projection assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a projection assembly (100) for displaying virtual images (9a, 9b, 9c) for an observer whose eye position is located in an eyebox (10a, 10b, 10c), comprising at least: a laminated glass sheet (1) having a projection area (P) and a main perspective area (H), wherein the projection area (P) is arranged outside the main perspective area (H) and the laminated glass sheet (1) has 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 inside side, which is 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 virtual images (9a, 9b, 9c) for different positions of the eyebox (10a, 10b, 10c).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Modern cars are increasingly equipped with what are known as head-up displays (HUDs). Using a projector, typically in the dashboard area, an image is projected onto the windshield, where it is reflected and perceived by the driver as a virtual image behind the windshield (as seen by the driver). Therefore, important information (such as current speed, navigation messages, or warnings) can be projected into the driver's field of vision, allowing the driver to perceive the information without taking their eyes off the road. Thus, head-up displays can significantly improve traffic safety.

[0003] However, head-up displays (HUDs) often have the following problem: the area of ​​the windshield provided for reflecting light projected by the projector must typically have a high transparency of at least 70%. Therefore, the reflected light from the projector overlaps with light from the external environment, which, depending on lighting conditions, leads to reduced contrast of the virtual image and thus worse visual perception for the driver. Sufficient visual perception of particularly safety-related information (such as lane assist, speed display, or motor RPM) should be ensured under all weather and lighting conditions. To achieve such a projection assembly, the contrast in the reflective area of ​​the windshield can be improved, meaning that the projection assembly is based on HUD technology and does not produce unwanted secondary images when used, and that the projection assembly allows for good perceptibility in a relatively simple way while ensuring sufficient brightness and contrast of the displayed image information. For example, increased contrast can be achieved by using a background that is largely opaque or completely opaque in 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 interior of the vehicle or at least one image display device for displaying image information, wherein the at least one light guiding device or the at least one image display device is 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 an area inside the vehicle in which the observer's eye must be positioned to see the virtual image. Therefore, the eyebox is described as an area whose height and width correspond to the theoretical viewing window. An observer with their eye positioned inside 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 can only perceive a portion of the virtual image, or may not see it at all. The corner points of the eyebox and the virtual image define the visual cone. The beam path connecting the center of the eyebox to the center of the display is called the central beam.

[0006] In head-up displays, the projector's beam direction can typically be altered, particularly vertically, by a mirror to adapt the projection to the observer's body size and therefore their vertical eye position. As described above, such an area is called the eyebox, and it is within this area that the observer's eyes must be positioned within a given mirror to perceive the virtual image. This eyebox can be vertically shifted by adjusting the mirror.

[0007] DE 102015104834 A1 discloses a method for setting the relative position between a head-up display (HUD) of a motor vehicle and the eye position of a user of the motor vehicle, wherein optical information is generated using an imaging unit of the HUD and is reflected in the direction of the user within an observation area by a combination mirror movably arranged on the housing of the HUD, wherein the housing with the combination mirror is adjusted as a whole, depending on the user's eye position, such that the observation area is guided toward the eye position.

[0008] DE 102015109027 A1 discloses a head-up display unit for a vehicle, which generates a virtual image in the driver's field of vision in the vehicle environment. The display unit includes a transmitting unit for generating and transmitting an image signal that is projected onto the driver's field of vision along multiple projection paths. The display unit includes at least one movable reflector that influences a portion of the projection paths. The representation of the virtual image is influenced by a controlled change in the orientation of the movable reflector, and additionally by a modification of the transmitted image signal, compared to the image signal in its original state. This modification is particularly used to compensate for distortions caused by the curvature of the windshield and the displacement of the eye position along with the movement of the vehicle.

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

[0010] DE 102021119272 A1 discloses a projection unit for a field-of-view display device for 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 to accommodate 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 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 along the direction of a reflective glass plate (the light beam being reflected at the reflective glass plate to his eye box), and the image orientation maintaining tilt is designed such that the virtual image plane has a predetermined same orientation at different eye box positions.

[0011] DE 102016214438 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a head-up display, the head-up display including a projector for generating individually controllable pixels for displaying images, and a mechanically adjustable optical system for projecting images onto a glass plate of the motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle has a module for determining the viewing direction or eye position of the driver and / or occupant of the motor vehicle, and wherein the motor vehicle includes controls for shifting pixels by means of the projector depending on the identified change in viewing direction and for simultaneously mechanically adjusting the optical system depending on the identified change in viewing direction or eye position, wherein the mechanically adjustable optical system includes at least one mechanically adjustable reflector.

