Reflective display on edge of windshield

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth techniques for displaying content in a projection display system. A computer-implemented method includes receiving data associated with a vehicle; generating content for display on a projection surface based on the received data, the projection surface comprising a partially absorbing portion and a transparent portion, where the partially absorbing portion is positioned along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is positioned in a central region of the projection surface; and projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 414,419, entitled “REFLECTIVE DISPLAY ON THE EDGEOF A WINDSHIELD,” filed on October 7, 2022. The subject matter of this related application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] background

[0004] Fields of various implementations

[0005] Various embodiments relate generally to in-vehicle display systems, and more particularly to reflective displays on the edge of a windshield.

[0006] Description of Related Technology

[0007] Many modern vehicles rely on complex electronic systems for a variety of operational and safety functions, including engine performance, information and entertainment (also known as infotainment), autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, collision avoidance, route navigation, etc. Vehicles may be equipped with a console display system for providing information to the vehicle's occupants ( For example The console display system displays information on a console display or instrument panel that may be mounted on a center console of the vehicle. The occupants may access various functions by interacting with the console display system, such as by activating buttons and rotary controls adjacent to the console display, touching various areas of a touch screen of the console display, etc.

[0008] One problem of this console display system is that when the driver of the vehicle interacts with the console display system, the driver temporarily diverts his attention from the road ahead and turns to the console display. After interacting with the console display, the driver diverts his attention from the console display and turns his attention back to the road. In one example, when the driver focuses on the road ahead, the driver may focus on the area of ​​about 2 to 3 degrees below the horizontal plane of the driver's eyes and can reach 200 to 400 meters away from the front of the vehicle. In contrast, when the driver focuses on the console display, the driver may focus on the area of ​​about 16 to 18 degrees below the horizontal plane of the driver's eyes and can be 30 to 40 centimeters away from the driver's eyes. The difference in this visual angle and distance may temporarily cause the driver to not see certain objects, such as other vehicles, traffic lights, pedestrians and / or the like. As a result, the driver may be distracted, thereby increasing the possibility of a traffic accident.

[0009] One way to mitigate distractions associated with console displays is to equip the vehicle with a head-up display system that presents information to the vehicle's occupants. In a head-up display system, the content is typically projected onto a transparent object ( For example , the windshield of the vehicle, a transparent display located between the occupant and the windshield), and the content is reflected from the transparent object toward the occupant. The head-up display system presents information in a manner that allows the occupant to continue to look forward and see the environment in front of the vehicle without having to look down at the console display. Different types of vehicles can be equipped with head-up displays to facilitate the vehicle operator to maintain attention to the environment in front of the vehicle.

[0010] One disadvantage of a head-up display system is that the system may present a ghost image of the content projected by the system, as well as the intended virtual image of the projected content. Ghosting is caused by the projected content appearing from multiple surfaces of a transparent object ( For example The result of reflections of light (inner and outer layers of the windshield) toward the occupant causes ghost images of the intended virtual images and content to arrive at the user's eyes at different angles relative to the transparent object. The ghost images may distract the occupant from attempting to view the projected content and / or make the head-up display less effective in conveying information to the occupant. Another disadvantage of head-up display systems is that such display systems require a large amount of power to produce projected content that is bright enough for the occupant to see and understand. The amount of power required to support the head-up display may be sufficient to affect the vehicle's range, such as by reducing the miles per gallon (MPG) of a fuel-powered vehicle, reducing the miles per gallon (MPGe) of an electric vehicle, and / or the like.

[0011] As previously explained, there is a need for a more efficient way to present content to occupants of a vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0012] One embodiment describes a computer-implemented method that includes receiving data associated with a vehicle; generating content for display on a projection surface based on the received data, the projection surface including a partially absorbing portion and a transparent portion, wherein the partially absorbing portion is positioned along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is positioned in a central region of the projection surface; and projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

[0013] One embodiment sets forth a system comprising: a projection surface comprising a partially absorbing portion and a transparent portion; and a first projection unit. The first projection unit is configured to: receive data associated with a vehicle; generate content for display on the projection surface based on the received data, wherein the partially absorbing portion is positioned along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is positioned in a central region of the projection surface; and project the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

[0014] Additional embodiments provide, among other things, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and systems configured to implement the methods set forth above.

[0015] The disclosed method has at least one technical advantage over the prior art in that, with the disclosed technique, the angle and distance between the view of the road ahead and the view of the displayed content is reduced relative to conventional systems that present content on a console display. As a result, the occupants are less distracted when viewing the displayed content than with a system with a console display. Another advantage of the disclosed method over the prior art is that less power is required to display content projected onto a partially absorptive surface of the windshield compared to a head-up display system, thereby improving mileage performance. These technical advantages provide one or more technical improvements over the prior art methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order that the manner in which the above-mentioned features of various embodiments are used can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the inventive concept briefly summarized above can be obtained by reference to various embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the inventive concept and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope in any way, and that there are other equally effective embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a projection display system configured to implement one or more aspects of various embodiments;

[0018] Figure 2 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 A content display arrangement implemented in a vehicle of a projection display system;

[0019] Figure 3 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 a display arrangement associated with a projection unit;

[0020] Figure 4 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 content displayed by the projection unit on one or more parts of the projection surface;

[0021] Figure 5 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 content displayed by the projection unit on one or more parts of the projection surface;

[0022] Figure 6 Graphs showing transmittance and reflectance characteristics of S-state polarized light and P-state polarized light according to various other embodiments;

[0023] Figure 7 shows the curvature of a windshield including a frit region according to various other embodiments;

[0024] Figure 8 According to various other embodiments, Figure 7 Modification of the contents to compensate for the curvature of the windshield; and

[0025] Fig. 9 According to various implementation schemes Figure 1 A flowchart of the steps of a method for displaying content on a projection display system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the concepts of the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details.

