Display system for a vehicle

Abstract

A display system for a vehicle is provided, the display system comprising: - a display device (20) having a display screen (22); - a reflective device (32) comprising: - a semi-reflective blade extending along a reflection plane (PREF) and intended to reflect a real image displayed by the display screen (22) towards a passenger to generate a corresponding virtual image (IVIR) in a second plane (P2); - a semi-transparent film applied to the semi-reflective blade and comprising at least one information element; - at least one lighting unit (62) capable of illuminating the at least one information element. The at least one lighting unit (62) comprises a light source for each information element, each light source being arranged along an edge of the semi-transparent film and configured to illuminate the corresponding information element through the thickness of the semi-transparent film.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of display systems for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] This invention relates to a display system for a vehicle, the display system comprising:

[0003] - A display device comprising at least one display screen designed to be hidden from the passengers of the vehicle and configured to display a real image in a first plane;

[0004] - A reflecting device that extends along a reflecting plane and includes:

[0005] - At least one semi-reflective blade extending along a reflective plane and designed to reflect a real image displayed by at least one display screen toward the passenger to generate a corresponding virtual image in a second plane;

[0006] - At least one translucent film, which is applied to at least one semi-reflective blade and includes at least one information element, the at least one translucent film extending parallel to the reflective plane and having a thickness in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reflective plane;

[0007] - At least one lighting unit capable of illuminating at least one information element.

[0008] Such a display system is, for example, placed on the vehicle's dashboard and configured to display information to vehicle passengers related to the operation, navigation, communication, and entertainment (movies, music, games, etc.) of the in-vehicle equipment.

[0009] Specifically, at least one display system is designed to show the driver information essential for driving, such as information related to the operation and / or navigation of necessary vehicle components. This information needs to be displayed simply, clearly, and centrally so that the vehicle driver can access it as quickly as possible.

[0010] In order to display various types of information, some state-of-the-art display systems have complex structures involving multiple display elements. However, such display systems are difficult to implement and occupy a lot of space.

[0011] Furthermore, the virtual images displayed to passengers are often information overloaded, making it difficult for drivers to easily obtain specific information about the vehicle and / or navigation. This can make it difficult to effectively draw the driver's attention to the necessary driving information.

[0012] In addition, information overload in the image makes the display unattractive.

[0013] Finally, the luminous intensity of virtual images may be limited, which is inconsistent with displaying important regulatory information that must have a minimum luminous intensity for easy identification by drivers. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a display system for vehicles in which passengers can more easily access information and the display is more aesthetically pleasing, and the display system is simple to manufacture and occupies little space.

[0015] Therefore, the subject of this invention is a display system of the aforementioned type, wherein an illumination unit includes a light source for each information element, each light source being arranged along the edge of at least one translucent film and configured to illuminate the corresponding information element through the thickness of the at least one translucent film.

[0016] This invention generates a depth impression of a virtual image by reflecting a real image onto a semi-reflective blade. For the vehicle's passengers, information elements virtually appear in front of the virtual image, making them particularly prominent.

[0017] Furthermore, this sense of depth between information elements and virtual images enhances the aesthetic appeal of the display.

[0018] Finally, since the lighting units are arranged at the edge of at least one translucent film and the illumination of the information elements occurs within the thickness of at least one film, the display system is easy to manufacture and its size is reduced.

[0019] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the display system, alone or in any technically feasible combination, includes one or more of the following features:

[0020] - At least one semi-reflective blade includes a substrate having a front side oriented substantially toward at least one display screen and a back side opposite to the front side, the at least one semi-transparent film being applied to the back side of the substrate.

[0021] - The reflective device includes at least one back anti-reflective film extending over the entirety of at least one translucent film, such that the at least one translucent film extends between the semi-reflective blade and the back anti-reflective film;

[0022] - At least one translucent film includes an information portion in which information elements are arranged, and the semi-reflective blade includes at least one semi-reflective processing layer that extends over at least a portion of the front side of the substrate so as to be arranged at least opposite to at least one information portion.

[0023] - At least one information element is a pictograph;

[0024] - Pictographs are selected from the following list:

[0025] - An indicator of the use of lights, such as position lights, low beam headlights, high beam headlights, front fog lights and / or rear fog lights, turn signals and / or hazard warning lights;

[0026] - Fault indicators, such as low oil level, front brake pad wear, ABS failure, power steering failure, airbag failure, ESP failure, bulb problems, low windshield washer fluid level, electronic component failure, engine pollution control problems, fuel filter water ingress and / or low fuel level indicators.