[0012] DE 102010040694 A1 discloses a head-up display (HUD) for a vehicle that uses a transparent surface in the vehicle along the observer's viewing direction as a display area for displaying information by means of an imaging unit. Imaging optics are arranged between the imaging unit and the display area. An adapter is provided (which allows the display of information to adapt to different eye positions of the observer), a camera is provided for recording the observer's head, and an image processing unit is provided for evaluating the image from the camera. A projection device is provided to image an optically detectable mark along the direction of the observer's head, and the image processing unit is designed to evaluate the mark based on the camera's recording. Adaptation is implemented by means of a rotating mirror to accommodate different eye positions of the observer.

[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 tester in the motor vehicle, a corresponding set of setting parameters of the head position and 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 (HUD) for a motor vehicle and a corresponding HUD for the motor vehicle, the HUD having an infrared camera disposed behind a cold light mirror for detecting infrared radiation and having a computing device.

[0015] DE 19933769 A1 describes a method and components for individually and independently configuring the functions of components of a motor vehicle, particularly components serving driver safety, based on driver-specific characteristic data.

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

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

[0018] WO 2022 / 218699 A1 discloses a projection assembly that includes 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] The object of this invention is to provide an improved projection assembly in which the projection can be adapted to the observer's vertical eye position.

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

[0021] The projection assembly according to the invention is suitable for displaying virtual images to an observer whose eye position is located within an eye box, and includes a laminated glass plate, an image display device, and control elements. As is common in HUDs, the image display device illuminates a region of the laminated glass plate in which radiation is reflected along the observer's direction, resulting in the generation of a virtual image perceived by the observer from behind the laminated glass plate from their perspective.

[0022] The laminated glass sheet has a main perspective area and a projection area. In this application, the area of ​​the laminated glass sheet that can be illuminated by an image display device is referred to as the projection area. Within the scope of this application, the area primarily seen through the laminated glass sheet by the vehicle driver or observer is referred to as the main perspective 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 glass sheet according to the invention comprises an outer glass sheet and an inner glass sheet, which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic interlayer. The laminated glass sheet is provided to separate the interior from the external environment in a window opening of a vehicle. Within the meaning of this invention, the term "inner glass sheet" refers to the glass sheet of the laminated glass sheet facing the interior of the vehicle. The outer glass sheet refers to the glass sheet facing the external environment.

[0025] Laminated glass sheets have a top edge and a bottom edge, as well as two side edges extending between them. The top edge refers to the edge intended to point upwards in the mounting position. The bottom edge refers to the edge intended to point downwards in the mounting position. In the case of a windshield, the top edge is often also referred to as the roof edge, and the bottom edge as the engine edge. The bottom edge can also be referred to as the pane root.

[0026] The outer and inner glass sheets each have an outer side surface and an inner side surface, and a circumferential side edge extending between them. Within the meaning of this invention, the outer side surface refers to the primary surface intended to face the external environment when installed. Within the meaning of this invention, the inner side surface refers to the primary surface intended to face inwards when installed. The inner side surface of the outer glass sheet and the outer side surface of the inner glass sheet face each other and are connected to each other by a thermoplastic interlayer.

[0027] The outer surface of the outer glass plate is marked as Side I. The inner surface of the outer glass plate is marked as Side II. The outer surface of the inner glass plate is marked as Side III. The inner surface of the inner glass plate is marked as Side IV.

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

[0029] The image display device is arranged on the inner side (i.e., in its mounting position inside the vehicle) and is guided toward the projection area. Therefore, the image display device illuminates the laminated glass sheet via the inner surface of the inner glass sheet. Thus, the inner surface of the inner glass sheet is the surface of the inner glass sheet closest to the image display device.

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

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

[0032] The control elements are particularly suitable for controlling a first matrix of the image display device at least 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. Therefore, in order to display a virtual image in the eye box located in the upper position, the image is displayed in an area of ​​the image display device that is different from the area where the image is displayed for displaying a virtual image in the eye box located in the middle or lower position. Similarly, in order to display a virtual image in the eye box located in the middle position, the image is displayed in an area of ​​the image display device that is different from the area where the image is displayed for displaying a virtual image in the eye box located in the upper or lower position. Likewise, in order to display a virtual image in the eye box located in the lower position, the image is displayed in an area of ​​the image display device that is different from the area where the image is displayed for displaying a virtual image in the eye box located in the middle or upper position.

[0033] It should be understood that the control element can also be adapted to selectively control three or more different matrices of the image display device in order to display virtual images for three or more different positions of the eye box.

[0034] Controlling different positions of the eye box by selectively controlling the matrix of the matrix display offers the following advantages over mechanically adjusting the reflector of the projector used to adjust the position of the eye box: control of the desired matrix can be implemented much faster than setting the desired reflector 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, especially an LCD display or a mini LED display with local dimming.

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

[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 means the entire area that can be illuminated by all possible matrices of the image display device, and not just the area that can be illuminated by a single matrix or a selected matrix of the image display device.

