Projection assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a projection assembly (100) for displaying a virtual image (9a, 9b, 9c) for an observer whose eyes are located in an eye box (10a, 10b, 10c), comprising at least: a laminated glass sheet (1) having a projection region (P) and a main perspective region (H), the projection region (P) being arranged outside the main perspective region (H), the laminated glass sheet (1) has, at least in the projection region (P), an opaque masking layer (5) outside the main perspective region (H). An image display device (6) arranged on the inner side and guided towards the projection area (P), the image display device (6) being a matrix display; and a control element (7) adapted to selectively control different matrices (8a, 8b, 8c) of the image display device (6) in order to display virtual images (9a, 9b, 9c) for different positions of the eye box (10a, 10b, 10c).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a projection assembly for a vehicle, a motor vehicle having a projection assembly, and a method for operating a projection assembly. Background Art

[0002] Modern cars are increasingly equipped with so-called heads-up displays (HUDs). Using a projector, an image is projected onto the windshield, typically in the area of ​​the instrument panel, where it is reflected and perceived by the driver as a virtual image behind the windshield (as seen by the driver). This allows important information (such as current driving speed, navigation messages, or warnings) to be projected into the driver's field of view, allowing the driver to perceive it without having to take their eyes off the road. Consequently, head-up displays can significantly contribute to improving traffic safety.

[0003] However, head-up displays often present the following problem: the area of ​​the windshield provided for reflecting the light projected by the projector must have a high transparency, typically at least 70%. Consequently, the reflected light from the projector is superimposed on light from the external environment, which, depending on the lighting conditions, can lead to a reduction in the contrast of the virtual image and, consequently, a poorer visual perception for the driver. Adequate visual perception of safety-related information, particularly such as lane assistance, speed display, or engine speed, must be ensured in all weather and lighting conditions. To implement a projection assembly based on head-up display technology, which does not generate unwanted secondary images and which allows for good perceptibility of the displayed image information with sufficient brightness and contrast in a relatively simple manner, it is possible to increase the contrast in the reflective area of ​​the windshield. For example, this contrast increase can be achieved by using a largely opaque or completely opaque background for the reflective area.

[0004] WO 2022 / 161894 A1 discloses a vehicle pane for a head-up display, comprising at least one transparent glass pane, at least one first masking strip located in the edge region of the glass pane, and at least one light guiding device for guiding light into the vehicle interior or at least one image display device for displaying image information, the at least one light guiding device or the at least one image display device being arranged in the region of the masking strip on the vehicle interior side of the masking strip.

[0005] Virtual images are typically generated within a so-called eyebox. The eyebox describes the area within the vehicle's interior where the observer's eyes must be located in order to see the virtual image. Therefore, the eyebox is referred to as the area whose height and width correspond to the theoretical viewing window. An observer whose eyes are positioned within the eyebox can perceive the virtual image; all elements of the virtual image are visible to the observer. If the eye moves outside the eyebox, the observer may only perceive a portion of the virtual image, or may not see it at all. The corners of the eyebox and the virtual image define the viewing cone. The beam path connecting the center of the eyebox with the center of the display is called the center beam.

[0006] In heads-up displays, the projector's beam direction can often be altered, particularly vertically, by mirrors to adapt the projection to the viewer's body size and, therefore, their vertical eye position. As described above, this area—the region where the viewer's eyes must be positioned at a given mirror position in order to perceive the virtual image—is called the eyebox. This eyebox can be shifted vertically by adjusting the mirrors.

[0007] DE 102015104834 A1 discloses a method for setting the relative position between a head-up display device of a motor vehicle and the eye position of a user of the motor vehicle, wherein optical information is generated by an imaging unit of the head-up display device, which is reflected in the direction of the user within a viewing area by a combination mirror of the head-up display device that is movably arranged on the housing of the head-up display device, wherein the housing with the combination mirror as a whole is adjusted in position in such a way that the viewing area is directed towards the eye position, depending on the eye position of the user.

[0008] DE 102015109027 A1 discloses a head-up display unit for a vehicle, which is used to generate a virtual image in the driver's field of view of the vehicle environment, wherein the display unit includes a transmitting unit for generating and transmitting image signals, which image signals are projected into the driver's field of view on multiple projection paths, and the display unit includes at least one movable reflector that affects a part of the projection path, and wherein, compared with the image signal in the original state, the representation of the virtual image is influenced by a controlled change of the orientation of the movable reflector and additionally by a modification of the transmitted image signal, in particular for compensating for distortions caused by the curvature of the windshield and the shift of the eye position in conjunction with vehicle movement.

[0009] DE 102017130376 A1 discloses a display device as a head-up display for a vehicle, the head-up display comprising: a lighting unit designed to emit light in order to display a virtual image; and an optical device having a plurality of optical elements for projecting the light emitted by the lighting unit onto a display element in order to display the virtual image in an eye box, wherein the lighting unit is designed for fixed mounting on the vehicle, the display device has a mounting device for fixed mounting on the vehicle, and the optical device is adjustably held on the mounting device by an adjustment device in order to adapt the image display or display content on the display element in the mounted state by means of the light emitted by the lighting unit and to adjust the optical device during adjustment relative to the lighting unit.

[0010] DE 102021119272 A1 discloses a projection unit for a field of view display device of a vehicle, the projection unit comprising: an imaging unit for generating a light beam with display content; a reflector arranged in the beam path of the light beam, the reflector having a first adjustment device designed to tilt it to adapt to different eye box positions of different users and a second adjustment device designed to tilt the imaging unit or another optical component in a manner that maintains the image orientation, wherein the projection unit is designed to generate a virtual display image in a virtual image plane in the user's field of view by outputting a light beam in the direction of a reflective glass sheet (the light beam is reflected to his eye box at the reflective glass sheet), and the image orientation maintaining inclination is designed so that the virtual image plane has a predetermined identical orientation at different eye box positions.

[0011] DE 102016214438 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a head-up display, which comprises a projector for generating individually controllable pixels for displaying an image, and a mechanically adjustable optical system for projecting the image onto a glass sheet of the motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has a module for determining the viewing direction or eye position of the driver of the motor vehicle and / or an occupant of the motor vehicle, and wherein the motor vehicle comprises a control for shifting the pixels by means of the projector depending on a detected change in the viewing direction and for simultaneously mechanically adjusting the optical system depending on a detected change in the viewing direction or the eye position, wherein the mechanically adjustable optical system comprises at least one mechanically adjustable mirror.

