Display system, vehicle with such a display system, and vehicle steering wheel assembly

Abstract

Display system (2) for a vehicle, comprising: a steering wheel (60) that is laterally movable between a first position (60a) and a second position (60b) with respect to a dashboard (100), and that includes a ring (62) defining a void (66) designed to rotate around a central axis (64) and a support arm (80) comprising a first end (80a) coupled to the ring (62) and a second end (80b) movably attached; characterized in that the steering wheel (60) is also movable along a guide rail (160); the second end (80b) is movably attached to the guide rail (160); and the display system (2) further includes: a projector (40) with a mirror (49) attached to the support arm (80), wherein the projector (40) is designed to project a laser light in a lateral direction parallel to the guide rail (160) to the mirror (49), and the mirror (49) is designed to reflect the laser light to the void (66) to produce a holographic image (I) within the void (66) such that the holographic image (I) remains fixed relative to the central axis (64) when the steering wheel (60) moves between the first position (60b) and the second position (60b).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a display system for a vehicle, a vehicle steering wheel assembly and a vehicle with such a display system and is particularly concerned with a holographic display system comprising a steering wheel that is laterally movable between a first position and a second position with respect to a dashboard, and comprising a ring that defines a void which is designed to rotate about a central axis, and a support arm comprising a first end that is coupled to the ring and a second end that is movably attached. background

[0002] Motor vehicles often include a large number of controls with which an occupant might want to interact during vehicle operation. Many of these controls are relevant to driving the vehicle, such as turn signal and exterior light controls. However, other controls may be provided for the vehicle's accessory systems, such as entertainment systems, navigation systems, and climate control systems.

[0003] It is often desirable to provide controls for vehicle systems that are easily accessible from the driver's position, allowing the driver to use the controls without leaving their driving position. This can lead to the provision of a large number of controls in a small area of ​​the vehicle. In some cases, to accommodate all the controls for each of the vehicle systems, it may be necessary to use a single control surface to provide control inputs for more than one system.

[0004] Additionally, each system can include a display designed to provide the driver with information regarding the system's operation. It may be desirable to position such displays within the driver's line of sight. For example, the displays can be placed close together on the vehicle's dashboard. This allows the driver to quickly obtain the desired information about the operation of a particular vehicle system from the relevant display.

[0005] For example, German patent application DE 196 24 686 A1 shows a vehicle whose operator station, including the steering wheel, brake pedals, and accelerator pedals, can be positioned on either the left or right side of the vehicle via a pivoting arm suspension. To transmit steering movements to the steerable axle despite the variable steering wheel position, the steering wheel axle is coupled to a central control axle via a chain drive, around which the chain drive can pivot. Furthermore, German patent application GB 22 11 646 A shows a holographic multi-display for the cockpit of a motor vehicle, in which a hologram plate is positioned in front of a dashboard display, by means of which holograms can be generated either in front of or behind the dashboard display.The document US 6 714 327 B1 also depicts a holographic display for a motor vehicle cockpit, in which various cockpit surfaces, such as the dashboard, airbag cover, glove compartment cover, or sun visor, are used to display the holograms. Further holographic display systems for a vehicle cockpit are depicted in the documents JP 2015 - 125 377 A and US 2011 / 012 85 55 A1.

[0006] Providing a large number of controls and / or displays can undesirably increase the complexity of driving the vehicle and may limit the driver's ability to quickly obtain desired information regarding the operation of a specific vehicle system. Furthermore, the presence of these controls and displays can lead to greater confusion for the driver, which can negatively impact driving enjoyment.

[0007] The present invention is based on the objective of creating an improved display system for a vehicle, an improved vehicle with such a display system, and an improved vehicle steering wheel assembly, avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art and advantageously developing the latter further. In particular, it should be possible, using simple means and in a space-saving manner, to provide a holographic image at a location convenient for the driver, even if the vehicle's steering wheel is adjustable. Description of the invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by a display system according to claim 1, a vehicle according to claim 14, a vehicle steering wheel assembly according to claim 15, and a vehicle according to claim 17. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] It is therefore proposed that the steering wheel be movable along a guide rail, the second end of the support arm be movably attached to the guide rail, and the display system comprise: a projector with a mirror attached to the support arm, the projector being designed to project a laser light in a lateral direction parallel to the guide rail to the mirror, and the mirror being designed to reflect the laser light to the void in order to produce a holographic image within the void defined by the ring of the steering wheel such that the holographic image remains fixed relative to the central axis when the steering wheel moves between the first position and the second position.

[0010] The holographic projector can be located on or within an interior trim section of the vehicle, such as a dashboard. In some configurations, one or more components of the holographic projector assembly can be located on the steering wheel assembly, for example, on the ring-shaped element or a support arm of the steering wheel assembly.

[0011] As mentioned, the holographic projector assembly includes a mirror. The position and / or angle of the mirror can be controlled to adjust the location of the holographic image.

