Display system

Abstract

A display system for a vehicle and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The display system includes a transparent display panel, a backlight module, and a decorative layer. The decorative layer is configured to allow at least a portion of the light emitted by the backlight module to be transmitted. The transmitted light illuminates the transparent display panel. The display system of the present invention advantageously provides high efficiency and display resolution in addition to providing visually attractive and immersive display for a viewer of the display system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of display systems. In particular, the present invention describes an apparatus and manufacturing method suitable for a display system for use in a vehicle interior. 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 images, videos and other visual content to be presented.

[0003] Display systems can include a combination of high resolution displays and low resolution displays. Some examples of high resolution displays include non-emissive liquid crystal displays (LCDs) that utilize liquid crystals plus backlighting, emissive organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays that use organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied, and micro-LED displays that utilize micro light emitting diodes as individual display pixels. Furthermore, low resolution displays used in vehicle display systems can include emissive light emitting diode (LED) display devices for backlighting, such as LED light sheets.

[0004] As more displays are currently required in typical vehicle display systems, it is important to ensure that an aesthetically pleasing display system is created that provides a pleasant ambience for the viewer. Furthermore, it is also important to ensure that the displays are integrated within the display system in a manner that does not distract the viewer, in order to prevent the driver from being distracted by the displays.

[0005] An example of a typical automotive display system known in the art is presented in Figure 1 , which is generally depicted with reference numeral 1. In particular, Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the display system 1 is presented.

[0006] As Figure 1 shown, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel 2 and a backlight unit 3 are placed behind a black glass layer 4 to create a hidden or concealed appearance when the backlight unit 3 and the LCD panel 2 are turned off. The black glass layer 4 is made of glass that presents a black or dark color when no information is actively displayed. When the LCD panel 2 and the backlight unit 3 are turned on, display information, graphics or controls become visible through the black glass layer 4. In this way, the display system 1 can blend with the vehicle interior design when the vehicle is turned off, or certain features or not in use.

[0007] However, as Figure 1As depicted, the LCD panel 2 comprises an active area 5 and an opaque bezel 6. The active area 5 is the area of the LCD panel 2 that presents visual content and the opaque bezel 6 surrounds one or more edges of the active area 5. The opaque bezel 6 can serve as both a structural component, providing support to the LCD panel 2, and as a housing for the various components or structures required by the LCD panel 2. In particular, the opaque bezel 6 typically contains the various electrical components or circuitry required to control the various pixels within the active area 5.

[0008] As shown in Figure 1 , an opaque edge 7 is also present in the black glass layer 4 and is aligned with the opaque bezel 6 of the LCD panel 2 to provide a more seamless effect to the viewer of the display system 1. Unfortunately, however, this results in the opaque edge 7 being visible to the viewer of the display system 1. Notably, if additional display panels were incorporated into the display system 1, the opaque edge 7 would have the effect of separating the different display panels for the viewer. Thus, the automotive display system 1 does not provide a complete immersive experience for the viewer as there is no natural lighting transition between the different display panels.

[0009] Another disadvantage of the display system 1 described above is that there is significant light loss within the display system 1. Only about 5% of the light from the backlight unit 3 is transmitted through the LCD panel 2. Furthermore, typically less than 50% of the light that is transmitted through the LCD panel 2 is then transmitted through the black glass layer 4.

[0010] Another example of an automotive display system 8 known in the art is presented in Figure 2 . In particular, Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the display system 8 is presented.

[0011] Similar to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , the backlight unit 3 and the LCD panel 2 are shown placed behind a layer of material to create a hidden or concealed appearance when the LCD panel 2 and backlight unit 3 are turned off. However, rather than a black glass layer 4 being used to cover the LCD panel 2 and backlight unit 3, a fabric or wood veneer layer 9 is used. When the display system 8 is used in a vehicle interior, Figure 2 the display system 8 of Figure 1 is generally superior to the display system 1 of Figure 1 . The reason for this is that the fabric or wood veneer layer 9 creates a more immersive experience for the viewer and is more aesthetically pleasing when the display system 8 is turned off than the black glass layer 4 of

[0012] However, because the light from the backlight module 3 first passes through the LCD panel 2, the display system 8 of Figure 2The display system 8 of the prior art still suffers from significant light loss and diffusion. Then, the light from the LCD panel 2 is transmitted through the fabric or wood veneer layer 9 before being visible to the viewer. When the light is transmitted through the fabric or wood veneer layer 9, a significant amount of light loss and diffusion occurs, where the exact amount of light loss depends on the material used for the fabric or wood veneer layer 9. Another disadvantage of the fabric or wood veneer layer 9 is that the increased diffusion affects the display resolution of the display system 8.

