Limited viewing control for panoramic head-up displays

Abstract

A viewing restriction control for a panoramic head-up display (HUD) is provided. A computer-implemented method includes: determining that a first image displayed by a first HUD on a vehicle windshield will be viewable by an operator of the vehicle, and configuring the first HUD such that the first image is viewable by the operator based on the determination that the first image is viewable by the operator. The method further includes: determining that a second image displayed by a second HUD on the windshield will not be viewable by the operator, and configuring the second HUD such that the second image is not viewable by the operator based on the determination that the second image is not viewable by the operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the general background of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently named inventors, and aspects of the description that may otherwise not conform to the prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly considered to be prior art of this disclosure. Background Technology

[0002] A head-up display (HUD) for vehicles is an advanced technology that projects information directly onto the vehicle's windshield, allowing operators to access information without taking their eyes off the road. This transparent display can include, for example, speed, navigation direction, fuel level, and other important indicators, enhancing situational awareness and safety. Through seamless integration with the vehicle's onboard systems, HUDs help ensure operators can remain aware of their surroundings while constantly monitoring their vehicle's status and upcoming maneuvers. This innovative feature not only improves driving efficiency but also delivers a more immersive and connected driving experience. A panoramic head-up display (HUD) comprises two, three, or more HUDs that display a virtual image across the width of the vehicle's windshield. Typically, each HUD is equipped with a Lambertian light source, which allows the virtual image presented by each HUD to be visible across a wide field of view. That is, it is visible to both the vehicle's operator and passengers.

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to providing a restricted viewing mode for panoramic HUDs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure provides a vehicle including a windshield, a first head-up display (HUD) configured to display a first image on the windshield, a second HUD configured to display a second image on the windshield, data processing hardware communicating with the first and second HUDs, and memory hardware communicating with the data processing hardware and storing instructions that, when executed by the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations. These operations include determining that the first image will be viewable by an operator of the vehicle, and configuring the first HUD such that the first image is viewable by the operator based on the determination that the first image will be viewable by the operator. These operations also include determining that the second image will not be viewable by the operator, and configuring the second HUD such that the second image is not viewable by the operator based on the determination that the second image will not be viewable by the operator.

[0005] Implementations of this disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the operation further includes determining that the first image will not be viewable by passengers of the vehicle, and configuring the first HUD such that the first image is viewable by the operator and not viewable by passengers based on the determination that the first image will be viewable by the operator and not viewable by passengers. The operation may also include determining that a second image will be viewable by passengers of the vehicle, and configuring the second HUD such that the second image is not viewable by the operator and is viewable by passengers based on the determination that the second image will not be viewable by the operator and will be viewable by passengers.

[0006] In some examples, the operation further includes determining that the first image will be viewable by the vehicle's passengers, and configuring the first HUD such that the first image is viewable by both the operator and the passengers, based on the determination that the first image will be viewable by both the operator and the passengers. In some implementations, determining that the second image will not be viewable by the operator includes determining that media content is being displayed on the windshield by the second HUD. In some examples, determining that the first image will be viewable by the operator includes determining that media content is being displayed on the windshield by the first HUD and determining that the vehicle is operating autonomously.

[0007] In some implementations, the first HUD includes a switchable diffuser that can be selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a transparent optical state, such that the first image is visible only to the operator, or in a diffuse optical state, such that the first image is visible to both the operator and the passenger. In some examples, the second HUD includes a switchable diffuser that can be selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a diffuse state, such that the second image is visible to both the operator and the passenger, or in a transparent optical state, such that the first image is visible only to the passenger.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a system including data processing hardware and memory hardware communicating with the data processing hardware and storing instructions that, when executed by the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations. These operations include determining that a first image displayed by a first head-up display (HUD) on a vehicle windshield will be viewable by an operator of the vehicle, and configuring the first HUD such that the first image is viewable by the operator based on the determination that the first image will be viewable by the operator. These operations also include determining that a second image displayed by a second HUD on the windshield will not be viewable by the operator, and configuring the second HUD such that the second image is not viewable by the operator based on the determination that the second image will not be viewable by the operator.

[0009] Implementations of this disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the operation further includes determining that the first image will not be viewable by passengers of the vehicle, and configuring the first HUD such that the first image is viewable by the operator and not viewable by passengers based on the determination that the first image will be viewable by the operator and not viewable by passengers. In some examples, the operation further includes determining that the first image will be viewable by passengers of the vehicle, and configuring the first HUD such that the first image is viewable by both the operator and passengers based on the determination that the first image will be viewable by both the operator and passengers.

