INFORMATION SIGN

Abstract

Information sign (1), with an exchangeable or controllable information carrier (2) for displaying image information and influencing means (3) for influencing a user's perception of the image information displayed by the information carrier (2), wherein the influencing means (3) have a lens arrangement (4) for imaging the image information displayed by the information carrier (2) in defined focal planes and controllable optical elements (5) for controlling at least one visibility angle (12) for the displayed image information, so that the image information perceivable by a user depends on a distance of the user from the information sign (1) or a viewing angle of the user to the information sign (1) or a combination of both.

Description

Information sign

[0001] The present invention relates to an information sign, for example a traffic sign. The invention particularly relates to an information sign with a replaceable or controllable information carrier for displaying image information and influencing means for influencing a user's perception of the image information displayed by the information carrier.

[0002] Currently used road signs are designed to provide high visibility with wide viewing angles. However, in some traffic situations, it may be useful to specifically restrict this visibility in certain directions in order to clarify the traffic situation and provide the right information to the right road user.

[0003] In this context, DE 196 15 471 A1 describes a sign, e.g., a traffic or information sign, whose front side can be viewed from at least two spatially separate directions. Differently designed surfaces of the sign are visible from both directions. For this purpose, the surface is provided with regularly arranged elevations or depressions, the areas of which face the different viewing directions having different surface textures.

[0004] DE 20 2019 106 988 U1 describes an information sign, e.g., a directional warning sign, for road traffic or buildings. The main surface of the sign has strip-shaped sections with longitudinal edges perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the information sign. The sections are additionally arranged at an acute angle to the main surface. The sections facing opposite the prescribed or regular direction of travel or walking are provided with a signaling effect. The main surface of the information sign can be designed as a lenticular image.

[0005] JP 2009 175 401 A describes a method for producing a periodic grating structure that allows the angle at which information is visible to be controlled. Such a grating structure can be applied, for example, to the surface of a display, a display window, a shop window, a glass pane, a street / traffic sign, a signboard, or the like.

[0006] DE 20 2010 004 775 U1 describes an arrangement for emergency lighting, with illuminants whose light first radiates through information means and then through light influencing means arranged downstream in the light path, wherein information determined by the information means is reproduced without distortion on a display surface to be illuminated for emergency lighting and arranged downstream of the light influencing means in the light path.

[0007] DE 10 2012 208 931 A1 describes a device for the simultaneous display of at least two pieces of information, each associated with a person, to persons arranged at different positions by means of a single display device.

[0008] DE 37 105 76 A1 describes a traffic sign with different colored illuminated areas that can be backlit, a liquid crystal display that can be switched on and off, and color filters. The desired color areas can be activated by controlling the liquid crystals.

[0009] DE 10 2012 219 573 A1 describes a method for direction-dependent signaling by a vehicle. In this method, two or more graphic messages are displayed outward from the same area of ​​the vehicle. Each graphic message is assigned a spatial angle from which only the respective graphic message is visible, but not the other graphic message(s).

[0010] DE 601 10 609 T2 describes a display device for displaying a plurality of alternating images, comprising a multi-image character carrier having a plurality of images formed thereon, each of the images being formed as a plurality of sections, an image selection device adjacent to the carrier which selectively presents the sections related to at least one image, whereby the at least one image is displayed, and a movement train which effects the selection by providing a relative movement between the character carrier and the image selection device.

[0011] US 2018 / 0 115 772 A1 describes a multiview signaling system, with a multiview display that simultaneously displays differentiated navigation content for different viewing zones in a local environment, and with a data processing and control system that sets up the viewing zones, determines the differentiated navigation content for the different viewing zones and controls the multiview display accordingly.

[0012] DE 101 35 545 A1 describes a display system for use in a stadium. The display system comprises a lenticular screen that appears transparent from at least two viewing angles, behind which a correspondingly rasterized image segment unit is arranged for the simultaneous display of at least two images.

