Patent Description:
According to the related art, a display within a vehicle has been gradually increased in size with the development in shape of the vehicle, and a technology for utilizing the entire area of the vehicle across a windshield and a window thereof as the display is being developed.

In the related art, however, when an image is displayed at fixed position, an occupant's view may be blocked depending on the build/position of the occupant (including a driver and a passenger). In this case, the occupant may not normally recognize information displayed in the image.

Furthermore, since a steering wheel which is adjusted in a top-to-bottom direction according to the build/position of the occupant has a limit within a fixed cockpit, there are difficulties in improving driving convenience only by adjusting the steering wheel.

<CIT> discloses a display device having a switchable visual protection element. <CIT> discloses a display device designed to display at least one graphic display object on two opposite sides of a display panel. <CIT> discloses a vehicle display system which displays useful information for a driver when the driver comes close to a vehicle in order to drive the vehicle.

The present invention is defined in the appended independent claim. Preferred aspects of the present invention are defined in the appended dependent claims.

According to an aspect, there is provided an smart mobility vehicle including a windshield including an electrochromic film having adjustable transparency based on power applied thereto, and a projector configured to project vehicle driving information onto the windshield, wherein the windshield includes an internal display area and an external display area, the internal display area being configured to display an image toward an inside of the vehicle, the external display area being configured to display an image toward an outside of the vehicle. The electrochromic film comprises a first film attached on the inner surface of the windshield, and a second film attached to the inner surface of the first film. The internal display area and the external display area are divided on the windshield and the projector is configured to project images toward both the internal and external display areas.

The first film may include an SPD (Suspended Particle Devices) film attached on the inner surface of the windshield, and the second film may include a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) film attached to the inner surface of the SPD film.

The internal display area may be located at a higher level from the ground than the external display area.

Each of the internal and the external display areas may have a separate power application path.

The projector may be a short focal length projector configured to project an image toward the internal and external display areas.

The projector may be disposed around a floor of the vehicle to secure an FOV (Field Of View) area, and may have a projection light path between the internal and external display areas.

The projector may be disposed in a cockpit of the vehicle to secure a field of view, and may have a projection light path between the internal and external display areas.

The projector may be disposed on an inner surface of a roof of the vehicle to secure a field of view, and may have a projection light path between the internal and external display areas.

A reflecting mirror may be configured to adjust a position of an image projected onto the internal and external display areas and may be disposed on the projection light path.

The windshield may have adjustable transparency based on power applied thereto, and a projection light path of the projector is adjusted between the internal and external display areas through position adjustment for each of the internal display area and the external display area.

An empty space that may not interfere with a peripheral object is formed around the projection light path.

The projector may be configured to selectively adjust a projection area such that an image displayed on the external display area may not be seen by a passenger.

According to another aspect not failing within the scope of the invention, there is provided a smart mobility vehicle including a console disposed in a dashboard of a vehicle, a cockpit module disposed at the top of the console, the cockpit module being configured to be movable upward and downward, and a steering wheel connected to the rear of the cockpit module, the steering wheel being configured to be movable from side to side in a longitudinal direction of the cockpit module.

The console may include a housing forming a body, and may have a guide hole formed to extend in a top-to-bottom direction, a slider configured to slide upward and downward on the guide hole of the housing, an elastic member disposed at the bottom of the slider, a locking member configured to limit movement of the slider, and a lever connected to a rear of the slider, wherein the lever may be interlocked with the slider and the locking member through a reciprocal link structure, and may be configured to unlock the slider locked by the locking member, in response to the lever being pulled to the rear of the slider.

A guide bracket may be configured to guide the upward and downward movement of the slider, and a holder may be disposed at the bottom of the guide bracket, wherein the slider may be movably connected to the top of the guide bracket, and the elastic member may be fixed to the bottom of the guide bracket.

The guide bracket may have an L-shaped cross-sectional structure.

The holder may have an upper portion which is inclined downward toward the front of the vehicle.

The locking member may be configured to be moved to the outside in a lateral direction by a compression spring located on the inside in the lateral direction, and to unlock the slider, in response to the lever being pulled to the rear.

The lever may be disposed to not interfere with a side to side movement of the steering wheel.

The housing may be bent in an inclined manner upward toward the front, and is configured to guide the upward and downward movement of the cockpit module.

However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein will be apparent after an understanding of the invention of this application.

Rather, the examples described herein have been provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein that will be apparent after an understanding of the invention of this application.

Each of these terminologies is not used to define an essence, order or sequence of a corresponding component but used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other components).

Hereinafter, example embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the example embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like components and a repeated description related thereto will be omitted.

Hereafter, a projection device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Embodiments in accordance with the devices and structures may be carried out on the basis of the smart mobility vehicle.

Hereafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings <NUM> - <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a projection device of a smart mobility vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the projection device of the smart mobility vehicle basically includes a windshield <NUM> and a projector <NUM>.

