Composite structure of dynamic light projection and surface structure in vehicle interior space

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for presenting dynamic lighting scenes, visual information and animations in the interior space of a vehicle and for displaying information about functional elements of the vehicle, a projection surface in the interior space of the vehicle having at least one first sub-section which is assigned to at least one of the functional elements and which covers the at least one functional element towards the interior space of the vehicle such that the at least one functional element is not visible, the control unit and the projection device being configured to project images, graphics or animations onto the at least one first sub-section depending on the information belonging to the at least one functional element, the projection surface having at least one second sub-section which surrounds the at least one first sub-section, the control unit and the projection device being configured to project images, graphics or animations onto the at least one second sub-section depending on a lighting scene and / or depending on the information to be displayed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for presenting dynamic lighting scenes, visual information and animations in the interior space of a vehicle, as well as for displaying information about the functional elements of the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The increasing demands for design and functional integration in vehicles, as well as new mobility scenarios such as autonomous driving and its preparatory phases, require new possibilities for presenting information and entertaining vehicle occupants.

[0003] Especially in the context of autonomous driving or its preparatory phase, where driver intervention is no longer required or only requires reduced intervention, the activities of the driver and general occupants within the vehicle interior space will change.

[0004] Furthermore, new experiences are needed for both use and entertainment.

[0005] Furthermore, an increasing number of functions and operating elements are being integrated into vehicles; however, this is problematic because excessive demands should not be placed on the occupants of the vehicle, or on general technical requirements, and the functional components and their operation must therefore be integrated into the vehicle as intuitively and unobtrusively as possible. Thus, the technology should preferably be blended into the background and hidden, or as "invisible" as possible.

[0006] However, hiding and displaying the user interface can lead to potential user problems because it is not immediately apparent where the functions can be operated and what state they are in.

[0007] To this end, various solutions are known from the prior art. To conceal functions or their operation, decorative elements that can be illuminated from the rear are often used, where the operating elements become visible only through an illumination device located at the rear of the decorative element, so that the operating elements disappear or are invisible to the user when the illumination device is deactivated. However, such concepts are mostly complex in structure and therefore expensive to manufacture.

[0008] To realize the new lighting concept, it is known that the lighting concept can be provided by illuminating the rear of the decorative elements or by providing dedicated interior space lighting, in which most of the lighting can only be static or at most a dimming of the existing interior space lighting. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and provide a device for presenting dynamic lighting scenes, visual information and animations in the interior space of a vehicle, as well as for displaying information about the functional elements of the vehicle, which is not only flexible to use, but also allows for the display of complex visualizations while integrating the interior elements and functional elements of the vehicle.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention proposes a device for presenting dynamic lighting scenes, visual information, and animations in the interior space of a vehicle, as well as for displaying information about functional elements of the vehicle. The device has a projection surface (10) pointing towards the interior space of the vehicle, a projection device, and a control unit for controlling the projection device. The projection device is configured to project images, graphics, or animations onto the projection surface. The projection surface has at least one first sub-segment, which is assigned to at least one of the functional elements and covers the at least one functional element towards the interior space of the vehicle, such that the at least one functional element, which is an air conditioner, is invisible. The device has an exhaust port through which cold or hot air can flow into the vehicle interior space via a projection surface, and / or the functional element is a switch that controls the vehicle's functions. The control unit and the projection device are configured to project images, graphics, or animations onto the at least one first sub-segment based on information belonging to the at least one functional element. The projection surface has at least one second sub-segment surrounding the at least one first sub-segment. The control unit and the projection device are configured to project images, graphics, or animations onto the at least one second sub-segment based on a lighting scene and / or based on information to be displayed.