[0013] DE 20 2020 100 632 U1 describes a variable-display information sign with multiple symbols or pictograms for indicating escape routes. The information sign comprises a disc-like display surface illuminated by optoelectronic means. At least some of the symbols or pictograms are generated using an electrophoretic matrix display.

[0014] US 2019 / 0200004 A1 describes a light field display for displaying a series of image frames to one or more viewers. The light field display comprises a plurality of light field pixels, each light field pixel containing a plurality of light-emitting elements. During operation of the light field display, each light field pixel selectively emits light from each light-emitting element in one or more of a plurality of different viewing directions during a single image frame.

[0015] DE 10 2016 115 270 A1 describes a medical device with a monitor. The monitor has a display content control device.

[0016] DE 10 2010 000 496 A1 describes an information medium for seat backrests. The information medium comprises an image layer and an optical layer with a plurality of optical components that interact with the image layer to display two different images when viewed from two different angles.

[0017] US 2013 / 0 120 837 A1 describes a multi-view display for providing a plurality of views for at least one viewer, comprising an imaging arrangement having an array of display pixels for generating a display and an optical beam deflection arrangement arranged in correspondence with the imaging arrangement such that light from different pixels is directed by the optical beam deflection arrangement into different ones of the plurality of views.

[0018] US 2005 / 0 111 100 A1 describes a display device for a multi-view display that displays a first and a second image spatially interleaved across the display surface. The display device works in conjunction with parallax optics to direct the light of the first and second images in different viewing directions.

[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide an information sign which is characterized by improved possibilities for influencing the user's perception of the information conveyed by the information sign.

[0020] This object is achieved by a sign having the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0021] According to a first aspect of the invention, an information sign has an exchangeable or controllable information carrier for displaying image information and influencing means for influencing a user perception of the image information displayed by the information carrier, wherein the influencing means have a lens arrangement for imaging the image information displayed by the information carrier in defined focal planes and controllable optical elements for controlling at least one visibility angle for the displayed image information, so that the image information perceivable by a user depends on a distance of the user from the information sign or a viewing angle of the user to the information sign or a combination of both.

[0022] In the solution according to the invention, the influencing means influence the user's perception of the displayed image information in such a way that the image information is highlighted for a user and thus more clearly visible. This can be achieved, for example, by making content, size, color, or intensity direction-dependent. For example, in the case of multiple motorway lanes and large signs, the signage, text, or symbols for one's own lane can be more clearly visible than those for other lanes. This can increase safety because the information for one's own lane stands out clearly from the information for the surrounding lanes. In addition, new approaches to traffic control and assistance in complex traffic situations can be implemented because different content can be displayed at the same location depending on the viewing angle or position.

[0023] According to the invention, a lens arrangement is used to project a suitable image content presented by the information carrier into defined focal planes. This allows the content to be projected differently in terms of content, size, intensity, and color depending on its distance or depth. The intermediate focal planes have lower resolution, but this leads to increased user attention due to the perceived changes in resolution or sharpness. The focal planes can also be perceived as a difference in intensity. This variant also has the advantage of being simple and cost-effective to implement.

[0024] According to the invention, controllable optical elements are also used to realize adaptive control of the user's perception of the displayed image information. The controllable optical elements allow the visibility of the information to be specifically restricted in certain directions in order to deliver the right information to the right user. The restriction can be arbitrary and adapted to the local situation. For example, different displays can be used during the day and at night, and the content can be specifically directed in dangerous situations.

