Vehicle element and vehicle

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to a vehicle element and a vehicle. The vehicle element includes an integrated privacy external display having the following: an image generator configured to generate a light beam having desired display content; a cover plate or a cover layer configured for the passage of the light beam, the cover plate or the cover layer forming a surface section of the vehicle outer side of the vehicle element; and imaging optics which are arranged in the beam path between the image generator and the cover plate or the cover layer and are designed such that the light beam passes through the cover plate or the cover layer and exits the vehicle element directly in the direction of an eye window predefined for the eye of the user, and imaging the display content into a real image suspended in the air between the overlay or overlay and the eye window.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle element configured for installation in a vehicle and having a surface section on the outer side of the vehicle. This invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with this vehicle element. The vehicle may be a motor vehicle or other type of land, air, or water vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] For example, conventional display surfaces or light-scattering projection screens that are well-visible from outside the vehicle can be used in parked motor vehicles to provide external displays for pedestrians or vehicle users. These external displays on vehicles are typically visible from various directions and therefore do not offer privacy to their users. Utility Model Content

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide an alternative and / or improved external display solution for vehicles, by means of which a display is determined only for the relevant user and is only well visible to the user when entering or leaving the vehicle or using the vehicle from the outside.

[0004] This task is accomplished by the vehicle element according to the present invention and a vehicle equipped with the vehicle element according to the present invention. An alternative configuration is given in the preferred embodiment. All extended features and effects described in the claims and the following description concerning the vehicle element also apply to the vehicle, and vice versa.

[0005] A first aspect of this invention relates to a vehicle element including an integrated privacy external display, wherein the privacy external display has the following components: an image generator configured to generate a light beam having desired display content; a cover plate or cover layer configured to be through which the light beam passes, the cover plate or cover layer forming a surface segment on the outer side of the vehicle element; and an imaging optics arranged in the beam path between the image generator and the cover plate or cover layer, and configured such that the light beam passes through the cover plate or cover layer and exits the vehicle element directly toward a predetermined eye window for a user's eye, and images the display content onto a realistic image suspended in the air between the cover plate or cover layer and the eye window.

[0006] According to the first aspect, a vehicle element is provided, which is designed for installation in a vehicle and may be configured, for example, as an A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, or D-pillar, or as a door or tailgate. The vehicle may be a motor vehicle, but may also be any other land, air, or water vehicle. Unless otherwise stated, all spatial orientation terms used herein, such as “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “front,” “rear,” etc., refer to a Cartesian coordinate system typically fixed to a vehicle, having longitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions that are relatively perpendicular to each other.

[0007] A privacy external display (hereinafter also referred to as the "display") is integrated into the vehicle component. This privacy external display is configured to generate a realistic image of the vehicle as if it were suspended freely in mid-air for a user outside the vehicle, directly next to or opposite the vehicle component, i.e., at a distance of no more than one or two meters from the vehicle. Therefore, the privacy external display proposed herein is primarily designed for users entering and exiting the vehicle (or, in another alternative configuration, operating the trunk), such users being, for example, the driver, front passenger, or passenger.

[0008] The privacy external display includes an image generator, which may be arranged, for example, inside the vehicle component and is used to generate a beam of light (also referred to herein as “projected light”) with the desired display content. Furthermore, the privacy external display also includes a cover plate (also referred to as cover glass) or cover layer configured for the passage of the beam, which constitutes a segment of the vehicle's outer surface of the vehicle component.

[0009] Furthermore, the privacy external display also includes imaging optics between the cover plate / covering layer and the image generator in the beam path. This imaging optics is arranged and configured such that the beam exits the vehicle element through the cover plate or covering layer in a radiation direction that is directly (i.e., without additional deflecting optics) directed towards a predetermined spatial area (eyebox) for the user's eyes. Here, the imaging optics are configured to present the display content to the user as a realistic image freely suspended in the air between the user's eyebox and the cover plate / covering layer. The user can see this image when their eyes are in the eyebox and when they are looking towards the cover plate / covering layer. The suspended image is realistic, meaning it can be recorded by a photosensitive material and made visible to everyone through a light-scattering surface if such a material or surface is brought into its image location.