[0010] In some examples, determining that the second image will not be visible to the operator includes determining that media content is being displayed on the windshield by the second HUD. In some implementations, determining that the first image will be visible to the operator includes determining that media content is being displayed on the windshield by the first HUD and determining that the vehicle is operating autonomously.

[0011] In some implementations, the first HUD includes a switchable diffuser that can be selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a transparent optical state, such that the first image is visible only to the operator, or in a diffuse optical state, such that the first image is visible to both the operator and the passenger. In some examples, the second HUD includes a switchable diffuser that can be selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a diffuse state, such that the second image is visible to both the operator and the passenger, or in a transparent optical state, such that the first image is visible only to the passenger.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a computer-implemented method executed by data processing hardware, which causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. These operations include determining that a first image displayed by a first head-up display (HUD) on a vehicle windshield will be viewable by an operator of the vehicle, and configuring the first HUD such that the first image is viewable by the operator based on the determination that the first image is viewable by the operator. These operations also include determining that a second image displayed by a second HUD on the windshield will not be viewable by the operator, and configuring the second HUD such that the second image is not viewable by the operator based on the determination that the second image is not viewable by the operator.

[0013] Implementations of this disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, determining that the second image will not be viewable by the operator includes determining that media content is being displayed on the windshield by the second HUD. In some examples, determining that the first image will be viewable by the operator includes determining that media content is being displayed on the windshield by the first HUD and determining that the vehicle is operating autonomously.

[0014] In some examples, the first HUD includes a switchable diffuser that can be selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a transparent optical state, such that the first image is visible only to the operator, or in a diffuse optical state, such that the first image is visible to both the operator and the passenger. In some implementations, the second HUD includes a switchable diffuser that can be selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a diffuse state, such that the second image is visible to both the operator and the passenger, or in a transparent optical state, such that the first image is visible only to the passenger.

[0015] The following solutions are provided:

[0016] 1. A vehicle comprising:

[0017] windshield;

[0018] A first head-up display (HUD) is configured to display a first image on the windshield;

[0019] The second HUD is configured to display a second image on the windshield;

[0020] Data processing hardware, communicating with the first HUD and the second HUD; and

[0021] Memory hardware that communicates with and stores instructions, which, when executed by the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations, including:

[0022] The first image will be visible to the vehicle's operator.

[0023] Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to the operator, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to the operator;

[0024] It is determined that the second image will not be viewable by the operator; and

[0025] Based on the determination that the second image will not be visible to the operator, the second HUD is configured so that the second image is not visible to the operator.

[0026] 2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the operation further includes:

[0027] It was determined that the first image would not be viewable by the passengers of the vehicle; and

[0028] Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to the operator and not to the passenger, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to the operator and not to the passenger.

[0029] 3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the operation further includes:

[0030] It was determined that the second image would be viewable by the passengers of the vehicle; and

[0031] Based on the determination that the second image will not be visible to the operator but will be visible to the passenger, the second HUD is configured such that the second image is not visible to the operator but is visible to the passenger.

[0032] 4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the operation further includes:

[0033] It was determined that the first image would be viewable by the passengers of the vehicle; and

[0034] Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to both the operator and the passenger, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to both the operator and the passenger.

[0035] 5. The vehicle according to Scheme 1, wherein determining that the second image will not be viewable by the operator includes determining that media content is being displayed on the windshield by the second HUD.

[0036] 6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein determining that the first image will be viewable by the operator includes:

[0037] It is confirmed that the media content is being displayed on the windshield by the first HUD; and

[0038] The vehicle is confirmed to be operating autonomously.

[0039] 7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first HUD includes a switchable diffuser, the switchable diffuser being selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a transparent optical state such that the first image is visible only to the operator, or in a diffuse state such that the first image is visible to both the operator and the passenger.

[0040] 8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second HUD includes a switchable diffuser, the switchable diffuser being selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a diffuse state such that the second image is visible to the operator and the passenger, or in a transparent optical state such that the first image is visible only to the passenger.

