DISPLAY SCREEN

Abstract

A display screen (10) for a vehicle window (50) of a vehicle (12), comprising: a liquid crystal array layer (22) operatively attached to the vehicle window (50) and having a plurality of liquid crystal pixels; a transparent LED layer (24) operatively attached to the liquid crystal array layer (22) and having a plurality of LED pixels; and a controller (26) operatively connected to the liquid crystal array layer (22) and the transparent LED layer (24), the controller (26) being configured: Selectively trigger emission of light from a selection of LED pixels; selectively darkening a selection of the liquid crystal pixels that directly correspond to the selection of the LED pixels such that the emitting LED pixels and the darkened liquid crystal pixels correspond and light is emitted from the LED pixels in a direction substantially opposite the liquid crystal array layer (22); selectively triggering the emission of light from the LED pixels without darkening matching LC pixels so that an exterior display (56) is visible from outside the vehicle window (50); and to darken a set of liquid crystal pixels that do not match an external display (56) formed by the LED pixels, such that the liquid crystal pixels block the passage of light through the vehicle window but do not block the light from the LED pixels exiting the vehicle window (50) when the LED layer (24) of the display screen (10) produces the external display (56).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to display screens and light blocking screens. In some aspects of the disclosure, portions of the display screens can be used with various types of vehicles.

[0002] US 2018 / 0 188 531 A1 discloses a transparent display for a vehicle comprising a self-emissive display with electronically adjustable brightness and an obscuring display with electronically adjustable absorption. The obscuring display is arranged back-to-back with the self-emissive display. A light sensor is arranged near the obscuring display. A display controller is connected to the self-emissive display, the obscuring display, and the light sensor. The display controller is configured to adjust an absorption of the obscuring display depending on a signal from the at least one light sensor.

[0003] WO 2020 / 043791 A1 discloses a head-up display system for a vehicle. An adaptive projection area, which can be dimmed, is provided to display a projection image of the head-up display. The transparency of the windshield can be controlled within the projection area depending on the requirements of the head-up display. The projection image on the windshield can be generated as an LCD display by controlling the individual pixels of the composite pane. The windshield can have a mirror layer or an OLED layer. The mirror layer can be used to create a mirror image of the traffic behind, and the OLED layer can be used to display information on the outside of the windshield.

[0004] A display screen or light-blocking screen is provided. The display screen includes a liquid crystal array (LC) layer with a plurality of LC pixels and a transparent LED layer with a plurality of LED pixels. A controller is operatively connected to the LC array layer and the transparent LED layer.

[0005] The controller is configured to trigger the emission of light from a selection of the LED pixels and selectively dim a selection of LC pixels that directly corresponds to the selection of LED pixels. Therefore, the emitting LED pixels and the dimmed LC pixels coincide, and the light is emitted by the LED pixels in substantially the opposite direction from the LC array layer. The display screen, or various aspects thereof, are mounted on or integrated with one or more windows of a vehicle. Alternatively, the display screen may be a standalone unit or incorporated into a building.

[0006] The controller may be further configured to determine the location of a glare source and the location of a user near the display screen. The controller may selectively dim the set of LC pixels in an area between the glare source and the user, limiting the glare source from shining onto the user. The display screen may be in contact with the glass layer.

[0007] The display panel may not have a backlight opposite the LC array layer from the transparent LED layer, and may not have an opaque back element opposite the LC array layer from the transparent LED layer. In some configurations, the display panel is curved, so both the LC array layer and the transparent LED layer are curved.

[0008] The display screen may be installed in a vehicle equipped with a navigation system or a driver assistance system. The controller may be configured to display a navigation message using the LED pixels and matching LCD pixels on the windshield, allowing passengers to view the message from inside the vehicle. The controller may be configured to display a virtual view enhancement in response to the driver having restricted visibility or activating the driver assistance system.

[0009] In vehicles, the display screen may be arranged between an outer glass pane and an inner glass pane. Furthermore, the controller may be configured to darken the LC array layer substantially across the entire vehicle window, allowing the vehicle window to serve as a projection surface onto which the projector projects images or videos.