[0038] A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the projection area is arranged adjacent to the lower edge of the laminated glass sheet. The projection area can be arranged to be directly adjacent to the lower edge or indirectly adjacent. Indirectly adjacent will be understood to mean that the projection area is not directly adjacent to the lower edge, but is arranged at a distance of a few centimeters (e.g., particularly 5 cm to 10 cm) from the lower edge.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, an opaque masking layer is disposed in the peripheral edge region, and particularly in the section overlapping the projection area, the width of the opaque masking layer is greater than its width in sections different from that section. The opaque masking layer disposed in the peripheral edge region also serves as a UV protectant for the adhesive used in mounting the laminated glass sheets.

[0040] Preferably, the projection assembly according to the invention additionally includes an adapter unit that determines 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 a control element for selectively controlling a matrix corresponding to the determined position of the eye box.

[0041] The observer can preferably indicate, for example, whether he is tall, medium, or short at the start of the journey, resulting in a conclusion about his eye position, and thus the adapter unit determines the position of the eye box corresponding to the eye position, and then outputs an electrical signal to the control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the determined position of the eye box.

[0042] Alternatively, by setting the seat and / or the rearview mirror and the exterior rearview mirror, a conclusion can be drawn about the observer's eye position, and thus the adapter unit can 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 may preferably perform a test procedure for the projection device at the start of the journey to indicate his eye position and select when he best sees a virtual image of the image projected onto the laminated glass by the image display device, and in this way transmit his eye position to the adapter unit, which can determine the position of the eye box corresponding to the eye position, and then transmit an electrical signal to the control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the determined position of the eye box.

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the projection assembly according to the invention additionally includes a detection device for detecting the eye position of an observer, 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 means of the detection device, and to output electrical signals to a control element for selectively controlling a matrix corresponding to the determined position of the eye box.

[0045] Suitable detection devices are known to those skilled in the art. For example, a 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 has a radiation source for emitting infrared radiation and a radiation receiver for receiving infrared radiation.

[0046] In an embodiment where 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 such that the infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source directly illuminates the observer's face, and the infrared radiation reflected by the observer's face directly illuminates the radiation receiver.

[0047] Alternatively, in embodiments where 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 for reflecting infrared radiation, and the radiation source and radiation receiver are arranged such that infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source can be reflected as first reflected radiation from the functional layer onto the observer's face, the first reflected radiation can be reflected as second reflected radiation from the observer's face onto the functional layer, 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.

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

[0049] Laminated glass sheets are preferably curved along one or more spatial directions, as is common for glass sheets used in motorized vehicles, where the common radius of curvature is in the range of approximately 10 cm to approximately 40 m. However, laminated glass sheets can also be flat, for example, if they are supplied as glass sheets for buses, trains, or tractors.

[0050] In embodiments where the image display device is curved in a planar 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, so that the virtual image can be perceived by the observer without distortion. As described above, the curvature of the image display device preferably adapts the image as closely as possible to the geometry of the glass sheet, so that the distortion element only needs to compensate for distortions not yet compensated for by the curvature of the image display device. Image distortion performed by means of a distortion element to adapt to a curved image display device and / or a curved laminated glass sheet as the projection surface is also known as so-called warping. For this purpose, a warping matrix or warping parameter set is used in particular. Suitable distortion elements are known to those skilled in the art.

[0051] As described above, the laminated glass sheet has an opaque masking layer outside the main perspective area, at least in the projection area. This results in a high-contrast image display compared to the opaque background formed by the masking layer, making the image appear bright and therefore highly perceptible. This advantageously reduces the power consumption of the image display device, thus reducing energy consumption. This is an advantage of the projection assembly according to the invention.

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

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

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

[0055] An opaque masking layer forming the opaque colored area 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 such that they do not overlap when viewed through a laminated glass sheet. The transparent and opaque films are composed of the same plastic or preferably contain the same plastic. The materials on which the opaque and transparent films are based are those also described for thermoplastic interlayers. The opaque film is preferably a colored film that can have different colors (especially black).

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

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

[0058] According to the present invention, a projection component for displaying a virtual image to an observer whose eye position is located within an eye box therefore further includes at least:

[0059] - A laminated glass sheet having a projection area, a main perspective area, an upper edge, a lower edge, and two lateral glass sheet edges, wherein the projection area is arranged outside the main perspective 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 intermediate layer disposed between the outer glass sheet and the inner glass sheet, and having at least in the projection area an opaque masking layer outside the main perspective area, and wherein a reflective element for reflecting visible light is disposed in the projection area between the outer glass sheet and the inner glass sheet or on the inner surface of the inner glass sheet, and when viewed through the laminated glass sheet, the reflective element is spatially arranged in front of the opaque masking layer.

