Passenger content display apparatus for road vehicle, related road vehicle, and control method

Abstract

A device (3) for displaying content to a passenger (P) of a road vehicle (1); the device (3) for displaying content comprises: a support element (5) configured to be mounted on an instrument panel (4) of a road vehicle (1); at least one screen (6) mechanically connected to the support element (5) and configured to be visible to a passenger (P) when the vehicle is driven; a first portion (7) configured to project content when the vehicle is driven; a second portion (8) adjacent to the first portion (7) and configured to project a video stream (VF) of at least part of the environment outside the road vehicle (1).

Description

Cross - reference to related applications

[0001] This patent application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. 102023000026340, filed on December 11, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to a passenger content display device for a road vehicle, a related road vehicle, and a related control method. Background art

[0003] Generally, road vehicles are provided with a plurality of display devices arranged on the dashboard of the road vehicle.

[0004] In the past, each road vehicle included at least one display device reserved for the driver, for example, a screen or an indicator provided on the vehicle control panel, that is, on the dashboard part between the steering wheel and the windshield.

[0005] In recent years, such devices can be assisted by other screens (for example, Head - up type), which display information for the driver.

[0006] In some cases, devices intended to be viewed by the passengers of a road vehicle have been developed. In particular, for the rear seats, actual multimedia devices have been developed, which allow passengers to view distracting content, such as movies, documentaries, news, etc. It is difficult for passengers sitting in the front row, next to the driver, to enjoy this content without distracting the driver's attention while driving. For this reason, the specially provided screens are difficult to be dedicated to the front - row passengers.

[0007] In recent years, the problem of driver distraction has been avoided through anti - distraction logic and filters, thus allowing front - row passengers to also enjoy distracting content during driving.

[0008] On the contrary, when the vehicle is being driven, for front - row passengers who are often forced to stop enjoying the content to avoid problems, the transition from viewing content inside the vehicle that is stationary relative to the passengers to viewing content outside the vehicle can cause discomfort and nausea. In other words, the transition from a fixed perspective to a moving perspective (and vice versa) can make passengers feel nauseous and reduce the pleasure of the journey.

[0009] Document EP4215415A1 describes a method for combining primary image content and secondary image content for display on an on - vehicle device of a vehicle for road use.

[0010] Document DE102020113485A1 describes a method for operating a display device carried by a user's head in a vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a passenger content display device for a road vehicle, a related road vehicle, and a related control method, which at least partially overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and are at the same time simple to manufacture and low in cost.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a passenger content display device for a road vehicle, comprising:

[0013] a support element configured to be mounted on the dashboard of the road vehicle;

[0014] at least one screen mechanically connected to the support element and configured to be visible to the passenger when the vehicle is being driven;

[0015] The device for displaying content is characterized in that the screen comprises:

[0016] a first part configured to project content when the vehicle is being driven;

[0017] a second part adjacent to the first part and configured to project a video stream of at least a part of the environment outside the road vehicle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first part and the second part of the screen are arranged on a horizontally parallel assembly.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second part extends horizontally from one end of the screen to the other end.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second part is arranged above the first part along a vertical axis; in use, the second part is configured to be closest to the windshield of the road vehicle.

[0021] In one embodiment, the second part is arranged below the first part along a vertical axis; in use, the second part is configured to be farthest from the windshield of the road vehicle.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first part occupies at least 50%, especially at least 70%, of the surface area of the screen.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a road vehicle, comprising:

[0024] - a passenger compartment configured to accommodate a driver and at least one passenger beside the driver;

[0025] - a vehicle dashboard;

[0026] - The device for displaying content to a passenger according to the first aspect is arranged at the vehicle dashboard and faces the passenger;

[0027] - An optical detection device, in particular a camera, which faces the outside of the vehicle and is configured to capture a video stream projected from the screen at the second part.

[0028] In one embodiment, the vehicle further comprises:

[0029] A control unit, which is connected to the optical detection device and the screen and is configured to control the screen by dividing the screen into the first part and the second part and adjusting its brightness.

[0030] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the different brightness between the first part and the second part of the screen.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the screen to project in real time the video stream detected by the optical detection device.

[0032] In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a roof element arranged at the upper part of the windshield of the road vehicle; wherein the optical detection device is arranged at the roof element and faces the space in front of the road vehicle.