[0010] The controller is configured to selectively trigger the emission of light from the LED pixels without obscuring matching LC pixels, so that an exterior display is visible from outside the vehicle window. Additionally, the controller may be configured to display a grayscale exterior display on a selection of the LC pixels of the liquid crystal array, so that the grayscale exterior display is visible from outside the vehicle.

[0011] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle interior with a display image and light blocking screen mounted on a windshield. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the display image and light blocking screen in a partially exploded view and illustrates the light blocking. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the rear of the vehicle illustrating various aspects of multiple display image and light blocking screens. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle interior illustrating virtual visibility enhancement on the display image and light blocking screen.

[0012] With reference to the drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar components wherever possible. Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a display image and light blocking screen, which may simply be referred to as a display screen 10, mounted on a vehicle 12. Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows an exploded view of the display screen 10 and some of its features. The display screen 10 is also a selectively dimmable screen or a light-blocking screen. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 may be discussed simultaneously to explain some of the functions and capabilities of the display screen 10, both when installed in the vehicle 12 and when used alone.

[0013] In the example shown, the display screen 10 is installed in a windshield 14 of the vehicle 12. However, the display screen 10 may also be attached to or integrated into many other structures, including, but not limited to, building windows or glass walls. Building windows or privacy screens for retail applications may also utilize one or more components of the display screens 10. All of these structures are included within the definition of the term "window" for this description. Furthermore, the display screen 10 may be configured as a standalone unit and used, for example and without limitation, as a monitor or television screen.

[0014] Furthermore, the display screen 10 may be mounted on or integrated into any of the windows of the vehicle 12, including the roll-down passenger windows and the overhead or roof windows. It should be noted that only a portion of the vehicle 12 is shown, and the viewing angle may be Fig. 1 is shown from the interior or passenger compartment.

[0015] As in Fig. 2, the display screen 10 may be installed between window layers or panels, such as an outer glass 16 and an inner glass 18. As used herein, the term glass refers to any transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent structure and may include, without limitation, silicon-based window glass, plastic, composites, combinations thereof, or other glass materials suitable for the application. The display screen 10 is not limited by the type of surfaces to which it may be attached or mounted between. The outer glass 16 may be representative of a building wall or a window, and the inner glass 18 may be a protective layer for the display screen 10.

[0016] When the display screen 10 is used with the vehicle 12, vehicle or automotive glass used for one or more windows refers to any material that may be attached to vehicles as a partition between the interior and exterior and generally meets the corresponding requirements. Those skilled in the art will recognize the types of surfaces to which the display screen 10 may be attached or placed between, depending on the precise circumstances of the surrounding area. Further, it should be noted that the term "window" as used herein also includes the mirrors of the vehicle 12. The outer glass 16 and the inner glass 18 may represent different layers of the windshield 14.

[0017] A liquid crystal array layer 22 (LC array layer 22) is operatively positioned in close proximity to the outer glass 16 and includes a plurality of LC pixels. Each pixel of the LC array layer 22 can vary its degree of transparency, from substantially clear to substantially opaque. Those skilled in the art will recognize mechanisms for varying the darkness of the LC pixels, which generally changes as the crystals twist in response to the voltage applied to particular pixels.

[0018] A transparent LED layer 24 is operatively disposed between the LC array layer 22 and the inner glass 18. The LED layer 24 includes a plurality of LED pixels. Both the LC array layer 22 and the transparent LED layer 24 are flexible, allowing the display screen 10 to be curved. The combined LC array layer 22 and the LED layer 24 of the display screen 10 form a transparent dynamic display for information, entertainment, personalization, and passenger comfort in the interior.

[0019] The LC array layer 22 and the LED layer 24 of the display screen 10 each include a large number of pixels. Depending on the size of the window, each layer may contain hundreds or thousands of pixels. In some configurations of the display screen 10, the LC array layer 22 and the transparent LED layer 24 may have a substantially similar number of pixels. However, the number of pixels does not always have to match. For example, some configurations of the LC array layer 22 may have additional pixels because the LC array layer 22 may have pixels closer to the edge of the window than the LED layer 24.

[0020] The transparent LED layer 24 may be an organic or inorganic layer. The LED layer 24 may be formed, for example and without limitation, from organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or inorganic light-emitting diodes. Those skilled in the art will recognize the types and configurations of LED systems that may be used for the transparent LED layer 24. The LED system may include a red-green-blue-white (RGBW) diode array that emits light across the entire visible spectrum. A transparent LED layer 24 may be achieved using transparent conductive layers, and LEDs provide bright colors without the need for an external light source.