[0010] The spatial region from which the suspended, realistic image is viewed without restriction is commonly understood as the eye-tracking range. In other words, the beam of light is essentially confined to this spatial region. On the one hand, this allows for the display of confidential content (“privacy”), such as personalized warnings or sensitive information specific to the user. On the other hand, other people near the vehicle, such as the driver, other passengers, or passersby, are not visually disturbed by the display because they cannot see it. Furthermore, by spatially confining the beam of light to the eye window region, the light energy required to generate the beam can be saved.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention is conceived of integrating an external projector (privacy external display) with a suspended real-image into a vehicle component, which can be used for private interaction between the driver or passenger and the vehicle. Integrating an external display device into a vehicle is known to be difficult not only in terms of structural space technology but also in terms of non-reflectivity, visibility, and maintenance. All these difficulties can be overcome by constructing and arranging the privacy external display within the vehicle component as proposed herein, as further elaborated below with some examples. Compared to projection onto vehicle glass, the proposed privacy external display has the advantage that the cover plate / covering layer of the privacy external display, along with the vehicle component located below and the dark interior of the privacy external display, serves as an image background. This allows for a significant increase in image brightness, largely independent of ambient light, and also a marked improvement in contrast. Unlike conventional direct-view displays, the privacy external display protects the displayed content from prying eyes through its spatially limited eye window and provides additional degrees of freedom in the spatial orientation of the suspended real-image with respect to a pre-given vehicle surface.

[0012] The eye window can be limited to a vertical and / or horizontal opening angle around the optical axis of the privacy external display, for example, at least about 10° and at most about 60° (especially between about 15° and 50°) (see Figure 2a (See attached figure 3), so that the actual image is not visible to persons outside this opening angle. Instead of the optical axis, the central axis of the privacy external display can also be used here, which runs from the center of the image generator or from the center of its image generating surface to the center of the eye window.

[0013] The imaging optics described above, particularly by appropriately selecting their effective focal length, enable the generation of realistic images at an imaging distance that is most suitable and comfortable for both privacy features and the user's eyes. This imaging distance can be significantly smaller, for example, less than one meter or even less than half a meter, compared to hard display surfaces or virtual image generation. Such an imaging distance (similar to a computer screen) is optimized, for example, for displaying and reading small-print and / or high-resolution information that would no longer be readable from a greater distance (e.g., for a passerby at an opening angle that allows them to view the privacy external display from a distance from a vehicle).

[0014] In principle, any imaging technology is applicable to the image generator. This image generator can be specifically configured to dynamically generate corresponding desired or anticipated display content within a two-dimensional pixel matrix. For example, the image generator can be configured as a translucent or luminescent flat screen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a µLED or OLED display, but alternatively, it can be configured as a projector-based image generator or a waveguide-based display. This enables, for example, the generation of display content constituting text notifications or operation menus, and in specific interactive configurations, control over the content by the relevant user via voice input or, as further described below, via a touchpad-like interface with a suspended real image.

[0015] Covers / coverings can be made of any material suitable for the functionality described herein, such as plastic or glass. Covers / coverings, especially their user-side surfaces, can be constructed flat (i.e., planar). However, covers / coverings can also have freely shaped surfaces on one or both sides to create a predetermined visual effect and / or predetermined geometry for the surface segments of the vehicle components, on the exterior of the vehicle. In particular, covers / coverings can also be used to mechanically protect the privacy of external displays, especially their imaging optics and the optical components of image generators.

[0016] Imaging optics may include, for example, an array of microlenses or a combination of two or more microlens arrays arranged sequentially in the beam path, the microlens arrays being configured to image the display content generated in the image generator onto a real image suspended in mid-air between the eyepiece and the cover plate or overlay. The number of microlens arrays and their lens or surface geometries can be selected differently depending on the requirements of the specific application to achieve different opening angles and imaging characteristics (e.g., magnification, image distance, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, imaging optics may also include one or more other types of imaging and / or deflecting optical elements, such as lenses and / or plane mirrors.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the imaging optics reside in a single microlens array or in two or more microlens arrays that are sequentially arranged in the beam path. Compared to imaging optics based on plane mirrors or lenses, microlens arrays require very little structural space and can, for example, achieve an almost sandwich-like structure for the entire display, with a correspondingly shorter beam path. Thus, the display can have a total thickness of less than 5 cm, for example about 3 to 4 cm, about 3 to 3.5 cm, or even less, which further facilitates the integration of the display into vehicle components, such as in the A, B, C, or D pillars or door trim of a vehicle.