[0060] - An image display device arranged on the inner side, the image display device being guided toward the projection area, wherein the image display device is a matrix display, and

[0061] - Control elements suitable for selectively controlling different matrices of an image display device to display virtual images for different positions of the eye box.

[0062] The reflective element can 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 can 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 can be arranged between the specific surface and the coating.

[0063] The reflective element may instead be formed as a coating on a thin glass sheet or film, or as a reflective film disposed between the thermoplastic interlayer and the inner glass sheet, or disposed between the thermoplastic interlayer and the outer glass sheet, or bonded 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).

[0064] 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 up to 90% of visible light. Within the meaning of this invention, "reflected" means that the reflective element reflects visible light impinging upon it. Within the meaning of this invention, a specific percentage range of reflection means the average reflectance at a defined angle of incidence (65°). The reflective element is provided to reflect an image projected onto it by an image display device. The reflective element may be transparent, but is preferably opaque.

[0065] Suitable reflective elements are known to those skilled in the art.

[0066] As described above, the reflective element is transparent. Within the meaning of this invention, this means that the reflective element has an average transmittance of at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, in the visible spectrum, and thus does not significantly limit observation through the laminated glass sheet. In some embodiments, only the projection area of ​​the laminated glass sheet may be provided with a reflective element. However, in alternative embodiments, other areas may also be provided with reflective elements, and the laminated glass sheet may be provided with reflective elements substantially across its entire surface, which may be preferred for manufacturing reasons. In one embodiment of the invention, at least 80% of the glass sheet surface is provided with a reflective element. Specifically, except for peripheral edge regions and optional localized areas, reflective elements are applied to the entire surface of the windshield, areas designed to ensure that electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the windshield as a communication, sensor, or camera window, and therefore not provided with reflective elements. The peripheral edge regions have a width, for example, up to 20 cm. This prevents the reflective element from direct contact with the surrounding atmosphere, thus protecting the reflective element within the laminated glass sheet from corrosion and damage.

[0067] It should be 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, thereby ensuring observation through the laminated glass in the main perspective area.

[0068] 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.

[0069] Opaque reflective elements are, in particular, elements that include a mirror layer.

[0070] The image display device is used to generate p-polarized light and / or s-polarized light (image information), which illuminates the laminated glass plate in the projection area and is reflected in the direction of the observer.

[0071] In embodiments of the projection assembly according to the invention, where the laminated glass sheet lacks a reflective element, the radiation from the image display device is preferably fully or almost entirely s-polarized (essentially purely s-polarized). The proportion of s-polarized radiation is 100% or deviates only slightly from it. 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.

[0072] In embodiments of the projection assembly according to the invention, wherein the laminated glass sheet has a reflective element arranged between an outer glass sheet and an inner glass sheet, 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 purely p-polarized). The proportion of p-polarized radiation is 100% or only slightly deviates from it. In these embodiments, p-polarized light emitted from the image display device is reflected by the reflective element in the direction of the observer.

[0073] In embodiments of the projection assembly according to the invention, wherein the laminated glass sheet has a reflective element disposed on the inner surface of the inner glass sheet, the reflective element is adapted to reflect p-polarized radiation and / or s-polarized radiation, and the radiation from the image display device is correspondingly p-polarized and / or s-polarized. In these embodiments, light emitted by the image display device is reflected by the reflective element in the direction of the observer.

[0074] During the operation of the projection assembly for generating a projection, radiation emitted by the image display device illuminates the area to be projected. The radiation from the image display device lies within the visible spectrum of the electromagnetic spectrum—common image display devices operate at wavelengths of approximately 470 nm, 550 nm, and 630 nm (RGB). Embodiments in which the laminated glass sheet in the projection assembly has reflective elements and the image display device emits p-polarized radiation are preferred because they offer the advantage that wearers of polarization-selective sunglasses can see the virtual image, as polarization-selective sunglasses typically allow only p-polarized radiation to pass through and block s-polarized radiation.

[0075] The term "p-polarized light" refers to p-polarized light in the visible spectrum. 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 irradiated area, the incident vector and the surface normal of the laminated glass sheet cross the plane of incidence. In other words, the polarization (i.e., the ratio of p-polarized to s-polarized radiation) at a point in the area irradiated by the light source, preferably at the geometric center of the irradiated area, is determined. Since the laminated glass sheet can be curved (e.g., when configured as a windshield) (which affects the plane of incidence of the radiation), slightly deviated polarization components may appear in other areas, which is unavoidable for physical reasons.

[0076] The laminated glass sheet according to the invention is preferably a windshield of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle (e.g., a car or truck). Such projection assemblies are particularly common, in which radiation from an image display device is reflected onto the windshield to generate an image perceptible to an observer, particularly a driver.

