Panel for display device and display system for vehicle interior

Abstract

The utility model discloses a panel for a display device and a display system for a vehicle interior. The panel comprises a decorative layer with colors and brightness patterns, and the decorative layer is provided with a first surface and a second surface; and on one side of the second surface, a means is provided for displaying a pattern that is substantially a reversal of the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer. When the first surface is viewed under the reflected light, the inverted pattern is substantially ineffective to the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer. Under transmitted light, the inverted pattern effectively'counteracts' the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer, thereby providing a panel with uniform color and brightness compensation.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of display systems. In particular, the present invention describes a manufacturing apparatus and method for a display system for use in a vehicle interior, although not necessarily exclusively so. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the automotive industry, there is an increasing need to incorporate more displays in the vehicle interior to provide additional information or for entertainment purposes. Various types of displays can be employed within a vehicle to present visual information to a viewer, enabling the representation of images, videos and other visual content.

[0003] Display systems can include a combination of high resolution displays and low resolution displays. Some examples of high resolution displays include liquid crystal displays (LCDs) using liquid crystals and a backlight; organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays using organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied; and micro LED displays using micro light emitting diodes as individual display pixels.

[0004] Furthermore, low resolution displays for use within a vehicle display system can include light emitting diode (LED) display devices for backlighting, such as LED light tiles.

[0005] As there is currently a need for more displays in typical vehicle display systems, it is important to ensure that a visually appealing display system is created, providing a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere for the viewer. Furthermore, it is also important to ensure that the displays are integrated in the display system in a way that does not distract the attention, in order to prevent the driver from being distracted by the displays.

[0006] Figure 1 An example of a typical automotive display system known in the art is shown, which shows a cross-sectional view of a display system 100. The display system has a backlight unit 101 and an LCD panel 102 (collectively referred to as a display device 103), which are placed behind a layer of material to create a hidden or concealed appearance when the LCD panel 102 and backlight unit 101 are turned off. A fabric or wood veneer layer 106 is used to cover the LCD panel 102 and backlight unit 101. The fabric or wood veneer layer 106 is used to create a more immersive experience for the viewer and has an aesthetic appearance when the display system 100 is turned off.

[0007] However, the surface of a real or artificial material, such as a fabric or wood veneer, is typically composed of a pattern. When light from the display device is transmitted through the material, the colour and spatial luminance variations of the surface pattern are superimposed onto the display content. This degrades the image quality, reducing the legibility for the viewer.

[0008] There is a general need for an apparatus and method to address the above problems.

[0009] Examples of systems and methods known in the art include EP4046153, WO2022128753 and CN115083271. SUMMARY

[0010] It is an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide a panel and display system that obviates or mitigates one or more disadvantages or drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from reading the description below.

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

[0013] a decorative layer having a colour and brightness pattern, the decorative layer having a first surface and a second surface; and

[0014] means for displaying a pattern on a side of the second surface, the pattern being substantially an inverse of the colour and brightness pattern of the decorative layer, wherein the inverse pattern is substantially ineffective against the colour and brightness pattern of the decorative layer when the first surface is viewed under reflected light, and the inverse pattern is effective against the colour and brightness pattern of the decorative layer by substantially cancelling the colour and brightness pattern of the decorative layer when the first surface is viewed under transmitted light.

[0015] The inventors have unexpectedly found that the inverse pattern is effective to“cancel” the colour and brightness pattern of the decorative layer when the panel is viewed under transmitted light, thereby providing a panel having a uniform colour and brightness compensation and having a white or grey appearance. This advantageously improves the image quality on the display device, and makes information on the display device more easily readable.

[0016] Advantageously, the panel has a visually appealing appearance of the decorative layer when the panel is viewed under reflected light. The present invention allows a wider range of decorative materials and patterns to be used for the decorative layer.

[0017] By“colour and brightness pattern” is meant the colour and brightness pattern (i.e. distribution) of light transmitted through the decorative layer when viewed from the first surface.

[0018] By“substantially ineffective” is meant that the colour and brightness pattern of the decorative layer does not substantially change (i.e. it preferably changes by less than 20%, or less than 10%, or less than 5%, or less than 1%) as a result of the inverse pattern.

[0019] By“effective by substantially cancelling” is meant that the visual appearance of the colour and brightness pattern of the decorative layer is reduced (or cancelled) by preferably at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%.

[0020] Preferably, the panel is viewed in transmitted light when the display device is in an on state and the panel is viewed in reflected light when the display device is in an off state.

[0021] The appearance of the decorative layer allows the panel to blend in with any interior environment. The decorative layer can comprise one or more decorative materials. The decorative material can comprise a natural material, a fabric, a textile, a wood veneer, a plastic or a glass.

[0022] The decorative layer can comprise a surface effect. The surface effect can comprise a wood grain effect, a textured coating, a moulded profile texture.