[0021] The LED layer 24 shown in the figures is highly schematic. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in addition to the emissive layer, the device may also include anode and cathode layers. Contrast for the LED layer 24 may be achieved by a dark background, which may be provided by the LC array layer 22. It should also be noted that the display screen 10 may include one or more polarization filter layers.

[0022] A control system or controller 26 is in operative communication with the LC array layer 22 and the transparent LED layer 24 and is configured to control their operation. The controller 26 includes a non-generalized electronic control device having a preprogrammed digital computer or processor, a memory or non-transitory computer-readable medium used to store data such as control logic, instructions, lookup tables, etc., and a variety of input / output peripherals, ports, or communication protocols. The controller 26 is configured to implement or execute the control logic or instructions described herein.

[0023] When the display screen 10 is installed in the vehicle 12, the controller 26 is in operative communication with all necessary components of the vehicle 12. In addition, the controller 26 may include or communicate with a variety of sensors, some of which are described herein. The controller 26 may be dedicated to the specific aspects of the vehicle 12 described herein, such as controlling only the display screen 10 or aspects related to windows, or the controller 26 may be part of a larger control system that manages numerous functions of the vehicle 12. For freestanding display screens 10, such as those not mounted or attached to a vehicle, the controller 26 may be incorporated as part of a housing or connected separately via a cable.

[0024] The controller 26 is configured to selectively trigger the emission of light from a selection of the LED pixels. Furthermore, the controller 26 is configured to selectively dim a selection of the LC pixels that directly match the selection of LED pixels. Therefore, the emitting LED pixels and the dimmed LC pixels generally match, and the light is emitted only in the substantially opposite direction from the LC array layer 22—i.e., toward the interior of the vehicle 12.

[0025] The LC pixels create contrast for the LED pixels, which might otherwise be washed out in view by the backlight. In some situations, to create better contrast, the LC pixels can form a halo or additional surrounding base around the matching LED pixels to create additional contrast. The combined effect of the matching LED pixels and LC pixels can, for example, and without limitation, enable the display screen 10 to display images, messages, or videos (dynamic images).

[0026] In Fig. 2, the display screen 10 is shown with both the LC array layer 22 and the LED layer 24. However, in some configurations, only the LC array layer 22 may be attached to a window. For example, the LC array layer 22 may be used individually as an on-demand, selectively dimmable display screen for the vehicle 12, e.g., curved over part or all of the windshield 14 or one of the other windows.

[0027] The controller 26 is operatively connected to the LC array layer 22 such that it is configured to selectively dim a set of the LC pixels to limit the passage of light through the window in one or more selected areas. For example, the controller 26 may dim an area of ​​the LC pixels to block the passage of bright light from the sun 30 or another glare source that might obscure the view of the driver or passengers.

[0028] As such, the controller 26 is configured to determine a location of the sun 30 or other glare source relative to the windshield 14. The controller 26 is also configured to determine or estimate a position of a driver, particularly the driver's head or head region 32, within the vehicle 12. Then, the controller 26 selectively dims a set of LC pixels in an area between the sun 30 and the driver so that the sun 30 does not shine on the driver and interfere with the view.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows how direct light from the sun 30 is blocked from the LC array layer 22 by an anti-glare area 34. Similarly, if the controller 26 identifies another source of glare, such as oncoming headlights or other bright lights shining onto the vehicle 12, it is understood that the controller 26 may utilize vehicle 12 sensors and HD maps to accurately track the headlight glare as it travels across the windshield 14 and perform automatic local dimming to ensure the driver's view is not obstructed.

[0030] It should be noted that this aspect of the disclosure is independent of the LED layer 24 and can also be used with display screens 10 that do not include it. Importantly, the controller 26 darkens one or more selected anti-glare areas 34 without limiting the passage of light through the entire window. Therefore, the sun's light 30 is blocked from the driver's view, but the remainder of the windshield 14 is substantially usable for driving.