[0012] As mentioned, the steering wheel assembly also includes a support arm. The ring-shaped element can be coupled to an interior trim section of the vehicle via the support arm. The mirror, or another mirror, can be located at an interface between the support arm and the interior trim section.

[0013] The holographic projector assembly can include a pulsed laser designed to emit laser light pulses. For example, the pulsed laser can be a femtosecond laser designed to emit a laser light pulse approximately every femtosecond or less.

[0014] The holographic projector assembly may further include a scanner designed to deflect the laser light pulses, e.g. to selectively deflect each laser light pulse by a target amount.

[0015] The holographic projector assembly can include one or more lenses designed to focus the laser light to create volume elements, such as voxels, of the holographic image. Additionally or alternatively, the holographic projector can include one or more non-planar mirrors designed to focus the laser light.

[0016] The laser can be designed to generate a plasma within the volume elements of the holographic image. This plasma can create a pressure wave that can be perceived, e.g., felt, by an occupant's hand.

[0017] The pulsed laser and scanner of the holographic projector assembly can be housed within the holographic projector assembly's enclosure. The lenses and / or mirrors of the holographic projector assembly can also be located within the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the lenses and / or mirrors can be located outside the enclosure. For example, one or more of the lenses and / or mirrors can be located on or within an interior trim panel of the vehicle and / or the steering wheel assembly.

[0018] The holographic projector assembly can be designed to move together within the ring-shaped element, so that the holographic image remains stationary relative to the central axis of the ring-shaped element.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the mirror and / or the additional mirror can be designed to move together with the ring-shaped element, so that the holographic image remains stationary relative to the central axis of the ring-shaped element. For example, the mirror and / or the additional mirror can be mounted on the steering wheel support arm, which can move together with the ring-shaped element.

[0020] The display system can be designed so that the holographic image or part of the holographic image does not rotate when the ring-shaped element rotates around the central axis; for example, the holographic image or part of the holographic image can remain stationary relative to the inner panel section when the ring-shaped element rotates.

[0021] In some arrangements, the holographic image or part of the holographic image can rotate together with the ring-shaped element when the ring-shaped element rotates around the central axis; for example, the holographic image or part of the holographic image can remain stationary relative to the ring-shaped element when the ring-shaped image rotates.

[0022] The ring-shaped element can be movable between a first position and a second position. The holographic projector assembly can be designed to generate the holographic image when the ring-shaped element is positioned at or near the first position, e.g., closer to the first position than to the second position. The display system can include another holographic projector assembly designed to generate the holographic image when the ring-shaped element is positioned at or near the second position, e.g., closer to the second position than to the first position.

[0023] The holographic image can be designed to display one or more vehicle controls, such as turn signal controls, navigation controls, and / or media controls. The display system can be designed to change the number and / or position of the controls displayed by the holographic image according to a control setting. The control setting can be adjusted by a vehicle occupant according to their control preferences. Additionally or alternatively, the control setting can be determined, at least partially, according to a vehicle operating mode, such as manual control, autonomous control, and semi-autonomous control.

[0024] The display system may further include a camera, e.g., a 3D camera, designed to determine the position, e.g., a 3D position, of a vehicle occupant's hand relative to the holographic image. The display system may be designed to determine a control input based on the position of the occupant's hand relative to the holographic image.

[0025] The display system may also include an eye position sensor designed to determine the position of an occupant's eye. The eye position sensor may be the camera. The display system may be designed to prevent the holographic image from being displayed if the occupant's eye is within a threshold distance of the holographic image. This may be done to protect the occupant's eye from infrared and / or ultraviolet radiation from the holographic image and / or to prevent laser light from entering the occupant's eye.

[0026] The display system may further include a positioning sensor, e.g., a UV sensor, radar sensor, a camera, such as a 3D camera, or any other sensor designed to determine the location of one or more objects near the vehicle, e.g., outside the vehicle. The holographic image may be designed to display a representation of one or more of the objects.

[0027] The display system can further include a camera, e.g., a 3D camera, designed to capture an external image of the vehicle. The holographic image can incorporate this external image. The camera can also serve as the positioning sensor. Alternatively, the image captured by the camera can be combined with information from the positioning sensor to generate the object representation.

[0028] The holographic projector assembly can be designed to display part of the holographic image radially outside the ring-shaped element.

[0029] The display system may also include a control unit designed to control the operation of the holographic projector assembly.

[0030] The control unit can be designed to determine a control preference setting. The control unit can further be designed to control the operation of the holographic projector assembly so that the holographic image represents one or more vehicle controls according to the control preference setting.

[0031] The control unit can be designed to determine an operating mode of the vehicle. The control unit can further be designed to control the operation of the holographic projector assembly such that the holographic image represents one or more of the vehicle's controls, at least partially, according to the vehicle's operating mode.

[0032] The control unit can be designed to determine the position of an occupant's hand relative to the holographic image. The control unit can further be designed to determine a vehicle control input based on the location of the occupant's hand.