[0023] The decorative layer can be printed. For example, the decorative layer can be printed wood or metal.

[0024] The means for displaying a pattern can be adjacent to or on the second surface. The means for displaying a pattern can be a printed layer on the second surface of the decorative layer.

[0025] The panel can comprise one or more layers on one side of the first surface of the panel. The panel can comprise a transparent layer on or adjacent to the first surface of the panel. The transparent layer can be made of glass or plastic.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the application, there is provided a panel for a display device, the panel comprising:

[0027] a decorative layer having a colour and brightness pattern, the decorative layer having a first surface and a second surface; and

[0028] means for displaying a pattern on one side of the second surface, the pattern being substantially an inverse of the colour and brightness pattern of the decorative layer, wherein the inverse pattern is not visible when the first surface is viewed in reflected light and the inverse pattern is visible when the first surface is viewed in transmitted light.

[0029] Embodiments of the second aspect of the application can include one or more features of the first aspect of the application or embodiments thereof, or vice versa.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the application, there is provided a panel for a display device, the panel comprising:

[0031] a decorative layer having a colour and brightness pattern, the decorative layer having a first surface and a second surface; and

[0032] a printed layer on the second surface of the decorative layer,

[0033] wherein the printed layer has a pattern which is substantially an inversion of the color and luminance pattern of the decorative layer, and wherein the printed layer is substantially ineffective to the color and luminance pattern of the decorative layer when the first surface is viewed under reflected light, and the printed layer is effective to the color and luminance pattern of the decorative layer by substantially canceling the color and luminance pattern of the decorative layer when the first surface is viewed under transmitted light.

[0034] Embodiments of the third aspect of the application can include one or more features of the first aspect, the second aspect, or embodiments thereof, or vice versa.

[0035] According to a fourth aspect of the application, there is provided a display system for a vehicle interior, the display system comprising:

[0036] a display device; and

[0037] a panel according to the first aspect, the second aspect, or the third aspect of the application.

[0038] The apparatus for displaying a pattern can comprise the display device itself to display the pattern in the form of image content on the display device.

[0039] The image content is preferably digitally superimposed on the content of the display device. In other words, the inversion of the color and luminance pattern of the decorative layer can be added to the media (i.e. image and / or video) content displayed on the display device by digital image processing.

[0040] In these embodiments, when the image-processed media content is played back behind the decorative layer (‘behind’ in relation to the viewer’s position), the color and luminance inversion pattern (which is embedded into the media content) is transmitted through the decorative layer and effectively ‘cancels out’ or filters out the color and luminance pattern of the decorative layer.

[0041] The display device can comprise a control unit or processor for digitally superimposing the image content (with the inversion pattern) onto the media content. In other words, the control unit or processor is configured for digital image processing.

[0042] The display device can be any suitable display known in the art, and is preferably a display suitable for a vehicle interior. The display device can comprise a display panel and a backlight module. The display device can be a micro-LED display. The display device can be a liquid crystal display. The display device can be a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display. The display device can be an organic light-emitting diode display.

[0043] The display system can comprise a plurality of display devices. The combination of more display devices allows for more information to be presented to the viewer.

[0044] The display system can comprise a rectangular shape. The display system can comprise a contoured shape.

[0045] Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the application can include one or more features of the first to third aspects of the application or embodiments thereof, or vice versa.

[0046] According to a fifth aspect of the application, there is provided a method of improving the image quality of a display system, the display system comprising a display device and a panel according to the first, second or third aspect of the application, the method comprising:

[0047] - providing media content to be displayed on the display device;

[0048] - digitally superimposing a pattern that is substantially an inverse of the colour and brightness pattern of the decorative layer on the media content; and

[0049] - displaying the digitally edited media content on the display device.

[0050] Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the application can include one or more features of the first to fourth aspects of the application or embodiments thereof, or vice versa.

[0051] According to a sixth aspect of the application, there is provided a method of manufacturing a display system for a vehicle interior, the method comprising:

[0052] - providing a display device, and

[0053] - providing a panel according to the first, second or third aspect of the application.

[0054] Embodiments of the sixth aspect of the application can include one or more features of the first to fifth aspects of the application or embodiments thereof, or vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0055] Various embodiments of aspects of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0056] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a display system known in the art is shown;

[0057] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a panel for a display device according to an embodiment of the application is shown;

[0058] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a display system according to an embodiment of the application is shown, comprising Figure 2 the panel shown;

[0059] Figure 4a cross-sectional view of a display system according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; and

[0060] Figure 5 a diagram showing a color and luminance pattern of a decorative layer and a corresponding inverted color and luminance pattern according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0061] In the following description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, with increments of 100, where needed. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the embodiments of the present application in accordance with the principles of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Reference will now be made to Figures 2 to 5 a description of the present application.