[0027] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of a projection display system 100 configured to implement one or more aspects of various embodiments. As shown, the projection display system 100 includes, but is not limited to, a computing device 190, an input / output (I / O) device 130, and a projection surface 134. The computing device 190 includes, but is not limited to, one or more processing units 102, an I / O device interface 104, a network interface 106, an interconnect (bus) 112, a storage device 114, and a memory 116. The memory 116 stores a database 142 and a projection application 150. The processing unit 102, the I / O device interface 104, the network interface 106, the storage device 114, and the memory 116 can be communicatively coupled to each other via the interconnect 112. In various embodiments, the projection display system 100 can display content to a user (such as a video or video) by projecting an image of text, graphics, icons, etc. corresponding to the content onto the projection surface 134. For example , vehicle driver or operator), the projection surface redirects the projected image to the user.

[0028] As described above, computing device 190 may include processing unit 102 and memory 116. Computing device 190 may be a system on chip (SoC). In various embodiments, computing device 190 may be a host included in a vehicle system. In some embodiments, computing device 190 or the overall projection display system 100 may be an aftermarket system or device added to a vehicle. Typically, computing device 190 may be configured to coordinate the overall operation of projection display system 100. The embodiments disclosed herein contemplate any technically feasible system configured to implement the functionality of projection display system 100 via computing device 190. Various examples of computing device 190 include wearable devices ( For example , helmets, headphones, glasses, etc.), vehicle computing devices ( For example , head unit, in-vehicle infotainment system, driver assistance system, after-sales system) and / or the like.

[0029] Processing unit 102 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processing unit (DSP), a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a neural processing unit (NPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or the like. Each processing unit 102 typically includes a programmable processor that executes program instructions to manipulate input data. In some embodiments, processing unit 102 may include any number of processing cores, memory, and / or other modules for facilitating program execution. In some embodiments, processing unit 102 may be configured to execute projection application 150 to provide display services. In some embodiments, projection application 150 may be based on various sources ( For example , navigation system, infotainment system, driver assistance system and / or similar system) generates an image containing content and can cause the content image to be displayed via the vehicle's projection display system 100.

[0030] The storage device 114 may include non-volatile storage for applications, software modules, and data, and may include fixed or removable disk drives, flash memory devices, and CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, Blu-Rays, HD-DVDs, or other magnetic, optical, or solid-state storage devices, and / or the like. For example, the projection application 150 and database 142 may be stored in the storage device 114 and then loaded into the memory 116 as needed.

[0031] The memory 116 may include a memory module or a collection of memory modules. The memory 116 typically includes a memory chip, such as a random access memory (RAM) chip, that stores applications and data for processing by the processing unit 102. The processing unit 102, the I / O device interface 104, and the network interface 106 can be configured to read data from and write data to the memory 116. The projection application 150 can be loaded from the storage device 114 into the memory 116. When in the memory 116, the projection application 150 can be executed by the processing unit 102 to implement the functionality described in accordance with various embodiments in the present disclosure.

[0032] Database 142 can store templates, display elements ( For example , text characters, graphics, shapes, etc.) and / or a palette of display elements, etc., which the processing unit 102 can use to generate images for display via the projection display system 100 and the projection application 150. That is, the database 142 may include one or more repositories of templates, display elements, display element palettes, and / or the like. The database 142 or portions thereof may be stored in the storage device 114 and loaded into the memory 116 as needed. In various embodiments, the processing unit 102 may be configured to retrieve templates and / or display elements stored in the database 142 to generate images for display. For example, the database 142 may store templates, formats, etc. for displaying navigation information via the projection display system 100, as well as display elements ( For example , alphanumeric characters, symbols, icons, graphics, and / or the like). The projection application 150 can retrieve these templates and elements and generate an image including display elements arranged based on the template to present navigation information. In some embodiments, the database 142 can be obtained from a remote computing system ( For example , cloud computing system or remote server system) receives periodic updates of at least a portion of the data stored in database 142 ( For example , additional and / or updated fonts for characters, additional and / or updated symbols, additional and / or updated graphics, additional and / or updated language display elements, etc.). In some embodiments, the display elements stored in database 142 include one or more of fonts for text characters, fonts for one or more languages, shapes, icons, graphics, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the templates stored in database 142 include templates for arranging and displaying one or more of the following: navigation information, vehicle speed information, infotainment media information (media playback information), vehicle status or condition information, environmental information ( For example , weather) and / or the like.