[0012] DE 102010040694 A1 discloses a head-up display for a vehicle, which uses a transparent surface in the vehicle in the viewing direction of an observer as a display area for displaying information using an imaging unit. The imaging optics are arranged between the imaging unit and the display area, have an adapter device by which the display of information can be adapted to different eye positions of the observer, a camera for recording the observer's head, and an image processing unit for evaluating the image from the camera. Projection means are provided for imaging optically detectable markings in the direction of the observer's head, and the image processing unit is designed to evaluate the markings based on the camera's recording. The adaptation to different eye positions of the observer is implemented using a rotating mirror.

[0013] DE 102018213363 A1 describes a method for determining setting parameters of a settable component of a motor vehicle, wherein, for three or more head positions of a test person in the motor vehicle, the head position and a corresponding set of setting parameters of the settable component are detected, and an imaging function between the head position and the setting parameters of the settable component is determined.

[0014] DE 102017100676 A1 discloses a method for calibrating a head-up display of a motor vehicle and a corresponding head-up display for a motor vehicle, which has an infrared camera arranged behind a cold mirror of the head-up display for detecting infrared radiation and has a computing device.

[0015] DE 19933769 A1 describes a method and a component for individually and independently configuring the functionality of components of a motor vehicle, in particular components that serve the driver's safety, based on driver-specific characteristic data.

[0016] DE 102021101432 A1 discloses a waveguide-based projection display device for a vehicle with a dynamically scattering light absorber.

[0017] WO 2019 / 238896 A2 discloses a device with a distortion element for generating a virtual image, and DE 102016224166 B3 discloses a head-up display with image distortion for a vehicle.

[0018] WO 2022 / 218699 A1 discloses a projection assembly comprising a laminated glass sheet and an image display device, wherein the image display device has a 3D image display based on light field technology. Summary of the Invention

[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved projection assembly, wherein the projection can be adapted to the vertical eye position of the observer.

[0020] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a projection assembly according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are evident from the dependent claims.

[0021] The projection assembly according to the invention is suitable for displaying a virtual image for an observer whose eyes are located in an eye box and comprises a laminated glass sheet, an image display device, and a control element. As is conventional in HUDs, the image display device illuminates the laminated glass sheet with radiation in a region thereof that is reflected in the direction of the observer. As a result, a virtual image is generated, which the observer perceives from his or her perspective behind the laminated glass sheet.

[0022] A laminated glass sheet has a primary see-through area and a projection area. In this application, the area of ​​the laminated glass sheet that can be illuminated by the image display device is referred to as the projection area. Within the scope of this application, the area primarily visible through the laminated glass sheet by a vehicle driver or observer is referred to as the primary see-through area.

[0023] According to the invention, the projection area is arranged outside the main perspective area and therefore does not overlap with it.

[0024] The laminated glazing according to the present invention comprises an outer glazing sheet and an inner glazing sheet, which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic interlayer. The laminated glazing sheet is provided in a window opening of a vehicle to separate the interior from the exterior environment. Within the meaning of the present invention, the term "inner glazing sheet" refers to the glazing sheet of the laminated glazing sheet that faces the interior of the vehicle. The outer glazing sheet is the glazing sheet that faces the exterior environment.

[0025] A laminated glass sheet has an upper edge and a lower edge, with two side edges extending therebetween. The upper edge refers to the edge intended to point upward in the installed position. The lower edge refers to the edge intended to point downward in the installed position. In the case of windshields, the upper edge is often also referred to as the roof edge, and the lower edge as the engine edge. The lower edge may also be referred to as the pane root.

[0026] The outer pane and the inner pane each have an outer side surface and an inner side surface, as well as a circumferential side edge extending therebetween. Within the meaning of the present invention, the outer side surface is understood to mean the main surface intended to face the outside environment when installed. Within the meaning of the present invention, the inner side surface is understood to mean the main surface intended to face the interior when installed. The inner side surface of the outer pane and the outer side surface of the inner pane face one another and are bonded to one another via a thermoplastic interlayer.

[0027] The outside surface of the outer glass sheet is designated as side I. The inside surface of the outer glass sheet is designated as side II. The outside surface of the inner glass sheet is designated as side III. The inside surface of the inner glass sheet is designated as side IV.

[0028] The laminated glass sheet further comprises an opaque masking layer which is arranged outside the main perspective area, at least in the projection area.

[0029] The image display device is arranged on the interior side (i.e., in its installed position within the vehicle interior) and is directed toward the projection area. The image display device thus illuminates the laminated glass sheet via the interior surface of the inner glass sheet. Consequently, the interior surface of the inner glass sheet is the surface of the inner glass sheet closest to the image display device.

[0030] According to the invention, the image display device is a matrix display. A matrix display is an optical display consisting of individual pixels arranged in a matrix of horizontal rows and vertical columns.

[0031] The control element is adapted to selectively control different matrices of the image display device in order to display virtual images for different positions of the eye box.

[0032] The control element is particularly suitable for controlling at least a first matrix of the image display device for the upper position of the eye box, a second matrix for the middle position of the eye box, and a third matrix for the lower position of the eye box. Thus, to display a virtual image in the eye box in the upper position, the image is displayed in an area of ​​the image display device that is different from the area in which the image is displayed for the eye box in the middle position or in the lower position. Similarly, to display a virtual image in the eye box in the middle position, the image is displayed in an area of ​​the image display device that is different from the area in which the image is displayed for the eye box in the upper position or in the lower position. Similarly, to display a virtual image in the eye box in the lower position, the image is displayed in an area of ​​the image display device that is different from the area in which the image is displayed for the eye box in the middle position or in the upper position.

[0033] It will be appreciated that the control element may also be adapted to selectively control more than three different matrices of the image display device in order to display virtual images for more than three different positions of the eye box.

[0034] Controlling different positions of the eyebox by means of selective control of the matrix of a matrix display offers the following advantage over mechanical adjustment of the projector's mirrors for adjusting the eyebox position: controlling the desired matrix can be implemented much faster than setting the desired mirror position.