[0063] In Figure 2 , a cross-sectional view of a panel according to one embodiment of the present application is illustrated, the panel generally denoted by reference numeral 200.

[0064] The panel 200 includes a decorative layer 206 having a first surface 206a and a second surface 206b. The decorative layer 206 is configured or adapted to transmit at least a portion of light incident thereon. The decorative layer 206 can be made of any suitable material, such as fabric, wood veneer, plastic, glass, or any other suitable material. Furthermore, the decorative layer 206 can include any suitable combination of the materials. The decorative layer 206 can also have a surface effect or a combination of surface effects. Such surface effects include wood grain effects, textured coatings, and molded profile textures, where these visual effects serve to enhance the appearance of the decorative layer 206.

[0065] The panel is viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 2 When the first surface 206a is viewed under transmitted light (i.e., light passes through the decorative layer 206 from the underside and toward the viewer), the decorative layer 206 inherently has a color and luminance pattern. This color and luminance pattern is depicted in Figure 2 as diagonal hatching across the decorative layer 206.

[0066] On the side of the second surface 206b, the panel 200 includes a device for displaying a pattern that is essentially an inversion of the color and luminance pattern of the decorative layer. In this embodiment, the device is a passive device for displaying the pattern in the form of a printed layer 207 on the second surface 206b of the decorative layer 206. This inverted color and luminance pattern is depicted in Figure 2 as diagonal hatching across the printed layer 207, in the opposite direction to the hatching on the decorative layer 206.

[0067] When the first surface 206a is viewed under reflected light, the printed layer 207 (i.e. the reverse pattern) is substantially ineffective to the colour and luminance pattern of the decorative layer 206. In other words, the colour and luminance pattern of the decorative layer does not substantially change (i.e. it changes by less than 20%, or less than 10%, or less than 5%, or less than 1%) as a result of the reverse pattern. The printed layer 207 (i.e. the reverse pattern) is arranged such that when the combination of the decorative layer 206 and the printed layer 207 is viewed under transmitted light, the printed layer 207 effectively “cancels out” the colour and luminance pattern of the decorative layer 206, thereby providing uniform colour and luminance compensation for the panel 200. The result is that the panel 200 has a generally white or grey appearance, and the surface pattern of the decorative layer 206 is hidden from the viewer. Preferably, the visual appearance of the colour and luminance pattern after decoration is reduced (or cancelled) by at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%.

[0068] For example, say the decorative layer 206 is a wood layer. Thus, the decorative layer is generally brown, with regions having a darker brown colour and regions having a lighter brown colour. This represents the colour and luminance pattern of the decorative layer 206. In this example, the reverse pattern will be generally blue (as the “opposite colour” or reverse colour of brown is blue), the dark brown regions of the decorative layer 206 will have a light colour in the reverse pattern, and vice versa for the light brown regions of the decorative layer 206.

[0069] Although in this embodiment the means for displaying the reverse pattern is printed directly on the second surface 206b, it will be appreciated that this is not essential. It is also not essential that the means for displaying the reverse pattern is directly adjacent to (or in contact with) the second surface 206b, and there can be one or more other layers or structures between the decorative layer and the means for displaying the reverse pattern.

[0070] In Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a display system according to an embodiment of the application is illustrated, the panel being generally indicated by reference numeral 300.

[0071] The display system 300 comprises a display device 303 and the panel 200. Figure 3 The panel 200 in Figure 2 is the same as the panel illustrated in. The display device 303 has a backlight unit 301 and an LCD panel 302. However, the application is not limited to this type of display device, and can be any suitable display device known in the art. For example, the display device 303 can be a micro-LED display, a liquid crystal display or an organic light-emitting diode display.

[0072] The display system 300 is arranged such that the first surface 206a of the decorative layer 206 is closest to the viewer (indicated by the arrow), with the printed layer 207 located between the decorative layer 206 and the display device 303.

[0073] The display device 303 has an off state and an on state. In the off state, the backlight unit 301 does not emit light, and no light is transmitted through the display system 300. Thus, the panel 200 is viewed in reflected light, and the printed layer 207 is substantially ineffective to the colour and luminance pattern of the decorative layer 206. Thus, to the viewer, the panel 200 has the visual appearance of the decorative layer 206. In the on state, the backlight unit 301 is lit and light is transmitted through the display system 300. Thus, the panel 200 is viewed in transmitted light, and the printed layer 207 "cancels out" the colour and luminance pattern of the decorative layer 206. The result is that the appearance (i.e. surface pattern) of the decorative layer 206 is not observed, and the viewer improves the visibility of the media content on the LCD panel 302.

[0074] In Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a display system according to an embodiment of the present application is illustrated, the panel being generally indicated by reference numeral 400.