[0027] - Hazard indicators, such as those indicating that the handbrake is applied, brake failure, airbag failure, trunk opening, low battery charge, abnormal engine oil pressure, overheated engine oil, abnormal coolant temperature, abnormal tire pressure, steering lock failure, and / or seat belt not fastened.

[0028] - Printing and / or engraving at least one information element, particularly microprinting and / or microengraving or nanoprinting and / or nanoengraving, on at least one translucent membrane body;

[0029] - At least one translucent film includes a plurality of information zones, each information zone including information elements, the information zones are separated, and each light source is arranged opposite to the information zone and configured to illuminate only the information zone arranged opposite to it;

[0030] - The reflecting device is defined in the reflecting plane:

[0031] - A reflective surface designed to reflect a real image displayed by at least one display screen; and

[0032] - Information surface, which is designed to illuminate information elements; the reflective surface and the information surface are separate and adjacent.

[0033] The present invention also relates to a vehicle dashboard, the vehicle dashboard including a body and a display system as described above, the display system being mounted on the dashboard body. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The invention will become clearer from the following description, given only by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of several views corresponding to different parts of the vehicle dashboard according to the present invention. For simplicity, these views are arranged on top of each other.

[0036] Figure 2 It is based on the present invention Figure 1 A simplified schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view of the dashboard display system;

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A simplified schematic diagram of the cross-sectional view of the reflective device of the display system;

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A simplified schematic diagram of the front view of a portion of a reflective device;

[0039] Figure 5 As seen by the vehicle's passengers Figure 2 A simplified schematic diagram of the front view of the display system is shown in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The present invention describes a vehicle dashboard 10 according to the present invention.

[0041] The vehicle is, for example, a land vehicle, especially an automobile. However, the invention is not limited to land vehicles. Therefore, in one variation, the vehicle is an air vehicle, a sea vehicle, or another type of vehicle.

[0042] The dashboard 10 includes a dashboard body 12 and a display system 16 according to the present invention.

[0043] For example, the display system 16 is mounted on the body 12 of the dashboard 10.

[0044] Specifically, the display system 16 is mounted on a portion of the main body 12 of the instrument panel 10, which is designed to be positioned substantially within the driver's field of vision.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The display system 16 includes a display device 20 and a reflective device 32.

[0046] exist Figure 1 For ease of understanding, the display device 20 and the reflecting device 32 are schematically illustrated on the plane of the paper. The actual arrangement of the display device 20 and the reflecting device 32 is described below.

[0047] The display device 20 includes at least one display screen 22.

[0048] Optionally, the display device 20 also includes at least one head-up display 26.

[0049] The following describes a single display 22, and, where applicable, a single head-up display 26. Of course, when the display device 20 includes multiple displays and / or multiple head-up displays (where applicable), this description applies to one or more of the multiple displays, and, where applicable, to one or more of the multiple head-up displays.

[0050] The display screen 22 is intended to be hidden from the passengers of the vehicle.

[0051] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the display screen 22 is attached to the body 12 of the instrument panel 10 and extends in a plane that is substantially horizontal, and in particular substantially parallel to the vehicle floor.

[0052] Advantageously, the display screen 22 is arranged substantially above the reflective device 32 along a vertical direction Z that is substantially orthogonal to the vehicle floor.

[0053] The display screen 22 is configured to display a real image in a first plane P1. The first plane P1 is, for example, substantially parallel to the vehicle floor.

[0054] Advantageously, the display screen 22 is configured to display a real image representing information corresponding to a driving assistance system, such as navigation via, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) and / or ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) type driving assistance.

[0055] For example, information corresponding to GPS navigation assistance includes information relating to at least one item obtained from the following list:

[0056] - Navigation information, such as real-time maps, routes and directions, remaining distance, estimated time to destination, street names and exits, and / or route recalculation;

[0057] - Traffic information, such as traffic conditions, accidents and road construction and / or suggested alternative routes;

[0058] - Warnings and traffic regulations, such as speed limits, danger zones and speed cameras and / or school zones and pedestrian crossings;

[0059] - Points of interest, such as gas stations, restaurants, hotels, parking lots and / or electric vehicle charging stations;

[0060] - Additional data, such as altitude and GPS coordinates, weather conditions and / or night / day modes.

[0061] For example, information corresponding to ADAS navigation assistance includes information related to at least one item obtained from the following list:

[0062] - Detection and monitoring aids, such as blind spot detection, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitoring, parking assistance and / or 360° cameras;

[0063] - Driving and road-keeping assistance, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning and / or lane change assist;

[0064] - Collision anticipation and avoidance assistance, such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, forward collision warning and / or rear cross traffic detection;

[0065] - Specific assistance for specific driving conditions, such as downhill assist, hill start assist, and / or automatic or semi-automatic driving modes.