[0033] In some embodiments, the projection display system 100 can be coupled to a sensor array (not shown), which can include one or more sensor devices that perform measurements and / or acquire data related to certain subjects in the environment. The sensor array can include an outward-facing sensor array and / or an inward-facing sensor array. The outward-facing sensor array can include one or more sensor devices that are configured to perform measurements and / or acquire data related to the exterior ( For example , the environment around the vehicle). The inward sensor array may include one or more sensor devices configured to perform measurements and / or obtain data related to the interior ( For example Examples of sensor devices include, but are not limited to, biosensors, physiological sensors, imaging sensors, acoustic sensors, environmental sensors, behavioral sensors, imagers, laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, physical sensors ( For example , touch sensors, pressure sensors, position sensors, accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMUs), motion sensors, etc. The sensor array can generate information related to the vehicle, one or more occupants of the vehicle ( For example , driver, passengers) and / or the state and / or context of the vehicle's surroundings. For example, the sensor array may collect biometric data related to the driver ( For example In some embodiments, the sensor array may generate sensor data associated with the vehicle's cabin. For example, the sensor array may generate sensor data regarding the presence of other occupants in the vehicle, the environment within the vehicle's cabin, the operation of the vehicle, etc. Further, in addition or in some embodiments, the sensor array may generate sensor data associated with the environment outside the vehicle. For example, the sensor array may generate sensor data regarding the weather outside the vehicle ( For example , outside temperature), objects near the vehicle ( For example , other vehicles, people, animals, etc.), detection of road features ( For example , lane markings, road signs, etc.). More generally, the sensor array can be a source of information that the projection display system 100 can use to generate an image for display. For example, a driver assistance system can process sensor data obtained from the sensor array to generate information that is passed to the projection application 150. The projection application 150 can generate an image containing content that presents the information obtained from the driver assistance system.

[0034] I / O device 130 may include a device (not shown) capable of receiving input ( For example , keyboard, mouse, touch-sensitive screen, buttons, knobs, microphones, etc.) for providing input data to computing device 190. I / O devices 130 may include devices capable of providing output ( For example , display screen, one or more speakers, haptic device, touchless haptic device, and / or the like). One or more of I / O devices 130 may be incorporated into computing device 190, or may be external to computing device 190. I / O device 130 may interface with computing device 190 via I / O device interface 104. In some embodiments, computing device 190 and / or one or more I / O devices 130 may be components of a host computer implemented in a vehicle. In some embodiments, projection application 150 may be able to receive and display images from one or more systems and / or subsystems ( For example , navigation system, infotainment system, driver assistance system) to obtain information and display the information via the projection display system 100. More generally, the projection display system 100 ( For example , computing device 190) can interface with other systems of the vehicle to obtain information for display.

[0035] The network (not shown) can enable communication between the computing device 190 and other devices in the network via wired and / or wireless communication protocols, satellite networks, telephone networks, V2X networks (including Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), wireless local area network (WiFi), cellular protocols and / or near field communication (NFC)). The network can be any technically feasible type of communication network that allows data to be exchanged between the computing device 190 and a remote system or device (such as a server, a cloud computing system, a cloud-based storage device, or other networked computing device or system). For example, the network may include a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless network ( For example , Wi-Fi network, cellular data network) and / or the Internet, etc. The computing device 190 can be connected to the network via the network interface 106. In some embodiments, the network interface 106 is hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software configured to connect and interface with one or more networks.

[0036] In some embodiments, projection display system 100 may include or be coupled to a positioning module. The positioning module may include a method for determining the geographic location of computing device 190 ( For example , the current location of the vehicle). The positioning module can obtain geographic location data ( For example , from global navigation satellite systems such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, etc.) and / or based on sensor data from sensor arrays ( For example , dead reckoning) to determine the location of computing device 190. Positioning module may also cross-reference the acquired and / or determined geographic location with a navigation database (which may be stored in database 142) to determine address information corresponding to the geographic location.

[0037] In some embodiments, computing device 190 can pair and communicate with another computing device in the vicinity. The other computing device can communicate with the other computing device via I / O device interface 104, and / or network interface 106 and one or more networks using any suitable wired ( For example , USB cable) or wireless ( For example , Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to the computing device 190. The projection application 150 on the computing device 190 can communicate and interface with an application on another computing device. For example, the projection application 150 can communicate and interface with a navigation application on another computing device to obtain navigation information, and then the projection application 150 can use the navigation information to generate an image for display.

[0038] In various embodiments, the I / O device 130 includes one or more projection units 132. The projection unit 132 can project an image onto a projection surface 134. Specifically, the projection unit 132 can project an image whose propagating beam is directed from the surface of the projection surface 134 toward the user ( For example , vehicle occupants). In some embodiments, projection unit 132 is an optical collimator. More generally, projection unit 132 can be any technically feasible projection device suitable for projecting an image onto a partially absorbing surface. In some embodiments, projection unit 132 is located below projection surface 134 and projects the image upward toward projection surface 134. In some embodiments, projection unit 132 can include one or more optical devices ( For example , lenses, prisms, mirrors, etc., or any combination thereof). In some embodiments, the projection unit 132 may include an actuator or the like that can orient or redirect the projection unit 132 or its components ( For example , one or more optical devices in the projection unit 132) so as to affect the projection angle of the image from the projection unit 132 and correspondingly affect the incident angle to the projection surface 134.