The windshield <NUM> may include an internal display area and an external display area, which are divided and applied. The internal display area displays an image toward the inside of a vehicle <NUM>, and the external display area displays an image toward the outside of the vehicle <NUM>.

The internal display area may be located at a higher level than the external display area, and has an internal display <NUM> located therein.

The external display area may be located at a lower level than the internal display area, and located in an air vent area (not illustrated) located at the front of an existing bumper (not illustrated). Such an external display area has an external display <NUM> located thereon.

The internal and external displays <NUM> and <NUM> each have a separate power application path.

The projector <NUM> projects an image for each function, containing vehicle driving information, toward the windshield <NUM>.

The projector <NUM> is configured as a short focal length projector which projects images toward the internal and external display areas.

The projector <NUM> is disposed around the floor of the vehicle, where an FOV (Field Of View) area can be secured, and has a projection light path between the internal and external display areas.

For another example, the projector <NUM> may be disposed in a cockpit of the vehicle, where an FOV area can be secured, and have a projection light path between the internal and external display areas. For still another example, a projector <NUM>' may be disposed on the inner surface of the roof of the vehicle, where the field of view can be secured, and have a projection light path between the internal and external display areas.

At this time, a reflecting mirror capable of adjusting the position of an image projected onto the internal/external display area may be disposed on the projection light path.

The projector <NUM> may have a projection light path between the internal and external display areas by adjusting the position of each front projection area.

Here, an empty space which does not interfere with a peripheral object may be formed around the projection light path.

The projector <NUM> may selectively adjust the projection area, such that an image displayed on the external display area is not seen by an occupant.

In other words, in order to promote the convenience and stability of the occupant's driving, an image of the external display <NUM> except an image of the internal display <NUM>, which is required for the occupant, may be blocked inside the vehicle.

The projection device of the smart mobility vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention includes an internal display <NUM>, an external display <NUM> and a projector <NUM>.

The internal display <NUM> displays an image toward a driver seat.

The external display <NUM> displays an image toward the outside of a vehicle <NUM>.

The projector <NUM> emits beam toward the internal and external displays <NUM> and <NUM> such that an image for each function, containing vehicle driving information, is displayed on the internal and external displays <NUM> and <NUM>.

The projector <NUM> may divide a screen for each function by projecting the image for each function, containing the vehicle driving information, onto the internal and external displays <NUM> and <NUM> at the same time.

The internal and external displays <NUM> and <NUM> may each have an electrochromic film <NUM> whose transparency can be adjusted when power is applied thereto.

The electrochromic film <NUM> includes a first film 131a attached to the inner surface of a windshield and a second film 131b attached to the inner surface of the first film 131a.

At this time, the first film 131a may be an SPD (Suspended Particle Devices) film having a dark color, and the second film 131b may be a PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) film having a relatively brighter color than the first film 131a.

The first film 131a may be switched to a black color when the power supply is turned off, and switched to a transparent color when the power supply is turned on. At this time, the transparent color may differ depending on the tinting concentration of the vehicle.

The second film 131b may be switched to an opaque white color when the power supply is turned off, and switched to a transparent color when the power supply is turned on.

Since information is acquired from an image formed on the surface of the internal display <NUM>, external light needs to be blocked in order to secure visibility. On the other hand, since an image formed on the surface of the external display <NUM> needs to be checked from the outside, the external area of the external display <NUM> needs to be exposed.

When the color of the windshield <NUM> is changed by electricity applied thereto, the voltage/current of the applied electricity may be adjusted to gradually apply the change between the transparent state and the opaque state, in order to improve the emotional quality. In this case, the effect for a UI (User Interface) may be implemented. Furthermore, when the state of the windshield <NUM> needs to be switched in different situations, the state of the windshield <NUM> can be switched immediately.

<FIG> schematically illustrates a cockpit moving structure of the smart mobility vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims.

Referring to <FIG>, the cockpit moving structure is a component of a next-generation smart mobility vehicle, in which a driver seat is configured as a bench seat and the positions of components within the cockpit can be switched.

Such a cockpit moving structure includes a console <NUM>, a cockpit module <NUM> and a steering wheel <NUM>.

The console <NUM> is disposed in a dashboard area at the inner front of the vehicle.

The cockpit module <NUM> is disposed at the top of the console <NUM>, and can be moved in a top-to-bottom direction.

The steering wheel <NUM> is connected to the rear of the cockpit module <NUM>, and can be moved from side to side in the longitudinal direction of the cockpit module <NUM>. The longitudinal direction of the cockpit module <NUM> indicates a side-to-side length.

<FIG> illustrate an example in which the cockpit module and the steering wheel are moved, in the cockpit moving structure of the smart mobility vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims.

Referring to <FIG>, the cockpit moving structure of the smart mobility vehicle <NUM> in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure has a configuration in which the cockpit module <NUM> connected to the console <NUM> can be moved in the top-to-bottom direction according to the body type of an occupant as illustrated in <FIG>.

At this time, the console 210is tilted at a predetermined angle toward an engine room (not illustrated).