[0077] The outer and inner glass panes are preferably made of glass, particularly soda-lime glass, which is conventional for window panes. However, in principle, the glass panes can also be made of other types of glass (e.g., borosilicate glass, quartz glass, aluminosilicate glass) or transparent plastics (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate). The thickness of the outer and inner glass panes can vary widely. Preferably, glass panes with a thickness ranging from 0.8 mm to 5 mm, more preferably from 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm, such as glass panes with a standard thickness of 1.6 mm or 2.1 mm, are used.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the inner glass sheet has a thickness of up to 1.6 mm, particularly preferably up to 1.4 mm, and very particularly preferably up to 1.1 mm.

[0079] The outer glass pane, inner glass pane, and thermoplastic interlayer can be transparent and colorless, but can also be colored or tinted. In a preferred embodiment, the total transmittance through the windshield (including the reflective coating) is greater than 70% in the main perspective area (light type A). The term "total transmittance" refers to the method for testing the light transmittance of glass panes in motor vehicles as defined in Annex 3, § 9.1 of ECE-R 43. The outer and inner glass panes can be untempered, partially tempered, or tempered independently of each other. If at least one of the glass panes will be tempered, this can be thermal tempering or chemical tempering.

[0080] The inner glass sheet is preferably not colored or tinted.

[0081] The thermoplastic interlayer comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer (preferably ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or polyurethane (PU)) or mixtures, copolymers, or derivatives thereof, particularly preferably PVB. The interlayer is typically formed of a thermoplastic film (bonding 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 with functional properties, such as a film with sound damping properties.

[0082] In some embodiments, the laminated glass sheet may also have more than one thermoplastic interlayer.

[0083] Apart from any surface roughness conventional in the art, the thermoplastic interlayer can have a substantially constant thickness. Alternatively, the thermoplastic interlayer can also be formed as a wedge-shaped film.

[0084] Laminated glass sheets can be manufactured using methods known per se. An outer glass sheet and an inner glass sheet are laminated together via an interlayer, for example by autoclave processes, vacuum bag processes, vacuum ring processes, calendering processes, vacuum laminators, or combinations thereof. The outer and inner glass sheets are typically joined under the influence of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0085] 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 (i.e., simultaneously and with the same tool) because this ensures that the shapes of the glass sheets are optimally matched for subsequent lamination. Common temperatures for glass bending processes are, for example, 500°C to 700°C.

[0086] In order to manufacture the 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 guided toward the projection area.

[0087] According to the present invention, there is also a motorized vehicle with a projection component.

[0088] According to another method of the present invention, the projection assembly is used to display a virtual image for an observer whose eye position is located in an eye box, wherein the projection assembly includes a laminated glass plate, an image display device, and a control element, and wherein the position of the eye box is determined, and the control element selectively controls a matrix of the image display device corresponding to the determined position of the eye box for displaying the virtual image.

[0089] The laminated glass sheet has a projection area, a main perspective area, a top edge, a bottom edge, and two lateral glass sheet edges, wherein the projection area is arranged outside the main perspective 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 intermediate layer arranged between the outer glass sheet and the inner glass sheet, and has an opaque masking layer outside the main perspective area at least in the projection area.

[0090] The image display device is arranged on the inner side, guided toward the projection area, and is a matrix display.

[0091] Therefore, the preferred embodiments of the projection assembly according to the present invention described above are also applicable to the method according to the present invention.

[0092] The invention also includes the use of the projection assembly according to the invention in vehicles used for land, air or water transportation, wherein the laminated glass sheet is preferably a windshield. Attached Figure Description

[0093] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings and examples of embodiments. The drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. The drawings do not limit the invention in any way.

[0094] In the attached diagram:

[0095] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a laminated glass sheet according to an embodiment of the projection assembly of the present invention.

[0096] Figure 2 Is it through Figure 1 A cross-section of an embodiment of the projection assembly according to the present invention is shown;

[0097] Figures 3a to 3c This is a plan view of the image display device.

[0098] Figure 4 This is a cross-section of one embodiment of a laminated glass sheet.

[0099] Figure 5 This is a cross-section through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet.

[0100] Figure 6 This is a cross-section through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet.

[0101] Figure 7 This is a cross-section through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a cross-section through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet.

[0103] Figure 9 This is a cross-section through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet.

[0104] Figure 10 This is a cross-section through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet.

[0105] Figure 11 This is a cross-section through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet.

[0106] Figure 12 It is a cross-section through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet, and

[0107] Figure 13 It is a cross-section passing through another embodiment of the projection component according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0108] Figure 1 A plan view of a laminated glass sheet 1 according to an embodiment of a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention is shown. The laminated glass sheet 1 has an upper edge O, a lower edge U, and two lateral glass sheet edges S. Additionally, Figure 1 The main perspective region H and projection region P of the laminated glass sheet 1 are shown. Figure 1 In the middle, we can also see that, Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, in which area does the laminated glass sheet 1 have an opaque masking layer 5? Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the projection area P is arranged to be indirectly adjacent to the lower edge U, for example, 5 cm from the lower edge U. The opaque masking layer 5 is arranged to be directly adjacent to the lower edge U and extends between the side edges S.