[0039] The projection surface 134 may be one or more pieces of glass, plastic or the like that can redirect the image projected from the projection unit 132 to the vehicle occupants by reflection. In some embodiments, the projection surface 134 may include a transparent portion that allows light to pass through and a partially absorbing portion that partially absorbs the light that penetrates the inner surface of the projection surface 134, while a portion of the light is reflected from the inner surface and toward the vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, the projection surface 134 may be a windshield of the vehicle. In such an embodiment, the transparent portion may be located in the central area of ​​the windshield. The partially absorbing portion may be a glaze area positioned along one or more boundary areas or edges of the windshield (such as an upper windshield boundary area, a lower windshield boundary area, a right windshield boundary area, a left windshield boundary area, and / or similar areas). The glaze area may include a solid portion positioned along one or more boundary areas of the windshield. Additionally or alternatively, the glaze area may include a pattern portion, wherein the pattern portion includes an array of shapes of various sizes, such as a circular shape, a hexagonal shape, an elliptical shape, and / or a similar shape. The glaze area can be dyed black and can be composed of ceramic paint, enamel paint and / or the like. The glaze area has multiple functions, such as helping the adhesive bond the windshield to the vehicle, reducing the amount of external ultraviolet radiation from sunlight entering the interior of the vehicle, reducing sunlight glare, dissipating heat, providing an aesthetic appearance, etc. As described herein, the glaze area absorbs or partially absorbs light beams that penetrate the inner surface of the windshield. Otherwise, such light beams may be refracted in the windshield, reflected from the outer surface of the windshield, and cause the user to perceive a ghost image of the displayed content. Such ghost images reduce the clarity of the image projected onto the windshield. In contrast, the glaze area absorbs or partially absorbs the refracted light beams, thereby reducing or eliminating such ghost images.

[0040] In operation, each projection unit 132 projects an image onto a different portion of the glaze area of ​​the projection surface 134. In some embodiments, the I / O device includes three projection units 132, each of which projects an image onto a portion of the glaze area at the bottom of the windshield above the dashboard. The occupants of the vehicle can observe the displayed image by slightly shifting their attention from the road ahead to the glaze area at the bottom of the windshield. In addition, the occupants of the vehicle can observe the displayed image through peripheral vision without shifting their attention from the road ahead to the glaze area. The projection unit 132 can project an image at a certain incident angle and a certain light type to enhance the reflectivity of the light beam projected by the projection unit 132, thereby improving the brightness and clarity of the projected image perceived by the occupants. The dark color of the glaze area increases the contrast of the projected image, thereby improving the clarity of the projected image. In addition, the dark color of the glaze area causes the glaze area to absorb the light beam that penetrates the inner surface of the windshield. Therefore, the glaze area prevents the light beam from reflecting from the outer surface of the windshield, otherwise it will cause ghosting that may reduce the clarity of the projected image. In some embodiments, the projection unit 132 projects s-polarized light onto the glaze area at an incident angle between 50 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0041] In some embodiments, the projection surface 134 is non-planar, such as when the projection surface 134 is a windshield that is curved in the horizontal direction and / or vertical direction. In such an embodiment, the glaze area of ​​the projection surface 134 can also be curved. When the projection unit 132 projects an image onto the curved glaze area, the image may be distorted due to this curvature. In order to reduce or eliminate this distortion, the projection surface 134 can modify the image before projecting the image to compensate for the curvature of the projection surface 134. For example, a portion of the projection surface 134 can be curved in a manner that vertically and / or horizontally compresses a portion of the projected image, as perceived by an occupant viewing the image on the projection surface 134. Therefore, the projection unit 132 can extend the corresponding portion of the projected image so that when displayed on the projection surface 134, the occupant perceives an undistorted image. Similarly, a portion of the projection surface 134 can be curved in a manner that vertically and / or horizontally extends a portion of the projected image, as perceived by an occupant viewing the image on the projection surface 134. Thus, the projection unit 132 may compress corresponding portions of the projected image so that the occupant perceives an undistorted image when displayed on the projection surface 134 .

[0042] Figure 2 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 The content display arrangement 200 implemented in a vehicle with a projection display system. As shown in the figure, the display arrangement 200 includes a projection display system ( For example, projection display system 100). In some embodiments, projection unit 232 is mounted or installed on top of the dashboard of the vehicle, or inside the dashboard but exposed to the top of the dashboard, such as by using one or more mirrors (not shown). Projection unit 232 can direct light beam 216 carrying an image for display toward projection surface 234 ( For example , a glaze area 230 (of a windshield of a vehicle) For example , directly exposed to the bottom edge of the windshield of the vehicle cabin). The projection surface 234 reflects a portion of the light beam 216 from the inner surface of the projection surface 234 and redirects the reflected light beam 218 to the user ( For example , vehicle occupants). A user receiving light beam 218 perceives the corresponding image as coming from a location on or near frit region 230 of projection surface 234. In addition, a portion of light beam 216 may penetrate the inner surface of projection surface 234 and be refracted, as shown by light beam 206. The refracted light beam 206 is directed to frit region 230. Frit region 230 absorbs or partially absorbs light beam 206, thereby preventing light beam 206 from reflecting from the outer surface of projection surface 234. Light beam 206 also carries an image for display. Due to the refraction of light beam 206, if light beam 206 is reflected from the outer surface of projection surface 134, light beam 206 may cause the user to perceive a ghost image. The ghost image may reduce the clarity of the projected image. In contrast, frit region 230 absorbs or partially absorbs the refracted light beam 206, thereby reducing or eliminating such ghost images.