When the cockpit module <NUM> is moved upward, a seating posture space for the occupant and an available space for the occupant's hand reach may be increased through a tilt-up and tele-in operation of moving the cockpit module <NUM> to the front (toward the engine room) and rotating the cockpit module <NUM> upward.

When the cockpit module <NUM> is moved downward, the seating posture space for the occupant and the available space for the occupant's hand reach may be decreased through a tilt-down and tele-out operation of moving the cockpit module <NUM> to the rear (toward the occupant) and rotating the cockpit module <NUM> downward.

<FIG> illustrate that the position of the cockpit module <NUM> is moved upward when the cockpit module <NUM> faces forward, and moved downward when the cockpit module <NUM> faces backward. The position of the cockpit module <NUM> may be adjusted while the cockpit module <NUM> is unlocked from the console <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrate the cockpit moving structure of the smart mobility vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims, and <FIG> illustrates an example in which a portion A marked in <FIG> is unlocked, not falling within the scope of claims.

Referring to <FIG>, the console <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a slider <NUM>, an elastic member <NUM>, a locking member <NUM>, a lever <NUM>, a guide bracket <NUM> and a holder <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> forms the body of the console <NUM>, and has a guide hole 211a disposed at the inner top thereof and formed as a long hole in the top-to-bottom direction. Such a housing <NUM> is formed with a bending structure which is inclined upward toward the front, and has a structural characteristic to guide the upward/downward movement of the cockpit module <NUM>.

The slider <NUM> may be slid upward and downward in the guide hole 211a of the housing <NUM>. Such a slider <NUM> is structurally connected to the cockpit module <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> is disposed at the bottom of the slider <NUM>. When the slider <NUM> is unlocked, the elastic member <NUM> serves to compensate for the weight of the cockpit module <NUM> in order to prevent the cockpit module <NUM> from drooping due to the weight thereof. Such an elastic member <NUM> may be any one of an air spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring and a tension spring.

The locking member <NUM> limits the movement of the slider <NUM> by locking and unlocking the slider <NUM>. When the lever <NUM> is pulled backward, the locking member <NUM> may be moved to the outside in a lateral direction by a compression spring 214a located on the inside in the lateral direction, and may unlock the slider <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> has a hand grip structure, and is connected to the rear of the slider <NUM>. Such a lever <NUM> is interlocked with the slider <NUM> and the locking member <NUM> through a reciprocal link structure. For example, when the lever <NUM> is pulled to the rear of the slider <NUM>, the lever <NUM> may unlock the slider <NUM> locked by the locking member <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may be disposed at a position where the lever <NUM> does not interfere with the steering wheel (<NUM> of <FIG>), when the steering wheel <NUM> is moved from side to side.

The guide bracket <NUM> guides the slider <NUM> to slide upward/downward. The slider <NUM> is movably connected to the top of the guide bracket <NUM>, and the elastic member <NUM> is fixed to the bottom of the guide bracket <NUM>. Such a guide bracket <NUM> may have an L-shaped cross-sectional structure.

The holder <NUM> is disposed at the bottom of the guide bracket <NUM>, and serves as a support of the guide bracket <NUM>. Such a holder <NUM> may have an upper portion which is inclined downward toward the front.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a lifting and lowering mechanism of the cockpit module <NUM> which is lifted and lowered by the operation of the lever <NUM> is operated as follows.

When an occupant pulls the lever <NUM> to the rear (toward the occupant), one side of a first lever 215b interlocked with the lever <NUM> is rotated about a rotating shaft 215c such that the position thereof is switched to the rear with the lever <NUM>, and the other side of the first lever 215b is rotated about the rotating shaft 215c such that the position thereof is switched to the front.

One side of a second lever 215d is interlocked with the other side of the first lever 215b, and moved forward. At this time, a section of the second lever 215d on the other side thereof maintains the state in which the locking member <NUM> locks the slider <NUM>. Then, when the one side of the second lever 215d is moved forward, the section of the second lever 215d on the other side thereof is moved forward in connection with the forward movement of the one side of the second lever 215d. Through this process, the locking member <NUM> is moved to the outside in the lateral direction by the compression spring 214a located on the inside in the lateral direction, and unlocks the slider <NUM>.

When the occupant pushes the lever <NUM> forward while the slider <NUM> is unlocked, the position of the cockpit module <NUM> is moved upward toward the front. On the other hand, when the occupant pulls the lever <NUM> backward, the position of the cockpit module <NUM> is moved downward toward the rear.

At this time, when the lever <NUM> enters a preset section at the rear, the locking member <NUM> of the cockpit moving structure can lock the slider <NUM> again.

<FIG> illustrate an example in which the cockpit module is moved in the top-to-bottom direction through a rotation operation, in the cockpit moving structure of the smart mobility vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims.

According to the cockpit moving structure of the smart mobility vehicle, illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, an occupant may move the cockpit module (<NUM> of <FIG>) upward and downward through a manual rotation method, unlike the embodiment described with reference to <FIG>.