[0066] Even more advantageously, the display screen 22 is configured to display realistic images representing all the information normally provided on the dashboard (e.g., speed, fuel gauge, range, and / or tachometer) in the form of static images, animations, and / or videos, especially in manual driving mode, in automatic driving mode, and / or when the vehicle is stationary. "Manual driving mode" should be understood as driving not being automatic.

[0067] The display screen 22 is, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), an LED (light-emitting diode), an OLED (organic light-emitting diode), or a plasma screen.

[0068] The head-up display 26 includes at least one projection source 28 and optical elements (not shown).

[0069] At least one projection source 28 includes a projector or a screen.

[0070] The optical elements of the head-up display 26 include lenses, mirrors, and reflective surfaces arranged on the vehicle windshield or on dedicated blades.

[0071] The head-up display 26 is configured to, for example, display an image representing information relating to at least one item obtained from the following list:

[0072] - Vehicle speed;

[0073] - Engine speed;

[0074] - Fuel level;

[0075] - Engine temperature;

[0076] - Total mileage and partial mileage;

[0077] - Gear rod position;

[0078] - Residual autonomy;

[0079] - Fuel consumption; and

[0080] - Driving Mode.

[0081] Alternatively, and particularly in variations in which the display device 20 does not include the head-up display 26, the display screen 22 is also configured to display an actual image representing information relating to at least one item obtained from the following list:

[0082] - Vehicle speed;

[0083] - Engine speed;

[0084] - Fuel level;

[0085] - Engine temperature;

[0086] - Total mileage and partial mileage;

[0087] - Gear rod position;

[0088] - Residual autonomy;

[0089] - Fuel consumption; and

[0090] - Driving Mode.

[0091] The reflective device 32 extends along the reflective plane PREF.

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown, the reflecting plane PREF forms an acute angle α with the first plane P1, for example.

[0093] The reflective device 32 is particularly designed to be positioned substantially within the driver's field of vision.

[0094] refer to Figures 2 to 4 The reflective device 32 includes at least one semi-reflective blade 35, at least one semi-transparent film 40, and at least one illumination unit 62.

[0095] Advantageously, the reflective device 32 also includes at least one back anti-reflective film 50.

[0096] Even more advantageously, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the reflecting device 32 is defined in the reflecting plane PREF:

[0097] - Reflective surface 33A, which is designed to reflect the actual image displayed by display screen 22; and

[0098] - Information surface 33B, which is designed to illuminate information elements 42 of at least one translucent film 40 of reflective device 32.

[0099] Even more advantageously, the reflective surface 33A and the information surface 33B are separate and adjacent in the reflective plane PREF.

[0100] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown in the example, information surface 33B is above reflective surface 33A. In a variant not shown, information surface 33B is below reflective surface 33A.

[0101] The following describes a reflective device 32, which includes a single semi-reflective sheet 35, a single translucent film 40, a single illumination unit 62, and optionally a single back anti-reflective film 50. Of course, the invention is not limited to this specific number of blades or films, and also relates to reflective devices comprising multiple semi-reflective blades, multiple translucent films, multiple illumination units, and, if necessary, multiple back anti-reflective films.

[0102] Advantageously, the semi-reflective blade 35 includes a substrate 36 and, for example, a semi-reflective processing layer 56.

[0103] The semi-reflective blade 35 extends along the reflective plane PREF.

[0104] For example, the semi-reflective blade 35 has a reflectivity between 30% and 40%.

[0105] Advantageously, the semi-reflective blade 35 is made of glass and / or optical grade plastic, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or a mixture of PMMA and PC.

[0106] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The semi-reflective blade 35 is designed to reflect the real image displayed by the display screen 22 toward the passenger in order to generate a corresponding virtual image IVIR in the second plane P2.

[0107] For example, substrate 36 includes a front side 36A and a back side 36B.

[0108] The front panel 36A is basically facing the display screen 22.

[0109] The back 36B is opposite to the front 36A.

[0110] refer to Figure 3 Advantageously, the substrate 36 has a thickness E1 measured along the thickness direction DIRE, which is substantially orthogonal to the reflective plane PREF, and the thickness is between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0111] A translucent film 40 is applied to the semi-reflective blade 35, particularly to the back surface 36B of the substrate 36.

[0112] The translucent film 40 is applied, in particular, to the semi-reflective blade 35, especially to the back surface 36B of the substrate 36.

[0113] The translucent film 40 extends parallel to the reflective plane PREF.

