animated arrows that indicate the direction of an intended turn.
- In another aspect, receiving, by the controller, a data signal indicative of an operating state of the motor vehicle from a sensor includes receiving, by the controller, a plurality of data signals from a plurality of sensors.
- In another aspect, the plurality of data signals include a PRNDL status from a shift sensor indicative of the driving state of the motor vehicle from one of a park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low drive vehicle driving state, a lighting status from a lighting sensor indicative of the brightness of the environment of the motor vehicle, a vehicle speed from a vehicle speed sensor, and a door status from a door sensor indicative of the position of a door of the motor vehicle.
- In another aspect, the projection profile is a trajectory of the motor vehicle based on the vehicle speed, and wherein the projection profile is projected to a rear of the motor vehicle when the PRNDL status is reverse and the lighting status is below a brightness threshold and the door status indicates the door is closed.
- In another aspect, the projection profile is projected to a front of the motor vehicle when the when the PRNDL status is drive and the lighting status is below a brightness threshold and the door status indicates the door is closed.
- In another aspect, the method includes receiving, by the controller, a data signal indicative of a brightness level in an environment of the motor vehicle from a lighting sensor, wherein a brightness of the projection profile is a function of the brightness level of the environment.
- In another aspect, the data signal is a door status of the motor vehicle from a door status sensor, and the projection profile has a message communicating the door status.
- In another aspect, the data signal is a unique identifier from a motor vehicle key and the projected profile is a unique message associated with the unique identifier.
- In another aspect, the dynamic projection system is mounted to a side of the motor vehicle.
- Another method for projecting information from a motor vehicle to an observer external to the motor vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving, by a controller, a steering angle from a steering wheel angle sensor, calculating, using the controller, a vector of the motor vehicle relative to a flat surface as a function of the steering angle, wherein the vector indicates the projected path of the motor vehicle, and projecting the vector of the motor vehicle onto a surface on which the motor vehicle is traveling using a dynamic projector system mounted on the motor vehicle.
- In one aspect, the vector of the motor vehicle includes a dynamic feature that is animated in real-time by the dynamic projector system.
- Another method for projecting information from a motor vehicle to an observer external to the motor vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving, by a controller, a plurality of data signals indicative of an operating state of the motor vehicle including a steering angle, a turn signal activation identifier, a PRNDL status indicative of the driving state of the motor vehicle from one of a park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low drive vehicle driving state, a lighting status indicative of the brightness of the environment of the motor vehicle, and a vehicle speed, determining, using the controller, one of a plurality of projection profiles based on the plurality of data signals, wherein each of the plurality of projection profiles include a dynamic feature and is indicative of a status of the motor vehicle, and the plurality of projection profiles includes a first projection profile which displays a vector of the motor vehicle relative to a flat surface as a function of the steering angle, a second projection profile which displays a trajectory of the motor vehicle based on the vehicle speed, and a third projection profile which displays an intended turn direction based on the turn signal activation identifier, projecting the one of the plurality of projection profiles onto a surface using a dynamic projector system that animates the dynamic feature, wherein the first projection profile and third projection profile are projected to either side of the motor vehicle and the second projection profile is projected to a rear of the motor vehicle when the PRNDL status is reverse and to a front of the motor vehicle when the PRNDL status is drive, and adjusting the brightness of the projected projection profile based on the lighting status.
- Further aspects, examples, and advantages will become apparent by reference to the following description and appended drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to the same component, element or feature.
- The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.