[0018] In this and other embodiments, two or more microlens arrays that are sequentially arranged in the beam path can be configured to be mirror-symmetrical to each other, particularly in the beam propagation direction. This enables exceptionally good optical functionality, especially for particularly high imaging quality of suspended real images.

[0019] In this and other embodiments, the cover plate may be constructed on the user-side surface of the final microlens array in the beam path. Alternatively, the cover plate may be disposed separately from the microlens array or microlens array assembly, which implies additional configurational freedom not only for the final microlens array in the beam path but also for the cover plate itself.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the imaging optics include concave mirrors and / or converging lenses for imaging the display content generated in the image generator onto a real image suspended in the air between the eye window and the cover plate. To improve imaging performance and / or additionally reduce structural space, the imaging optics may in particular include two concave mirrors and / or a lens system consisting of multiple lenses directly opposite each other in the beam path. The imaging optical elements may also be additionally designed to deflect the beam, magnify the image, and / or correct the image. Additionally, the imaging optics may also include further deflection elements, such as plane mirrors, for folding the beam path.

[0021] According to an extension of the embodiment of the concave mirror with imaging capability, an image generator is configured to generate a linearly polarized light beam with a predetermined polarization direction, and the imaging optics or cover plate includes a deflector disposed in the beam path between the image generator and the concave mirror, and also between the concave mirror and the eye window. The deflector is configured for substantially lossless reflection with respect to the polarization direction and substantially lossless transmission with respect to a polarization direction perpendicular to it. Here, "substantially lossless reflection" can, for example, mean a reflection coefficient greater than 50%, particularly greater than 60% or 70%, ideally greater than 80% or 90%. Similarly, "substantially lossless transmission" can, for example, mean a transmission coefficient greater than 50%, particularly greater than 60% or 70%, ideally greater than 80% or 90%. The deflector can be disposed as a separate element in the beam path between the first concave mirror and the cover plate, or it can be integrated into or form part of the cover plate.

[0022] Furthermore, in this extended scheme, the imaging optics also include a polarization converter in the beam path between the deflector and the concave mirror. This polarization converter is passed by the beam before and after reflection at the concave mirror (i.e., twice in total), thereby rotating the beam's polarization direction by 90°. This allows the beam to pass through the deflector largely unaffected and unimpeded after reflection at the concave mirror, and thus reach the eye window. The deflector causes a folding of the beam path within the privacy external display, so that the distance between the deflector and the concave mirror is utilized twice, resulting in a significant reduction in structural space. The polarization converter can be constructed, for example, as a known λ / 4 retarder (i.e., as a λ / 4 plate) as a single element or as a corresponding coating on the concave mirror.

[0023] For example, in this embodiment, the image generator can be configured to produce a beam with horizontal or s-polarization. After passing through a polarization converter twice, this linear polarization of the beam is converted to vertical or p-polarization, allowing the beam to pass through the deflecting mirror largely unimpeded. In other words, in this example, the polarization direction corresponds to horizontal or s-polarization, the latter of which can be defined, for example, with reference to one of the reflecting surfaces involved (i.e., one of the deflecting mirrors or one of the concave mirrors).

[0024] To make it difficult or even almost completely impossible for users and other personnel to see the interior of a privacy external display through a cover plate or cover layer, the cover plate or cover layer can be constructed to be at least partially opaque to ambient light incident from the outside. For this purpose, the cover plate or cover layer can include, for example, perforated films, particulate additives, colorants, dyes, polarizing filters, and / or uniformly (i.e., as a whole) or segmentally switchable LC layers. In particular, the cover plate or cover layer can here have higher transmittance for projected light exiting from the outside compared to ambient light entering from the outside, for example, through a light-shielding layer / structure on one side or a suitable polarizing filter, combined with appropriately polarized projected light if necessary.