[0011] According to the present invention, an apparatus is provided for presenting dynamic lighting scenes, visual information, and animations within the interior space of a vehicle, as well as for displaying information about functional elements of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a projection surface pointing towards or toward the vehicle's interior space, a projection device, and a control unit for controlling the projection device. The projection device is further configured to project images, graphics, symbols, or animations onto the projection surface, including images, graphics, and / or symbols with color variations or simple brightness variations that can be animated and / or dynamically matched to, for example, the vehicle's surrounding environment or other external data sources. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the projection surface has at least one first sub-section belonging to at least one of the vehicle's functional elements and covering the at least one functional element toward the vehicle's interior space. Accordingly, the at least one functional element is invisible to persons or occupants in the vehicle, and for this purpose, the projection surface can be configured to be substantially opaque. The control unit and the projection device are configured to project images, graphics, or animations onto the at least one first sub-section based on information belonging to the at least one functional element. Therefore, the projection device is preferably operated by the control unit in such a way that the image projected in the region of the first sub-segment depicts the associated information, which may reflect the state of a functional element or also depict a symbol belonging to that functional element, thereby marking the operating element used to operate that functional element. Accordingly, the projection device controlled by the control unit assigns the directly associated information to the at least one covered functional element, thereby enabling "local" information reproduction of the system state and functional state using positional relationships. Furthermore, the projection surface has at least one second sub-segment surrounding the at least one first sub-segment, wherein the control unit and the projection device are configured to project images, graphics, or animations onto the at least one second sub-segment according to a lighting scene and / or according to the information to be displayed. Here, the projection device can also be operated by the control unit such that it projects images onto the second sub-segment according to, for example, a selectable lighting scene or a selectable animation. When projecting the corresponding image onto the second sub-segment, one or more first sub-segments may be omitted by the corresponding selection of the image to be projected, or may each contain specific information or graphics corresponding to the corresponding first sub-segment.

[0012] The functional components may be, for example, sensors hidden behind or covered by the projection surface, air conditioning flaps, outflow openings, surface cooling devices, surface heating devices, speakers, etc.

[0013] Particularly advantageous is that the projection device is configured to project symbols only in the at least one first sub-segment and, in addition to the symbols set in the first sub-segment, to project only gradual brightness changes in the at least one second sub-segment.

[0014] According to an advantageous further improvement of the invention, the device further includes a panel element that defines at least a portion of the projection surface, the panel element providing at least a portion of the projection surface toward the interior space.

[0015] Preferably, the trim element has a three-dimensional shape or component geometry. For example, the trim element may extend along a vehicle pillar towards the bottom or top of the vehicle in a transitional area between lateral vehicle areas where doors are located, and thus have a corresponding shape. The trim element may also form the roof accordingly. Because the trim element provides the projected surface into the interior space, this projected surface also has a three-dimensional surface variation structure and is not flat or entirely within a single plane.

[0016] If the decorative panel element is made of a surface material and the projection surface preferably has a surface structure defined by that surface material across its entire surface, a particularly luxurious and therefore advantageous lighting effect is achieved. The surface material can be, for example, a textile, wherein the surface structure is defined by a planar formation shaped from the textile, such as a woven fabric, knitted fabric, braided fabric, etc. However, other materials besides textiles, such as paneling, can also be considered. Here, the image, graphic, or animation projected onto the corresponding section can be adapted to the surface material to ensure the accessibility or readability of the shown information and to highlight the corresponding surface material or the surface structure formed therefrom.

[0017] In addition to the usual component geometry of the panel element, an advantageous variation alternatively or additionally specifies that the panel element has a surface geometry that defines the projection surface facing the interior space. This surface geometry is defined by at least one protrusion extending across the projection surface, such that the projection surface has a deeper (lower) region and a higher region through the at least one protrusion. The higher region is further formed on the projection surface and preferably extends as a pattern across the entire projection surface.

[0018] If a pattern extending onto the projection surface is provided, a further improvement to the device specifies that the control unit and the projection device are configured, or the projection device is operated by the control unit, such that different images, graphics, or animations are projected onto deeper and higher areas respectively, thereby projecting specific and predetermined lighting patterns and / or visual information into these areas to provide a predetermined lighting scene. For example, the higher or deeper areas can also remain unlit, resulting in patterns formed by the corresponding areas and enhancing the visual experience.

[0019] A particularly advantageous feature is that a gradual brightness change from bright to dark is projected into the deeper regions, while the higher regions remain unprojected. This is because the brightness change creates a shadow projection effect, which is enhanced by the unlit higher regions, thus achieving the effect of the higher regions projecting shadows into the deeper regions according to a pre-selected lighting scenario.

[0020] Furthermore, it can be advantageously specified that the trim element is at least a portion of the surface of at least one interior trim member and / or the projected surface. The projected surface may extend over multiple interior trim members, such that transitions between the members can also be masked by appropriate lighting scenarios. Alternatively, the projected surface may be provided on only a single interior trim member, such as the headliner. For example, the projected surface may also be provided on one or more door trim panels, dashboard panels, or center console panels, as well as combinations thereof.

[0021] For example, different types of projectors or projectors can be used as projection devices.