[0109] Figure 2 A cross-section through an embodiment of the projection component 100 according to the invention is shown, wherein this corresponds to along... Figure 1 The cross-section of the section line X'-X. For example, from... Figure 2 As can be seen, the projection assembly 100 according to the present invention includes a laminated glass sheet 1, an image display device 6, and a control element 7.

[0110] Laminated glass sheet 1 can be, for example, as follows Figures 4 to 12 Build it as shown.

[0111] The image display device 6 is arranged on the inner side, guided toward the projection area P, and is a matrix display. The image display device 6 is, for example, an LCD display.

[0112] exist Figure 2 The image depicts three eye boxes positioned in different ways: the upper eye box is marked with reference numeral 10a, the middle eye box with reference numeral 10b, and the lower eye box with reference numeral 10c. Figure 2 In the middle, the eye box is depicted with eyes.

[0113] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, 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 shines on the laminated glass plate 1 in the projection area P and is reflected from it in the direction of the observer, with the observer's eye position located in eye box 10a, allowing the observer to see the virtual image 9a. When matrix 8b is used, light emitted by the image display device 6 shines on the laminated glass plate 1 in the projection area P and is reflected from it in the direction of the observer, with the observer's eye position located in eye box 10b, allowing the observer to see the virtual image 9b. When matrix 8c is used, light emitted by the image display device 6 shines on the laminated glass plate 1 in the projection area P and is reflected from it in the direction of the observer, with the observer's eye position located in eye box 10c, allowing the observer to see the virtual image 9c. Depending on the selection of matrices 8a, 8b, and 8c, the positions of eye boxes 10a, 10b, and 10c appearing in the vertical direction are adjusted.

[0114] The control element 7 is adapted to selectively control different matrices 8a, 8b, 8c of the image display device 6 to display virtual images 9a, 9b, 9c at different positions of the eyepieces 10a, 10b, 10c. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the projection assembly 100 according to the invention shown, 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, and these matrices are separate from each other and therefore do not at least partially overlap.

[0115] Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c A plan view of the image display device 6 is shown when it can be used in the projection assembly according to the invention.

[0116] Figure 3a A plan view of the image display device 6 in which an image is displayed by means of matrix 8a is shown. Figure 3b A plan view showing the image is illustrated using matrix 8b. Figure 3c A plan view showing the image is illustrated using matrix 8c. Matrices 8a, 8b, and 8c partially overlap each other.

[0117] The non-active area of ​​the image display device 6 (i.e., the area outside a specific active matrix) can be completely turned off, resulting in power savings.

[0118] Figure 4 A cross-section is shown through an embodiment of a laminated glass sheet 1 used for a projection assembly 100 according to the invention. The laminated glass sheet 1 in... Figure 4 The laminated glass sheet 1 is shown as flat. It should be understood that the laminated glass sheet 1 can also be bent, for example... Figure 2 and Figure 13 As shown in the diagram. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the laminated glass sheet 1 has an upper edge O and a lower edge U. Additionally, Figure 4 The main perspective area H and projection area P of the laminated glass sheet 1 are shown. The laminated glass sheet 1 includes an outer glass sheet 2 having an outer surface I and an inner surface II, and an inner glass sheet 3 having an outer surface III and an inner surface IV, which are connected to each other via a thermoplastic interlayer 4.

[0119] The thermoplastic interlayer 4 is, for example, an interlayer composed of PVB and has a thickness of 0.76 mm. Apart from the surface roughness typically found in the art, the thermoplastic interlayer 4 has a substantially constant thickness—it is not formed as a so-called wedge film. Alternatively, the thermoplastic interlayer 4 may also be formed as a wedge film.

[0120] The outer glass sheet 2 and the inner glass sheet 3 are, for example, made of soda-lime glass. The outer glass sheet 2 has a thickness of, for example, 2.1 mm; the inner glass sheet 3 has a thickness of, for example, 1.6 mm or 1.1 mm.

[0121] exist Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, in the area outside the main perspective area H and at least including the projection area P, an opaque masking layer 5 is disposed on the inner surface II of the outer glass sheet 2, adjacent to the lower edge U. The opaque masking layer 5 is, for example, a cover print made of dark, preferably black enamel. Alternatively, the opaque masking layer 5 may also be formed as an opaque insert element disposed between the outer glass sheet 2 and the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4, such as a black polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.

[0122] In accordance with Figure 4 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 shown in the embodiment, 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 glass sheet 3 in the direction of the observer.