[0035] The image display device is preferably an LCD display, an LED display, a mini-LED display, an OLED display or an electroluminescent display, in particular an LCD display or a mini-LED display with local dimming.

[0036] The observer is preferably the driver of a motor vehicle. Alternatively, the observer may also be a passenger or another vehicle occupant, for example.

[0037] As described above, in this application, the area of ​​the laminated glass sheet that can be illuminated by the image display device is referred to as the projection area. It should be understood that the area that can be illuminated by the image display device refers to the entire area that can be illuminated by all possible matrices of the image display device, rather than just the area that can be illuminated by a single matrix or a selected matrix of the image display device.

[0038] Particularly preferred are embodiments in which the projection area is arranged adjacent to the lower edge of the laminated glass sheet. The projection area can be arranged directly adjacent to the lower edge or indirectly adjacent to the lower edge. Indirectly adjacent is understood to mean that the projection area is not directly adjacent to the lower edge, but is arranged at a distance of several centimeters (for example, in particular 5 to 10 cm) from the lower edge.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the opaque masking layer is arranged in the peripheral edge region, and in particular in a section overlapping the projection area, the opaque masking layer has a greater width than in sections other than this section. The opaque masking layer arranged in the peripheral edge region also serves as a UV protector for the adhesive used to mount the laminated glass sheet.

[0040] Preferably, the projection assembly according to the present invention additionally includes an adaptation unit, which ascertains the position of the eye box corresponding to the eye position based on information input by the observer about his eye position, and then outputs an electrical signal to the control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the ascertained position of the eye box.

[0041] The observer can preferably indicate, for example at the beginning of the journey, whether he is tall, medium or short, as a result of which conclusions can be drawn about his eye position and the adaptation unit therefore ascertains the position of the eye box corresponding to the eye position and subsequently outputs an electrical signal to the control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the ascertained position of the eye box.

[0042] Alternatively, by setting the seat and / or the rearview and exterior mirrors, conclusions can be drawn about the observer's eye position, and the adaptation unit can therefore determine the position of the eye box corresponding to the eye position and then output an electrical signal to the control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the determined position of the eye box.

[0043] Alternatively, the observer can preferably carry out a test procedure of the projection device at the beginning of the trip in order to indicate his eye position and select when he best sees the virtual image of the image projected by the image display device onto the laminated glass sheet, and in this way transmit his eye position to the adaptation unit, as a result of which the adaptation unit can ascertain the position of the eye box corresponding to the eye position and subsequently transmit an electrical signal to the control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the ascertained position of the eye box.

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the projection assembly according to the present invention additionally includes a detection device for detecting the position of an observer's eyes, and an electronic control device. The electronic control device is configured to determine the position of an eye box corresponding to the eye position based on the eye position determined by the detection device, and output an electrical signal to the control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the determined position of the eye box.

[0045] Suitable detection devices are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the detection device may be a thermal imaging camera. The detection device may also detect eye position based on infrared radiation (i.e., perform infrared detection), and include a radiation source for emitting infrared radiation and a radiation receiver for receiving infrared radiation.

[0046] In an embodiment in which the detection device performs infrared detection and includes a radiation source for emitting infrared radiation and a radiation receiver for receiving infrared radiation, the radiation source and the radiation receiver can be oriented so that the infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source directly shines on the face of the observer, and the infrared radiation reflected by the observer's face directly shines on the radiation receiver.

[0047] Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the detection device performs infrared detection and has a radiation source for emitting infrared radiation and a radiation receiver for receiving infrared radiation, the laminated glass sheet additionally has a functional layer that reflects infrared radiation, and the radiation source and the radiation receiver are arranged such that the infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source can be reflected by the functional layer onto the face of an observer as first reflected radiation, the first reflected radiation can be reflected by the face of the observer onto the functional layer as second reflected radiation, and the second reflected radiation reflected by the functional layer can be reflected as third reflected radiation to and received by the radiation receiver.

[0048] The image display device can be designed to be flat in plan view. In a preferred embodiment, the image display device is curved in plan view. The image display device can be curved in the horizontal and / or vertical direction. The curvature allows the image to be better adapted to the geometry of the glass sheet, resulting in that distortions in the virtual image can be minimized and more easily compensated by means of so-called warping.

[0049] The laminated glass pane is preferably curved in one or more spatial directions, as is customary for motor vehicle glazing panes, with typical radii of curvature being in the range of approximately 10 cm to approximately 40 m. However, the laminated glass pane can also be flat, for example, if it is provided as a glazing pane for a bus, train, or tractor.

[0050] In embodiments where the image display device is curved in plan view and / or the laminated glass sheet is curved, the projection assembly preferably additionally includes a distortion element. The distortion of the image to be displayed by the image display device (caused by the distortion element) takes into account the curvature of the image display device and / or the curvature of the laminated glass sheet, allowing the virtual image to be perceived by the observer without distortion. As described above, the curvature of the image display device preferably adapts the image to the geometry of the glass sheet as closely as possible, so that the distortion element only needs to compensate for distortion that has not been compensated by the curvature of the image display device. The distortion of the image by means of the distortion element to accommodate the curved image display device and / or the curved laminated glass sheet as the projection surface is also referred to as warping. For this purpose, a warping matrix or a set of warping parameters is used, in particular. Suitable distortion elements are known to those skilled in the art.

[0051] As described above, the laminated glass sheet includes an opaque masking layer outside the main see-through area, at least in the projection area. This results in a good image display with high contrast against the opaque background formed by the opaque masking layer, making the image display appear bright and highly perceptible. This advantageously allows for reduced power consumption of the image display device, and thus reduced energy consumption. This is an advantage of the projection assembly according to the present invention.

[0052] Preferably, the opaque masking layer is formed as a coating on the inner surface of the outer pane or the outer surface of the inner pane, as an opaque insert element arranged between the outer and inner panes, or as an opaque colored area of ​​a thermoplastic interlayer.

[0053] The opaque masking layer is preferably a coating composed of one or more layers. Alternatively, however, as described above, it can also be an opaque element (e.g., a film) embedded in the laminated glazing. According to a preferred embodiment of the laminated glazing, the opaque masking layer consists of a single layer. This has the advantage that the laminated glazing is particularly simple and cost-effective to manufacture, since only a single layer must be formed for the opaque masking layer.