[0022] To ensure complete projection onto the projection surface, in another variation of the device, multiple projection devices are arranged in the interior space. These devices are configured to project images, graphics, and / or symbols onto the projection surface in a controlled manner, jointly or alternately, and according to vehicle parameters and / or the position of occupants within the vehicle, controlled by the control unit. This ensures, on the one hand, that images, etc., can be projected onto the entire projection surface, which has a complex three-dimensional structure, and on the other hand, that the projection surface can still be illuminated even if occupants within the vehicle may obstruct it. Here, the person's body posture is preferably also understood as their position, which can be detected, for example, by a camera system.

[0023] Furthermore, the device may have an input device, such as a camera or a sensor positioned under and thus covered by the projection surface, configured to detect a touch on the projection surface and the coordinates of the touch on the projection surface. The touch detection and the coordinates with respect to the projection surface can be transmitted to a control unit, which controls the vehicle's functional elements and / or the projection device based on this. The input device may also be part of the vehicle's functional elements. For example, the input device may be a non-contact sensor that provides a switching function for switching functional elements, wherein the state of the switching function or the state of the functional element can be presented as projected information by means of the device.

[0024] In particular, the lighting scene can be selected from multiple scenes, one of which simulates a natural light source that changes over time or simulates shadows cast by such a light source on the surface geometry of the vehicle, especially on the projection surface. The simulation of a natural light source (such as the sun) can be generated by projection with corresponding illumination or brightness variations or by projection of complex images.

[0025] For example, a virtual sun, projected in motion, can be used to represent the virtual sun's position within the interior space. The virtual sun can move according to a fixed, pre-defined sequence, which may depend on selectable locations, where the vehicle's position and / or orientation relative to the selected location can be dynamically considered and readjusted during travel. Based on the virtual sun, shadows matching the sun's position can be projected into the vehicle's interior space or onto a projection surface.

[0026] In particular, by combining the at least one protrusion extending on the projection surface (through which higher and deeper areas are created), the lighting or color changes can be precisely projected into each of the deeper areas of the projection surface, thereby creating an enhanced shadow impression in the deeper areas or in the recesses between the higher areas. Thus, through the radial migration of these changes, the virtual shadows also migrate. Combined with standard lighting in the interior spaces of a vehicle that produces natural shadow projections, this impression can be strengthened or weakened.

[0027] In summary, with the aid of an advantageous further improvement to the aforementioned device, the combination of functional display and entertainment can be correctly and appropriately projected onto a 2.5D-3D deformable surface, i.e., onto the projection surface within the vehicle's interior space, wherein the surface is defined by its material, its topology (surface geometry), and its structure (e.g., wood grain, recesses, depressions, joints, seams, etc.). Through this projection, system status feedback and a new, natural lighting experience can be generated and enhanced, thereby displaying system and functional status on a surface with local reference on the one hand, and presenting an overall, external, natural light source experience through virtual, migrating shadow projection on the other.

[0028] The features disclosed above can be combined arbitrarily, as long as they are technically feasible and do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Other advantageous further improvements of the invention are features of the dependent claims or are shown in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings, together with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 The projection surface is shown, which has functional elements disposed at its rear.

[0031] Figure 2 The projection surface with the first lighting scene is shown;

[0032] Figure 3 The projection surface with a second lighting scene is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 The projection surface with a third lighting scene is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The accompanying drawings are illustrative and exemplary. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same functional and / or structural features.

[0035] The accompanying drawings exemplarily illustrate a portion of a trim panel member or a projection surface 10 provided by the trim panel member into the vehicle interior space, wherein the trim panel member may be, for example, a side panel of a door.

[0036] exist Figure 1The projection surface 10 is shown, onto which no image or similar object is projected, thus giving the trim member a simple surface defined by its material. However, multiple protrusions 14 extend on this surface, forming a pattern on the projection surface 10. The protrusions 14, forming a mesh or diamond pattern, create deeper regions 15 and higher regions 16 on the surface of the trim member facing the interior space. Functional elements 21, 22, and 23 are provided at the rear of the projection surface 10, but these elements are covered by the projection surface 10 and are not visible from the vehicle's interior space.

[0037] Here, the functional element is the air conditioning outlet 21, through which cold or hot air can flow into the vehicle interior space via the trim panel or the projection surface 10. Other functional elements are switches 22 and 23, which control vehicle functions and, for example, the functions of the air conditioning system.

[0038] In a variant depicted in the accompanying drawings, the device further includes sensors 22' and 23' as part of functional elements 22 and 23, which can detect contact between corresponding adjacent segments of the projection surface 10 without contact.

[0039] By covering functional elements 21, 22, and 23, the functional elements can be integrated into the trim components completely invisible. However, the problem here is that these functional elements cannot be intuitively operated and information such as the status of the corresponding functional elements cannot be detected.