[0123] Figure 5 A cross-section through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet 1 used for the projection assembly 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 5 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 4 The only difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the opaque masking layer 5 is disposed on the outer surface III of the inner glass sheet 3, rather than on the inner surface II of the outer glass sheet 2. The opaque masking layer 5 is, for example, a cover print made of dark, preferably black enamel. Alternatively, the opaque masking layer 5 may also be formed as an opaque insert element, such as a black PET film, disposed between the inner glass sheet 3 and the thermoplastic interlayer 4.

[0124] In accordance with Figure 5 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 shown in the embodiment, 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 glass sheet 3 in the direction of the observer.

[0125] Figure 6 A cross-section is shown through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet 1 used for the projection assembly 100 according to the invention. Figure 6 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 4 The only difference in the embodiment shown is that the opaque masking layer 5 is not disposed on the inner surface II of the outer glass sheet 2, but is formed as an opaque colored area of ​​the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4.

[0126] In accordance with Figure 6 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 shown in the embodiment, 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 glass sheet 3 in the direction of the observer.

[0127] Figure 7 A cross-section is shown through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet 1 used for the projection assembly 100 according to the invention. Figure 7 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 4 The only difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the reflective element 13 for reflecting visible light is arranged in the projection region P between the inner glass sheet 3 and the thermoplastic interlayer 4. 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 may 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 may also extend over the entire laminated glass sheet 1.

[0128] In accordance with Figure 7 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 shown in the embodiment, 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.

[0129] exist Figure 7 In the embodiment of the laminated glass sheet 1 shown, the reflective element 13 is arranged between the inner glass sheet 3 and the thermoplastic interlayer 4. It should be understood that if the reflective element 13 is formed as a coating on a thin glass sheet or film, or as a reflective film, it may alternatively be arranged between the thermoplastic interlayer 4 and the outer glass sheet 2, wherein when viewed through the laminated glass sheet 1, the reflective element 13 is spatially arranged in front of the opaque masking layer 5.

[0130] Figure 8 A cross-section is shown through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet 1 used for the projection assembly 100 according to the invention. Figure 8 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 6 The only difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the reflective element 13 for reflecting visible light is arranged in the projection region P between the inner glass sheet 3 and the thermoplastic interlayer 4. 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 may also be formed as a coating on a thin glass or film, arranged between the thermoplastic interlayer 4 and the inner glass sheet 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 may also extend over the entire laminated glass sheet 1.

[0131] In accordance with Figure 8 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 shown in the embodiment, 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.

[0132] Figure 9 A cross-section is shown through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet 1 used for the projection assembly 100 according to the invention. Figure 9 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 4 The only difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the reflective element 13 for reflecting visible light is arranged in the projection region P on the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. 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 may also be formed as a coating on a thin glass or film, or as a reflective film bonded to the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 may also extend over the entire laminated glass sheet 1.

[0133] In accordance with Figure 9 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 shown in the embodiment, 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.

[0134] Figure 10 A cross-section is shown through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet 1 used for the projection assembly 100 according to the invention. Figure 10 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 5 The only difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the reflective element 13 for reflecting visible light is arranged in the projection region P on the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. 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 may also be formed as a coating on a thin glass or film, or as a reflective film bonded to the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 may also extend over the entire laminated glass sheet 1.

[0135] In accordance with Figure 10 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 shown in the embodiment, 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.

[0136] Figure 11A cross-section is shown through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet 1 used for the projection assembly 100 according to the invention. Figure 11 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 6 The only difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the reflective element 13 for reflecting visible light is arranged in the projection region P on the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. 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 may also be formed as a coating on a thin glass or film, or as a reflective film bonded to the inner surface IV of the inner glass sheet 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 may also extend over the entire laminated glass sheet 1.

[0137] In accordance with Figure 11 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 shown in the embodiment, 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.

[0138] Figure 12 A cross-section is shown through another embodiment of the laminated glass sheet 1 used for the projection assembly 100 according to the invention. Figure 12 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 4 The only difference in the embodiment shown is that the opaque masking layer 5 is arranged in the peripheral edge region, the width of which in the region overlapping with the projection region P is greater than its width in the segment different from the projection region. Therefore, the region in which the opaque masking layer 5 is arranged includes both the peripheral edge region and the projection region P.

[0139] It should be understood that Figures 5 to 11 The laminated glass sheet 1 shown can also be modified such that the opaque masking layer 5 is arranged in the peripheral edge region, the width of which in the region overlapping with the projection region P is greater than the width in the segment different from the projection region.

[0140] In accordance with Figure 12 In the projection assembly 100 according to the invention of the laminated glass sheet 1 shown in the embodiment, 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 glass sheet 3 in the direction of the observer.