[0013] In summary, there is an increasing need for vehicle manufacturers to incorporate more displays within the vehicle display system for information and entertainment purposes, and to integrate these displays into the interior trim in a visually pleasing and non-distracting manner.

[0014] Examples of systems and methods known in the art include International Patent Publication No. WO 2018 / 059862 Al, U.S. Patent No. US 10,328,871 B2, U.S. Patent No. US 10,821,889 B2, U.S. Patent No. US 11,267,280 B2, and International Patent Application No. WO 2021 / 011536 Al.

[0015] There is generally a need for an apparatus and method to address the above-mentioned problems.

[0016] It is an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide a display system that eliminates or mitigates one or more disadvantages or drawbacks of the prior art.

[0017] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following description. SUMMARY

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display system for a vehicle interior, the display system comprising:

[0019] a transparent display panel;

[0020] a backlight module; and

[0021] a trim layer positioned between the transparent display panel and the backlight module;

[0022] wherein the trim layer is configured to allow at least a portion of the light emitted by the backlight module to be transmitted to illuminate the transparent display panel.

[0023] The display system of the present invention advantageously provides clear information to a viewer in addition to providing a visually appealing display. When the transparent display panel and the backlight module are off, the decorative layer is clearly visible to a viewer through the transparent display panel. However, when the backlight module is on, the decorative layer becomes transparent. When the transparent display panel and the backlight module are on, one or more images can overlay the decorative layer. Thus, the described display system provides a transparent display panel that can be hidden when the transparent display panel is off.

[0024] Notably, the display system improves power efficiency compared to alternative systems known in the art. Since the decorative layer is positioned between the transparent display panel and the backlight module, there is no light diffusion or light loss of the displayed image because the light emitted from the transparent display panel does not need to pass through additional layers before being viewed by a user of the display system.

[0025] Further, the position of the backlight module provides additional illumination of the transparent display panel through the decorative layer. Since the backlight module has much higher energy efficiency than the transparent display panel, the incorporation of the backlight module reduces the light emission requirements of the transparent display panel. Thus, the incorporation of the backlight module helps to improve the overall efficiency of the display system as well as enhance the image quality of the transparent display panel. This improved efficiency allows for the incorporation of a more compact transparent display panel into the display system. In view of the above, the present invention provides an immersive display system with improved display resolution and efficiency while maintaining an appealing visual design.

[0026] Optionally, the decorative layer becomes transparent when the backlight module is on, and wherein the decorative layer is visible when the backlight module is off. Preferably, the decorative layer comprises one or more decorative materials. The decorative materials can comprise natural materials, fabrics, textiles, wood veneers, plastics, or glass. Optionally, the decorative layer can comprise a surface effect. The surface effect can comprise a wood grain effect, a textured coating, a molded profile texture. The appearance of the decorative layer allows the display system to blend pleasingly with any interior environment.

[0027] Preferably, the backlight module is a light emitting diode backlight unit.

[0028] Preferably, the transparent display panel comprises a transparent substrate material. Preferably, the transparent substrate material is glass or plastic. Preferably, the transparent display panel is a transparent micro LED display. Alternatively, the transparent display panel is a transparent liquid crystal display or a transparent organic light emitting diode display.

[0029] Preferably, the transparent display panel comprises an on state and an off state. Preferably, the display system is configured to display the decorative layer when the transparent display panel is in the off state. Preferably, the display system is configured to display at least one image when the transparent display panel is in the on state.

[0030] Preferably, the display system comprises two or more transparent display panels. Incorporating more transparent display panels allows more information to be presented to the viewer.