[0054] The opaque masking layer is in particular an opaque cover print made of a dark, preferably black, enamel. The opaque masking layer designed as an opaque cover print can extend over the entire surface. The cover print can also be designed to be at least partially translucent, for example as a dot matrix, a stripe matrix, or a checkered matrix. Alternatively, the cover print can also have a gradient, for example from an opaque to a translucent covering.

[0055] An opaque masking layer formed as an opaque colored region of a thermoplastic interlayer can also be achieved by using a thermoplastic interlayer composed of an opaque thermoplastic film and a transparent thermoplastic film. The opaque and transparent thermoplastic films are preferably arranged offset from each other so that they do not overlap when viewed through the laminated glass sheet. The transparent and opaque films are composed of, or preferably contain, the same plastic. The materials from which the opaque and transparent films can be formed are those also described for the thermoplastic interlayer. The opaque film is preferably a colored film that can have different colors (particularly black).

[0056] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the laminated glazing further comprises a reflective element for reflecting visible light. In this embodiment, the reflective element for reflecting visible light is arranged in the projection region between the outer glazing and the inner glazing or on the inner surface of the inner glazing, wherein the reflective element is arranged spatially in front of the opaque masking layer when viewed through the laminated glazing.

[0057] The expression "when viewed through the laminated glass sheet" means looking through the laminated glass sheet starting from the inner surface of the inner glass sheet. Within the meaning of the present invention, "spatially in front of" means that the reflective element is arranged spatially further from the outer surface of the outer glass sheet than from the opaque masking layer.

[0058] According to the present invention, a projection assembly for displaying a virtual image for an observer having eyes located in an eye box therefore further comprises at least: - a laminated glass sheet having a projection area, a main see-through area, an upper edge, a lower edge and two lateral glass sheet edges, wherein the projection area is arranged outside the main see-through area, and the laminated glass sheet comprises an outer glass sheet having an outer surface and an inner surface, an inner glass sheet having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a thermoplastic interlayer arranged between the outer glass sheet and the inner glass sheet, and comprises an opaque masking layer outside the main see-through area at least in the projection area, and wherein a reflective element for reflecting visible light is arranged in the projection area between the outer glass sheet and the inner glass sheet or on the inner surface of the inner glass sheet, the reflective element being arranged spatially in front of the opaque masking layer when viewed through the laminated glass sheet, - an image display device arranged on the inner side, which is directed towards the projection area, wherein the image display device is a matrix display, and - a control element adapted to selectively control different matrices of the image display means in order to display virtual images for different positions of the eye box.

[0059] The reflective element may be formed as a coating on the inner or outer surface of the inner glass sheet, or on the inner surface of the outer glass sheet. The coating may be arranged directly adjacent to the inner or outer surface of the inner glass sheet, or directly adjacent to the inner surface of the outer glass sheet, or alternatively, at least one other layer may be arranged between the particular surface and the coating.

[0060] The reflective element may alternatively be formed as a coating on a thin glass sheet or film or as a reflective film that is arranged between the thermoplastic interlayer and the inner glass sheet or between the thermoplastic interlayer and the outer glass sheet or glued to the inner surface of the inner glass sheet. The thin glass sheet preferably has a thickness of 20 μm to 500 μm, more preferably 50 μm to 300 μm and most preferably 50 μm to 100 μm (e.g. 70 μm).

[0061] The reflective element preferably reflects at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 40%, and very particularly preferably at least 70% of visible light. The reflective element preferably reflects no more than 90% of visible light. Within the meaning of the present invention, "reflected" means that the reflective element reflects visible light impinging on it. Within the meaning of the present invention, reflection within a specific percentage range refers to the average reflectance at a defined angle of incidence (65°). The reflective element is provided to reflect an image projected onto the reflective element by the image display device. The reflective element can be transparent, but is preferably opaque.

[0062] Suitable reflective elements are known to those skilled in the art.

[0063] As described above, the reflective element is transparent, which, within the meaning of the present invention, means that the reflective element has an average transmittance of at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, in the visible spectral range and thus does not significantly restrict viewing through the laminated glass sheet. In some embodiments, only the projection area of ​​the laminated glass sheet may be provided with the reflective element. However, in alternative embodiments, additional areas may also be provided with the reflective element, and the laminated glass sheet may be provided with the reflective element over substantially the entire surface, which may be preferred for production reasons. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least 80% of the surface of the glass sheet is provided with the reflective element. In particular, the reflective element is applied to the entire surface of the windshield, with the exception of the peripheral edge region and optional localized regions, which are intended to ensure electromagnetic radiation transmission through the windshield serving as a communication, sensor, or camera window and are therefore not provided with the reflective element. The peripheral edge region has a width of, for example, up to 20 cm. It prevents the reflective element from direct contact with the surrounding atmosphere, thereby protecting the reflective element within the interior of the laminated glass sheet from corrosion and damage.

[0064] It is understood that if the reflective element is arranged not only in the projection area but also at least partially in the main perspective area, the reflective element is transparent so that viewing through the laminated glass sheet is ensured in the main perspective area.

[0065] Preferably, the reflective element is opaque and is arranged only outside the main perspective area, and particularly preferably, the reflective element is opaque and is arranged only in the projection area.

[0066] An opaque reflective element is in particular an element comprising a mirror layer.

[0067] The image display device serves to generate p-polarized light and / or s-polarized light (image information), which strikes the laminated glass pane in a projection region and is reflected in the direction of an observer.

[0068] In embodiments of the projection assembly according to the invention in which the laminated glass sheet has no reflective elements, the radiation of the image display device is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized (substantially purely s-polarized). The proportion of s-polarized radiation is 100% or deviates only slightly therefrom. In these embodiments, the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device is reflected at the inner surface of the inner glass sheet in the direction of the observer.

[0069] In embodiments of the projection assembly according to the present invention in which the laminated glass sheet has a reflective element arranged between the outer and inner glass sheets, the reflective element is adapted to reflect p-polarized radiation, and the radiation from the image display device is preferably completely or almost completely p-polarized (substantially pure p-polarized). The proportion of p-polarized radiation is 100% or deviates only slightly therefrom. In these embodiments, p-polarized light emitted from the image display device is reflected by the reflective element in the direction of the observer.