[0025] By reducing transparency, the overlay / cover layer becomes so dark that it forms a dark or even black image background, providing exceptionally high contrast for displaying the suspended, realistic image. Since the overlay / cover layer and the interior of the privacy display behind it are used as the image background, darkening it increases image contrast.

[0026] In other words, the cover plate / cover layer can be used as a contrast medium by its targeted darkening to display a suspended realistic image with the desired contrast. Because ambient light must pass through the cover plate / cover layer twice, compared to projected light, to illuminate the interior of the display when the vehicle components are seen from the outside, this ambient light can also be strongly attenuated by at least twice as much as projected light through light-absorbing particles, perforations, or appropriate polarizing filters in the cover plate / cover layer. Therefore, a perforated film with approximately 40% light transmittance can, for example, ensure perfect visibility of the suspended realistic image to the user, as the perforated film transmits less than 16% of interfering ambient light and thus forms an almost black image background.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the vehicle component also includes a user finger sensing device configured to identify finger position and / or finger movement within an area of ​​a suspended real-world image generated in the air. In particular, in this embodiment, the vehicle component may also include associated analysis and evaluation electronics configured to enable a predetermined interaction between the user and the suspended real-world image based on the identified finger position and / or finger movement. Alternatively, however, these analysis and evaluation electronics may also be implemented in other locations within the vehicle, such as in the vehicle's central controller or other onboard control units, for example, by installing appropriate computer programs.

[0028] The cover plate / covering layer can optionally and additionally contribute to beam shaping and / or guidance, for example, by a particular prismatic shape and thus form part of the imaging optics. According to one embodiment, the cover plate can be prismatically constructed to deflect the beam upwards, thereby vertically compressing the structural space required for the privacy external display and emitting the beam directly toward the eye window. In particular, the prismatic cover plate / covering layer can therefore have at least an approximately triangular, downwardly tapering shape in its vertical longitudinal section. With this structure, for example, the privacy external display can be integrated inside the side door or tailgate below the corresponding vehicle glass, where there may be more structural space than in the A-pillar, B-pillar, C-pillar, or D-pillar.

[0029] According to one embodiment, imaging optics are designed to display content as a real image in an image plane or curved image plane suspended in mid-air between the cover plate / cover and the eye window. Here, by appropriately selecting the mutual arrangement and configuration of the image generator and imaging optics, an optimized orientation for viewing the image generated by the suspended real image plane or surface can be achieved. This orientation is largely independent of, and can therefore deviate significantly from, the surface geometry of the vehicle element or cover plate / cover. The suspended real image plane or surface has a spatially optimized orientation for the user's ergonomics when viewing the real image, significantly deviating from the surface segment. In particular, the suspended real image plane or surface can thus be achieved in positions and orientations that cannot be achieved by conventional display or projection surfaces that must conform to a pre-given geometry of the vehicle element. For example, in this embodiment, the suspended real image plane or surface can be rotated about 10° to 50° around a horizontal axis relative to the surface segment of the vehicle element, which is typically oriented approximately vertically in the vehicle, to present a real image tilted horizontally to the user to a corresponding degree, which is optimally visible from above to a user directly adjacent to the vehicle element. This tilt of the real image also strongly limits its visibility to other people, who are farther away from the vehicle than the users entering and exiting it and therefore cannot see the suspended real image from above.

[0030] The vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, is configured according to another aspect. The vehicle includes one or more vehicle elements of the type mentioned herein, which may in particular be configured as A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, D-pillars, doors, and / or tailgates, and each has an integrated privacy external display of the type mentioned herein.

[0031] Here, the size and / or resolution of the suspended real image to be generated by the corresponding privacy external display can be specifically designed for users outside the vehicle, directly close to or opposite the relevant vehicle components. Alternatively or additionally, the distance between the corresponding eye window and the corresponding vehicle component can be less than 1 to 2 meters in the beam propagation direction.