-
FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary motor vehicle having a dynamic projection system according to the principles of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the dynamic projection system; -
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for dynamically projecting information using the dynamic projection system; -
FIG. 4 is a top view of a first exemplary projection profile; -
FIG. 5 is a top view of a second exemplary projection profile; -
FIG. 6 is a top view of a third exemplary projection profile; and -
FIG. 7 is a top view of a fourth exemplary projection profile. - The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , a dynamic projection system is illustrated and indicated generally byreference number 10. Thedynamic projection system 10 is shown in use with anexemplary motor vehicle 12. In the example provided, themotor vehicle 12 is illustrated as a passenger vehicle. However, themotor vehicle 12 may be a truck, sport utility vehicle, van, motor home, or any other type of vehicle without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Relative to an operator of themotor vehicle 12, themotor vehicle 12 includes afront 14, a rear 16, aleft side 18, and aright side 20. - The
dynamic projection system 10 includes one or more dynamic projectors 22 mounted to an exterior of themotor vehicle 12. For example, thedynamic projection system 10 may include one of, or a combination of, a frontdynamic projector 22A, a reardynamic projector 22B, a left sidedynamic projector 22C, and a right sidedynamic projector 22D. The frontdynamic projector 22A is mounted to thefront 14 of themotor vehicle 12. The reardynamic projector 22B is mounted to the rear 16 of themotor vehicle 12. The left sidedynamic projector 22C is mounted to theleft side 18 of themotor vehicle 12. The right side dynamic projector is mounted to theright side 20 of themotor vehicle 12. In the example provided, the left andright side projectors side view mirrors right side projectors side view mirrors dynamic projectors 22A-D are preferably laser projectors, such as RGB laser projectors or phosphorus laser projectors, capable of emitting or projecting a projection profile onto a surface. - Turning to
FIG. 2 , each of thedynamic projectors 22A-D are in electronic communication with a controller or electronic control unit (ECU) 28 via any wired connection, for example a vehicle bus network. TheECU 28 is mounted within themotor vehicle 12 and may be a dedicated projector controller or an engine control module, a transmission control module, a body control module, an infotainment control module, etc. TheECU 28 is a non-generalized, electronic control device having a preprogrammed digital computer or processor 29, memory or non-transitory computer readable medium 31 used to store data such as control logic, instructions, image data, lookup tables, etc., and a plurality of input/output peripherals or ports 33. The processor 29 is configured to execute the control logic or instructions. Alternatively, each of thedynamic projectors 22A-D may have a local projector controller in communication with theECU 28. An example of this controller system for a dynamic projector is shown and described in commonly assigned U.S. application Ser. No. 15/165,055, filed May 26, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. - The
ECU 28 is in electronic communication with a plurality ofsensors 30 mounted to themotor vehicle 12. Thesensors 30 are operative to provide information or data signals to theECU 28 indicative of an operating state of themotor vehicle 12. For example, thesensors 30 include a steeringwheel angle sensor 32, aturn signal sensor 34, ashift sensor 36, alighting sensor 38, avehicle speed sensor 40, adoor sensor 42, and asecurity data receiver 44. The steeringwheel angle sensor 32 detects or senses a steering wheel angle indicative of a degree of turn of themotor vehicle 12. Theturn signal sensor 34 detects whether a left or right turn signal has been activated in themotor vehicle 12. Theshift sensor 36 detects the driving state of themotor vehicle 12. For example, the driving state may be a one of a park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low drive (PRNDL) vehicle driving state. Thelighting sensor 38 detects a brightness of the environment, i.e. the illumination intensity of the ambient lighting surrounding themotor vehicle 12. Thevehicle speed sensor 40 detects a vehicle speed of themotor vehicle 12. Thedoor sensor 42 detects a status of a vehicle door, such as open or closed, latched or unlatched. Thesecurity data receiver 44 is a wireless receiver configured to detect a security identifier from, for example, a key fob. The security identifier may include a personal identification number that authenticates the owner of themotor vehicle 12. - Turning to