[0043] In addition, some of the content projected by the projection unit 232 may be replicated and presented on the center console 240. In addition to or in lieu of viewing the content on the glaze area 230, the vehicle occupant may also view the replicated content presented on the center console 240. When one or more eyes 202 of the vehicle occupant are focused on the road ahead, the eyes 202 may be focused on following the path 212 through the transparent portion of the projection surface 234. In some embodiments, the angle 220 of the path 212 may be about 2 to 3 degrees below the horizontal plane 210. When one or more eyes 202 of the vehicle occupant are focused on the image projected by the projection unit 232, the eyes 202 may be focused on following the path that coincides with the light beam 218 reflected from the glaze area 230 of the projection surface 234. In some embodiments, the angle 222 of the light beam 218 may be about 9 to 10 degrees below the horizontal plane 210. In contrast, when one or more eyes 202 of the vehicle occupant are focused on the image displayed on the center console 240, the eyes 202 may be focused on following the path 214. In some embodiments, the angle 224 of the path 214 can be about 16 to 18 degrees below the horizontal plane 210. Therefore, the attention of the vehicle occupant when viewing the image projected by the projection unit 232 is closer to the attention of the vehicle occupant along the path 212 through the transparent portion of the projection surface 234 than when the vehicle occupant is viewing the content displayed on the center console 240 along the path 214.

[0044] Figure 3 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 As described herein, the disclosed technology can accommodate an arrangement of any number of three projection units 132. In this regard, the projection display system 100 can have one projection unit 132 that projects an image onto a single display area 312 in the left portion of the frit area 310. Alternatively, the projection display system 100 can have two projection units 132. The first projection unit 132 can project an image onto a display area 322 in the left portion of the frit area 320, and the second projection unit 132 can project an image onto a display area 324 in the right portion of the frit area 320. Alternatively, the projection display system 100 can have three projection units 132 that project images onto three display areas, namely, a first display area 332 in the left portion of the frit area 330, a second display area 334 in the central portion of the frit area 330, and a third display area 336 in the right portion of the frit area 330. Alternatively, the projection display system 100 may have five projection units 132 that project images onto five display areas 342 , 344 , 346 , 348 , and 350 in corresponding portions of the frit area 340 .

[0045] In some embodiments, the projection unit 132 can be mounted in a recess of a housing (not shown). The housing can include a recess for each projection unit 132 mounted to the housing. The housing can also include a dashboard pad located between the recess and the windshield. When mounted in the recess, the projection unit 132 projects different images in the direction of the dashboard pad and onto different portions of the glaze area at the bottom of the windshield. Note that Figure 3 The display arrangement shown in is exemplary, and other alternative display arrangements are possible. More generally, within the scope of the present disclosure, the projection display system 100 can accommodate any number and arrangement of projection units 132, and correspondingly any number and arrangement of display areas.

[0046] Figure 4 According to various embodiments, Figure 1 4. The content 400 is displayed on one or more portions of the projection surface by the projection unit of the windshield. As shown, the content 400 is projected onto the glaze area 410 at the lower portion of the windshield. The content 400 is divided into a first image 402 projected by the first projection unit 132, a second image 404 projected by the second projection unit 132, and a third image 406 projected by the third projection unit 132. Figure 4 The three projection units 132 are not shown.

[0047] As shown, a first image 402 is projected onto a left portion of a glaze area 410. The first image 402 is a driver information panel that displays, in particular but not limited to, transmission gear, current speed, fuel level, water temperature, light / dark indicator, time of day, and / or the like. A second image 404 is projected onto a center portion of the glaze area 410. The second image 404 is a navigation panel that displays, in particular but not limited to, a map of the area surrounding the vehicle, a graphic showing the next navigation operation, current driving conditions, and / or the like. A third image 406 is projected onto a right portion of the glaze area 410. The third image 406 is an infotainment panel that displays, in particular but not limited to, song titles, artist names, cover art, playback controls, graphics showing playback progress, and the like.

[0048] Figure 5 According to various embodiments, Figure 1132. The content 500 displayed by the projection unit of the windshield on one or more portions of the projection surface. During vehicle operation, the occupant can change the projection mode from one set of projected displays to a different set of projected displays. In various embodiments, when the occupant changes the projection mode, the image displayed by one projection unit 132 can change. Alternatively, the image displayed by two projection units 132 can change. Alternatively, the image displayed by all three projection units 132 can change. As shown, the content 500 is projected onto the glaze area 510 at the lower portion of the windshield. The content 500 is divided into a first image 502 projected by the first projection unit 132, a second image 504 projected by the second projection unit 132, and a third image 506 projected by the third projection unit 132. Figure 5 The three projection units 132 are not shown.