[0070] In embodiments of the projection assembly according to the invention in which the laminated glass sheet has a reflective element arranged on the inner surface of the inner glass sheet, the reflective element is suitable for reflecting p-polarized radiation and / or s-polarized radiation, and the radiation of the image display device is correspondingly p-polarized and / or s-polarized. In these embodiments, the light emitted by the image display device is reflected by the reflective element in the direction of the observer.

[0071] During operation of the projection assembly to generate a projection, radiation emitted by the image display device illuminates the area of ​​the projection zone. The radiation emitted by the image display device lies within the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum—common image display devices operate at wavelengths of approximately 470 nm, 550 nm, and 630 nm (RGB). Embodiments of the projection assembly in which the laminated glass sheet includes a reflective element and the image display device emits p-polarized radiation are preferred because they offer the advantage that the virtual image can be viewed by the wearer of polarization-selective sunglasses, which typically only allow the passage of p-polarized radiation and block s-polarized radiation.

[0072] The term "p-polarized light" refers to light in the visible spectrum with p-polarization. The polarization direction is observed relative to the plane of incidence of the radiation on the laminated glass sheet. P-polarized radiation is radiation whose electric field oscillates in the plane of incidence. S-polarized radiation is radiation whose electric field oscillates perpendicular to the plane of incidence. At the geometric center of the illuminated area, the incident vector and the surface normal of the laminated glass sheet intersect the plane of incidence. In other words, the polarization (i.e., specifically the ratio of p-polarized to s-polarized radiation) is determined at a point in the area illuminated by the light source, preferably at the geometric center of the illuminated area. Because laminated glass sheets can be curved (for example, when configured as a windshield), which affects the plane of incidence of the radiation, slightly deviating polarization components may appear in other areas, which is unavoidable for physical reasons.

[0073] The laminated glass sheet according to the invention is preferably a windshield for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle (e.g., a car or truck). Projection assemblies are particularly common, in which radiation from an image display device is reflected on the windshield to generate an image perceptible to an observer, in particular the driver.

[0074] The outer and inner panes are preferably made of glass, in particular soda-lime glass, as is customary for window panes. However, in principle, the panes can also be made of other types of glass (e.g., borosilicate glass, quartz glass, aluminosilicate glass) or transparent plastic (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate). The thickness of the outer and inner panes can vary widely. Preferably, panes with a thickness in the range of 0.8 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm, are used, for example, panes with a standard thickness of 1.6 mm or 2.1 mm.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the inner pane has a thickness of at most 1.6 mm, particularly preferably at most 1.4 mm, very particularly preferably at most 1.1 mm.

[0076] The outer pane, inner pane, and thermoplastic interlayer can be transparent and colorless, but can also be tinted or colored. In a preferred embodiment, the total transmittance through the windshield (including the reflective coating) is greater than 70% in the main viewing area (light type A). The term "total transmittance" refers to the method for testing the light transmittance of motor vehicle panes as defined in ECE-R 43, Annex 3, § 9.1. The outer pane and inner pane can be independently untempered, partially tempered, or tempered. If at least one of the panes is tempered, this can be thermally or chemically tempered.

[0077] The inner pane is preferably non-tinted or tinted.

[0078] The thermoplastic interlayer comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer (preferably ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or polyurethane (PU)), or a mixture, copolymer, or derivative thereof, particularly preferably PVB. The interlayer is typically formed from a thermoplastic film (tied film). The thickness of the thermoplastic interlayer is preferably from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably from 0.3 mm to 1 mm. The thermoplastic interlayer can be formed from a single film or from more than one film. The thermoplastic interlayer can also be a film having functional properties, such as acoustic damping properties.

[0079] In embodiments, the laminated glass sheet may also have more than one thermoplastic interlayer.

[0080] Apart from any surface roughness as is customary in the art, the thermoplastic intermediate layer may have a substantially constant thickness.Alternatively, the thermoplastic intermediate layer may also be formed as a wedge-shaped film.

[0081] Laminated glass sheets can be produced by methods known per se. The outer and inner glass sheets are laminated together via an intermediate layer, for example, by an autoclave process, a vacuum bag process, a vacuum ring process, a calendaring process, a vacuum laminator, or a combination thereof. The outer and inner glass sheets are typically joined under the action of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0082] If the laminated glass sheets are to be bent, the outer and inner glass sheets are preferably subjected to a bending process before lamination and preferably after any coating process. Preferably, the outer and inner glass sheets are bent together in unison (i.e., simultaneously and with the same tool), as this allows the shapes of the glass sheets to be optimally matched to each other for subsequent lamination. Typical temperatures for the glass bending process are, for example, 500°C to 700°C.

[0083] To produce a projection assembly according to the invention, the laminated glass sheet and the image display device are arranged relative to each other in such a way that the inner glass sheet faces the image display device and the image display device is directed towards the projection area.

[0084] Also according to the present invention is a motor vehicle having a projection assembly.

[0085] According to the present invention, there is also a method for operating a projection assembly for displaying a virtual image for an observer whose eyes are located in an eye box, wherein the projection assembly comprises a laminated glass sheet, an image display device and a control element, and wherein the position of the eye box is ascertained and the control element selectively controls a matrix of the image display device corresponding to the ascertained position of the eye box for displaying the virtual image.

[0086] The laminated glass sheet has a projection area, a main see-through area, a top edge, a bottom edge, and two lateral glass sheet edges, wherein the projection area is arranged outside the main see-through area, and the laminated glass sheet includes an outer glass sheet having an outer surface and an inner surface, an inner glass sheet having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a thermoplastic interlayer arranged between the outer glass sheet and the inner glass sheet, and has an opaque masking layer outside the main see-through area at least in the projection area.

[0087] The image display device is arranged on the inner side, is directed toward the projection area, and is a matrix display.

[0088] Therefore, the preferred embodiments of the projection assembly according to the invention described above also apply to the method according to the invention.