[0033] The display system can be designed to reproduce information from another display in the vehicle within the holographic image.

[0034] The display system may also include a location sensor designed to determine the location of objects near the vehicle. The control unit may be designed to process location information from the location sensor to generate a representation of the objects. The control unit may also be designed to display the representation of the objects in the holographic image.

[0035] This display system may also include a camera. The control unit may be designed to capture an external image of the vehicle using the camera. The control unit may also be designed to display this external image within the holographic display.

[0036] According to another aspect, the holographic projector assembly is designed to produce a holographic image on or adjacent to a control surface of the motor vehicle.

[0037] The system may also include a mirror designed to reflect light generated by the holographic projector in order to adjust the position of the holographic image.

[0038] A vehicle, e.g. a motor vehicle, may include one of the display systems mentioned above.

[0039] According to another aspect, the operation of the display system includes: controlling the operation of the holographic projector assembly to provide a holographic image in a central area around which the ring-shaped element extends, e.g., at or towards the center of the ring-shaped element. The central axis can run through the central area.

[0040] The operation of the display system may further include determining a control preference setting and controlling the operation of the holographic projector assembly, so that the holographic image represents one or more controls of the vehicle according to the control preference setting.

[0041] The operation of the display system can include determining an operating mode of the vehicle, for example, a manual, autonomous, or semi-autonomous operating mode. The operation of the holographic projector assembly can be controlled such that the holographic image represents one or more vehicle controls, at least partially, according to the vehicle's operating mode.

[0042] The operation of the display system can also include determining the position of an occupant's hand relative to the holographic image. Based on the position of the occupant's hand, a vehicle control input can be determined.

[0043] The operation of the display system can also include reproducing information from another display of the vehicle in the holographic image.

[0044] The display system can further include a location sensor designed to determine the location of objects near the vehicle. The method can further include processing location information from the location sensor to generate a representation of the objects. This representation of the objects can be displayed in the holographic image.

[0045] The display system may also include a camera. The method may further include capturing an external image of the vehicle using the camera. This external image can be displayed within the holographic image. The external image can be combined with location information to generate the representation of the objects. Brief description of the drawings

[0046] For a better understanding of the present invention and to more clearly show how it can be implemented, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings by way of example, in which the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a display system according to arrangements of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a schematic front view of a display system according to an arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 a schematic view of a holographic projector according to the arrangements of the present disclosure; Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b are a schematic bottom or side view of a display system according to another arrangement of the present disclosure; Fig. 5a the holographic display system according to arrangements of the present disclosure in a first operating mode; Fig. 5b the holographic display system according to arrangements of the present disclosure in a second operating mode; and Fig. 6 shows the holographic display system according to arrangements of the present disclosure in a third operating mode. Detailed description

[0047] Referring to Fig. 1 includes a display system 2 for a motor vehicle, a holographic projector 40 and a steering wheel 60.

[0048] The steering wheel 60 is designed to rotate about a central axis 64 of the steering wheel. Such a rotation can cause a steering system of the vehicle to control the direction of travel, for example by turning the vehicle's wheels. The steering wheel 60 includes an annular element 62, which is designed to be held by an occupant of the vehicle in order to rotate the steering wheel.

[0049] The ring-shaped element 62 can be circular and, as such, can be toroidal. The ring-shaped element 62 can also have a circular cross-section, although the cross-sectional shape can vary around the circumference of the ring-shaped element.

[0050] The steering wheel 60 can be a so-called steer-by-wire steering wheel, which may not be mechanically connected to the vehicle's steering mechanism. In other words, the steering wheel 60 can send an electrical signal to a control unit, which in turn sends a signal to an actuator to adjust the directional position of the vehicle's wheels. The steering wheel 60 can be functionally connected to such a control unit wirelessly and / or via one or more wires.

[0051] The steering wheel 60 is supported by a support arm 80, which can connect the steering wheel 60 to a support structure, such as a dashboard 100 or another interior trim section of the vehicle. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a first end 80a of the support arm is coupled to the dashboard 100 and a second end 80b of the support arm is coupled to the steering wheel 60. The support arm 80 is coupled to the steering wheel 60 at the second end 80b in such a way that rotation of the annular element 62 is permitted.

[0052] The support arm 80 can include an extension 90 provided at the first end 80a of the support arm, and the support arm 80 can be coupled to the instrument panel 100 at the extension 90.

[0053] The support arm 80 can be attached to the steering wheel 60 at a point that is spaced away from the center of the steering wheel. For example, the support arm 80 can be attached to the steering wheel 60 at its underside. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the support arm 80 can be coupled to the ring-shaped element 62 of the steering wheel.

[0054] The support arm 80 can extend away from the steering wheel 60 in one direction with a component parallel to its central axis 64. The support arm 80 can also extend away from the steering wheel 60 in one direction with a radial component. In other words, the support arm 80 can extend axially and radially away from the central axis 64. The support arm 80 can be essentially straight, or it can be curved, as shown, for example, with a bend point between the first and second ends 80a, 80b. The support arm 80 can be elongated.