[0049] As shown, a first image 502 is projected onto the left portion of the glaze area 510. The first image 502 is a driver information panel, which particularly displays but is not limited to the current speed, graphics showing vehicles and pedestrians near the vehicle, and / or the like. A second image 504 is projected onto the center portion of the glaze area 510. The second image 504 is an environmental control panel, which particularly displays but is not limited to the interior temperature, ventilation control, air conditioning indicator, and / or the like. A third image 506 is projected onto the right portion of the glaze area 510. The third image 506 is a status panel, which particularly displays but is not limited to the check engine indicator, brake indicator, fog light indicator, airbag activation indicator, and / or the like. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The various panels shown, as well as other images of different panels (not shown), may be projected onto the glaze area 510 in any combination.

[0050] Figure 6 A graph 600 showing transmittance and reflectance characteristics of S-state polarized light and P-state polarized light according to various other embodiments is shown. The S-state polarized light and the P-state polarized light are orthogonal to each other. The polarization direction of the S-state polarized light is perpendicular to the incident plane, while the polarization direction of the P-state polarized light is parallel to the incident plane.

[0051] As shown in the graph 600, at various incident angles, the reflectivity of the S-state polarized light is higher than that of the P-state polarized light. As shown, at an incident angle of about 56 degrees, the reflectivity 610 of the S-state polarized light is about 0.17, while the reflectivity 612 of the S-state polarized light is about 0.0. When the incident angle is in the range of 50 to 60 degrees, the reflectivity of the S-state polarized light is in the range of 0.1 to 0.18, while the reflectivity 612 of the S-state polarized light is about 0.0 in the entire range. Therefore, projecting the P-state polarized light onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface 134 (such as the glaze area) will result in little or no reflection of the projected light. Therefore, it will be difficult for the vehicle occupants to perceive the image projected onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface 134. In contrast, the projection unit 132 transmits the S-state polarized light, wherein the S-state polarized light has a higher reflectivity relative to the P-state polarized light. Therefore, the vehicle occupants can better perceive the image projected onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface 134 with the S-state polarized light. Advantageously, the projection unit 132 can project S-state polarized light at an incident angle in the range of 50 to 60 degrees, wherein the S-state reflectivity is relatively high, while the P-state reflectivity is zero or close to zero. In addition, due to the higher reflectivity of the S-state light, the power and intensity required to project an image using the S-state light are lower than the power and intensity required to project an image using the P-state light.

[0052] In addition, the projection unit 132 may project an image onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface 134 at a lower power than an image projected onto the transparent portion of the projection surface 134. In some embodiments, to make the projected image perceptible, the projection unit 132 may project the image onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface 134 at a display intensity in the range of 3,000 nits, where a nit is a unit of brightness equal to one candela per square meter. In contrast, to make the projected image perceptible, a head-up display system typically projects an image onto the transparent portion of the projection surface 134 at a display intensity in the range of 12,000 nits. Thus, the projection unit 132 may project an image onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface 134 with a lower projected light intensity than is typically required for a head-up display system that projects an image onto the transparent portion of the projection surface 134. In addition, projecting a higher intensity of light may result in higher power consumption than projecting a lower intensity of light, which may reduce the MPG of a fuel-powered vehicle, the MPGe of an electric vehicle, etc.

[0053] Figure 7The curvature of a windshield 700 including a glaze region 710 is shown according to various other embodiments. As shown, the windshield 700 can be curved in a horizontal direction, as indicated by a horizontal axis 702. Additionally or alternatively, the windshield 700 can be curved in a vertical direction, as indicated by a horizontal axis 704. Such curvature in the windshield 700 may distort the image projected onto the glaze region 710 by the projection unit 132. Therefore, the projection unit 132 can modify the image before projecting the image onto the glaze region 710 to compensate for the distortion caused by the curvature of the windshield 700.

[0054] Figure 8 According to various other embodiments, Figure 7 The content of the modified image 800 is modified to compensate for the curvature of the windshield. As shown, the modified image 800 includes an enlarged area 810 located on the left side of the image 800. The projection unit 132 generates the modified image 800 with the expanded area 810 to compensate for the curvature in the corresponding portion of the glaze area 710, which optically compresses the portion of the image. The projected image 850 shows the modified image 800 after being projected onto the glaze area 710. The glaze area 710 optically compresses the area 810 of the modified image 800 so that after being projected onto the glaze area 710, the occupant can perceive the projected image 850 including the area 860 in the correct proportion.

[0055] Fig. 9 According to various implementation schemes Figure 1 Flow chart of the method steps of displaying content by projection display system 100. Figures 1 to 8 The method steps are described using systems and embodiments, but one skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to perform the method steps in any order is within the scope of the various embodiments.

[0056] As shown, method 900 begins at step 902, where projection application 150 receives data to be displayed. Projection application 150 may receive data for display from any suitable system or device. For example, projection application 150 may receive data from a navigation system or device ( For example , which has been transmitted to the projection application 150) navigation data ( For example , current road, current speed, speed limit, next turn, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the projection application 150 may receive ( For example , which has been transmitted to the projection application 150) vehicle data ( For example , current speed, water temperature, current gear, fuel level, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the projection application 150 may receive ( For example, which has been transmitted to the projection application 150) infotainment data ( For example , the title, artist, and cover art of the track being played, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the casting application 150 can receive any other relevant data for display.