A console <NUM>' includes a lever <NUM>' which is disposed on either side at the top thereof, and rotated in the front-to-rear direction so as to lift/lower the cockpit module (<NUM> in <FIG>).

The console <NUM>' may additionally include a housing <NUM>', a slider <NUM>', a rail <NUM>', a worm gear <NUM>', a spur gear <NUM>', a circular holder <NUM>' and a rack gear <NUM>'.

The housing <NUM>' is a basic frame having a housing space therein.

The rail <NUM>' is disposed at the inner top of the housing <NUM>' along the top-to-bottom length thereof. At this time, the rail <NUM>' may guide the lifting/lowering path of the slider <NUM>', and the slider <NUM>' may be lifted/lowered on the path of the rail <NUM>'.

The worm gear <NUM>' can be rotated in connection with the lever <NUM>'. Such a worm gear <NUM>' may be set to a self locking mode for preventing reverse rotation thereof.

The spur gear <NUM>' is located at the top of the worm gear <NUM>', and rotated in connection with the worm gear <NUM>'.

The circular holder <NUM>' may have a structure capable of seating the lever <NUM>' thereon, and the lever <NUM>' may be hidden through a rotating or sliding operation thereof.

The rack gear <NUM>' may be disposed on a side surface of the spur gear <NUM>', such that the position thereof can be adjusted in the top-to-bottom direction by the rotation of the spur gear <NUM>'.

<FIG> schematically illustrate a steering wheel part whose position can be switched between a driver seat and a passenger seat, in a steering device of the smart mobility vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims.

Referring to <FIG>, the steering device of the smart mobility vehicle includes a cockpit module <NUM>, a steering wheel part <NUM> and a locking part <NUM>.

The cockpit module <NUM> is located in front of the driver seat and the passenger seat within the vehicle. Such a cockpit module <NUM> includes a rail bracket <NUM> including a first flat section 311a (①), a second flat section 311c ((<NUM>)), and a locking section 311b ((<NUM>), ③ and ④). The first and second flat sections 311a and 311c are located in front of the driver seat and the passenger seat, respectively, and the locking section 311b is curved upward and serves to connect the first and second flat sections 311a and 311c.

The locking section 311b has first and second inclined sections ② and ④ formed at both ends thereof, and the first and second inclined sections (<NUM>) and ④ are engaged with the steering wheel part <NUM> so as to restrict the rotation of the steering wheel part <NUM>.

The steering wheel part <NUM> is connected to the cockpit module <NUM>, such that the position thereof can be switched toward the driver seat or the passenger seat in the longitudinal direction of the cockpit module <NUM>.

When the steering wheel part <NUM> passes through the locking section 311b ((<NUM>), ③, and ④) as the position thereof is switched by a user's manipulation, the rotation of the steering wheel part <NUM> needs to be restricted. This is in order to improve the driving safety of the vehicle.

The locking part <NUM> fixes the steering wheel part <NUM> according to a preset condition. The preset condition indicates optimal reference data considering the stopping and parking states of the smart mobility vehicle, information on whether the driving road corresponds to a straight section, and the driving safety.

Here, driving road determination logic monitors the road condition ahead through a radar or lidar, and determines that the steering wheel part <NUM> can be switched from side to side, when the corresponding road is a straight section. At this time, the steering wheel part <NUM> may be automatically and/or manually unlocked through the locking part <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating the steering device in the smart mobility vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>, and <FIG> and <NUM> are diagrams each illustrating the operation relationships among the components of the steering device, not falling within the scope of claims.

The steering wheel part <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> can be locked or rotated through a paddle shift type of steel wire connection. The steering wheel part <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM>, a casing <NUM>, a lever <NUM> and a steering wheel <NUM>.

The base plate <NUM> can be moved from side to side along the cockpit module <NUM>. That is, the base plate <NUM> is connected so as to be movable on a plurality of rail brackets (<NUM> of <FIG>) formed in the longitudinal direction of the cockpit module <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> is connected to the rear of the base plate <NUM> so as to be bent upward. Such a casing <NUM> has a connector 322a embedded therein.

The lever <NUM> has a structure which is interlocked with the locking part <NUM>, and protrudes from a part of the bottom of the casing <NUM>.

The steering wheel <NUM> is connected to the rear of the casing <NUM>.

The mechanical locking structure of the steering wheel part <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. The locking part <NUM> includes a fixing member <NUM> and a wire <NUM>. The fixing member <NUM> is moved upward and downward on the base plate <NUM>, and fixes or releases the steering wheel part <NUM> to or from the cockpit module <NUM>, and the wire <NUM> connects the fixing member <NUM> and the connector 322a of the casing <NUM>.

When the lever <NUM> is pulled to the rear (toward the driver seat), the connector 322a interlocked with the lever <NUM> pulls the wire <NUM> to the rear, and the fixing member <NUM> connected to the wire <NUM> is moved upward to unlock the steering wheel part <NUM>.