[0031] Preferably, the display system comprises a rectangular shape. Optionally, the display system comprises a contoured shape.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present application, there is a method of manufacturing a display system for a vehicle, the method comprising:

[0033] - providing a transparent display panel,

[0034] - providing a backlight module; and

[0035] - positioning a decorative layer between the transparent display panel and the backlight module; and

[0036] configuring the decorative layer to allow at least partial transmission of light emitted by the backlight module to illuminate the transparent display panel.

[0037] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present application can include features implementing preferred or optional features of the first or second aspects of the present application, or vice versa.

[0038] According to a third aspect of the present application, there is provided a display system, the display system comprising:

[0039] a transparent display panel arranged on the first surface such that the first surface is visible on the transparent display panel,

[0040] - a light sheet arranged underneath the second surface, the light sheet comprising at least a first illumination state when it is powered by a power source, and an off state when it is not powered,

[0041] wherein the decorative layer is adapted to transmit at least some light emitted by the light sheet when powered to illuminate the transparent display panel such that at least one image is displayed by the transparent display panel and superimposed on the first surface.

[0042] Embodiments of the third aspect of the present application can include features implementing preferred or optional features of the first, second or third aspects of the present application, or vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] 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:

[0044] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a display system known in the prior art is presented;

[0045] Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of an alternative display system known in the art is presented;

[0046] Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of a display system according to one embodiment of the present application is presented; and

[0047] Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a display system according to one alternative embodiment of the present application is presented;

[0048] In the following description, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated for the sake of clarity and ease of explanation of the details and features of the embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present application will now be described with reference to Figure 3 and Figure 4 explanations of the present application.

[0050] In Figure 3 a cross-section of a display system according to one embodiment of the present application is shown, generally depicted by reference numeral 10.

[0051] The display system 10 comprises a backlight module 11 and a decorative layer 12. The display system further comprises a transparent display panel 13, wherein the decorative layer 12 is positioned between the backlight module 11 and the transparent display panel 13.

[0052] The transparent display panel 13 allows light to pass through such that any visual content from the transparent display panel 13 is visible to a viewer, while also enabling a viewer of the display system 10 to see objects behind or underneath the transparent display panel 13. In Figure 3 the transparent display panel 13 can be any suitable transparent display technology, for example the transparent display panel 13 can comprise a transparent micro-LED display. Furthermore, the transparent display panel 13 can be constructed from a suitable transparent substrate material, for example glass or plastic.

[0053] The decorative layer 12 is configured or adapted to transmit at least a portion of light incident thereon. The decorative layer 12 can be made from any suitable material, such as fabric, wood veneer, plastic, glass or any other suitable material. Furthermore, the decorative layer 12 can comprise any suitable combination of said materials. The decorative layer 12 can also have a surface effect or combination of surface effects. Such surface effects include wood grain effects, textured coatings and moulded profile textures, where these visual effects serve to enhance the appearance of the decorative layer 12.

[0054] In Figure 3In the embodiment shown, the backlight module 11 is a light emitting diode (LED) light sheet, but any suitable backlighting device can alternatively be used as the backlight module 11.

[0055] Figure 1 The display system 10 operates as follows. When the backlight module 11 is on, light is emitted from the backlight module 11 toward the decorative layer 12. Since the decorative layer 12 is at least partially transparent, the incident light is transmitted by the decorative layer 12 and illuminates the transparent display panel 13. When the transparent display panel 13 is on and illuminated by the light from the backlight module 11, an image is displayed to a viewer that covers a portion of the transparent display panel 13.

[0056] Since only the transparent display panel 13 is placed above the decorative layer 9, only the decorative layer 12 is visible to a viewer when the transparent display panel 13 and the backlight module 11 are off. When the transparent display panel 13 and the backlight module 11 are on, the visual content from the transparent display panel 13 is also visible to a viewer of the display system 10 in addition to the decorative layer 12. Thus, the display system 10 described above provides a display that can be hidden when the transparent display panel 13 and the backlight module 11 are off. In this way, the display system 10 provides a visually appealing aesthetic to the user while the transparent display panel 13 can clearly provide information as needed.