[0057] At step 904, the projection application 150 generates display content corresponding to the information, wherein the display content includes at least one of text or graphics. The projection application 150 generates one or more images to be projected by the projection unit 132 onto a partially absorbing portion (such as a glaze area) of the projection surface 134. The projection application 150 formats and presents ( For example , visualization) generated images, and may include text and / or graphics to present data. The projection application 150 can generate an image by retrieving one or more display elements and templates from the database 142 and arranging the display elements within the template to present information. For example, the template may be a template for presenting navigation data, and the design elements of the template may include graphics for indicating turns and speed limits, and text fonts or typefaces used with the template. Additionally or alternatively, the template may be a template for presenting vehicle data, and the design elements of the template may include graphics for indicating current speed, water temperature, current gear, fuel quantity, etc., and text fonts or typefaces used with the template. Additionally or alternatively, the template may be a template for presenting infotainment data, and the design elements of the template may include graphics for indicating titles, artists, and cover art, etc., and text fonts or typefaces used with the template.

[0058] At step 906, the projection application 150 modifies one or more visual characteristics of the display content based on the shape of the projection surface 134 on which the display content is to be projected. The projection surface 134 may be curved in a horizontal direction and / or may be curved in a vertical direction. Such curvature in the projection surface 134 may distort the image generated by the projection application 150 and projected by the projection unit 132 onto the frit area of ​​the projection surface 134. Therefore, the projection unit 132 may modify the image before projecting it onto the frit area to compensate for the distortion caused by the curvature of the projection surface 134. The projection application 150 may include in the content generated in step 904 ( For example , insert) modified content.

[0059] In some embodiments, the display element retrieved from the repository of display elements in database 142 may already have such modifications pre-designed into the display element. In this case, projection application 150 may use the display element without further modification. In some embodiments, database 142 may have multiple versions of the display element to which different numbers and / or types of visual features have been applied. Projection application 150 may select a version based on one or more parameters and / or criteria and use the version with or without further modification. Projection application 150 may include in the content generated in step 904 ( For example , insert) display elements or content before modification.

[0060] At step 908, the projection application 150 causes the modified display content to be projected onto the projection surface 134. The projection application 150 projects the modified image onto the projection surface 134 via the projection unit 132. The projection surface 134 redirects the projected image to the user's eyes. The method 900 returns to step 902 to generate further display content corresponding to the input data.

[0061] In summary, the projection display system generates display content in the form of one or more images projected by one or more projection units onto a partially absorbing portion of a projection surface. In some embodiments, the projection surface is a windshield of a vehicle, and the partially absorbing portion is a glaze area of ​​the windshield. To display the image, the projection unit projects light onto the partially absorbing portion. The projection unit can project light onto the partially absorbing portion at an incident angle and a light type that increases the reflectivity of the light, thereby increasing the brightness and clarity of the projected image perceived by the occupant. In addition, the projection unit can modify the image before projection to compensate for distortion caused by the curvature of the projection surface.

[0062] The disclosed method has at least one technical advantage over the prior art in that, with the disclosed technique, the angle and distance between the view of the road ahead and the view of the displayed content is reduced relative to conventional systems that present content on a console display. As a result, the occupants are less distracted when viewing the displayed content than with a system with a console display. Another advantage of the disclosed method over the prior art is that less power is required to display content projected onto a partially absorptive surface of the windshield compared to a head-up display system, thereby improving mileage performance. These technical advantages provide one or more technical improvements over the prior art methods.

[0063] 1. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method includes: receiving data associated with a vehicle; generating content for display on a projection surface based on the received data, the projection surface including a partially absorbing portion and a transparent portion, wherein the partially absorbing portion is positioned along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is positioned in a central region of the projection surface; and projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

[0064] 2. The computer-implemented method of clause 1, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises projecting the content onto the projection surface at an angle of incidence between 50 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0065] 3. A computer-implemented method according to clause 1 or 2, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises projecting s-state polarized light.

[0066] 4. A computer-implemented method according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the intensity of light used to project the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface is lower than the intensity of light required to display the content on the transparent portion of the projection surface.

[0067] 5. A computer-implemented method according to any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the content projected onto the partially absorbing portion is viewable by an occupant of the vehicle at an angle of approximately 9 to 10 degrees below horizontal.

[0068] 6. A computer-implemented method according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises: projecting a first portion of the content onto a first position on the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface via a first projection unit; and projecting a second portion of the content onto a second position on the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface via a second projection unit.

[0069] 7. A computer-implemented method according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the partially absorbing portion comprises a glaze area of ​​the projection surface.

[0070] 8. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the glaze region is black.

[0071] 9. A computer-implemented method according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the projection surface is a windshield of the vehicle.

[0072] 10. The computer-implemented method of any of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising modifying the content based on a curvature of the projection surface before projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

[0073] 11. In some embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps: receiving data associated with a vehicle; generating content for display on a projection surface based on the received data, the projection surface comprising a partially absorbing portion and a transparent portion, wherein the partially absorbing portion is positioned along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is positioned in a central region of the projection surface; and projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

[0074] 12. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media as described in clause 11, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises projecting the content onto the projection surface at an incident angle between 50 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0075] 13. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media according to clause 11 or 12, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises projecting s-state polarized light.