[0025] According to the invention, the controllable optical elements are designed to control one or more visibility angles for the displayed image information. The controllable optical elements can be, for example, controllable apertures, controllable lenses, or controllable liquid crystal elements. By using technologies such as those used, for example, to implement a so-called privacy mode, the visibility angle can be actively influenced. Controllable apertures can be implemented, for example, using e-ink cells. In this way, the appearance of a static image can be changed, e.g., with regard to intensity or viewing angle, or, in conjunction with a display device, also in its appearance and content.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the information carrier is replaceable or configured to display variable image information. For example, the information carrier can be a display device or a photographic image carrier. The use of an adaptive information carrier, such as a display device, allows any content to be presented and, if necessary, changed in terms of size, color, or content. An alternative possibility is to change the content using an easily replaceable photographic image carrier, e.g., a slide. This is particularly advantageous in combination with a lens arrangement. For example, the position of a sign can be fixed, and the content can be changed by the road maintenance department.In this way, a sign indicating a speed limit of 60 km / h can be quickly changed to one indicating 80 km / h without requiring any changes to the control devices. The photographic image carrier itself can be smaller than the appearance, which positively impacts storage, production, etc.

[0027] According to one aspect of the invention, the information carrier is designed to be reflective, or the information sign has an illumination device for illuminating the information carrier. For example, the illumination device can have a light source or light-guiding elements or a light-capturing device. By designing the information carrier as a reflective system, the light from external light sources, such as the sun, motor vehicles, or streetlights, is reflected back to the viewer by a reflective layer of the information carrier. Alternatively, illumination can also be implemented by the information sign in order to project light directly into the field of vision and illuminate the information carrier. For this purpose, dedicated light sources can be provided, or surfaces of the sign can be designed as light traps, from which light-guiding elements direct light onto or through the information carrier and toward the viewer.In the case of controllable light sources, these can have different colors. Depending on the color, different content can be displayed or, using suitable optics, defined different spatial angles can be covered.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, lenses of the lens arrangement are controllable. For example, the lenses of the lens arrangement can be liquid lenses or liquid crystal lenses. By designing the lenses of the lens arrangement in a controllable manner, the function can be switched. This can be implemented particularly easily if the lenses are designed as liquid lenses or liquid crystal elements. The depth function is activated or deactivated depending on a change in the lens system due to the influence of an external influencing factor, such as current, a mechanical effect, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to implement 3D control using controllable lenses, in which the content can be controlled horizontally, vertically, and in depth. For example, distance-dependent content can be generated.

[0029] According to one aspect of the invention, the information sign has a communication interface for receiving an external control signal or for transmitting information. The control or activation of the information carrier or the influencing means can be achieved by an internal control of the information sign or, alternatively, by control signals from external sources, such as vehicles. Communication technologies such as C2x (Car-to-Everything) or LIFI (Light Fidelity) can be used for this purpose. Furthermore, it is possible for information to be sent or forwarded to vehicles via the communication interface using these technologies.

[0030] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the figures. Fig. 1 shows an example of a situation in which viewpoint-dependent content is advantageous, from the perspective of a first observer; Fig. 2 shows the situation Fig. 1 from the perspective of a second observer; Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a situation in which highlighting information from a sign in a restricted angular range is advantageous; Fig. 4 shows the situation Fig. 3 when approaching the sign; Fig. 5 shows schematically an information sign according to the invention; Fig. 6 shows schematically an embodiment of an information sign according to the invention with a display device and controllable optical elements; Fig. Figure 7 shows schematically an embodiment of an information sign according to the invention with a photographic image carrier and a lens arrangement; Fig. 8 illustrates the formation of different sum images at different distances from the photographic image carrier; and Fig. Figure 9 illustrates a change in user perception of content with intermediate focus levels.

[0031] To better understand the principles of the present invention, embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It is understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and that the described features may also be combined or modified without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a situation in which viewing angle-dependent content is advantageous, from the perspective of a first observer. It depicts a feeder road 10 leading to a road 11 with right-of-way. For example, the feeder road 10 can be a construction site exit or a driveway into a construction site. The entrance to the road 11 is regulated by a sign 1. For a viewer on the feeder road 10, the sign 1 represents a stop sign. The corresponding visibility angle 12 of the sign 1 is adjusted so that it essentially covers the feeder road 10.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows the situation Fig. 1 from the perspective of a second observer who is on the right-of-way road 11. For this road user, the information sign 1 represents a speed limit. The corresponding visibility angle 12 of the information sign 1 is adjusted so that it is limited to the right-of-way road 11.