[0032] In particular, the aforementioned suspended real image plane / image surface can have a spatial orientation that is significantly offset from the cover plate / covering layer, tilted at a predetermined angle from the vertical towards the vehicle roof (in other words, upwards and thus towards the eye window). This tilting angle causes the suspended real image plane / image surface to tilt towards the user, which not only enhances privacy but also improves user comfort when reading displayed information. The tilt angle can be, for example, at least about 10°, particularly at least about 20°, or even at least about 30°. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The above-described aspects of the present invention, as well as its embodiments and particular configurations, are described in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be understood as purely schematic illustrations of the basic structural and functional principles, i.e., not drawn to scale. Identical or functionally corresponding elements are given the same reference numerals in the various drawings. The drawings show:

[0034] Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the basic structure of a privacy external display integrated into a vehicle component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2a A side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention shows that the vehicle has a vehicle element configured as a left B-pillar.

[0036] Figure 2b A side view of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention shows that the vehicle has a vehicle element configured as a left rear door; and

[0037] Figure 3 : Figure 2a Or a front view of the vehicle in 2b, showing the opening angle of the privacy external display integrated into the vehicle components and a vertical cross-sectional view of the eye window.

[0038] All embodiments, alternatives and specific configuration features of the vehicle elements and vehicles according to the above aspects of this utility model mentioned in the above description and the following claims may be applicable. Figures 1 to 3 In the examples shown, the features illustrated are also implemented alternatively or additionally. Therefore, these implementations, alternatives, and specific configuration features will not be repeated below. Accordingly, the same applies to the features already given above regarding... Figure 1-3 The terminology definitions and effects of the various features shown are as follows. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 A vehicle element 3 with an integrated privacy external display 2 is shown in a highly simplified schematic cross-sectional view (e.g., a vertical longitudinal section may be shown). As in Figures 2a-2b and Figure 3 As shown in some examples, vehicle element 3 is constructed for installation in vehicle 1.

[0040] Figure 2a This is shown as a perspective side view of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle having a vehicle element 3 configured as a left B-pillar, which can be particularly as shown in Figure 1 It is constructed in that way. Figure 2b A perspective side view of a vehicle 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein vehicle element 3 is configured as part of the left rear door. This can also be particularly evident here. Figure 1 Vehicle component 3.

[0041] In these examples, vehicle 1 is a motor vehicle. As already mentioned, spatial orientation terms such as “above,” “below,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” etc., unless otherwise stated, refer to a Cartesian coordinate system that is generally fixed for vehicles, with vehicle 1 having longitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions that are perpendicular to each other.

[0042] As in Figure 1 As shown, the privacy external display 2 includes an image generator 5 and a cover plate 6. The image generator is configured to generate a light beam L (also referred to as "projection light") with the desired display content. The cover plate closes outward and mechanically protects the privacy external display 2. The user-side surface of the cover plate 6 constitutes the vehicle exterior surface segment 7 of the vehicle element 3, which, as shown in... Figure 2a As can be seen in reference numeral 3 in the attached figure, the user 4 is arranged facing or directly opposite the vehicle 1 when entering or exiting the vehicle 1 and closing the door.

[0043] Furthermore, the privacy external display 2 also includes imaging optics arranged between the image generator 5 and the cover plate 6 in the beam path of the projection light L. In this example, the imaging optics include two microlens arrays, MLA1 and MLA2, arranged sequentially in the beam path. These two microlens arrays are designed to image the display content generated in the image generator 5 onto a real image R that is freely suspended in the air and is visible from the user 4's eye window E when viewed towards the cover plate 6 between the eye window E and the cover plate 6.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In this context, user 4 is represented solely by their eyes and a predetermined spatial area (eye window E), from which a suspended, realistic image R generated by the privacy external display 2 during operation can be seen at a set quality. The eye window E is also purely symbolically drawn and extended, or rather, within... Figure 1-3 In the example shown, the location is less than 2m from vehicle 1, where this distance is measured in the beam propagation direction of beam L. Figure 1 In the diagram, beam L is schematically represented only by its edge beams, which are directed toward the eyes of user 4.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In this example, the image generator 5 is configured as a flat screen, specifically as a liquid crystal display (LCD), having a pixel-by-pixel controllable liquid crystal layer 11 (LCD panel) and a backlighting device 12, enabling the dynamic generation of corresponding desired display content on its display surface (i.e., in the liquid crystal layer 11). Figure 1 As shown, the background illumination device 12 may specifically be configured with a collimating lens for uniformly illuminating the liquid crystal layer 11 in a planar manner. Alternatively, however, the image generator 5 may be configured as a self-illuminating flat screen or projector and, for example, include a light-scattering projection surface (not shown separately), onto which the corresponding display content is projected as a real image. Alternatively, the projector-based image generator 5 may include a laser scanner or light source with suitable illumination optics for generating a uniform, collimated illumination beam and thereby correspondingly illuminating an image generation surface (e.g., in the form of LCOS, liquid crystal on silicon, or DMD, digital micromirror device, not shown separately), which can be driven pixel-by-pixel to generate the corresponding display content.