At this time, the steering wheel part <NUM> may be unlocked from the cockpit module <NUM> through an electric method using a solenoid or actuator, not the mechanical method.

For example, the steering wheel part <NUM> may be unlocked through a simple button operation, or unlocked according to a preset condition while connected to smart devices (e.g. portable terminals or the like) of the occupants on a driver seat and a passenger seat. The steering wheel <NUM> of the steering wheel part <NUM> may be moved by a predetermined distance through position switching, and then locked as in the initial state.

<FIG> and <FIG> are diagrams schematically illustrating the steering wheel in the steering device of the smart mobility vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claim <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the steering wheel <NUM> includes a grip part 324a, a function button part 324b, a center part 324c, a support part 324d, a fixing part 324e, and a hazard switch 324f.

The steering wheel <NUM> may include the function button part 324b configured in a paddle shift type so as to control the locking operation of the locking part (<NUM> of <FIG>).

The center part 324c is steerably connected to the rear of the casing (<NUM> of <FIG>), and provides a holding space for holding a portable terminal <NUM>. When the portable terminal <NUM> is held on the holding space of the center part 324c, the portable terminal <NUM> may be paired with the vehicle through a vehicle control-related application installed in the portable terminal <NUM>. Through the pairing, a user (including an occupant) may select a desired option by touching the portable terminal <NUM> with the steering wheel <NUM> held on the user's hand. The grip part 324a is formed at either end of the center part 324c, and provides a finger grip space of the user.

At this time, the center part 324c is electrically (in a wired/wireless manner) connected to the smart mobility vehicle. When the portable terminal <NUM> is held on the holding space, the portable terminal <NUM> may be automatically paired with the smart mobility vehicle according to preset terminal information.

The support part 324d is disposed at the bottom of the center part 324c, and supports the portable terminal <NUM>.

The fixing part 324e is disposed between either end of the center part 324c and the grip part 324a, and fixes the portable terminal <NUM>. At this time, the fixing part 324e may be formed in a hinge-connected clamp type, or have a separate buffer member (not illustrated) disposed in a section where the fixing part 324e comes into contact with the portable terminal <NUM>, in order to fix the portable terminal <NUM>.

The steering wheel <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> has the following dimensional information: the side-to-side length of the steering wheel <NUM> is about <NUM>, the distance between one end of the support part 324d and the left grip part 324a ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>, and the distance between the other end of the support part 324d and the right grip part 324a ranges from <NUM> to <NUM>.

Here, the side-to-side length of the support part 324d may be about <NUM>. The dimensional information between the components of the steering wheel <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is only an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such numerical values. However, the dimension ratio between the corresponding components may be significant.

<FIG> schematically show the prototype of the steering wheel in the steering device of the smart mobility vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims.

The steering wheel <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be a steering wheel which is manufactured in a prototype in consideration of a grip condition of the steering wheel <NUM> during driving and a condition in which a user can manipulate the screen of a portable terminal.

Under the corresponding condition, the following consideration needs to be taken into account: the user needs to easily touch or manipulate the screen of the portable terminal by using his/her thumb with the steering wheel <NUM> held by the user's hand.

Furthermore, the grip part (324a of <FIG>) of the steering wheel <NUM> needs to enable the user to easily grip the portable terminal placed on the center part (324c of <FIG>). The dimensional information of the steering wheel based on the corresponding condition may be set to the values illustrated in <FIG>. As described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the dimensional information, but the dimension ratio between the corresponding components may be significant.

The arrangement of function buttons on an application within the portable terminal may be changed according to a user's settings, such that the user easily manipulates the portable terminal with the portable terminal placed on the steering wheel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an occupant recognition-based image display control device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims.

The occupant recognition-based image display control device in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure not falling within the scope of claims, includes an input unit <NUM>, a memory <NUM> and a processor <NUM>. The input unit <NUM> is configured to receive occupant recognition information, the memory <NUM> is configured to store a program for controlling an image display within the vehicle by using the occupant recognition information, and the processor <NUM> is configured to execute the program. The processor <NUM> transmits a command signal to change a partial area of an image display area within the vehicle to an area which does not block an occupant's view, by using the occupant recognition information.

The input unit <NUM> receives the occupant recognition information including one or more of the eye position and the head position of an occupant.

The processor <NUM> transmits a command signal for lowering the partial area by using the occupant recognition information.

The processor <NUM> transmits a driving command signal to an actuator connected to a reflecting mirror, and rotates the reflecting mirror such that a projection image based on image contents for a passenger is formed on the dashboard area.

When the difference between the eye or head positions of the driver and the passenger is out of a preset range, the processor <NUM> transmits the command signal to lift the partial area.

The input unit <NUM> receives information related to the state in which the height of a cockpit is adjusted, and the processor <NUM> transmits the command signal to adjust the partial area of the image display area within the vehicle by using the occupant recognition information and the information related to the state in which the height of the cockpit is adjusted.