[0041] 9. A system comprising:

[0042] Data processing hardware; and

[0043] Memory hardware that communicates with and stores instructions, which, when executed by the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations, including:

[0044] It is determined that the first image displayed on the vehicle's windshield by the first head-up display (HUD) will be visible to the vehicle's operator;

[0045] Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to the operator, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to the operator;

[0046] It is determined that the second image displayed on the windshield by the second HUD will not be visible to the operator; and

[0047] Based on the determination that the second image will not be visible to the operator, the second HUD is configured so that the second image is not visible to the operator.

[0048] 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the operation further includes:

[0049] It was determined that the first image would not be viewable by the passengers of the vehicle; and

[0050] Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to the operator and not to the passenger, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to the operator and not to the passenger.

[0051] 11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the operation further includes:

[0052] It was determined that the first image would be viewable by the passengers of the vehicle; and

[0053] Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to both the operator and the passenger, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to both the operator and the passenger.

[0054] 12. The system according to claim 9, wherein determining that the second image will not be viewable by the operator includes determining that media content is being displayed on the windshield by the second HUD.

[0055] 13. The system according to claim 9, wherein determining that the first image will be viewable by the operator includes:

[0056] It is confirmed that the media content is being displayed on the windshield by the first HUD; and

[0057] The vehicle is confirmed to be operating autonomously.

[0058] 14. The system according to claim 9, wherein the first HUD includes a switchable diffuser, the switchable diffuser being selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a transparent optical state such that the first image is visible only to the operator, or in a diffuse state such that the first image is visible to both the operator and passengers.

[0059] 15. The system according to claim 9, wherein the second HUD includes a switchable diffuser, which can be selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a diffuse state such that the second image is visible to the operator and the passenger, or in a transparent optical state such that the first image is visible only to the passenger.

[0060] 16. A computer-implemented method executed by data processing hardware, the computer-implemented method causing the data processing hardware to perform operations, the operations including:

[0061] It is determined that the first image displayed on the vehicle's windshield by the first head-up display (HUD) will be visible to the vehicle's operator;

[0062] Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to the operator, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to the operator;

[0063] It is determined that the second image displayed on the windshield by the second HUD will not be visible to the operator; and

[0064] Based on the determination that the second image will not be visible to the operator, the second HUD is configured so that the second image is not visible to the operator.

[0065] 17. The computer-implemented method according to claim 16, wherein determining that the second image will not be viewable by the operator includes determining that media content is being displayed on the windshield by the second HUD.

[0066] 18. The computer-implemented method according to claim 16, wherein determining that the first image will be viewable by the operator includes:

[0067] It is confirmed that the media content is being displayed on the windshield by the first HUD; and

[0068] The vehicle is confirmed to be operating autonomously.

[0069] 19. The computer-implemented method according to claim 16, wherein the first HUD includes a switchable diffuser, the switchable diffuser being selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a transparent optical state such that the first image is visible only to the operator, or in a diffuse state such that the first image is visible to both the operator and passengers.

[0070] 20. The computer-implemented method according to claim 16, wherein the second HUD includes a switchable diffuser, which can be selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a diffuse state such that the second image is visible to the operator and the passenger, or in a transparent optical state such that the first image is visible only to the passenger. Attached Figure Description

[0071] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0072] Figure 1 This is a view of an example vehicle including a panoramic head-up display (HUD) system in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

[0073] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic view of a panoramic HUD system.

[0074] Figure 3 This is a schematic view of the dashboard, including the panoramic HUD system.

[0075] Figure 4A and 4B An example of a limited viewing mode for a panoramic HUD system is shown.

[0076] Figure 5A and 5B An example HUD is shown that provides a restricted viewing mode for a panoramic HUD.

[0077] Figure 6A and 6B Another example HUD is shown, which provides a restricted viewing mode for panoramic HUDs.

[0078] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an example setup for providing a restricted viewing mode for a panoramic HUD.

[0079] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of another example setup for providing a restricted viewing mode for a panoramic HUD.

[0080] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The example configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configuration is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configuration of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, the example configuration may be embodied in many different forms, and the specific details and example configuration should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0082] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0083] When an element or layer is described as “located on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly located on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be an intervening element or layer present. In contrast, when an element is described as “directly located on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening element or layer present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0084] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0085] In this application (including the following definitions), the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuit; combinational logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor (shared, dedicated, or group) for executing code; memory (shared, dedicated, or group) for storing code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0086] As used above, the term "code" can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor combined with an additional processor that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" covers memory combined with additional memory that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium" does not cover transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium, and therefore can be considered tangible and non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage devices, and optical storage devices.