[0031] The position of the sun 30 may be determined by a variety of sensors and / or systems, including, without limitation, GPS and navigation systems, vehicle compasses, and topographical maps. Furthermore, the driver's head area 32 may be identified, determined, or estimated, for example, and without limitation, based on estimates from standard population models—i.e., the average person's head area 32 is located within a general area—or based on sensors within the vehicle 12 that monitor or determine the position of the actual head or head area 32 based on the particular driver or passenger.

[0032] In many configurations of the display screen 10, each LC pixel can be selectively dimmed by the controller 26 along a gradient between substantially clear and substantially opaque. Therefore, visibility through the window can be staggered from the glare area 34 outward, such that partial light blockage occurs at the edges of the glare area 34, which returns to the transparency level of the rest of the window.

[0033] It should be noted that the anti-glare area 34 may be attached to all windows of the vehicle 12, not just the windshield 14. For example, when the horizon is low, the light from the sun 30 may shine through one of the front passenger windows—i.e., any window other than the windshield—and obscure the driver's view. Furthermore, the controller 26 may be configured to provide a similar anti-glare area 34 for a front passenger of the vehicle 12, using similar techniques.

[0034] Furthermore, the anti-glare properties of the LC array layer 22 can be applied to one or more mirrors of the vehicle 12. Users can selectively darken portions of the mirrors to reduce glare, or the controller 26 can automatically adjust the amount of light reflected by one of the mirrors.

[0035] Furthermore, the glare-control capabilities of the LC array layer 22 can be applied to freestanding display screens 10, those mounted on building windows, or other applications. The controller 26 can be configured to determine the position of a user near the interior (relative to the light source) of the display screen 10 and detect the position of the glare source. Whether a user or occupant is near the display screen 10 is application-specific, so near a large display screen 10 mounted on a large building window may be different than near to smaller applications. The controller 26 can then darken an area of ​​the LC array layer 22 between the glare source and the occupant so that the glare-control area 34 prevents bright glare from affecting the user, occupant, or observer.

[0036] Due to the high number of LC pixels contained in the LC array layer 22, the anti-glare capabilities of the LC array layer 22 are position-specific. This is in contrast to entire display screens that dim or brighten together, i.e., a single-pixel system.

[0037] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the display screen 10 may include both the LC array layer 22 and the transparent LED layer 24. This combination enables enhanced display of, for example, and without limitation, messages, images, and videos, in addition to the selective light blocking provided by the LC array layer 22.

[0038] To produce an output visible from within the vehicle 12, the LC array layer 22 and the LED layer 24 cooperate, with substantially matching LC pixels and LED pixels. As shown in Fig. 2, the controller 26 causes the LC array layer 22 to darken a set of LC pixels to form an LC message 36. The controller 26 also coordinates the LED layer 24 to emit light from a group of LED pixels to form an LED message 38. Therefore, the LC array layer 22 selectively provides an opaque, semi-transparent, or semi-transparent background for the light selectively emitted by the LED layer 24.

[0039] The LC message 36 and the LED message 38 are formed from pixels that are substantially identical between the respective layers. However, in some configurations, the LC message 36 may be slightly larger than the LED message 38, so that the LC message 36 provides additional light shielding and contrast, such as a dark halo, for the LED message 38.

[0040] In the example shown, the LC message 36 and the LED message 38 constitute a navigation instruction on the display screen 10, which may originate from a navigation system communicating with the controller 26. This navigation instruction may be seen by multiple occupants of the vehicle 12, not just the driver, as is the case with alternative systems and many head-up displays. The LC message 36 and the LED message 38 may be used to generate a virtually infinite number of static and dynamic images (i.e., videos).

[0041] Many alternative display screens, mounted in vehicle windows or as standalone displays, utilize either backlights or edge lights, and often also opaque backlights, to render the displayed images visible. In contrast, the display screen 10 has no backlight at all, and in particular, no backlight opposite the LC array layer 22 from the transparent LED layer 24. Furthermore, the display screen 10 has no opaque backlight opposite the LC array layer 22 from the transparent LED layer 24.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows the display screen 10 transforming a large portion of the windshield 14 into a head-up display 40. Note that the head-up display 40 created by the display screen 10 can be seen by many, if not all, of the occupants of the vehicle 12. Alternative heads-up displays often have a limited field of view, making them visible only to the driver and only on a very small portion of the windshield.