[0089] The invention also comprises the use of a projection assembly according to the invention in a vehicle for transportation on land, in the air or on water, wherein the laminated glass sheet is preferably a windshield. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0090] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings and examples of embodiment. The drawings are schematic representations and are not drawn to scale. The drawings do not limit the invention in any way.

[0091] In the attached figure: Figure 1 is a plan view of a laminated glass sheet according to an embodiment of a projection assembly according to the present invention, Figure 2 It passes through Figure 1 A cross-section of an embodiment of a projection assembly according to the present invention is shown in FIG; Figure 3a 3 is a plan view of the image display device, Figure 4 is a cross-section of one embodiment of a laminated glass sheet, Figure 5 is a cross-section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet, Figure 6 is a cross-section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet, Figure 7 is a cross-section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet, Figure 8 is a cross-section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet, Figure 9 is a cross-section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet, Figure 10 is a cross-section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet, Figure 11 is a cross-section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet, Figure 12 is a cross-section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet, and Figure 13 is a cross section through another embodiment of a projection assembly according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Figure 1 1 shows a plan view of a laminated glass sheet 1 according to an embodiment of a projection assembly 100 of the present invention. The laminated glass sheet 1 has an upper edge O, a lower edge U and two lateral glass sheet edges S. In addition, Figure 1 The main perspective area H and the projection area P of the laminated glass sheet 1 are shown. Figure 1 In the Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the laminated glass sheet 1 has an opaque masking layer 5 in which region. Figure 1In the embodiment shown in , the projection area P is arranged indirectly adjacent to the lower edge U, for example 5 cm from the lower edge U. The opaque masking layer 5 is arranged directly adjacent to the lower edge U and extends between the side edges S.

[0093] Figure 2 A cross section through an embodiment of a projection assembly 100 according to the invention is shown, wherein this corresponds to a cross section along Figure 1 The cross section of the section line X'-X. Figure 2 It can be seen that the projection assembly 100 according to the present invention comprises a laminated glass sheet 1 , an image display device 6 and a control element 7 .

[0094] The laminated glass sheet 1 may be, for example, Figures 4 to 12 Build as shown in .

[0095] The image display device 6 is arranged on the inner side, is directed toward the projection area P, and is a matrix display. The image display device 6 is, for example, an LCD display.

[0096] exist Figure 2 In FIG, three eye boxes positioned in different ways are drawn, the upper eye box is provided with reference numeral 10a, the middle eye box is provided with reference numeral 10b, and the lower eye box is provided with reference numeral 10c. Figure 2 In the figure, the eye box is depicted by the eye.

[0097] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the beam paths of three different matrices of the image display device 6 are shown. When matrix 8a is used, light emitted by the image display device 6 strikes the laminated glass sheet 1 in the region of the projection area P and is reflected by it in the direction of the observer, whose eye is positioned in the eye box 10a, so that the observer sees a virtual image 9a. When matrix 8b is used, light emitted by the image display device 6 strikes the laminated glass sheet 1 in the region of the projection area P and is thereby reflected in the direction of the observer, whose eye is positioned in the eye box 10b, so that the observer sees a virtual image 9b. When matrix 8c is used, light emitted by the image display device 6 strikes the laminated glass sheet 1 in the region of the projection area P and is thereby reflected in the direction of the observer, whose eye is positioned in the eye box 10c, so that the observer sees a virtual image 9c. Depending on the selection of matrices 8a, 8b, 8c, the position of the eye boxes 10a, 10b, 10c is adjusted in the vertical direction.

[0098] The control element 7 is adapted to selectively control different matrices 8a, 8b, 8c of the image display device 6 in order to display virtual images 9a, 9b, 9c for different positions of the eye boxes 10a, 10b, 10c. Figure 2In the embodiment of the projection assembly 100 according to the invention shown in , the different matrices 8a, 8b and 8c partially overlap. However, it is also possible that the control element 7 controls different matrices for different positions of the eye box, which matrices are separate from each other and therefore do not overlap at least partially.

[0099] Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b and Figure 3c A plan view of an image display device 6 is shown as it may be used in a projection assembly according to the invention.

[0100] Figure 3a A plan view of an image display device 6 is shown in which an image is displayed by means of a matrix 8 a . Figure 3b A plan view is shown in which an image is displayed with the aid of a matrix 8b. Figure 3c A plan view is shown in which an image is displayed with the aid of a matrix 8c. The matrices 8a, 8b and 8c partially overlap one another.

[0101] Inactive areas of the image display device 6 (ie areas outside the specific active matrix) can be completely switched off, as a result of which power can be saved.

[0102] Figure 4 A cross section through an embodiment of a laminated glass sheet 1 for use in a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention is shown. The laminated glass sheet 1 is Figure 4 It will be appreciated that the laminated glass sheet 1 may also be curved, such as for example Figure 2 and Figure 13 As shown in . Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the laminated glass sheet 1 has an upper edge O and a lower edge U. In addition, Figure 4 The laminated glazing 1 is shown with a main perspective area H and a projection area P. The laminated glazing 1 comprises an outer glazing 2 with an outer surface I and an inner surface II, and an inner glazing 3 with an outer surface III and an inner surface IV, which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic interlayer 4 .

[0103] The thermoplastic interlayer 4 is, for example, made of PVB and has a thickness of 0.76 mm. Aside from possible surface roughness as is customary in the art, the thermoplastic interlayer 4 has a substantially constant thickness—it is not formed as a so-called wedge-shaped film. Alternatively, the thermoplastic interlayer 4 can also be formed as a wedge-shaped film.

[0104] The outer pane 2 and the inner pane 3 are made of, for example, soda-lime glass. The outer pane 2 has a thickness of, for example, 2.1 mm; the inner pane 3 has a thickness of, for example, 1.6 mm or 1.1 mm.

[0105] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG, an opaque masking layer 5 is arranged on the inner surface II of the outer glass sheet 2, adjacent to the lower edge U, in an area arranged outside the main see-through area H and including at least the projection area P. The opaque masking layer 5 is, for example, a cover print made of a dark, preferably black, enamel. Alternatively, the opaque masking layer 5 can also be formed as an opaque insert element, such as a black polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, arranged between the outer glass sheet 2 and the thermoplastic interlayer 4.