[0087] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented, in part or in whole, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or depend on stored data.

[0088] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0089] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used for temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used in firmware, such as boot programs). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or magnetic tapes.

[0090] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0091] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented as digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transfer data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0092] The processes and logic described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors (also known as data processing hardware) that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. Processing and logic can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors in any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are the processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to, receiving or transferring data to, or both to, one or more mass storage devices (such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data. However, such devices are not essential for a computer. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0093] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen) for displaying information to the user and optional keyboard and pointing devices (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input. Furthermore, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from devices used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0094] Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” is intended to refer to any combination or subset of A, B, and C, such as: (1) at least one A alone; (2) at least one B alone; (3) at least one C alone; (4) at least one A and at least one B; (5) at least one A and at least one C; (6) at least one B and at least one C; and (7) at least one A and at least one B and at least one C. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” is intended to refer to any combination or subset of A, B, and C, such as: (1) at least one A alone; (2) at least one B alone; (3) at least one C alone; (4) at least one A and at least one B; (5) at least one A and at least one C; (6) at least one B and at least one C; and (7) at least one A and at least one B and at least one C. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, “A or B” is intended to refer to any combination of A and B, such as: (1) A alone; (2) B alone; and (3) A and B.

[0095] A panoramic head-up display (HUD), also known as a panoramic head-up monitor, comprises two, three, or more HUDs that display a virtual image across the width of the vehicle's windshield. Typically, each HUD is equipped with a Lambertian light source, which allows the virtual image presented by the HUD to be visible across a wide field of view. That is, it is visible to both the vehicle's operator and passengers. In some cooperative driving scenarios, passengers and operators may want to see information presented by all the HUDs. However, in other scenarios, passengers may want to use, for example, one of the HUDs to view media content (e.g., video). However, for safety reasons, in many cases, such media content cannot be legally presented to or visible to the vehicle's operator. Therefore, panoramic HUD displays require a privacy mode. That is, a restricted viewing mode is needed for panoramic HUDs.

[0096] While the configuration is shown and described herein in conjunction with vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes, trains, motorcycles, etc.), it should be understood that the disclosed configuration can be additionally or alternatively used to provide a restricted viewing mode for a panoramic HUD of any other type of equipment (e.g., video conferencing systems, computers, bicycles, industrial equipment, etc.). Here, the vehicle or equipment may be operated by a person or independently.

[0097] Specific reference Figure 1 , 2In conjunction with vehicle 10 (e.g., car, truck, airplane, train, motorcycle, etc.), a panoramic head-up display (HUD) system 12 is shown, which provides a panoramic HUD. Vehicle 10 includes two, three, or more HUDs 14, 14a-n, which are deployed, positioned, or otherwise provided in the dashboard 16 of vehicle 10, facing the windshield 18 of vehicle 10. Each HUD 14 is configured to face the windshield 18 of vehicle 10 and display a corresponding image thereon. The displayed image is reflected back by the windshield 18 to the occupants 100, 100a-n of vehicle 10. Here, the occupants 100 view the image as a virtual image, which is perceived as being in front of vehicle 10. HUD 14 is configured to display the virtual image across the width of windshield 18 to provide a panoramic HUD. In some examples, HUD 14 displays the image on a sunshade portion of windshield 18. In some implementations, the panoramic HUD system 12 includes a left HUD 14a that displays an image on a windshield 18 in front of the operator 100a of the vehicle 10, a central HUD 14b that displays an image on a windshield 18 between the operator 100a and the passenger 100b in the vehicle 10, and a right HUD 14c that displays an image on a windshield 18 in front of the passenger 100b.

[0098] The panoramic HUD system 12 includes a display control module 20 for controlling the restricted viewing mode of the panoramic HUD. The display control module 20 can be executed on the vehicle body control module (BCM) 22 of the vehicle 10 or any other controller. Specifically, the BCM 22 stores machine-readable instructions for executing the display control module 20 on, for example, memory hardware 24. These instructions can be executed by the data processing hardware 26 (e.g., a processor) of the BCM 22 to execute the display control module 20. Here, the display control module 20 executes... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The operations shown, or the operations described elsewhere in this disclosure.