[0055] When the support arm 80 is coupled to the ring-shaped element 62, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the steering wheel 60 might not include any radial support elements within the ring-shaped element 62, for example, to support rotation of the steering wheel 60 about the central axis 64. In other words, the steering wheel 60 could be a hubless steering wheel.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the annular element 62 can define a void 66 within the annular element, e.g., within an inner radius 62a of the annular element. The holographic projector 40 can be configured to generate a holographic image I within the void 66, e.g., between the center of the annular element 62 and the inner radius 62a of the annular element.

[0057] In another arrangement, the steering wheel 60 can include a central hub to which the support arm 80 can be attached. The steering wheel 60 can include one or more support elements designed to couple the annular element 62 to the central hub. In this case, the holographic projector 40 can be designed to generate the holographic image I in a region radially within the annular element 62 where the support elements are not provided, e.g., between, in front of, and / or behind the support elements.

[0058] At the in Fig. In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the holographic image I is shown in front of the steering wheel 60, e.g., offset from the annular element 62 along the central axis 64 of the steering wheel 60. However, the holographic image I can be generated at any desired position along the central axis 64; for example, the holographic image I can be at least partially aligned within the annular element 62 or can be positioned behind the annular element 62, e.g., between the steering wheel 60 and the dashboard 100. The holographic image I can extend over any desired distance along the central axis 64, e.g., in front of and / or behind the annular element 62.

[0059] At the in Fig. In the arrangement shown in Figure 1, the holographic projector 40 is mounted on the dashboard 100. However, it is equally conceivable that the holographic projector 40 could be mounted on any other interior trim section or component of the vehicle.

[0060] For example, the holographic projector 40 can be mounted on a rearview mirror 120. In alternative arrangements of the present disclosure, the holographic projector 40 or components of the holographic projector can be provided on the extension 90, the support arm 80 and / or the steering wheel 60. For example, components of the holographic projector 40 could be provided on the annular element 62.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 3. The holographic projector 40 can include a light source, such as a laser 42, a scanner 44 designed to selectively deflect light away from the laser, and a varifocal lens 46 designed to focus light from the laser to generate the holographic image. The holographic projector 40 can further include a control unit 50 designed to control the operation of the scanner 44 and / or the varifocal lens 46.

[0062] The holographic projector 40 can further comprise one or more mirrors 49 and / or one or more lenses 48. The mirrors 49 and / or lenses 48 can be configured to control the transmission of laser light between the components of the holographic projector, e.g., between the laser 42 and the scanner 44 and / or between the scanner 44 and the varifocal lens 46. The mirrors 49 and / or lenses 48 can be designed to direct and / or focus the laser light as it passes between the components of the holographic projector 40. In the Fig. In the arrangements shown, the mirrors 49 are planar mirrors designed to direct the laser light in the holographic projector 40. However, it is equally conceivable that the mirrors 49 could be concave or convex mirrors and could also be designed to focus the laser light.

[0063] Each of the components of the holographic projector 40, e.g., the laser 42, the scanner 44, the varifocal lens 46, the mirrors 49, and the lenses 48, can be provided in a housing (not shown) of the holographic projector 40. Alternatively, one or more of the components of the holographic projector 40, such as the lenses 48, mirrors 49, and / or the varifocal lens 46, can be provided outside the housing of the holographic projector. For example, the lenses 48, mirrors 49, and / or the varifocal lens 46 can be provided on or in an interior trim section of the vehicle, e.g., between the holographic projector 40 and the steering wheel 60, and / or can be provided on or in the steering wheel 60, support arm 80, and / or extension 90.

[0064] The laser 42 can be a pulsed laser designed to generate laser light pulses. For example, in the case of the Fig. Figure 3 shows a femtosecond laser arrangement designed to generate a laser light pulse approximately every femtosecond. It is equally conceivable that the pulsed laser could be designed to generate a laser pulse over a different period, such as a nanosecond, a picosecond, an attosecond, or any other period.

[0065] The scanner 44 can include several mirrors (not shown), which may be movable to selectively deflect the light. Additionally or alternatively, the laser scanning device can include one or more refractive elements (not shown) designed to deflect the laser light by refraction. The scanner 44 can be able to adjust the position of the mirrors and / or refractive elements to deflect each light pulse generated by the laser 42 by a different amount. In some arrangements, the scanner 44 can be a galvanic scanner. Alternatively, the scanner 44 can include any other type of scanning device capable of controllably deflecting light from the laser 42.

[0066] Laser light exiting the scanner 44 can be deflected by the mirrors 49 and / or focused by the lenses 48 before reaching the varifocal lens 46. The mirrors 49 and / or lenses 48 can be designed to maintain the relative deflections of the laser light pulses generated by the scanner 44.