[0046] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, the cover plate 6 (also called the cover glass), which has the optical function for transmission further mentioned above, is constructed separately from the microlens array MLA2. Therefore, as also... Figure 1 As shown, the second microlens array MLA2 and the cover plate 6 can be configured independently of each other in terms of geometry and optical functionality. Here, the balance between the transmittance of light in both directions and the ability to see the user 4 and other persons near the vehicle 1 independently is defined by optical functions such as a transparent black print, a perforated film, a polarizer, or a uniform or segmentally switchable LC layer (liquid crystal). The goal of this balance is to prevent peeping into the privacy external display 2 as completely as possible, but to ensure sufficient transparency for the projected light L. The number of microlens arrays and their surface geometry can be varied to achieve different opening angles α of the beam L (see...). Figures 2a-2b ) and imaging characteristics for a real image R that is suspended.

[0047] exist Figure 1 The optical structure of the privacy external display 2, as shown in the diagram, enables a thin implementation, for example, with a total thickness D of approximately 30 mm to 40 mm. This, in particular, allows the privacy external display 2 to be integrated into the left B-pillar. Figure 2a ) or in the left rear door ( Figure 2b For in Figure 1 Alternatively, the final microlens array MLA2 in the beam path can be configured flat or as a freeform surface on its side facing the eye window E, so as to replace the cover plate 6 to apply the cover layer (not shown) and thereby further reduce the total thickness D of the privacy external display 2.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In the image, the suspended real image R is aligned with the direction of the light beam propagation (or the direction of the optical axis). Figure 1 The distance between the centers of the components in the symmetrically constructed microlens array MLA1-MLA2 can, for example, range from approximately 15 mm to 50 mm. The opening angle α, which limits the lateral / bland dimensions of the eye window E, is (see...). Figures 2a-2b This can be particularly between approximately 15° and approximately 50°, for example, approximately 30°. These parameters can be applied independently of each other to the vertical component α of the opening angle α. v and horizontal component α h In this example, the diagonal size of the liquid crystal layer 11 of the image generator 5 can be in the range of approximately 5 to 10 inches. With the optical structure of the privacy outdoor display 2 presented herein, for example, the brightness (background light brightness) of the background illumination device 12 is approximately 5000 cd / m². 2 It can achieve approximately 1000 cd / m² for a real image R that is suspended in space. 2 Image brightness.

[0049] Figure 3 Show Figure 2a or Figure 2b The image shows a front view of vehicle 1, with an opening angle α and a vertical cross-sectional view of the eye window E of the privacy external display 2 integrated into the vehicle element 3. As already mentioned, this privacy external display is capable of discreetly displaying information specific to the user 4 who is entering or leaving vehicle 1, in the form of a real image R freely suspended in the air, which can only be seen or read from the predetermined eye window E. As further described above, it is also possible to optionally enable manual interaction between the user 4 and the suspended real image R, such as user authorization or menu operation via the suspended real image R.

[0050] List of reference numerals

[0051] 1 vehicle

[0052] 2. Privacy External Display

[0053] 3 Vehicle components

[0054] 4 users

[0055] 5 Image Generator

[0056] 6. Cover plate

[0057] 7. Surface sections on the outer side of vehicle components

[0058] 11 Liquid Crystal Layer

[0059] 12 Background lighting devices

[0060] L-beam, also known as projection beam

[0061] Real images of R suspended in the air

[0062] E-window

[0063] D. Total thickness of the display

[0064] α opening angle

[0065] α v The vertical component of the opening angle

[0066] α h The horizontal component of the opening angle.