[0075] The display system 400 comprises a display device 403 having a backlight unit 401 and an LCD panel 402. The display system 400 further comprises a decorative layer 406 having a first surface 406a and a second surface 406b. From Figure 4 the display system 400 is viewed in the direction indicated by the arrow. When the first surface 406a is viewed in transmitted light (i.e. light passes through the decorative layer 406 from the underside and towards the viewer), the decorative layer 406 inherently has a colour and luminance pattern. This colour and luminance pattern is depicted in Figure 4 as diagonal shading across the decorative layer 406.

[0076] On the side of the second surface 406b, the display system 400 comprises means for displaying a pattern which is substantially the inverse of the colour and luminance pattern of the decorative layer. In this embodiment, the means is an active means for displaying the pattern in the form of the display device 403 itself, to display the pattern in the form of image content displayed on the display device 403. The "image content" is the inverse pattern, and is digitally superimposed on the media content displayed by the LCD panel 402. This is achieved by digital image processing techniques known in the art. The inverse colour and luminance pattern is depicted in Figure 4 as diagonal shading across the LCD panel 402, in the opposite direction to the shading on the decorative layer 406.

[0077] The display device 403 has an off state and an on state. In the off state, the backlight unit 401 does not emit light and no light is transmitted through the display system 400.

[0078] Thus, the display system 400 is viewed under reflected light and has the visual appearance of the decorative layer 406. In the on state, the backlight unit 401 is lit and light is transmitted through the display system 400, wherein media content is displayed (i.e., played) on the LCD panel 402 and is visible to the viewer. The superimposed inverse pattern (which is present in the media content) is transmitted through the decorative layer 406. The inverse pattern effectively "cancels out" the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer 406. The result is that the appearance (i.e., surface pattern) of the decorative layer 406 is not observed and the viewer improves the visibility of the media content on the LCD panel 402.

[0079] To illustrate the color and brightness pattern, Figure 5 (upper) shows a gray scale image of the color and brightness pattern of the wood layer 510 (i.e., the decorative layer). It can be seen that the pattern has lighter and darker areas. Figure 5 (lower) shows a gray scale image of the corresponding inverse color and brightness pattern 511. The darker areas of the decorative layer have a lighter color in the inverse pattern and the lighter areas of the decorative layer have a darker color in the inverse pattern. The combination of these two patterns (when viewed in transmitted light) results in a "gray" appearance, thereby hiding the patterned visual appearance of the wood.

[0080] A panel 200 for a display device 303, 403, a display system 300, 400 for a vehicle and a manufacturing method are disclosed. The panel 200 comprises a decorative layer 206, 406 having a color and brightness pattern, the decorative layer 206, 406 having a first surface 206a, 406a and a second surface 206b, 406b; and on a side of the second surface 206b, 406b, means are provided for displaying a pattern which is substantially an inverse of the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer. The inverse pattern is substantially ineffective against the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer when the first surface 206a, 406a is viewed under reflected light. In transmitted light, the inverse pattern effectively "cancels out" the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer 206, 406, thereby providing a panel 200 having uniform color and brightness compensation.

[0081] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. In addition, the use of the term "or" will be understood to be inclusive, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

[0082] Furthermore, no statement in the specification is to be construed as indicating any non- patentable subject matter.

[0083] The foregoing description of the application is presented for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the application and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the application in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications or improvements can be incorporated without departing from the scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A panel for a display device, characterized by, The panel comprises: a decorative layer having a color and brightness pattern, the decorative layer having a first surface and a second surface; and a device for displaying a pattern on a side of the second surface, the pattern being substantially an inversion of the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer, wherein the inversion pattern is substantially ineffective of the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer when the first surface is viewed under reflected light, and the inversion pattern is effective of the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer by substantially canceling the color and brightness pattern of the decorative layer when the first surface is viewed under transmitted light.

2. The panel of claim 1, wherein the decorative layer comprises one or more surface effects.

3. The panel of claim 2, wherein the surface effect is a wood grain effect or a textured coating or a molded profile texture.

4. The panel of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the decorative layer is printed.

5. The panel of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the decorative layer comprises one or more decorative materials.

6. The panel of claim 5, wherein decorative material comprises a natural material or a fabric or a textile or a wood veneer or a plastic or a glass.

7. The panel of claim 1, 2, 3, or 6, wherein the device is a printed layer on the second surface of the decorative layer.

8. A display system for a vehicle interior, characterized by The display system comprises: a display device; and a panel according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The display system of claim 8, wherein the device for displaying a pattern comprises the display device to display a pattern in the form of image content on the display device.

10. The display system of claim 9, wherein the image content is superimposed on the content of the display device in digital form.

11. The display system of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the display device comprises a micro-LED display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic light-emitting diode display.

12. The display system of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the display system comprises a plurality of display devices.

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