[0033] According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying content to a passenger of a road vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

[0034] Transmitting content to a passenger of the road vehicle located next to the driver through a display device;

[0035] Dividing the screen of the device for displaying content into a first part and a second part adjacent to the first part;

[0036] When the vehicle is being driven, projecting the content onto the first part;

[0037] Characterized in that the method comprises the step of projecting a video stream of at least a part of the environment outside the road vehicle onto the second part when the vehicle is being driven.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the following steps:

[0039] Detecting the video stream through an optical detection device facing the outside of the vehicle, in particular facing the space in front of the road vehicle along the driving direction.

[0040] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of differentially adjusting the brightness of the first part and the second part.

[0041] In one embodiment, the division of the screen can vary according to the content projected onto the first part.

[0042] This specification describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention, which form an integral part of this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some non - limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a road vehicle according to the present invention, with details omitted for clarity;

[0045] Figure 2 is from Figure 1 a schematic perspective view of the interior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, in which a passenger content display device is visible, with details omitted for clarity;

[0046] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a detail of, in which a non - limiting embodiment of the content display device according to the present invention is visible;

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic side view, which shows the change in the perspective of a passenger from the content display device to the road, with details omitted for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0048] In Figure 1 , reference numeral 1 schematically represents a road vehicle driven by a driver DR (driver), which is provided with two front wheels and two rear wheels (in particular, drive wheels).

[0049] Identical numerical and identical alphabetical markings in the drawings denote identical elements or components having the same function.

[0050] Within the scope of this specification, the term "second" component does not imply the existence of a "first" component. In fact, these terms are used as labels to enhance clarity and should not be construed as restrictive.

[0051] The elements and features shown in different preferred embodiments (including the drawings) can be combined with each other without departing from the scope of protection of this patent application as described below.

[0052] Specifically, in the following content of this specification, with reference to the condition of the normal forward movement of the road vehicle 1 along the normal forward direction D (Direction), expressions such as "superiorly", "inferiorly", "in front", "behind", etc. are used.

[0053] As Figure 1 shown in the non - limiting embodiments of

[0054] - A longitudinal axis X, which is integral with the vehicle 1 and is arranged horizontally and parallel to the normal forward direction D of the vehicle 1 during use;

[0055] - A transverse axis Y, which is integral with the vehicle 1 and is arranged horizontally and orthogonal to the axis X during use; and

[0056] - A vertical axis Z, which is integral with the vehicle 1 and is arranged vertically and orthogonal to the axes X and Y during use.

[0057] The vehicle 1 is provided with a passenger compartment 2, which is adapted to accommodate a driver DR and at least one passenger P beside the driver DR.

[0058] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown in the non - limiting embodiments of

[0059] The vehicle 1 includes at least one device 3 for displaying content to the passenger P, and this device 3 is arranged at the vehicle dashboard 4 and faces the passenger P. Specifically, the front position of the display device 3 relative to the passenger is particularly important for the following discussion. The term "front" means that the passenger's viewing point lies on a line perpendicular to the display device 3.

[0060] The device 3 includes at least one support element 5, which is configured to be mounted on the dashboard 4 of the road vehicle. In particular, the support element 5 can be any plastic or metal support. In some non - limiting examples, the support element 5 is integrated inside the dashboard 4.

[0061] The device 3 further includes a screen 6, which is mechanically connected to the support element 5 and is configured to be visible to the passenger P when the driver DR drives the road vehicle 1. Preferably but not restrictively, the screen 6 is a flat screen, that is, a screen placed along a plane. In other non - limiting embodiments not shown, the screen 6 has a deployable surface area.

[0062] Advantageously, the screen 6 further includes a second part 8, which is adjacent to the first part 7 and is configured to project a video stream VF (Video stream) of at least a part of the environment outside the road vehicle 1.

[0063] According to some preferred non - limiting embodiments, for example Figures 2 to 4 in the illustrated embodiment, the first part 7 and the second part 8 of the screen 6 are arranged on a horizontally parallel band 9.

[0064] According to other non - limiting embodiments not shown, the second part 8 is geometrically superimposed on the first part 7 or is vertically arranged beside the first part 7.

[0065] Preferably but not restrictively, the second part 8 extends horizontally from one end 10 of the screen 6 to the other end. In particular, the ends 10 are horizontally arranged, i.e., along the axis Y, on opposite sides of the screen 6.

[0066] In particular, the first part 7 and the second part 8 are preferably but not limited to being separated by a straight line L. In Figure 2 and 3 the embodiment, the straight line L is parallel to the transverse axis Y of the road vehicle 1.