[0057] Alternative systems known in the art place the display panel 2 between the partially transmissive layer 4 or 9 and the backlight unit 3. However, by positioning the decorative layer 12 between the transparent display panel 13 and the backlight module 11, light from the transparent display panel 13 does not need to pass through additional layers before reaching a viewer of the display system 10. Thus, since light does not have to propagate through the decorative layer 12 after being generated by the transparent display panel 13, there is no light diffusion or light loss of the display image produced by the transparent display panel 13.

[0058] The presence of the backlight module 11 enhances the visibility of the display content from the transparent display panel 13. The backlight module 11 has high energy efficiency and provides additional illumination to the transparent display panel 13, thereby reducing the light emission requirements of the transparent display panel 13. Thus, the backlight module 11 helps to reduce the size of the transparent display panel 13 while still maintaining a high image resolution. This is important in the automotive field since it is important for the display system 10 to be compact enough so that all relevant display information can be provided within the vehicle interior.

[0059] In view of the above, the display system 10 is more efficient than alternative systems known in the art and provides better image quality and clarity for the viewer. These improved characteristics are a result of the location of the transparent display panel 13 and the presence of the backlight module 11 to provide additional illumination to the transparent display panel 13. The present invention provides an immersive display system 10 with improved display resolution and efficiency while maintaining an attractive visual design.

[0060] Figure 4 A display system 14 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. Similar to the embodiment of Figure 3 , Figure 4 includes a backlight module 11 and a decorative layer 12. However, a first transparent display panel 13a and a second transparent display panel 13b are provided within the display system 14. When turned on, each transparent display panel 13a, 13b provides different information to the user.

[0061] Note that the number of transparent display panels 13 provided within the display system 14 is not limited to two and can include more transparent display panels 13 as desired. In this way, different information can be integrated into the display system 14 for the viewer.

[0062] A display system for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing are disclosed. The display system includes a transparent display panel, a backlight module, and a decorative layer. The decorative layer is configured to allow at least a portion of light emitted by the backlight module to be transmitted. The transmitted light illuminates the transparent display panel. The display system of the present invention advantageously provides high efficiency and display resolution in addition to providing a visually attractive and immersive display for a viewer of the display system.

[0063] 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 term "or" is to be interpreted as inclusive rather than exclusive.

[0064] Furthermore, the reference in this specification to any prior publication or information is not intended to constitute an admission that this prior publication or information formed part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0065] The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best exploit the invention, and various modifications and enhancements are possible. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the precise forms disclosed. Rather, it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A display system for use in a vehicle interior, the display system comprising: a transparent display panel; a backlight module; and a decorative layer positioned between the transparent display panel and the backlight module; wherein the decorative layer is configured to allow at least partial transmission of light emitted by the backlight module to illuminate the transparent display panel.

2. The display system of claim 1, wherein the decorative layer comprises one or more decorative materials.

3. The display system of claim 2, wherein the decorative material comprises a natural material or fabric or textile or wood veneer or plastic or glass.

4. The display system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the decorative layer comprises one or more surface effects.

5. The display system of claim 4, wherein the surface effect is a wood grain effect or a textured coating or a molded profile texture.

6. The display system of any one of claims 1-3 and 5, wherein the decorative layer becomes transparent when the backlight module is on, and wherein the decorative layer is visible when the backlight module is off.

7. The display system of any one of claims 1-3 and 5, wherein the backlight module is a light emitting diode backlight unit.

8. The display system of any one of claims 1-3 and 5, wherein the transparent display panel comprises a transparent substrate material.

9. The display system of claim 8, wherein the transparent substrate material is glass or plastic.

10. The display system of any one of claims 1-3, 5, and 9, wherein the transparent display panel is a transparent microLED display.

11. The display system of any one of claims 1-3, 5, and 9, wherein the transparent display panel is a transparent liquid crystal display or a transparent organic light emitting diode display.

12. The display system of any one of claims 1-3, 5, and 9, wherein the transparent display panel comprises an on state and an off state.

13. The display system of claim 12, wherein the display system is configured to display the decorative layer when the transparent display panel is in the off state, and the display system is configured to display at least one image when the transparent display panel is in the on state.

14. The display system of any one of claims 1-3, 5, 9, and 13, wherein the display system comprises two or more transparent display panels. ​

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