[0141] Figure 13 A cross-section through another embodiment of the projection component 100 according to the invention is shown. Figure 13 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2The only difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the projection assembly 100 additionally includes a detection device 11 for detecting the observer's eye position and an electronic control device 12. The electronic control device 12 is configured to determine the positions of eye boxes 10a, 10b, 10c corresponding to the eye positions based on the eye positions determined by means of the detection device 11, and to output electrical signals to the control element 7 for selectively controlling matrices 8a, 8b, 8c corresponding to the determined positions of the eye boxes 10a, 10b, 10c. For simplified representation, in... Figure 13 The unlabeled matrices are 8a, 8b, and 8c.

[0142] exist Figure 13 In the embodiment of the projection assembly shown, the laminated glass sheet 1 can be, for example, as... Figures 4 to 12 Designed as shown in one of them.

[0143] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0144] 100 Projection Components

[0145] 1. Laminated glass sheet

[0146] 2. Outer glass plate

[0147] 3. Inner glass plate

[0148] 4. Thermoplastic interlayer

[0149] 5 Opaque Masking Layer

[0150] 6. Image display device

[0151] 7 Control Elements

[0152] 8a, 8b, 8c matrices

[0153] Virtual images 9a, 9b, and 9c

[0154] Eye boxes 10a, 10b, and 10c

[0155] 11 Detection Device

[0156] 12 Electronic control devices

[0157] 13 Reflective elements

[0158] The upper edge of the O-laminated glass sheet 1

[0159] The lower edge of U-laminated glass sheet 1

[0160] S-Laminated glass sheet 1 side edge

[0161] Projection area of ​​P-laminated glass sheet 1

[0162] H laminated glass plate 1 main perspective area

[0163] I. Outer surface of outer glass plate 2

[0164] II. Inner surface of outer glass plate 2

[0165] III. Outer surface of inner glass plate 3

[0166] IV. Inner surface of inner glass plate 3

[0167] X'-X Cutting Line

Claims

1. A projection assembly (100) for displaying virtual images (9a, 9b, 9c) to an observer whose eye position is located in an eye box (10a, 10b, 10c), said 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) includes 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 having 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 guided toward the projection area (P), wherein the image display device (6) is a matrix display, and - Control element (7) adapted to selectively control different matrices (8a, 8b, 8c) of the image display device (6) to display the virtual image (9a, 9b, 9c) at different positions of the eye box (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) at the upper position of the eye box (10a), a second matrix (8b) at the middle position of the eye box (10b), and a third matrix (8c) at the 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 the outer edge region.

4. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, additionally comprising an adapter unit that determines the position of eye boxes (10a, 10b, 10c) corresponding to the eye position based on information input by the observer about his eye position, and outputs an electrical signal to the control element (7) for selectively controlling a matrix (8a, 8b, 8c) corresponding to the determined position of the eye boxes (10a, 10b, 10c).

5. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a detection device (11) for detecting the eye position of the observer, and an electronic control device (12) configured to determine the position of eye boxes (10a, 10b, 10c) corresponding to the eye position based on the eye position determined by means of the detection device (11), and to output an electrical signal to the control element (7) for selectively controlling a matrix (8a, 8b, 8c) corresponding to the determined position of the eye boxes (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 such that infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source can be reflected by the functional layer as first reflected radiation onto the face of the observer, 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 by the radiation receiver as third reflected radiation and received by the radiation receiver.

8. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The image display device (6) is curved in a plan view.

9. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The laminated glass sheet (1) is curved.

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

11. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, 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), or as an opaque insert element disposed 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 claim 1 or 2, wherein, A reflective element (13) for reflecting visible light is arranged in the projection area (P) between the outer glass sheet (2) and the inner glass sheet (3) or on the inner surface (IV) of the inner glass sheet (3), wherein, when viewed through the laminated glass sheet (1), the reflective element (13) is spatially arranged in front of the opaque masking layer (5).

13. The projection assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The width of the opaque masking layer (5) in the segment that overlaps with the projection area (P) is greater than the width in the segment that is different from the projection area.

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

15. A method for operating a projection assembly (100) for displaying virtual images (9a, 9b, 9c) for an observer whose eye position is located in an eye box (10a, 10b, 10c). in, The projection assembly (100) includes 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) includes 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). The image display device (6) is arranged on the inner side, guided toward the projection area (P), and is a matrix display. Furthermore, the position of the eye boxes (10a, 10b, 10c) is determined, and the control element (7) selectively controls the matrix (8a, 8b, 8c) of the image display device (6) corresponding to the determined position of the eye boxes (10a, 10b, 10c) for displaying the virtual image (9a, 9b, 9c).

16. Use of a projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in a vehicle for land, air or water transportation.

17. The use according to claim 16, wherein, The laminated glass sheet (1) is a windshield.

Images