[0114] Advantageously, the translucent film 40 extends between the semi-reflective blade 35 and the back anti-reflective film 50.

[0115] The translucent film 40 has a thickness E2 measured along the thickness direction DIRE, particularly between 50 μm and 200 μm.

[0116] For example, the transparency coefficient of the translucent film 40 is greater than or equal to 90%.

[0117] The translucent film 40 includes at least one information element 42, and advantageously includes multiple information elements 42.

[0118] Advantageously, the translucent film 40 includes a film body 41 on which information elements 42 are printed and / or engraved, particularly microprinting and / or micro-engraving or nanoprinting and / or nano-engraving. Specifically, the printing / engraving is designed to be invisible to the naked eye and to collimate the light emitted at the output.

[0119] Advantageously, each information element 42 is a pictogram, especially a security and / or regulatory pictogram.

[0120] Pictograms can be selected from the following list:

[0121] - An indicator of the use of lights, such as position lights, low beam headlights, high beam headlights, front fog lights and / or rear fog lights, turn signals and / or hazard warning lights;

[0122] - Fault indicators, such as low oil level, front brake pad wear, ABS (anti-lock braking system) failure, power steering failure, airbag failure, ESP (electronic stability program) failure, bulb problems, low windshield washer fluid level, electronic component failure, engine pollution control problems, fuel filter water ingress and / or low fuel level indicators.

[0123] - Hazard indicators, such as those indicating that the handbrake is applied, brake failure, airbag failure, trunk opening, low battery, abnormal engine oil pressure, overheated engine oil, abnormal coolant temperature, abnormal tire pressure, steering lock failure, and / or seatbelt not fastened.

[0124] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the translucent membrane 40 includes six information elements 42, which include two pictograms of seat belts not fastened, airbag malfunction, ABS malfunction, low beam headlight usage, and low washer fluid level.

[0125] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the translucent membrane 40 includes six information elements 42, which include a left turn signal pictogram, a low beam headlight pictogram, an ABS fault pictogram, an electronic component fault pictogram, a handbrake applied pictogram, and a right turn signal pictogram.

[0126] Even more advantageously, the translucent membrane 40 includes an information portion 40A in which information elements 42 are arranged.

[0127] Even more advantageously, the translucent film 40, particularly the information portion 40A of the translucent film 40, includes multiple information areas 44.

[0128] Each information area 44 includes information element 42.

[0129] Information regions 44 are divided in such a way that light emitted from one information region 44 does not penetrate adjacent information regions 44. Specifically, information regions 44 are divided by being sufficiently spaced apart from each other.

[0130] In one particular example, several information elements 42 are superimposed on the thickness of the translucent film 40.

[0131] The back anti-reflective film 50 extends over the entire translucent film 40.

[0132] For example, the back anti-reflective film 50 has a surface covered with nanopatterns. These nanopatterns scatter and absorb light, reducing reflection.

[0133] For example, the back anti-reflective film 50 is an anti-reflective film that mimics the fine, irregular structure of a moth's eye, and is especially known by the trade name MOSMITE™.

[0134] Advantageously, the back antireflective film 50 has a thickness E3 measured along the thickness direction DIRE, particularly between 50 μm and 400 μm.

[0135] A semi-reflective processing layer 56 extends over at least a portion of the front side 36A of the substrate 36 to be arranged opposite at least one information portion 40A. According to a variant not shown, the semi-reflective processing layer 56 extends over at least a portion of the back side 36B of the substrate 36 to be arranged opposite at least one information portion 40A.

[0136] For example, the semi-reflective treatment layer 56 is a coating.

[0137] Advantageously, the semi-reflective treatment layer 56 has a thickness E4 measured along the thickness direction DIRE, particularly between 10 μm and 400 μm.

[0138] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4The lighting unit 62 can illuminate the information element 42.

[0139] The lighting unit 62 includes a light source 64 for each information element 42.

[0140] like Figure 2 As shown, each light source 64 is arranged along the edge 31 of the reflective device 32 in the reflective plane PREF, particularly along the edge 39 of the translucent film 40.

[0141] Each light source 64 is configured to illuminate the corresponding information element 42 through the thickness of the translucent film 40.

[0142] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown in the example, each light source 64 is arranged opposite to the information area 44 and is configured to illuminate only the information area 44 arranged opposite to it.

[0143] For example, each of the 64 light sources is a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0144] Advantageously, the projection and dissipation fields of the light emitted by each light source 64 enable the light to be incident into the translucent membrane 40 in an optimal manner, and are typically contained within a cone angle of 10°.