The processor <NUM> transmits an electrochromic film control signal to adjust the transparency of an empty space which occurs as the partial area of the image display area within the vehicle is changed.

<FIG> illustrates an occupant sensing process in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims.

Referring to <FIG>, the eye position or body (head) position of an occupant is sensed by an in-vehicle monitoring device <NUM> such as an IR camera or ToF camera.

The processor <NUM> receives information on the eye position or body position of the occupant as occupant information, and transmits a display position adjustment-related command signal for the internal display in consideration of the occupant information.

The processor <NUM> acquires information on the occupant's height when seated (sitting height), and the eye position and the FOV of the occupant, by using the occupant information.

Furthermore, the processor <NUM> may receive occupant information from a separate sensor (e.g. a weight sensor mounted in a seat), and recognize whether the occupant is an adult or kid.

At this time, the processor <NUM> decides display position coordinate information of the internal display according to the occupant information of each occupant and transmits a command signal, or transmits a command signal for display position coordinate information of the internal display based on a preset category to which the occupant information of each occupant belongs.

For example, suppose that the position of the partial area of the display area within the vehicle is adjusted, when the eye position of a passenger A is a position A-<NUM> (<NUM> in a vertical direction z from a preset reference point within the vehicle) and the eye position of a passenger B is a position B-<NUM> (<NUM> in the vertical direction z from the preset reference point within the vehicle). Hereafter, the position adjustment will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

For example, it is assumed that, when the eye position of a passenger corresponds to a preset position (e.g. <NUM> or less in the vertical direction z from the preset reference point within the vehicle), the position of the partial area of the display area is adjusted in proportion to the eye position. In this case, a position adjustment reference value may be set to <NUM>.

At this time, the center position of the above-described partial area in the case of the passenger A can be lifted by <NUM> from the existing display position, and the center position of the partial area in the case of the passenger B can be lifted by <NUM> from the existing display position.

For another example, when a first classification in which the center position of the partial area is lifted by <NUM> from the display position in the case that the eye position of the passenger is <NUM> or less in the vertical direction z from the preset reference point within the vehicle and a second classification in which the center position of the partial area is lifted by <NUM> from the display position in the case that the eye position of the passenger is <NUM> or less in the vertical direction z from the preset reference point within the vehicle are set according to the eye position of the passenger, the processor <NUM> determines that both of the passengers A and B correspond to the first classification, and lifts the center position of the partial area by <NUM> from the existing display position.

The processor <NUM> transmits a command signal to adjust the display position of the internal display area in overall consideration of the height adjustment information of the cockpit and the occupant information.

That is, the processor <NUM> determines whether the occupant's view is blocked, by using the occupant information and the height adjustment information of the cockpit, and transmits a command signal to adjust the display position of the partial area of the internal display area, according to the determination result.

The projector having received the command signal adjusts the display position of the partial area of the internal display area, or the actuator having received the command signal drives (rotates and unfolds) the reflecting mirror to adjust the area on which a projection image is formed.

Furthermore, in order to prevent the driver's view from being blocked as the display position of image contents is adjusted, the processor <NUM> sets a position adjustment limit value for the partial area of the internal display area, and transmits a command signal related to the display position adjustment.

For example, the height of the partial area of the internal display area in front of the passenger seat is set to a value that cannot rise to a preset limit value (e.g. <NUM>) or more.

<FIG> illustrate that the position of an image is moved, in the smart mobility vehicle in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims.

<FIG> illustrates a situation in which a driver is seated on the left front seat of the vehicle, and a passenger (adult) is seated on the right front seat of the vehicle.

<FIG> illustrates a situation in which a driver is seated on the left front seat of the vehicle, and a passenger (kid) is seated on the right front seat of the vehicle.

<FIG> illustrates a situation in which a driver is seated on the right front seat of the vehicle, and a passenger (kid) is seated on the left front seat of the vehicle.

<FIG> illustrates the occupants' views and a situation in which the dashboard is disposed over the floor within the vehicle, the cockpit is disposed over the dashboard, and image contents are displayed on a preset area (internal display area) within the windshield.

At this time, the internal display area is divided into a preset number of partial areas (e.g. three areas in <FIG>), and the cockpit has an adjustable height.

Suppose that the internal display area is divided into a first area (cluster information display), a second area (navigation information display) and a third area (image contents display for passenger) from the front of the driver seat toward the passenger seat.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a situation in which an adult is seated on the driver seat, and a kid (short person) is seated on the passenger seat.

As described above, it is assumed that the cockpit has an adjustable height, and the projection area and the image position have been adjusted on the basis of the driver.

At this time, the processor <NUM> transmits a command signal to lower the display position of image contents in the third area in consideration of the cockpit position information and the occupant information, such that the image contents of the third area are displayed on a partial area of the dashboard area. Thus, the kid as a passenger can easily watch the image contents of the third area at the adjusted position of the internal display area.