[0067] The varifocal lens 46 can comprise several lenses 46a, 46b, the relative positions of which are controllable in order to adjust the focal length of the varifocal lens 46. By controlling the operation of the scanner 44 and the varifocal lens 46, the holographic projector 40 can be configured to direct and focus the laser light pulses from the laser 42 to a desired 3D location, e.g., into a desired volume centered at that 3D location.

[0068] Focused laser light pulses at the desired 3D location can ionize the air at that location and create a plasma. This plasma can generate visible light and thus form a volume element (voxel) of the holographic image I. The generation of the plasma can also lead to the creation of pressure waves in the air adjacent to the desired 3D location, which can propagate away from the volume element. These pressure waves can be felt by the occupant if their hand is near the volume elements, potentially allowing them to sense the holographic image I.

[0069] The control unit 50 can control the operation of the scanner 44 and the varifocal lens 46 to scan the laser across a projection volume in order to generate the holographic image I within that volume. The varifocal lens 46 is capable of making small and precise changes in its focal length to scan the laser across the projection volume.

[0070] In some configurations, the varifocal lens 46 can adjust its focal length by a greater amount than the depth of the projection volume, for example, to focus the laser light outside the current projection volume. Additionally or alternatively, the scanner 44 can deflect the laser light outside the current projection volume. The size and / or position of the projection volume can therefore be adjusted by changing the operation of the scanner 44 and the varifocal lens.

[0071] In other configurations, the scanner 44 and / or the varifocal lens 46 might not be able to direct and / or focus the laser light outside the current projection volume. Alternatively, the position of the projection volume might already have been adjusted to a limit value of the scanner 44 or the varifocal lens 46. If it is desired to adjust or further adjust the size and / or position of the projection volume, the position of the lenses 48 and / or mirrors 49 of the holographic projector 40 can be changed. Changes to the projection volume achieved by adjusting the lenses 48 and / or mirrors 49 cannot be made as quickly as changes implemented by adjusting the operation of the scanner 44 and / or the varifocal lens 46.Adjusting the positions of the lenses 48 and / or the mirrors 49 allows for larger changes to the size and / or position of the projection volume. The positions of the lenses 48 and / or mirrors 49 can be adjusted by one or more actuators (not shown) provided in the holographic projector 40. The actuators can be controlled by the control unit 50.

[0072] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4a, the steering wheel 60 can be moved relative to the dashboard 100 from a first position 60a to a second position 60b, in which a second occupant of the vehicle can steer the steering wheel 60. In other words, the steering wheel 60 can move from one end of the dashboard 100 to the other end of the dashboard in a lateral direction 140 of the vehicle. Control of the vehicle can thus be transferred from the first occupant to the second occupant. Other systems of the vehicle can adapt to allow the second occupant to control the vehicle. For example, pedals can extend from the floor of the footwell, and mirrors can be adjusted to provide the new driver with an appropriate view.

[0073] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle can include a guide track 160 provided in the interior trim section of the vehicle. The guide track 160 can extend laterally 140 across the instrument panel 100. In particular, the guide track 160 can extend between the first position 60a and the second position 60b. The extension 90 can be coupled to the instrument panel 100 at the guide track 160 and can be designed to slide in the guide track 160 to allow movement of the steering wheel 60 between the first and second positions 60a, 60b.

[0074] If the steering wheel 60 moves between the first position 60a and the second position 60b, it may be desirable that the holographic image I is displayed in the same position regardless of the position of the steering wheel 60 relative to the steering wheel 60.

[0075] The holographic projector 40 can be configured to provide the holographic image I when the steering wheel 60 is at or near the first position 60a, e.g., closer to the first position 60a than to the second position 60b. The display system 2 can include another holographic projector 40a, which is configured to generate the holographic image I when the steering wheel 60 is at or near the second position 60b, e.g., closer to the second position 60b than to the first position 60a.

[0076] At intermediate positions between the first and second positions 60a, 60b, neither the holographic projector 40 nor the further holographic projector 40a may be able to generate the holographic image I at the desired position, e.g., relative to the steering wheel 60. For example, the arrangement of the mirrors and lenses in the holographic projectors 40, 40a might not allow the laser light from the holographic projectors 40, 40a to be deflected and / or focused into the empty space 66 of the steering wheel. At such intermediate positions, the holographic image I might not be possible and might not be visible.

[0077] To enable the holographic image I to be displayed at the desired position relative to the steering wheel 60 at intermediate positions between the first and second positions 60a, 60b, one or more additional holographic projectors (not shown) can be provided in the display system 2. The additional holographic projectors 40 can be coupled between the holographic projector 40 and the further holographic projector 40a with the instrument panel 100 and can be configured to generate the holographic image I when the steering wheel 60 is located at a position intermediate between the first and second positions 60a, 60b. Alternatively, the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b shown display system 2 will be provided.