[0106] In the basis Figure 4 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glazing 1 of the embodiment shown in , the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the inner surface IV of the inner glazing 3 in the direction of the observer.

[0107] Figure 5 A cross section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet 1 for use in a projection assembly 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 5 The embodiment shown in Figure 4 The only difference from the embodiment shown in FIG is that the opaque masking layer 5 is not arranged on the inner surface II of the outer glass sheet 2, but on the outer surface III of the inner glass sheet 3. The opaque masking layer 5 is, for example, a cover print made of a dark, preferably black enamel. Alternatively, the opaque masking layer 5 can also be formed as an opaque insert element, for example a black PET film, arranged between the inner glass sheet 3 and the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4.

[0108] In the basis Figure 5 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glazing 1 of the embodiment shown in , the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the inner surface IV of the inner glazing 3 in the direction of the observer.

[0109] Figure 6 A cross section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet 1 for use in a projection assembly 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 6 The embodiment shown in Figure 4 The only difference of the embodiment shown in is that the opaque masking layer 5 is not arranged on the inner surface II of the outer pane 2 , but is formed as an opaque colored area of ​​the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4 .

[0110] In the basis Figure 6In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glazing 1 of the embodiment shown in , the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the inner surface IV of the inner glazing 3 in the direction of the observer.

[0111] Figure 7 A cross section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet 1 for use in a projection assembly 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 7 The embodiment shown in Figure 4 The only difference from the embodiment shown in FIG is that a reflective element 13 for reflecting visible light is arranged between the inner glass sheet 3 and the thermoplastic interlayer 4 in the projection region P. The reflective element 13 is formed, for example, as a coating on the outer surface III of the inner glass sheet 3. Alternatively, the reflective element 13 can also be formed as a coating on a thin glass or film or as a reflective film arranged between the thermoplastic interlayer 4 and the inner glass sheet 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 can also extend over the entire laminated glass sheet 1.

[0112] In the basis Figure 7 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 of the embodiment shown in , the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the reflective element 13 in the direction of the observer.

[0113] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment of the laminated glazing 1 shown in FIG, the reflective element 13 is arranged between the inner glass sheet 3 and the thermoplastic interlayer 4. It will be appreciated that the reflective element 13 can alternatively be arranged between the thermoplastic interlayer 4 and the outer glass sheet 2 if it is formed as a coating on a thin glass sheet or film or as a reflective film, wherein the reflective element 13 is spatially arranged in front of the opaque masking layer 5 when viewed through the laminated glazing 1.

[0114] Figure 8 A cross section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet 1 for use in a projection assembly 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 8 The embodiment shown in Figure 6 The only difference from the embodiment shown in FIG is that a reflective element 13 for reflecting visible light is arranged between the inner glass sheet 3 and the thermoplastic interlayer 4 in the projection region P. The reflective element 13 is formed, for example, as a coating on the outer surface III of the inner glass sheet 3. Alternatively, the reflective element 13 can also be formed as a coating on a thin glass or film, which is arranged between the thermoplastic interlayer 4 and the inner glass sheet 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 can also extend over the entire laminated glass sheet 1.

[0115] In the basis Figure 8In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 of the embodiment shown in , the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the reflective element 13 in the direction of the observer.

[0116] Figure 9 A cross section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet 1 for use in a projection assembly 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 9 The embodiment shown in Figure 4 The only difference from the embodiment shown in FIG is that a reflective element 13 for reflecting visible light is arranged on the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3 in the projection area P. The reflective element 13 is formed, for example, as a coating on the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. Alternatively, the reflective element 13 can also be formed as a coating on a thin glass or film, or as a reflective film glued to the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 can also extend over the entire laminated glass sheet 1.

[0117] In the basis Figure 9 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 of the embodiment shown in , the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the reflective element 13 in the direction of the observer.

[0118] Figure 10 A cross section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet 1 for use in a projection assembly 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 10 The embodiment shown in Figure 5 The only difference from the embodiment shown in FIG is that a reflective element 13 for reflecting visible light is arranged on the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3 in the projection area P. The reflective element 13 is formed, for example, as a coating on the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. Alternatively, the reflective element 13 can also be formed as a coating on a thin glass or film, or as a reflective film glued to the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 can also extend over the entire laminated glass sheet 1.

[0119] In the basis Figure 10 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 of the embodiment shown in , the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the reflective element 13 in the direction of the observer.

[0120] Figure 11 A cross section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet 1 for use in a projection assembly 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 11The embodiment shown in Figure 6 The only difference from the embodiment shown in FIG is that a reflective element 13 for reflecting visible light is arranged on the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3 in the projection area P. The reflective element 13 is formed, for example, as a coating on the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. Alternatively, the reflective element 13 can also be formed as a coating on a thin glass or film, or as a reflective film glued to the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 can also extend over the entire laminated glass sheet 1.

[0121] In the basis Figure 11 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 of the embodiment shown in , the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the reflective element 13 in the direction of the observer.

[0122] Figure 12 A cross section through another embodiment of a laminated glass sheet 1 for use in a projection assembly 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 12 The embodiment shown in Figure 4 The only difference from the embodiment shown in FIG is that the opaque masking layer 5 is arranged in a peripheral edge region, the width of which is greater in a region overlapping with the projection region P than in a section different from the projection region. Therefore, the region in which the opaque masking layer 5 is arranged includes the peripheral edge region and the projection region P.

[0123] It should be understood that Figures 5 to 11 The laminated glazing 1 shown in FIG can also be modified in that the opaque masking layer 5 is arranged in a peripheral edge region having a greater width in a region overlapping with the projection region P than in a section different from the projection region.

[0124] In the basis Figure 12 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glazing 1 of the embodiment shown in , the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the inner surface IV of the inner glazing 3 in the direction of the observer.

[0125] Figure 13 A cross section through another embodiment of a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 13 The embodiment shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2The only difference from the embodiment shown in is that the projection assembly 100 additionally has a detection device 11 for detecting the eye position of the observer, and an electronic control device 12. The electronic control device 12 is configured to ascertain the positions of the eye boxes 10a, 10b, 10c corresponding to the eye positions based on the eye positions ascertained by means of the detection device 11, and output an electrical signal to the control element 7 for selectively controlling the matrices 8a, 8b, 8c corresponding to the ascertained positions of the eye boxes 10a, 10b, 10c. For simplified representation, in Figure 13 The matrices 8a, 8b, 8c are not marked.