[0145] exist Figure 5 In the example shown:

[0146] - The reflective surface 33A reflects the actual image displayed by the display screen 22, in this case, the actual image represents information corresponding to GPS navigation assistance;

[0147] - Specific information elements 42 are illuminated by information surface 33B, particularly the low beam headlight indicator and the right turn signal indicator, while other information elements 42 are not illuminated and are not visible to passengers.

[0148] With the help of this invention, the virtual image IVIR is displayed in depth relative to information element 42. This makes it easier to highlight information element 42 relative to the image generated by display screen 22. This also enhances the aesthetics of the display, providing passengers with the impression of a 3D view.

[0149] Furthermore, this solution allows for the display of pictograms with greater illumination intensity, especially compared to illumination intensity reflected by reflective devices.

[0150] Furthermore, the present invention reduces the size of the display system 16. In fact, by arranging the illumination unit 62 along the edge 39 of the translucent film 40 and illuminating the information element 42 through the thickness of the translucent film 40, the thickness of the reflective device 32 can be significantly reduced.

Claims

1. A display system (16) for a vehicle, the display system comprising: - Display device (20), the display device including at least one display screen (22), the at least one display screen being intended to be hidden from the passengers of the vehicle and configured to display a real image in a first plane (P1); - A reflecting device (32), which extends along a reflecting plane (PREF) and includes: - At least one semi-reflective blade (35) extends along the reflective plane (PREF) and is designed to reflect the real image displayed by the at least one display screen (22) toward the passenger to generate a corresponding virtual image (IVIR) in a second plane (P2). - At least one translucent film (40), said at least one translucent film being applied to said at least one semi-reflective blade (35) and including at least one information element (42), said at least one translucent film (40) extending parallel to said reflective plane (PREF) and having a thickness (E2) in a direction substantially perpendicular to said reflective plane (PREF). - At least one lighting unit (62) capable of illuminating the at least one information element (42); The feature is that the at least one lighting unit (62) includes a light source (64) for each information element (42), each light source (64) being arranged along the edge (39) of the translucent film (40) and configured to illuminate the corresponding information element (42) through the thickness (E2) of the translucent film (40).

2. The display system (16) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one semi-reflective blade (35) comprises a substrate (36) having a front side (36A) substantially oriented toward the at least one display screen (22) and a back side (36B) opposite to the front side (36A), wherein the at least one translucent film (40) is applied to the back side (36B) of the substrate (36).

3. The display system (16) according to claim 2, wherein the reflective device (32) includes at least one back antireflective film (50) extending over the entirety of the at least one translucent film (40), such that the at least one translucent film (40) extends between the semi-reflective blade (35) and the back antireflective film (50).

4. The display system (16) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one translucent film (40) includes an information portion (40A) in which the information element (42) is arranged, and the semi-reflective blade (35) includes at least one semi-reflective processing layer (56) extending over at least a portion of the front side (36A) of the substrate (36) so as to be arranged at least opposite to the at least one information portion (40A).

5. The display system (16) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one information element (42) is a pictograph.

6. The display system (16) according to claim 5, wherein the pictogram is selected from the list including: - An indicator of the use of lights, such as position lights, low beam headlights, high beam headlights, front fog lights and / or rear fog lights, turn signals and / or hazard warning lights. - Fault indicators, such as low oil level, front brake pad wear, ABS failure, power steering failure, airbag failure, ESP failure, bulb problems, low windshield washer fluid level, electronic component failure, engine pollution control problems, fuel filter water ingress and / or low fuel level indicators. - Hazard indicators, such as those indicating that the handbrake is applied, brake failure, airbag failure, trunk opening, low battery, abnormal engine oil pressure, overheated engine oil, abnormal coolant temperature, abnormal tire pressure, steering lock failure, and / or seatbelt not fastened.

7. The display system (16) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one information element (42) is printed and / or engraved, particularly microprinted and / or microengraved or nanoprinted and / or nanoengraved on the film body (41) of the at least one translucent film (40).

8. The display system (16) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one translucent film (40) comprises a plurality of information areas (44), each information area (44) comprising an information element (42), the information areas (44) being separated, and each light source (64) being arranged opposite to the information area (44) and configured to illuminate only the information area (44) arranged opposite to it.

9. The display system (16) according to claim 1, wherein the reflecting device (32) is defined in the reflecting plane (PREF): - A reflective surface (33A) designed to reflect the actual image displayed by the at least one display screen (22); and - An information surface (33B) designed to illuminate the information element (42); The reflective surface (33A) and the information surface (33B) are separate but adjacent.

10. A vehicle dashboard (10) comprising a body (12) and a display system (16) according to claim 1, the display system (16) being mounted on the body (12) of the dashboard (10).

Images