[0076] 14. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media according to any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises: projecting a first portion of the content onto a first position on the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface via a first projection unit; and projecting a second portion of the content onto a second position on the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface via a second projection unit.

[0077] 15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media according to any of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the partially absorbing portion comprises a glaze region of the projection surface.

[0078] 16. In some embodiments, a system includes: a projection surface, the projection surface including a partially absorbing portion and a transparent portion, wherein the partially absorbing portion is positioned along one or more boundary areas of the projection surface and the transparent portion is positioned in a central area of ​​the projection surface; and a first projection unit, the first projection unit being configured to: receive data associated with a vehicle; generate content for display on the projection surface based on the received data; and project the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

[0079] 17. The system of clause 16, further comprising a housing having a dashboard cushion and a first recess, wherein the first projection unit is mounted in the first recess.

[0080] 18. The system according to clause 16 or 17, further comprising a second projection unit, wherein the second projection unit is mounted into a second recess included in the housing.

[0081] 19. The system of any of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface is a glaze region comprising at least one of a ceramic paint or an enamel paint.

[0082] 20. The system of any of clauses 16 to 19, wherein the glaze region is located at least partially in a lower portion of the projection surface.

[0083] Any and all combinations of any claim elements recited in any of the claims and / or any elements described in the present application, in any form, are within the intended scope and intended protection of the present disclosure.

[0084] Descriptions of the various embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

[0085] Aspects of the embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Thus, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware implementation, a complete software implementation (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or a combination of software and hardware implementations, which may be collectively referred to herein as "modules" or "systems." In addition, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied thereon.

[0086] Any combination of computer-readable media may be utilized. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) would include the following media: an electrical connection with one or more conductors, a portable computer floppy disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that may contain or store a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus.

[0087] Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference to the flowchart and / or block diagram of the method, device (system) and computer program product according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each frame of the flowchart diagram and / or block diagram and the frame combination of the flowchart diagram and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device enable the implementation of the function / action specified in one or more frames of the flowchart and / or block diagram. Such processors can be, but are not limited to, general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, special-purpose processors or field programmable processors or gate arrays.

[0088] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality and operation of possible implementations of the system, method and computer program product according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each box in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, section or part of a code, and the code includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions mentioned in the box may not appear in the order mentioned in the accompanying drawings. For example, the two boxes shown in succession can actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these boxes can sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each box illustrated in the block diagram and / or flowchart and the combination of boxes in the block diagram and / or flowchart can be implemented by a system based on special-purpose hardware or a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions that performs a specified function or operation.

[0089] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, which is determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving data associated with the vehicle; generating content for display on a projection surface based on the received data, the projection surface comprising a partially absorbing portion and a transparent portion, wherein the partially absorbing portion is located along one or more border regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is located in a central region of the projection surface; as well as The content is projected onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface. 2 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises projecting the content onto the projection surface at an angle of incidence between 50 degrees and 60 degrees. 3 . The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises projecting s-state polarized light.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein an intensity of light used to project the content onto the partially absorptive portion of the projection surface is lower than an intensity of light required to display the content on the transparent portion of the projection surface.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the content projected onto the partially absorbing portion is viewable by an occupant of the vehicle at an angle of approximately 9 to 10 degrees below horizontal.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises: projecting a first portion of the content onto a first location on the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface via a first projection unit; as well as A second portion of the content is projected via a second projection unit onto a second location on the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the partially absorbing portion comprises a glaze region of the projection surface. The computer-implemented method of claim 7 , wherein the glaze region is black.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the projection surface is a windshield of the vehicle.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising modifying the content based on a curvature of the projection surface prior to projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

11. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps: receiving data associated with the vehicle; generating content for display on a projection surface based on the received data, the projection surface comprising a partially absorbing portion and a transparent portion, wherein the partially absorbing portion is located along one or more border regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is located in a central region of the projection surface; and The content is projected onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

12. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 11, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises projecting the content onto the projection surface at an angle of incidence between 50 degrees and 60 degrees.

13. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 11, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises projecting s-state polarized light.

14. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 11, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises: projecting a first portion of the content onto a first location on the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface via a first projection unit; as well as A second portion of the content is projected via a second projection unit onto a second location on the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface.

15. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 11, wherein the partially absorbing portion comprises a glaze region of the projection surface.

16. A system comprising: a projection surface comprising a partially absorbing portion and a transparent portion, wherein the partially absorbing portion is located along one or more border regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is located in a central region of the projection surface; as well as A first projection unit, wherein the first projection unit is configured to: receiving data associated with the vehicle; generating content for display on the projection surface based on the received data; as well as The content is projected onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface. 17 . The system of claim 16 , further comprising a housing having a dashboard cushion and a first recess, wherein the first projection unit is mounted in the first recess. 18 . The system of claim 17 , further comprising a second projection unit, wherein the second projection unit is mounted into a second recess included in the housing.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface is a glaze region comprising at least one of a ceramic paint or an enamel paint.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the frit region is located at least partially in a lower portion of the projection surface.

Images