[0126] exist Figure 13 In the embodiment of the projection assembly shown in FIG, the laminated glass sheet 1 may be, for example, Figures 4 to 12 Designed as shown in one of the .

[0127] List of reference numerals: 100 Projection Components 1 laminated glass sheet 2 outer glass sheets 3 inner glass sheets 4 Thermoplastic middle layer 5 Opaque masking layer 6 Image display device 7 Control elements 8a, 8b, 8c matrices 9a, 9b, 9c Virtual images 10a, 10b, 10c eye box 11 Detection device 12 Electronic Control Unit 13 Reflective element O Upper edge of laminated glass sheet 1 U Lower edge of laminated glass sheet 1 S Side edge of laminated glass sheet 1 P Projection area of ​​laminated glass sheet 1 H Main perspective area of ​​laminated glass sheet 1 I Outer surface of outer glass sheet 2 II Inner surface of outer glass sheet 2 III The outer surface of the inner glass sheet 3 IV Inner surface of inner glass sheet 3 X'-X cutting line

Claims

1. A projection assembly (100) for displaying a virtual image (9a, 9b, 9c) for an observer whose eyes are located in an eye box (10a, 10b, 10c), the projection assembly comprising at least: - a laminated glass sheet (1) having a projection area (P), a main perspective area (H), an upper edge (O), a lower edge (U) and two lateral glass sheet edges (S), wherein the projection area (P) is arranged outside the main perspective area (H), and the laminated glass sheet (1) comprises an outer glass sheet (2) having an outer surface (I) and an inner surface (II), an inner glass sheet (3) having an outer surface (III) and an inner surface (IV), and a thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) arranged between the outer glass sheet (2) and the inner glass sheet (3), and an opaque masking layer (5) outside the main perspective area (H) at least in the projection area (P), - an image display device (6) arranged on the inner side, the image display device being directed towards the projection area (P), wherein the image display device (6) is a matrix display, and - a control element (7) adapted to selectively control different matrices (8a, 8b, 8c) of the image display device (6) in order to display the virtual images (9a, 9b, 9c) for different positions of the eye boxes (10a, 10b, 10c).

2. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The control element (7) is adapted to control at least a first matrix (8a) of the image display device (6) for an upper position of the eye box (10a), a second matrix (8b) for an intermediate position of the eye box (10b), and a third matrix (8c) for a lower position of the eye box (10c).

3. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The opaque masking layer (5) is arranged in a peripheral edge region, and in particular in a section overlapping the projection region (P), the opaque masking layer has a width greater than a width in a section different from the section.

4. The projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an adaptation unit, which ascertains the position of an eye box (10a, 10b, 10c) corresponding to the eye position based on information input by the observer about the observer's eye position, and outputs an electrical signal to the control element (7) for selectively controlling the matrix (8a, 8b, 8c) corresponding to the ascertained position of the eye box (10a, 10b, 10c).

5. The projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a detection device (11) for detecting an eye position of the observer, and an electronic control device (12), the electronic control device being configured to ascertain the position of an eye box (10a, 10b, 10c) corresponding to the eye position based on the eye position ascertained by means of the detection device (11), and output an electrical signal to the control element (7) for selectively controlling the matrix (8a, 8b, 8c) corresponding to the ascertained position of the eye box (10a, 10b, 10c).

6. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The detection device (11) performs infrared detection and has a radiation source for emitting infrared radiation and a radiation receiver for receiving infrared radiation.

7. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The laminated glass sheet (1) additionally has a functional layer that reflects infrared radiation, and the radiation source and the radiation receiver are arranged so that the infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source can be reflected by the functional layer onto the face of the observer as first reflected radiation, the first reflected radiation can be reflected by the face of the observer onto the functional layer as second reflected radiation, and the second reflected radiation reflected by the functional layer can be reflected as third reflected radiation to the radiation receiver and received by the radiation receiver.

8. The projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The image display device (6) is curved in a plan view.

9. The projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The laminated glass sheet (1) is curved.

10. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 8 or 9, additionally comprising a distortion element.

11. The projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The opaque masking layer (5) is formed as a coating on the inner surface (II) of the outer glass sheet (2) or the outer surface (III) of the inner glass sheet (3), as an opaque insert element arranged between the outer glass sheet (2) and the inner glass sheet (3), or as an opaque colored area of ​​the thermoplastic intermediate layer (4).

12. The projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: A reflective element (13) for reflecting visible light is arranged in the projection region (P) between the outer pane (2) and the inner pane (3) or on the inner surface (IV) of the inner pane (3), and wherein, when viewed through the laminated pane (1), the reflective element (13) is arranged spatially in front of the opaque masking layer (5).

13. A motor vehicle having a projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for operating a projection assembly (100) for displaying a virtual image (9a, 9b, 9c) for an observer having eyes located in an eye box (10a, 10b, 10c), in, The projection assembly (100) comprises a laminated glass sheet (1), an image display device (6) and a control element (7), The laminated glass sheet (1) has a projection area (P), a main perspective area (H), an upper edge (O), a lower edge (U) and two lateral glass sheet edges (S), wherein the projection area (P) is arranged outside the main perspective area (H), and the laminated glass sheet (1) comprises an outer glass sheet (2) having an outer surface (I) and an inner surface (II), an inner glass sheet (3) having an outer surface (III) and an inner surface (IV), and a thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) arranged between the outer glass sheet (2) and the inner glass sheet (3), and has an opaque masking layer (5) outside the main perspective area (H) at least in the projection area (P), wherein the image display device (6) is arranged on the inner side, is directed toward the projection area (P), and is a matrix display, And wherein the position of the eye box (10a, 10b, 10c) is ascertained, and the control element (7) selectively controls the matrix (8a, 8b, 8c) of the image display device (6) corresponding to the ascertained position of the eye box (10a, 10b, 10c) for displaying the virtual image (9a, 9b, 9c).

15. Use of the projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in a vehicle for land, air or water transportation, wherein: The laminated glass sheet (1) is preferably a windshield.

Images