[0067] In some preferred non - limiting examples, the second part 8 is arranged above the first part 7 along the vertical axis Z; in particular, in use, the second part 8 is closest to the windshield 11 of the road vehicle 1. In this way, the perceived continuity of the passenger P's view from the viewing angle V1 (divided into parts V1' and V1" respectively focused on the first part 7 and the second part 8) facing the screen 6 to the viewing angle V2 through the windshield 11 of the road vehicle 1 is improved. Therefore, in this configuration, the feeling of nausea is further reduced.

[0068] In other non - limiting examples not shown, the second part 8 is arranged below the first part 7 along the vertical axis Z; in particular, in use, the second part 8 is configured to be farthest from the windshield 11 of the road vehicle 1. In this way, even though it is farther from the windshield 11, the second part helps to keep the passenger P feeling in motion, and in general, reduces the feeling of nausea.

[0069] Preferably but not restrictively, the first part 7 occupies at least 50% of the surface area of the screen 6, especially at least 70%. In particular, in order to achieve the desired effect, the second part 8 occupies at least 10% of the surface area of the screen 6.

[0070] Advantageously, the vehicle 1 also includes an optical detection device 12, in particular a camera 13, which is preferably already present on the vehicle 1, for example a camera designated for lane recognition, for keeping the vehicle in the center of its lane.

[0071] Specifically, the optical detection device 12 faces the outside of the vehicle 1 (in particular with respect to the normal driving direction D), and is configured to capture the video stream VF projected from the screen 6 at the second part 8.

[0072] The vehicle 1 preferably also includes a control unit 14, which is connected to the optical detection device 12 and the screen 6 and is configured to control the screen 6 by dividing the screen 6 into a first part 7 and a second part 8 and adjusting its brightness.

[0073] In particular, the control unit 14 is configured to control the different brightnesses between the first part 7 and the second part 8 of the screen 6. Preferably, the brightness of the second part 8 is lower than the brightness of the first part 7. In this way, the passenger P will see more clearly what he / she wants to appreciate, unconsciously maintaining the awareness of movement, even though the second part 8 is less visible due to its lower brightness.

[0074] Preferably, in order to minimize nausea, the control unit 14 is configured to control the screen 6 so as to project in real time the video stream detected by the optical detection device 12. In this way, the passenger P will not have a time delay between the view of the screen 6 and the peripheral view outside the vehicle 1.

[0075] According to a non - limiting embodiment of the figures, the vehicle 1 includes a ceiling element 15 arranged at the upper part 16 of the windshield 11 of the road vehicle 1.

[0076] Specifically, the optical detection device 12 is arranged at the ceiling element 15 and faces the space 17 in front of the road vehicle 1. In this way, the passenger P sees the video stream VF on the second part 8 from a perspective similar to when he / she views the space 17.

[0077] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for displaying content to a passenger of a road vehicle is described.

[0078] Specifically, the method at least includes the following steps: transmitting content to the passenger P of the vehicle 1 through a display device 3; dividing the screen 6 of the display device 3 into a first part 7 and a second part 8; projecting the content onto the first part 7 when the vehicle is being driven; and still when the vehicle is being driven, projecting the video stream VF of at least part of the environment outside the road vehicle 1 onto the second part 8.

[0079] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of detecting a video stream VF by means of an optical detection device 12 facing the exterior of the vehicle 1, in particular the space 17 in front of the road vehicle 1 along the driving direction D.

[0080] According to some non - limiting embodiments, the method further comprises the step of differentially adjusting the brightness of the first part 7 and the second part 8 by means of a control unit 14.

[0081] In some non - limiting examples, the division of the screen 6 is variable according to the content projected onto the first part 7. For example, if the passenger P is watching a movie or if the passenger P is watching a map or other vehicle measurements, the ratio between the first part 7 and the second part 8 can vary.

[0082] Although the above invention particularly relates to very precise exemplary embodiments, it should not be considered limited to such exemplary embodiments, and all such variations, modifications or simplifications covered by this specification fall within its scope, such as different types of screens, different placements of the device 3, different types of vehicles (e.g., having two wheels or front - wheel drive), etc.

[0083] The present invention has many advantages.

[0084] Firstly, the passenger can calmly enjoy the content that might otherwise cause discomfort and nausea, which increases the passenger's travel pleasure.