[0078] At the in Fig. 4a and Fig. In the arrangement shown in 4b, a single holographic projector can be provided. The holographic projector 40 can be located on one side of the instrument panel 100 and can be configured to project the laser light in the lateral direction 140. The holographic projector 40 can be configured to project the laser light in a direction that is substantially parallel to the guide track 160. For example, in the arrangement shown in Fig. 4a and Fig. The arrangement of the holographic projector 40 shown in 4b is designed to project the laser light along the guide path 160.

[0079] The display system 2 further includes a movable mirror 180. The movable mirror 180 can be movable together with the steering wheel 60 when the steering wheel moves between the first position 60a and the second position 60b. As in Fig. 4a and Fig. As shown in Figure 4b, the movable mirror 180 can be provided on the extension 90. Alternatively, the movable mirror 180 can be provided on the support arm 80. Alternatively again, the movable mirror 180 can be coupled to any other component designed to move together with the steering wheel 60.

[0080] The movable mirror 180 can be a mirror 49 of the in Fig. 3 holographic projector 40 shown. Alternatively, the movable mirror 180 can be provided in addition to the mirrors 49 that are provided in the holographic projector 40.

[0081] As in Fig. 4a and Fig. As shown in 4b, the movable mirror 180 can be designed to reflect the laser light from the holographic projector 40 towards the steering wheel 60 in order to enable the formation of the holographic image I in the void 66, e.g. radially within the ring-shaped element 62.

[0082] If the holographic projector 40 is designed to project the laser light in a direction parallel to the guide track 160, the laser light from the holographic projector 40 can strike the movable mirror 180 regardless of the position of the steering wheel 60. The display system 2 can thus be designed to provide the holographic image I at a desired location relative to the steering wheel 60 when the steering wheel 60 is in any position between the first and second positions 60a, 60b.

[0083] As described above, the holographic projector 40 generates the holographic image I by scanning the laser light pulses over the projection volume. The projection volume can be formed at a predetermined projection distance from the holographic projector 40, which can be determined by the arrangement of the mirrors 49 and the lenses 48 in the holographic projector 40.

[0084] When the steering wheel 60 moves between the first and second positions 60a, 60b, the distance traveled by the laser light between the holographic projector 40 and the ring-shaped element 62 of the steering wheel can change, e.g., become smaller. Therefore, it may be desirable to adjust the operation of the holographic projector 40 to reduce the projection distance by a corresponding amount, so that the holographic image is formed at the same location regardless of the position of the steering wheel 60 relative to the steering wheel 60.

[0085] The display system 2 can include one or more sensors (not shown) designed to determine the position of the steering wheel 60 between the first and second positions 60a, 60b. For example, the display system 2 can include a potentiometer provided along the guide track 160. A first contact of the potentiometer can be provided at a first end of the guide track, and a second contact of the potentiometer can be provided at the extension 90, such that an electrical resistance between the first and second contacts changes when the steering wheel 60 is moved between the first and second positions 60a, 60b.

[0086] The position of the steering wheel 60 determined by the sensors can be entered into the control unit 50 of the holographic projector 40, which can adjust the varifocal lens 46 and / or the position of the lenses 48 and / or mirrors 49 accordingly, e.g. so that the position of the holographic image I relative to the steering wheel 60 remains unchanged.

[0087] As described above, the annular element 62 of the steering wheel can be rotated by the occupant about the central axis 64 to steer the vehicle. In contrast to moving the steering wheel between the first and second positions 60a, 60b, when rotating the annular element, it may be desirable that the holographic image, or a part of the holographic image, does not rotate together with the annular element 62. In other words, it may be desirable that the holographic image, or a part of the holographic image, remains fixed relative to the instrument panel 100 when the annular element 62 rotates.

[0088] In some arrangements, it may be desirable for the holographic image I or a part of the holographic image to rotate together with the ring-shaped element 62. In this case, the control unit 50 can determine a rotation angle of the ring-shaped element 62 and can adjust the operation of the holographic projector 40 to adjust the position and / or orientation of the holographic image I or a part of the holographic image accordingly.

[0089] In the arrangements described above, the holographic image I is formed in a central region of the annular element 62. However, it is also conceivable that the holographic image I, or a part of the holographic image, can be formed outside the annular element 62, e.g., outside an outer radius of the annular element. For example, at least a part of the holographic image I can be formed adjacent to the steering wheel 60, as shown in Fig. 5a. Alternatively, the holographic image I can be formed at another location in the vehicle, e.g., in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, far from the steering wheel 60. For example, the holographic image I can be formed adjacent to another physical vehicle control or another interior trim section of the vehicle, such as a center console.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 5a The holographic image I can be designed to represent one or more vehicle controls. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5a, the holographic image I can, for example, be designed to represent a direction indicator control 200 and / or a transmission control 220. Additionally or alternatively, the holographic image I can be designed to represent one or more displays relating to the operation of the vehicle or one or more accessory systems of the vehicle, such as an entertainment system or a climate control system.