[0099] like Figure 4A and 4B As shown, the display control module 20 can be configured to provide different viewing modes for the HUD 14, including a restricted viewing mode. Figure 4A In the example, the display control module 20 configures the HUD 14 so that the operator 100a and passenger 100b can view the images displayed by all HUD 14.

[0100] On the contrary, Figure 4BIn the example shown, the display control module 20 configures the left HUD 14a and the central HUD 14b such that only the operator 100a can view the images displayed by the left HUD 14a and the central HUD 14b, and configures the right HUD 14c such that only the passenger 100b can view the images displayed by the right HUD 14c. In this illustrated example, the operator 100a is restricted to viewing the images displayed by the right HUD 14c, and the passenger 100b is restricted to viewing the images displayed by the left HUD 14a and the central HUD 14b. This restricted viewing mode allows, for example, the right HUD 14c to display entertainment media to the passenger 100b without distracting the operator 100a who needs to focus on operating the vehicle 10, and allows the left HUD 14a and the central HUD 14b to display information to the operator 100a without distracting the passenger 100b.

[0101] Figure 5A and 5B This is a schematic view of an example central HUD 14b, which can be controlled to present an image only to operator 100a or to both operator 100a and passenger 100b. The central HUD 14b includes a lens array 502, a switchable diffuser 504 (e.g., a liquid crystal (LC) diffuser), and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 506. In the illustrated example, the lens array 502 is configured to direct collimated light 508 from a collimated light source (not shown for clarity) to operator 100a. The switchable diffuser 504 can be selectively configured by the display control module 20 as a transparent optics device (…). Figure 5A ) or diffuser ( Figure 5B ).like Figure 5A As shown, when the switchable diffuser 504 is configured as a transparent optics device, the image displayed by the central HUD 14b is only visible to the operator 100a. Figure 5B As shown, when the switchable diffuser 504 is configured as a diffuser, both the operator 100a and the passenger 100b can view the image displayed by the central HUD 14b.

[0102] Figure 6A and 6B This is a schematic view of an example right HUD 14c, which can be controlled to present an image only to passenger 100b or to both operator 100a and passenger 100b. The right HUD 14c includes a switchable diffuser 604 (e.g., an LC diffuser) and an LCD 606. In the illustrated example, the switchable diffuser 604 can be selectively configured by the display control module 20 as a transparent optics device (…). Figure 6A ) or diffuser ( Figure 6B ).like Figure 6AAs shown, when the LC diffuser 604 is configured as a transparent optics device, the image displayed by the right HUD 14c is only visible to passenger 100b. Figure 6B As shown, when the switchable diffuser 604 is configured as a diffuser, both the operator 100a and the passenger 100b can view the image displayed by the right HUD 14c.

[0103] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an example arrangement of operations for providing a limited viewing mode for a panoramic HUD. These operations can be performed by data processing hardware (e.g., processor 26) based on instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory hardware 24). Many other ways of implementing method 700 can be adopted. For example, the execution order of operations can be changed, and / or one or more operations and / or interactions can be altered, eliminated, subdivided, or combined. Additionally, Figure 7 The operations can be executed sequentially and / or in parallel by, for example, separate processing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic, circuits, etc.

[0104] In operation 702, method 700 includes determining whether the right HUD 14c is used to display media (e.g., video). In operation 704, if the right HUD 14c is not displaying media, method 700 includes configuring all HUDs 14 to a Lambert mode such that the image displayed by the HUDs 14 is viewable by the operator 100a and the passenger 100b.

[0105] In operation 706, if the right HUD 14c is displaying media, method 700 includes determining whether the vehicle 10 is operating autonomously (e.g., in L3, L4, or L5 state). In operation 708, if the vehicle 10 is not operating autonomously, method 700 includes configuring the right HUD 14c such that only passenger 100b can view the media. In operation 710, method 700 includes configuring the central HUD 14b such that only operator 100a can view the image displayed by the central HUD 14b. In operation 712, method 700 includes configuring the left HUD 14a such that only operator 100a can view the image displayed by the left HUD 14a.

[0106] In operation 714, if the vehicle 10 is operating autonomously, method 700 includes configuring all HUDs 14 to Lambert mode so that the images displayed on the HUDs 14 are viewable by the operator 100a and the passenger 100b.