At this time, as will be described below, the processor <NUM> may transmit a command signal to the actuator which changes the angle of the reflecting mirror, and control the projector to project the image contents onto the surface of an internal trim panel, such that the kid seated on the passenger seat can check the image contents.

This process uses the principle that the display area is divided into the internal display area and the external display area, and an image projected from the inside is formed on the surface (display panel) such that the image contents can be checked from the opposite side (passenger position).

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the processor <NUM> may transmit a control signal to the electrochromic film of the windshield to change the transparency of an area whose position has been moved so that the image contents for a passenger no longer needs to be displayed, thereby additionally securing visibility for the outside.

The image contents for a passenger and the size of the image contents for a passenger as well as the position of the image contents for a passenger can be changed, and each of the display areas can be independently controlled.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims, the size of the initial projection image can be adjusted, and the contents can be changed through mirroring or independent screen configuration.

<FIG> illustrates a default field of view and a projection position, and <FIG> illustrates a change in projection position when a kid is seated on the passenger seat.

The reflecting mirror is provided as a pair of reflecting mirrors 530a and 530b. This configuration considers that the driver seat and the passenger seat can be changed, because the steering wheel is movable from the left front seat to the right front seat of the vehicle.

That is, the reflecting mirror is provided as first and second reflecting mirrors 530a and 530b installed in the driver seat and the passenger seat, and configured to adjust the contents area when the driver seat is changed as the steering wheel is moved from side to side.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a dashboard <NUM> has a partial surface area made of a translucent material, and maintains an opaque exterior when there is no lighting.

Referring to <FIG>, an internal image is projected onto the internal display area of the vehicle, and an external image (communication) is projected onto the external display area of the vehicle.

In the case of the default field of view illustrated in <FIG>, the angle of the second reflecting mirror 530b is controlled in parallel to the projection direction, and the first and second reflecting mirrors 530a and 530b are mounted on areas which do not interfere with the internal image projection and the external image projection, respectively.

When a kid is seated on the passenger seat as illustrated in <FIG>, the processor <NUM> transmits a driving command signal to an actuator connected to the second reflecting mirror 530b in consideration of the cockpit position adjustment information and the occupant information.

The second reflecting mirror 530b driven by the actuator is rotated and unfolded to form a projection image of the image contents for a passenger on the dashboard <NUM> in front of the passenger seat (passenger seat contents image reflection).

<FIG> illustrates that the first and second reflecting mirrors 530a and 530b are separately applied to the driver seat and the passenger seat, respectively, as described above.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the position of the passenger seat is decided as the steering wheel is moved to the left or right. When a passenger seated on the passenger seat is a kid, the processor <NUM> decides whether to display image contents for a passenger by rotating any one reflecting mirror to some extents, in consideration of the cockpit position information (the position information of the cockpit whose height has been adjusted) and the occupant information (the view information of the occupant), and transmits a driving command signal to the actuator to display the image contents.

As the actuator is driven, the second reflecting mirror 530b is rotated (<FIG>) when the right front seat of the vehicle is the passenger seat, and the first reflecting mirror 530a is rotated (<FIG>) when the left front seat of the vehicle is the passenger seat.

Referring to <FIG>, a reflecting mirror <NUM> in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims is disposed on a sliding and rotating bar <NUM> which can be rotated and moved straight from side to side, and located at the opposite position of the steering wheel.

That is, when the steering wheel is disposed at the left front seat of the vehicle as illustrated in <FIG>, the reflecting mirror <NUM> is located at the right front seat of the vehicle, and when the steering wheel is moved to the right front seat of the vehicle as illustrated in <FIG>, the reflecting mirror <NUM> is moved to the left front seat of the vehicle by the sliding and rotating bar <NUM>.

When a kid is seated on the passenger seat as illustrated in <FIG>, the processor <NUM> transmits a driving command signal to rotate the reflecting mirror <NUM> by using the cockpit position information and the occupant information, and displays the image contents for a passenger on the dashboard as described above.

<FIG> illustrates that a driver and a passenger (adult), who have a similar eye height, are seated in the vehicle, <FIG> illustrates that a driver and a passenger who is taller than the driver are seated in the vehicle, and <FIG> illustrates that a driver and a passenger who is shorter than the driver are seated in the vehicle.

Referring to <FIG>, when the difference between the eye positions or head positions of the driver and the passenger falls within a preset range, the internal display area is maintained.

Referring to <FIG>, when the passenger is shorter than the driver such that the difference between the eye positions or head positions of the driver and the passenger is out of the preset range, the position of a contents display area for a passenger in the internal display area is adjusted.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims, when the position of the cockpit having an adjustable height is changed to a higher position than the existing position thereof because a tall driver is seated in the vehicle, the display position of the internal display area is moved to a higher position than the existing position thereof. Thus, since the view of the passenger shorter than the driver is blocked with respect to the contents display area for a passenger, the processor <NUM> transmits a command signal to lift the contents display area for a passenger.

That is, when the passenger is shorter than the driver such that the third area is blocked by the cockpit, the processor <NUM> transmits the control command signal to lift the display area of the third area.