[0091] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the display system 2 can further include a camera 240 designed to capture an image of a vehicle occupant. The camera 240 can be a 3D camera. The 3D camera can include two or more cameras and a control unit designed to combine images captured by the cameras to generate a 3D image. Alternatively, the 3D camera can include a camera, a distance sensor, and a control unit. The camera can be designed to capture a 2D image, and the distance sensor can be designed to determine the distance of objects in the 2D image from the camera. The control unit can combine the 2D image and the distances from the distance sensor to generate the 3D image. Again, alternatively, the camera 240 can include any other camera or camera system capable of capturing a 3D image.

[0092] The image captured by camera 240, e.g., the 3D image, can be processed by a control unit 260 of display system 2 to determine the position, e.g., a 3D position, of an occupant's hand relative to the holographic image I. Based on the position of the occupant's hand, the control unit 260 can determine that the occupant is interacting with one or more of the controls represented by the holographic image I, e.g., touching them. Based on the position of the occupant's hand, the control unit can generate a control input.

[0093] The control input can be transmitted from the control unit 260 to a relevant system of the vehicle. The control input can be transmitted to the relevant system wirelessly and / or via one or more wires.

[0094] Additionally or alternatively, the camera 240, or another camera or sensor provided in the display system 2, can be configured to determine the position of an occupant's eye. The control unit 260 can determine the distance between the occupant's eye and the holographic image I and can prevent the holographic image I from being displayed if the occupant's eye is within a threshold distance of the holographic image I. In this way, the control unit 260 can prevent laser light from the holographic projector 40 from reaching the occupant's eye.

[0095] The type, number, and / or position of the controls provided by holographic image I can be determined by a control setting. The control setting can be adjusted by the occupant according to their preferences. For example, a first occupant might prefer to simplify the vehicle's controls while driving. The first occupant can adjust the control setting to provide a minimal number of controls, such as those necessary for operating the vehicle. A second occupant might wish to be able to control one or more of the vehicle's accessory systems using the controls provided by holographic image I and can adjust the control setting accordingly.The second occupant, for example, wants to be able to control the vehicle's entertainment system by interacting with the holographic image.

[0096] The control settings can be determined, at least partially, according to the vehicle's operating mode, for example, whether the vehicle is in a manual driving mode, an autonomous driving mode, or a semi-autonomous driving mode.

[0097] At the in Fig. In the arrangement shown in Figure 5a, the vehicle operates in manual driving mode. In manual driving mode, the control settings can be configured to include representations of each of the controls and / or displays necessary for operating the vehicle (which may or may not be provided by other, e.g., physical, controls and / or displays of the vehicle) in holographic image I. When the vehicle is operating in manual driving mode, the control settings can additionally be configured to eliminate controls or displays that could distract the driver from operating the vehicle.

[0098] At the in Fig. In the arrangement shown in Figure 5b, the vehicle is operating in autonomous driving mode. In autonomous driving mode, the control settings could be configured so that they do not include any of the driving controls or displays, e.g., the default setting, and the occupant could adjust the control settings to include desired controls and / or displays. As shown in Figure 5b, the vehicle is operating in autonomous driving mode. Fig. As shown in Figure 5b, the display system 2 can be designed to provide a display for a computer and controls, such as a keyboard, for operating the computer, which are provided in the vehicle.

[0099] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the display system 2 may further include an external position sensor 280 designed to determine the location of objects outside the vehicle, such as other vehicles and / or other objects near the vehicle.

[0100] The external position sensor 280 can include an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, or any other type of sensor. For example, the external position sensor 280 can include a camera, such as a 3D camera.

[0101] The external position sensor 280 can supply object position data acquired by the sensor to the control unit 260 or another control unit. The control unit 260 can process the object position data to generate a representation, e.g., a 3D representation, of one or more objects near the vehicle. If the external position sensor 280 includes a camera, the representation can be the image captured by the camera. Alternatively, the image captured by another camera can be combined with position data acquired by the external position sensor 280 to generate the representation.

[0102] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 6, the holographic projector 40 can be configured to generate the representation of the objects in the holographic image I. In the arrangement shown, the display system 2, e.g., the external position sensor 280, the control unit 260, and the holographic projector 40 of the display system 2, is configured to provide a representation of other vehicles in front of the vehicle. However, it is equally conceivable that the display system 2 could additionally or alternatively be configured to provide a representation of other vehicles and / or objects behind and / or to the side of the vehicle.

[0103] The objects to be displayed in holographic image I and / or the extent of the area to be displayed around the vehicle can be selected by the occupant. Additionally or alternatively, the objects displayed in holographic image I can be determined according to the vehicle's direction of travel and / or a maneuver performed by the vehicle.

[0104] The vehicle may also include one or more additional display systems, such as display panels or windshield displays. These additional display systems might not be designed to allow the occupant to interact with the displays in the same way as with display system 2. For example, the additional display systems might not be able to determine a control input based on the position of the occupant's hand relative to an image displayed by the additional display system.