FIG. 3 , and with continued reference toFIGS. 1-2 , a method for projecting information using thedynamic projection system 10 is indicated generally by reference number 100. The method 100 begins atstep 102 when theECU 28 receives data signals from one of, or a combination of, the plurality ofsensors 30. The data signals are indicative of an operating state of themotor vehicle 12. For example, the data signals may include a steering angle detected from the steeringwheel angle sensor 32. The data signals may include a turn signal activation identifier detected from theturn signal sensor 34. The data signals may include a PRNDL status detected from theshift sensor 36 indicative of the driving state of the motor vehicle from one of the park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low drive vehicle driving states. The data signals may include a lighting status from thelighting sensor 38 indicative of the brightness of the environment of themotor vehicle 12. The data signals may include a vehicle speed from thevehicle speed sensor 40. The data signals may include a door status from thedoor sensor 42 indicative of the position of a door of themotor vehicle 12. The data signals may include a unique identifier indicative that a key fob associated with themotor vehicle 12 is proximate themotor vehicle 12. - The method 100 proceeds to step 104 where the
ECU 28 determines or generates a projection profile based on the data signals from the plurality ofsensors 30. The projection profile is a graphical image or other visual representation of information relating to the particular data signals received by theECU 28 atstep 102. The projection profile quantifies the data signals to inform an individual external to themotor vehicle 12 of a state of themotor vehicle 12. The projection profile preferably includes a dynamic feature. The dynamic feature is a set of graphical images that may be animated by the dynamic projector. - The method 100 then proceeds to step 106 where the dynamic projectors 22 continuously projects the projection profile onto a surface on which the
motor vehicle 12 is running. Atstep 108 the dynamic projectors 22 animate the dynamic feature of the projection profile. The method 100 then repeats, allowing for projection updates as the operating conditions of themotor vehicle 12 change. - Turning to
FIG. 4 , an example of a projection profile is illustrated relative to themotor vehicle 12 and indicated byreference number 200. Theprojection profile 200 is projected from theright side projector 22D or theleft side projector 22C. Theprojection profile 200 is calculated from the sensed steering angle and includes avector 202 of themotor vehicle 12 projected to a relativelyflat surface 204, such as a road, driveway, parking lot, etc. Thevector 202 is indicative of a path of movement of themotor vehicle 12. In one example, thevector 202 aligns with afront tire 206 of themotor vehicle 12. Alternatively, thevector 202 may align with thefront 14 of themotor vehicle 12. Theprojection profile 200 preferably includes adynamic feature 208. In the example provided, thedynamic feature 208 is a set ofarrows vector 202 over time. Thedynamic feature 208 preferably indicates a direction of travel of themotor vehicle 12. When the steering angle is zero, thus indicating no turn, theprojection profile 200 may be a vector parallel with themotor vehicle 12. - Turning to
FIG. 5 , another example of a projection profile is illustrated relative to themotor vehicle 12 and indicated byreference number 300. Theprojection profile 300 is projected from theright side projector 22D or theleft side projector 22C. Theprojection profile 300 is calculated from the sensed turn signal indicator and includes an arrow 302 projected to thesurface 204. The arrow 302 is indicative of the intention of themotor vehicle 12 to turn, based on the activation of the turn signal. In the example provided, the dynamic feature is a set ofadditional arrows motor vehicle 12. - Turning to
FIG. 6 , another example of a projection profile is illustrated relative to themotor vehicle 12 and indicated byreference number 400. Theprojection profile 400 is projected from theright side projector 22D and theleft side projector 22C. Theprojection profile 400 is calculated from the sensed unique identifier and includes amessage 402 projected to thesurface 204. The message may be personalized based on the personal identification number or a generalized message. The dynamic feature may be animated lettering. - With reference to
FIG. 7 , another example of a projection profile is illustrated relative to themotor vehicle 12 and indicated byreference number 500. Theprojection profile 500 is projected from thefront projector 22A or therear projector 22B. Theprojection profile 500 is calculated from the vehicle speed and the PRNDL status and includes anarrow 502 projected to thesurface 204. Thearrow 502 is indicative of the intention of themotor vehicle 12 to move either forward when the PRNDL status indicates a drive shift condition or backwards when the PRNDL status indicates a reverse shift position. Thus, whichprojector additional arrows motor vehicle 12. The length of the animation may be based on the vehicle speed wherein a greater vehicle speed in turn generates additional arrows. - Each of the projection profiles 200, 300, 400, and 500 may further be modified by the lighting status and the door status. For example, if the lighting status is above a brightness threshold, the
ECU 28 may determine not to project the projection profile. Likewise, if the door status indicates that the motor vehicle door is open, theECU 28 may determine not to project the projection profile. Alternatively, a brightness of the projection profile may be a function of the sensed lighting status of the environment. In another example, the projection profile may include a message communicating the door status, such as “door open”. - The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (23)
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