[0034] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a situation in which highlighting information in a restricted angular range is advantageous. This shows a motorway 13 with two lanes 14 and a sign gantry 15. The sign gantry 15 comprises two information signs 1, which in this case are signs with information on the direction of travel in the respective lane 14. On information sign 1 for the left lane 14, the directional arrow 16 is visually highlighted for road users in the left lane 14. This is made clear by the thickness of the directional arrow 16. Analogously, the information texts 17 on the information sign 1 can also be visually highlighted. In addition, the elements of the information sign 1 for the right lane 14 can also be visually weakened or their content can be changed for a driver in the left lane 14.Such optical attenuation is indicated by the dashed design of the directional arrow 16. For road users, this means that the information for their own lane 14 stands out clearly from the information for neighboring lanes 14.

[0035] Fig. 4 shows the situation Fig. 3 upon closer approach to information sign 1. In addition to the visual attenuation, the content of information sign 1 for the right lane 14 has also changed for a driver in the left lane 14 as the distance to information sign 1 decreases. The direction arrow 16 now appears crossed out for this driver.

[0036] Fig. 5 schematically shows an information sign 1 according to the invention. It shows a cross-section through the information sign 1. The information sign 1 has a replaceable or controllable information carrier 2, which is designed to display image information. Preferably, the information carrier 2 is replaceable or designed to display variable image information. The information carrier 2 can be, for example, a display device or a photographic image carrier, e.g., a slide. The information sign 1 also has influencing means 3, which are designed to influence a user perception of the image information displayed by the information carrier 2. The influencing means 3 have, in particular, a lens arrangement and controllable optical elements. Preferably, the information carrier 2 is designed to be reflective. In this case, the light from external light sources, such asThe light from the sun, motor vehicles, or street lamps is reflected back to the viewer by a reflective layer of the information carrier 2. Alternatively, the information sign has a lighting device 6 for illuminating the information carrier 2. For this purpose, dedicated light sources 60 can be provided, or surfaces of the sign can be designed as light traps, from which light-guiding elements 61 direct light onto the information carrier 2 and to the viewer.

[0037] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows an embodiment of an information sign 1 according to the invention with a display device 20 as an information carrier and with controllable optical elements 5 as an influencing means. Shown is an oblique view of a section of the information sign 1. The controllable optical elements 5 can be, for example, controllable apertures, controllable lenses, or controllable liquid crystal elements. In the example shown, the controllable optical elements 5 are formed by an arrangement of E-Ink cells. These act like individually adjustable apertures and make it possible to control one or more visibility angles or an intensity for the displayed image information. In conjunction with the display device 20, it is thus possible to adapt the image information in its appearance and content to a given situation.In conjunction with a static information carrier, the image information can be varied, at least in its appearance.

[0038] Fig. 7 schematically shows an embodiment of an information sign 1 according to the invention with a photographic image carrier 21 as the information carrier and a lens arrangement 4 as the means of influencing. Shown is an oblique view of a section of the information sign 1. The photographic image carrier 21 can, for example, be a slide. The lens arrangement 4 can, in particular, be a microlens array, i.e. a regular arrangement of small lenses 40. In this example, a reflective layer 8 is arranged behind the photographic image carrier 21, which ensures that ambient light, e.g. light from the sun, from motor vehicles or from lampposts, illuminates the photographic image carrier 21 and is reflected back to the viewer. By suitably designing the image content of the photographic image carrier 21, it is possible to depict the image content in defined focal planes. As a result, the content can be adjusted according to its distance orIts depth can be imaged differently in size, intensity, and color, i.e., the appearance changes in a defined manner when the observer's distance changes. The lenses 40 of the lens arrangement 4 can also be controllable. For this purpose, the lenses 40 can be liquid lenses or liquid crystal lenses. Depending on a change in the lens system caused by the influence of an external variable, such as current, a mechanical effect, etc., the depth function is activated or deactivated.