[0107] Figure 8This is a flowchart of an example arrangement of operations for providing a restricted viewing mode for a panoramic HUD. These operations can be performed by data processing hardware (e.g., processor 26) based on instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory hardware 24). Many other ways of implementing method 800 can be adopted. For example, the execution order of operations can be changed, and / or one or more operations and / or interactions can be altered, eliminated, subdivided, or combined. Additionally, Figure 7 The operations can be executed sequentially and / or in parallel by, for example, separate processing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic, circuits, etc.

[0108] In operation 802, method 800 includes determining that a first image displayed by the first HUD 14 on the windshield 18 of the vehicle 10 will be visible to the driver 100a of the vehicle 10. In operation 804, method 800 includes configuring the first HUD 14 such that the first image is visible to the driver 100a, based on the determination that the first image will be visible to the driver 100a. In operation 806, method 800 includes determining that a second image displayed by the second HUD 14 on the windshield 18 will not be visible to the driver 100a. In operation 808, method 800 includes configuring the second HUD 14 such that the second image is not visible to the driver 100a, based on the determination that the second image will not be visible to the driver 100a.

[0109] In some examples, method 800 further includes determining that the first image will not be viewable by passenger 100b of vehicle 10, and configuring the first HUD 14 such that the first image is viewable by operator 100a and not viewable by passenger 100b based on the determination that the first image will be viewable by operator 100a and not viewable by passenger 100b. Here, method 800 may also include determining that the second image will be viewable by passenger 100b of vehicle 10, and configuring the second HUD 14 such that the second image is not viewable by operator 100a and is viewable by passenger 100b based on the determination that the second image will not be viewable by operator 100a and is viewable by passenger 100b.

[0110] In some examples, method 800 further includes determining that the first image will be viewable by passenger 100b of vehicle 10, and configuring the first HUD 14 such that the first image is viewable by both operator 100a and passenger 100b based on the determination that the first image will be viewable by both operator 100a and passenger 100b.

[0111] Various implementations have been described. However, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0112] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in the selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: windshield; A first head-up display (HUD) is configured to display a first image on the windshield; The second HUD is configured to display a second image on the windshield; Data processing hardware that communicates with the first and second HUDs; as well as Memory hardware that communicates with and stores instructions, which, when executed by the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations, including: The first image will be visible to the vehicle's operator. Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to the operator, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to the operator; It is determined that the second image will not be viewable by the operator; and Based on the determination that the second image will not be visible to the operator, the second HUD is configured so that the second image is not visible to the operator.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the operation further comprises: It was determined that the first image would not be viewable by the passengers of the vehicle; as well as Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to the operator and not to the passenger, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to the operator and not to the passenger.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the operation further comprises: It was determined that the second image would be viewable by the vehicle's passengers; as well as Based on the determination that the second image will not be visible to the operator but will be visible to the passenger, the second HUD is configured such that the second image is not visible to the operator but is visible to the passenger.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the operation further comprises: The first image will be visible to the vehicle's passengers; as well as Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to both the operator and the passenger, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to both the operator and the passenger.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein determining that the second image will not be viewable by the operator includes determining that media content is being displayed on the windshield by the second HUD.

6. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein determining that the first image will be viewable by the operator includes: Confirm that the media content is being displayed on the windshield via the first HUD; as well as The vehicle is confirmed to be operating autonomously.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first HUD includes a switchable diffuser, the switchable diffuser being selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a transparent optical state such that the first image is visible only to the operator, or in a diffuse state such that the first image is visible to both the operator and the passenger.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the second HUD includes a switchable diffuser, the switchable diffuser being selectively configured by data processing hardware to be in a diffuse state such that the second image is viewable by the operator and the passenger, or in a transparent optical state such that the first image is viewable only by the passenger.

9. A system comprising: Data processing hardware; as well as Memory hardware that communicates with and stores instructions, which, when executed by the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations, including: It is determined that the first image displayed on the vehicle's windshield by the first head-up display (HUD) will be visible to the vehicle's operator; Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to the operator, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to the operator; It is determined that the second image displayed on the windshield by the second HUD will not be visible to the operator; and Based on the determination that the second image will not be visible to the operator, the second HUD is configured so that the second image is not visible to the operator.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the operation further comprises: It was determined that the first image would not be viewable by the passengers of the vehicle; as well as Based on the determination that the first image will be visible to the operator and not to the passenger, the first HUD is configured such that the first image is visible to the operator and not to the passenger.

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