[0040] In addition to displaying different lighting scenes for entertainment purposes, the device according to the invention can also display information about functional elements 21, 22, and 23.

[0041] For this purpose, the projection surface 10 has a plurality of first sub-segments 11, 12, 13 and second sub-segments surrounding these first sub-segments 11, 12, 13, wherein the first sub-segments 11, 12, 13 are respectively assigned to a functional element 21, 22, 23 and the second sub-segments cover the entire projection surface 10.

[0042] exist Figure 2 The image illustrates a first lighting condition, in which only the first sub-section 11 assigned to the exhaust outlet 21 is illuminated or an image is loaded via a projection device. This allows for the display of information belonging to the exhaust outlet 21 of the air conditioning unit, such as its status (on or off) and temperature (hot or cold). For this purpose, the first sub-section 11 can be illuminated in blue by a projection device to symbolically represent cooling via the exhaust outlet 21. For example, fan symbols, temperature, etc., can also be projected onto their respective first sub-sections 11 or onto a lower area defining the first sub-section 11.

[0043] Here, the other first sub-segments 12 and 13 are not illuminated and the functional elements 22 and 23 located behind them are not visible, as long as these functional elements are not needed.

[0044] If the functional elements or switching elements 22, 23 are visible and therefore operable to the occupants or driver of the vehicle, then, for example, symbols can be projected into the corresponding sub-segments 22, 23, as in Figure 4 As shown in the diagram.

[0045] exist Figure 3 The image shows a predetermined lighting scene, in which predetermined color or brightness variations are projected onto the deeper regions 15 between the protrusions 14 throughout the second sub-section. Here, the same or different variation curves can be projected onto each individual darkened region. Especially when using a gradual brightness change from light to dark to simulate shadows, this shadow effect is visually enhanced by the protrusions 14 located between the deeper regions 15. Here, different or additional images, graphics, or animations can be projected onto the first regions 11, 12, and 13.

Claims

1. A device for presenting dynamic lighting scenes, visual information, and animations within the interior space of a vehicle, and for displaying information about the vehicle's functional elements (21, 22, 23). The device has a projection surface (10) pointing towards the interior space of the vehicle, a projection device, and a control unit for controlling the projection device. The projection device is configured to project images, graphics, or animations onto the projection surface (10). Its features are, The projection surface (10) has at least one first sub-segment (11, 12, 13), the first sub-segment being assigned to at least one of the functional elements (21, 22, 23) and covering the at least one functional element (21, 22, 23) towards the interior space of the vehicle, such that the at least one functional element (21, 22, 23) is invisible. The functional element is an air conditioning outlet (21) from which cold or hot air can flow through the projection surface (10) into the interior space of the vehicle, and / or the functional element is a switch (22, 23) through which vehicle functions can be controlled. The control unit and the projection device are configured to project images, graphics, or animations onto the at least one first sub-segment (11, 12, 13) based on information belonging to the at least one functional element (21, 22, 23). The projection surface (10) has at least one second sub-segment that surrounds the at least one first sub-segment (11, 12, 13). The control unit and the projection device are configured to project images, graphics or animations onto the at least one second sub-segment according to the lighting scene and / or according to the information to be displayed.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The device also includes a panel element that provides at least a portion of the projection surface (10) toward the interior space.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The decorative panel element has a three-dimensional component geometry and the projection surface (10) has a three-dimensional surface variation structure and is not flat.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The decorative panel element is made of a surface material and the projection surface (10) has a surface structure determined by the surface material.

5. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The decorative panel element has a surface geometry that defines the projection surface (10) facing the interior space. The surface geometry is determined by at least one protrusion (14) extending on the projection plane (10). Furthermore, the projection surface (10) has a deeper region (15) and a higher region (16) through the at least one protrusion (14). The higher region (16) forms a pattern that extends on the projection surface (10).

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The control unit and the projection device are configured to project images, graphics or animations that are different from each other onto the deeper region (15) and the higher region (16), respectively.

7. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The trim element is at least a portion of the surface of the interior trim component and / or the projected surface (10) that forms at least one interior trim component.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Multiple projection devices are provided in the interior space, which are configured to project images, graphics and / or symbols onto the projection surface in a controlled manner, jointly or alternately, and according to vehicle parameters and / or the position of the persons in the vehicle.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The device also has an input device (22', 23') configured to detect touches on the projection surface and the coordinates of the touches on the projection surface (10).

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The lighting scene can be selected from multiple scenes, and one of the scenes mimics a natural light source that changes over time.

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