[0039] A particular advantage of using a photographic image carrier 21 is the fact that the image content can be changed by simply replacing the photographic image carrier 21, without having to make any changes to the lens arrangement 4. The photographic image carrier 21 itself can be smaller than its appearance, which has a positive impact on storage, production, etc. The position of the information sign 1 can therefore be fixed, and the content can be changed by the road maintenance department. If, for example, the speed has to be reduced due to construction work, an information sign 1 for a speed limit of 120 km / h can be quickly changed to a speed limit of 80 km / h, without having to put up an additional sign and then having to mask off or remove the information sign 1 for the 120 km / h limit.

[0040] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates the creation of various summed images 22 at different distances from the photographic image carrier 21. The creation of the various summed images 22 involves generating different contents or changes in appearance in spatial depth and thus, given a fixed position of a sign and a change in the viewer's distance, bringing about a defined change in appearance for the viewer in order to specifically change attention. For this purpose, approaches from integral imaging are used. This is an autostereoscopic three-dimensional imaging technique that reproduces a light field using a two-dimensional array 4 of microlenses. Further details can be found, for example, in EP2984819B1. The appearance is a function of the distance between the viewer and the object. The basis is parallax, i.e.The angle that arises when an object is viewed from two different locations, and which can be observed as an apparent displacement of the object against the background. In other words, different contents of an image are seen at different distances or focal planes 23. Due to the microlenses, the perceived image itself is a combination of different contents or parts that combine to form a first overall image at a certain distance and a second overall image at a different distance. Thus, different summed images 22 result from the image content of the photographic image carrier 21 at different distances.

[0041] Fig.Figure 9 illustrates an example of a change in user perception of content with intermediate focal planes. It shows the image of a sign 1 as perceived by the viewer at different distances. When the distance changes, the perceived image content changes in size according to its distance or depth, in this example. However, it can alternatively or additionally also change in intensity or color. Outside the focal planes, the image content becomes blurred. The intermediate focal planes have a reduced resolution, which, however, leads to increased attention in the user due to the perceived changes in resolution or sharpness. The focal planes can also be perceived as a difference in intensity. List of reference symbols 1 information sign 2 information carriers 3 Means of influence 4 lens arrangement 5 Controllable optical element 6 Lighting device 7 Communication interface 8 Reflective layer 10 feeder roads 11 Street 12 visibility angles 13 Motorway 14 lanes 15 sign bridge 16 Direction arrow 17 Information text 20 Display device 21 Photographic image carrier 22 Summary image 23 Focal plane 40 lens 60 light source 61 Light guide element

Claims

[1] Information sign (1), with an exchangeable or controllable information carrier (2) for displaying image information and influencing means (3) for influencing a user's perception of the image information displayed by the information carrier (2), wherein the influencing means (3) have a lens arrangement (4) for imaging the image information displayed by the information carrier (2) in defined focal planes and controllable optical elements (5) for controlling at least one visibility angle (12) for the displayed image information, so that the image information perceivable by a user depends on a distance of the user from the information sign (1) or a viewing angle of the user to the information sign (1) or a combination of both. [2] Information sign (1) according to claim 1, wherein the information carrier (2) is exchangeable or is arranged to display variable image information. [3] Information sign (1) according to claim 2, wherein the information carrier (2) is a display device (20) or a photographic image carrier (21). [4] Information sign (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information carrier (2) is designed to be reflective or the information sign (1) has a lighting device (6) for illuminating the information carrier (2). [5] Information sign (1) according to claim 4, wherein the lighting device (6) comprises a light source (60) and / or light-guiding elements (61). [6] Information sign (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein lenses (40) of the lens arrangement (4) are controllable. [7] Information sign (1) according to claim 6, wherein the lenses (40) of the lens arrangement (4) are liquid lenses or liquid crystal lenses. [8] Information sign (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controllable optical elements (5) are controllable diaphragms, controllable lenses or controllable liquid crystal elements. [9] Information sign (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information sign (1) has a communication interface (7) for receiving an external control signal or for sending information.

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