Claims

1. A vehicle component (3) comprising an integrated privacy external display (2), characterized in that, The privacy external display has the following components: - Image generator (5) is configured to generate a beam (L) with the desired display content; - A cover plate or cover layer, configured to be passed through by the light beam (L), the cover plate or cover layer forming a surface section (7) on the outer side of the vehicle element (3). and - Imaging optics, which are arranged in the beam path between the image generator (5) and the cover plate or cover layer, and are configured such that the beam (L) passes through the cover plate or cover layer and exits the vehicle element (3) directly toward a predetermined eye window (E) for the eyes of the user (4), and images the display content onto a real image (R) suspended in the air between the cover plate or cover layer and the eye window (E).

2. The vehicle component (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, - The imaging optics includes a microlens array or a combination of two or more microlens arrays (MLA1, MLA2) that are sequentially arranged in the beam path; and - The microlens array or components of the microlens array (MLA1, MLA2) are configured to image the display content generated in the image generator (5) onto the real image (R) suspended in the air between the eye window (E) and the cover plate or cover layer.

3. The vehicle component (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that, - The two or more microlens arrays (MLA1, MLA2) that are sequentially arranged in the beam path are mirror-symmetrically arranged and constructed relative to each other in the beam propagation direction.

4. The vehicle component (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that, - The imaging optics include a concave mirror and / or a converging lens, which are configured to image the display content generated in the image generator (5) onto the real image (R) suspended in the air between the eye window (E) and the cover plate (6).

5. The vehicle component (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that, - The image generator (5) is configured to generate a linearly polarized beam (L) with a predetermined polarization direction. - The imaging optics or the cover plate (6) includes a deflector that is arranged in the beam path between the image generator (5) and the concave mirror and also between the concave mirror and the eye window (E), and is configured for lossless reflection in the polarization direction and lossless transmission in the polarization direction perpendicular to the polarization direction. and - The imaging optics additionally includes a polarization converter in the beam path between the deflector and the concave mirror, the polarization converter being configured such that the beam (L) passes through the polarization converter a total of twice and the polarization direction of the beam is thereby rotated by 90°.

6. The vehicle component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, - The cover plate or cover layer is opaque to ambient light incident on the cover plate or cover layer from the outside by means of a perforated film, particulate additives, colorants, dyes, polarizing filters and / or segmentally or uniformly switchable LC layers, thereby preventing the interior of the privacy external display (2) from being seen through the cover plate or cover layer.

7. The vehicle component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The vehicle components also include: - A user finger sensing device configured to identify finger position and / or finger movement in an area of ​​the real image (R) generated in the air.

8. The vehicle component (3) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The vehicle component also includes corresponding analysis and evaluation electronics, which are configured to enable the user (4) to perform a predetermined interaction with the suspended real image (R) based on the identified user's (4) finger position and / or finger movement.

9. The vehicle component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, - The cover plate or cover layer is prismatically constructed to deflect the light beam (L) upward in order to vertically compress the structural space required for the privacy external display (2) and / or to emit the light beam (L) directly toward the eye window (E); and - The prismatic cover plate or cover layer has a shape that tapers downwards in the vertical longitudinal section.

10. The vehicle component (3) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The prismatic cover plate or cover layer has a shape that is at least approximately triangular and tapers downwards in the vertical longitudinal section.

11. The vehicle component (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, - The imaging optics are designed to display the content as a real image (R) in a real image plane or real image surface suspended in the air between the cover plate or cover layer and the eye window (E); and - The suspended real image plane or real image surface has an ergonomically optimized spatial orientation for the user (4) when observing the real image (R), which is significantly deviated from the surface segment (7).

12. A vehicle (1), characterized in that, The vehicle (1) includes: - At least one vehicle element (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The vehicle (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The vehicle in question is a motor vehicle.

14. The vehicle (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The vehicle components are configured as A-pillars, B-pillars, C-pillars, D-pillars, doors, and / or tailgates.

15. The vehicle (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The size and / or resolution of the floating real image (R) to be generated by the corresponding privacy external display (2) are designed for a user (4) located outside the vehicle, directly close to the vehicle element (3), or opposite the vehicle element; and / or The distance between the corresponding eye window (E) and the corresponding vehicle element (3) is less than 1 to 2 meters in the beam propagation direction.

Images