[0085] Another advantage of the present invention is that the brightness of the display device can be differentially adjusted, avoiding interference with the viewing of the content while viewing on the move.

[0086] Finally, the present invention allows the above - mentioned method to be carried out without having to install additional sensors, but rather by simply using the twilight sensors (which are loaded on most vehicles on the current market, e.g., at the vehicle ceiling element).

[0087] List of reference numerals:

[0088] 1: Vehicle; 2: Passenger compartment; 3: Display device; 4: Dashboard; 5: Support element; 6: Screen; 7: First part; 8: Second part; 9: Horizontally parallel assembly; 10: End; 11: Windshield; 12: Optical detection device; 13: Camera; 14: Control unit; 15: Ceiling element; 16: Upper part of the windshield; 17: Space in front of the road vehicle; D: Normal driving direction; DR: Driver; P: Passenger; V1: Viewing angle; V1’: Part; V1’’: Part; V2: Viewing angle; VF: Video stream; X: Axis; Y: Axis; Z: Axis.

Claims

1. A device (3) for displaying content to a passenger (P) of a road vehicle (1); the device (3) for displaying content comprising: a support element (5) configured to be mounted on a dashboard (4) of the road vehicle (1); at least one screen (6) mechanically connected to the support element (5) and configured to be visible to the passenger (P) when the vehicle is driven; The device (3) for displaying content is characterized in that the screen (6) comprises: a first portion (7) configured to project content while the vehicle is being driven; A second part (8) is adjacent to the first part (7) and is configured to project a video stream (VF) of at least part of the environment outside the road vehicle (1).

2. The device (3) according to claim 1, wherein: The first part (7) and the second part (8) of the screen (6) are arranged on a horizontally parallel assembly (9).

3. The device (3) according to claim 1, wherein: The second portion (8) extends horizontally from one end (10) of the screen (6) to the other end.

4. The device (3) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The second portion (8) is arranged above the first portion (7) along a vertical axis (Z); in use, the second portion (8) is configured to be closest to a windshield (11) of the road vehicle (1).

5. The device (3) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The second portion (8) is arranged below the first portion (7) along a vertical axis (Z); in use, the second portion (8) is configured to be farthest from a windscreen (11) of the road vehicle (1).

6. The device (3) according to claim 1, wherein The first portion (7) occupies at least 50%, in particular at least 70%, of the surface area of ​​the screen (6).

7. A road vehicle (1), comprising: - a passenger compartment (2) configured to accommodate a driver (DR) and at least one passenger (P) next to the driver (DR); - vehicle dashboard (4); - the device (3) for displaying content to a passenger (P) according to claim 1, arranged at the vehicle dashboard (4), facing the passenger (P); - an optical detection device (12), in particular a camera (13), facing the outside of said vehicle (1) and configured to capture a video stream (VF) projected from a screen (6) at said second portion (8).

8. The vehicle (1) according to claim 7, further comprising: A control unit (14) is connected to the optical detection device (12) and the screen (6) and is configured to control the screen (6) by dividing the screen (6) into the first part (7) and the second part (8) and adjusting the brightness thereof.

9. The vehicle (1) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (14) is configured to control a different brightness between the first part (7) and the second part (8) of the screen (6).

10. The vehicle (1) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (14) is configured to control the screen (6) to project the video stream (VF) detected by the optical detection device (12) in real time.

11. The vehicle (1) according to claim 7, comprising a roof element (15) arranged above a windshield (11) of the road vehicle (1); wherein the optical detection device (12) is arranged at the roof element (15) and faces a space (17) in front of the road vehicle (1).

12. A method for displaying content to a passenger (P) of a road vehicle (1), the method comprising the following steps: transmitting content to a passenger (P) of the road vehicle (1) located next to the driver (DR) via a device (3) for display; dividing a screen (6) of the device (3) for displaying content into a first portion (7) and a second portion (8) adjacent to the first portion (7); projecting the content onto the first portion (7) while the vehicle is being driven; Characterized in that the method comprises the step of projecting a video stream (VF) of at least part of the environment outside the road vehicle (1) onto the second part (8) while the vehicle is being driven.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of: The video stream (VF) is detected by an optical detection device (12) facing the outside of the vehicle (1), in particular facing the space (17) in front of the road vehicle (1) in the driving direction.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising the step of differentially adjusting the brightness of the first portion (7) and the second portion (8).

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the division of the screen (6) is variable depending on the content projected onto the first part (7).

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