At this time, as described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the processor <NUM> transmits the control signal to the electrochromic film of the windshield, such that the color of the area on which the image contents for a passenger are no longer displayed due to the position movement is changed to a transparent color, thereby additionally securing the visibility for the outside.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating the positions of the first and second reflecting mirrors 530a and 530b. <FIG> illustrates that the position of the windshield and the image area of the dashboard cannot be checked from a passenger's view due to an image blocking area.

That is, when the image contents for a passenger are displayed on the third area covered by the cockpit because the passenger is shorter than the driver, the third area is partially lifted, and the image contents are lifted and displayed.

At this time, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second reflecting mirror 530b is not rotated but fixed, and only the image area (third area) is adjusted to change and display image contents, such that the image contents are moved to and displayed on an area where the passenger's view can be secured.

Referring to <FIG>, an electrochromic film is disposed on the image display area of a windshield <NUM>, and an electrochromic section is subdivided so that transparent/opaque positions are adjusted in connection with contents control.

As the electrochromic film has a power application section subdivided into a plurality of sections, the concentration of each section can be adjusted, and an image is outputted onto the section whose concentration has been adjusted, through the projector or the like.

Referring to <FIG>, when the position of a partial area of a projection image is moved within the windshield as described above, the partial area may be changed to an empty space and become transparent to secure the visibility to the outside.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an occupant recognition-based image display control method in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims.

The occupant recognition-based image display control method in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure includes step S410 of receiving occupant state information of a driver and a passenger within a vehicle, step S420 of adjusting a reflecting mirror by using the occupant state information, or adjusting the display position of a display area within the vehicle, and step S430 of displaying image contents at the decided position.

In step S410, the occupant state information including at least any one of the eye positions and the head positions of the driver and the passenger is received.

In step S420, a command signal for adjusting the reflecting mirror is transmitted to lower a partial area of the display area within the vehicle by using the occupant state information.

In step S430, as the reflecting mirror is rotated, a projection image based on image contents for a passenger is displayed on a dashboard area.

In step S420, the display position of the partial area of the display area within the vehicle is lifted to an area where the passenger's view is not blocked, on the basis of the occupant state information.

In step S410, adjustment information on a cockpit having an adjustable height is further received. In step S420, the display position of the display area within the vehicle is adjusted on the basis of the adjustment information and the occupant state information.

The occupant recognition-based image display control method in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims, further includes a step of transmitting a control signal to change the transparency of an electrochromic film of an area on which image contents have been displayed, when the area is changed to an empty space.

The occupant recognition-based image display control method in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims, may be implemented in a computer system or recorded in a recording medium. The computer system may include one or more processors, a memory, a user input device, a data communication bus, a user output device and a storage place. The above-described components perform data communication through the data communication bus.

Various embodiments are directed to a smart mobility vehicle which can display various types of messages to the outside while providing an occupant's convenience, such that driving information can be shared.

In accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims, the smart mobility vehicle may provide an occupant's convenience and simultaneously display various types of messages to the outside, such that driving information can be shared.

Furthermore, the smart mobility vehicle can more effectively display images onto internal and external displays through a short focal length projector capable of securing an FOV on a projection path.

Furthermore, the smart mobility vehicle has a structure in which a cockpit structure is moved so that occupants having different builds are comfortably seated in the vehicle during driving.

Furthermore, according to the build/position of an occupant, the smart mobility vehicle may selectively adjust the positions of the cockpit module and the steering wheel, thereby significantly improving the occupant's driving convenience.

The computer system may further include a network interface coupled to a network. The processor may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or a semiconductor device configured to process a command stored in the memory and/or the storage place.

The memory and the storage place may include various types of volatile or nonvolatile storage media. For example, the memory may include ROM and RAM.

Therefore, the occupant recognition-based image display control method in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims, may be implemented as a method which can be executed in a computer. When the occupant recognition-based image display control method in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims, is performed in a computer device, computer-readable commands may perform the occupant recognition-based image display control method in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure, not falling within the scope of claims.

Claim 1:
A smart mobility vehicle comprising:
a windshield (<NUM>) comprising an electrochromic film (<NUM>) having adjustable transparency based on power applied thereto; and
a projector (<NUM>) configured to project vehicle driving information onto the windshield (<NUM>),
wherein the windshield (<NUM>) comprises an internal display area (<NUM>) and an external display area (<NUM>), the internal display area (<NUM>) being configured to display an image toward an inside of the vehicle, the external display area (<NUM>) being configured to display an image toward an outside of the vehicle, and
wherein the electrochromic film (<NUM>) comprises a first film (131a) attached on the inner surface of the windshield, and a second film (131b) attached to the inner surface of the first film (131a), characterized in that the internal display area (<NUM>) and the external display area (<NUM>) are divided on the windshield (<NUM>), and the projector (<NUM>) is configured to project images toward both the internal and external display areas (<NUM>, <NUM>).