[0105] In this case, the occupant may wish to transfer the image or information displayed on one or more of the other display systems to display system 2, e.g. to allow the occupant to interact with the image or information using display system 2.

Claims

[1] Display system (2) for a vehicle, comprising: a steering wheel (60) that is laterally movable between a first position (60a) and a second position (60b) with respect to a dashboard (100), and that includes a ring (62) defining a void (66) designed to rotate around a central axis (64) and a support arm (80) comprising a first end (80a) coupled to the ring (62) and a second end (80b) movably attached; characterized by , that the steering wheel (60) is also movable along a guide rail (160); the second end (80b) is movably attached to the guide rail (160); and the display system (2) further includes: a projector (40) with a mirror (49) attached to the support arm (80), wherein the projector (40) is designed to project a laser light in a lateral direction parallel to the guide rail (160) to the mirror (49), and the mirror (49) is designed to reflect the laser light to the void (66) to produce a holographic image (I) within the void (66) such that the holographic image (I) remains fixed relative to the central axis (64) when the steering wheel (60) moves between the first position (60b) and the second position (60b). [2] Display system (2) according to claim 1, wherein a position or angle of the mirror (49) is controllable to adjust a location of the holographic image (I). [3] Display system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the projector (40) comprises a pulsed laser (42) designed to emit laser light pulses, a scanner (44) designed to selectively deflect the laser light pulses, and one or more lenses (46, 46a, 46b, 48) designed to focus the laser light to generate volume elements of the holographic image (I). [4] Display system (2) according to claim 3, wherein the pulse laser (42) is designed to utilize plasma in a volume element of the holographic image (I) to generate a pressure wave that is felt by an occupant's hand. [5] Display system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the holographic image (I) represents one or more controls of the vehicle, and the projector (40) is further configured to change a number or position of the at least one control according to a setting of controls. [6] Display system (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a camera (240) designed to determine the position of an occupant's hand relative to the holographic image (I) and to determine a control input based on the position of the hand relative to the holographic image (I). [7] Display system (2) according to claim 1, further comprising an eye position sensor designed to determine the position of an occupant's eye, wherein the projector (40) is further designed to prevent the holographic image (I) from being displayed when the eye is within a threshold distance of the holographic image (I). [8] Display system (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a location sensor designed to determine the location of one or more objects in the vicinity of the vehicle, wherein the holographic image (I) is designed to display a representation of the one or more objects. [9] Display system (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a camera designed to capture an external image of the vehicle, wherein the holographic image (I) displays the external image. [10] Display system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the projector (40) is further configured to display a portion of the holographic image (I) radially outside the ring (62). [11] Display system (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit (260) for controlling the operation of the projector, which is designed to: to determine a control preference setting; and to control the projector (40) so that the holographic image (I) is one or Represents multiple controls according to the control preference setting. [12] Display system (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit (260) for controlling the operation of the projector, which is designed to: to determine a control setting according to an operating mode of the vehicle, wherein the operating mode comprises a manual driving mode and an autonomous driving mode; and to control the projector (40) so that In manual driving mode, the projector (40) projects a holographic image (I) that represents a control necessary for operating the vehicle, and In autonomous driving mode, the projector (40) omits the holographic image (I) that represents the control necessary for operating the vehicle and projects a holographic image (I) that represents a display for a computer provided in the vehicle and controls for operating the computer provided in the vehicle. [13] Display system (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit (260) for controlling the operation of the projector, which is designed to: to determine the position of an occupant's hand relative to the holographic image (I); and to determine a vehicle control input based on the location of the hand. [14] Vehicle, comprising: a display system (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. [15] Vehicle steering wheel assembly comprising: a ring (62) designed as a steering wheel (60) and configured to rotate about a central axis (64) and to move laterally relative to a dashboard (100) between a first and a second position (60a, 60b), wherein the ring (62) defines a void (66); a first projector (40) designed to project a holographic image (I) within the void (66) in response to the ring (62) being in the first position (60a); a second projector (40a) designed to project the said holographic image (I) within the void (66) in response to the ring (62) being in the second position (60b); and a control unit (260) designed to control the first projector (40) and the second projector (40a) in response to an operating mode specification such that the holographic image (I) represents at least one control in accordance with the operating mode specification. [16] Vehicle steering wheel assembly according to claim 15, further comprising: a camera (240) designed to determine the position of an occupant's hand relative to the holographic image (I), wherein the control unit (260) is further designed to select a control input from at least one control within the operating mode specification based on the location of the hand's position relative to the holographic image (I). [17] Vehicle comprising: a display system (2) according to one of claims 1-10, 12 or 13, wherein the operating mode comprises a manual driving mode and an autonomous driving mode, and wherein the control unit (260) is further configured to project a holographic image (I) representing a direction indicator control (200) in response to the manual driving mode. [18] Vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the control unit (260) is further configured to omit the holographic image (I) representing the direction indicator control in response to the autonomous driving mode and to project a holographic image (I) representing a display for a computer and controls provided in the vehicle for operating the computer.

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