[0043] The Fig. The head-up display 40 illustrated in Figure 1 includes multiple message and display elements. Each of the message and display elements is formed by a combination of LCD pixels forming an LCD message 36 and LED pixels forming an LED message 38. The specific displays and messages shown are for illustrative purposes only, and those of skill in the art will recognize additional applications of the heads-up display 40 that may be provided by the display screen 10. A navigation message 41 indicates an upcoming turn. An informational message 42 indicates upcoming weather events. Informational messages 42 may also be useful for alerting the driver or passengers, for example, and without limitation, to incoming phone or video calls and incoming emails or text messages.

[0044] A clock 43 is displayed to assist the occupant in determining the time. A spatial identifier 44 may be used to note points of interest within the head-up display 40. In addition to the displayed message indicating a nearby city, the spatial identifier 44 may be useful for indicating the location of services of interest, such as, without limitation, gas stations, restaurants, or sightseeing areas. The spatial identifier 44 may include the ability of the controller 26 to estimate the driver's head area 32 or the head area of ​​a particular occupant so that the spatial identifier is properly positioned with respect to the target occupant's line of sight.

[0045] In the schematic example of Fig. 1, the display screen 10 also blocks a glare source, e.g., the sun 30. The anti-glare area 34 is shown in the upper left corner of the windshield 14. The anti-glare area 34 may be formed solely by the LC array layer 22. However, in some situations, the LED layer 24 may also contribute to the anti-glare area 34. For example, the clock 43 may use or overlay the darkened anti-glare area 34 as a contrast.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a rearview mirror with a sensor farm 46 integrated as part of the rearview mirror housing. The sensor farm 46 is shown near the windshield 14, but may also be mounted on other windows or at other locations on the vehicle 12. The sensor farm 46 may include, for example and without limitation, one or more forward-looking cameras, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging). Many of these components may be used by automated driving systems, but may also be used by drivers and passengers of the vehicle 12.

[0047] The controller 26 may also be configured to determine the intensity of a light source being shone onto the sensor farm 46 so that the controller 26 detects when the intensity reaches an overload value. Then, the controller 26 may selectively dim a set of LC pixels in an area between the light source and the sensor farm 46 if the intensity is greater than the overload value. In many cases, the LC pixels may be dimmed to a level less than substantially opaque, such that the camera or sensors are still able to operate. This aspect may limit the washing out of the camera or sensors by glare that may be caused by oncoming headlights, the sun 30, or other light sources. In some situations, the sensor farm 46 itself may be capable of alerting the controller 26 that one or more sensors are washed out.

[0048] It should be noted that the cameras or other elements of the sensor farm 46 may be used to estimate the position of the sun 30 relative to the vehicle 12 and its occupants. The sensor farm 46 may also be useful for determining the location of other glare sources, such as oncoming headlights or other bright lights projected into the vehicle 12.

[0049] Also with reference to Fig. 3 and with further reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a rear part of the vehicle 12. In the view of Fig. 3, vehicle 12 is an SUV. However, as already mentioned, vehicle 12 represents numerous mobile platforms.

[0050] As in Fig. 3, the vehicle includes 12 additional windows, including a rear door window 50 and a rear fixed window 52. Both the rear door window 50 and the rear fixed window 52 include display screens 10. It should be noted that the opposite side, roof, and rear of the vehicle 12 may have windows that may also incorporate display screens 10. The illustrated display screens 10 may include only the LC array layer 22 or both the LC array layer 22 and the LED layer 24.

[0051] In some configurations of the display screen 10, a user of the vehicle 12, e.g., the driver or one of the passengers / occupants, defines the set of LC pixels to be darkened for light shielding, such that the controller 26 is configured to receive an input signal from the occupant indicative of the set of LC pixels to be darkened. These may be small areas or patches, such as the anti-glare area 34, or larger areas, such as a virtual visor 54 depicted in the rear door glass 50, which may be referred to as the passenger window. The virtual visors 54 may be darkened gray areas or may be substantially opaque. Furthermore, the virtual visors 54 may be movable or adjustable to accommodate varying glare angles and intensities, e.g., from the sun 30.

[0052] Users can specify the position of the dimmed LC pixels—whether anti-glare areas 34, virtual visors 54, or other dimmed areas—using various means, including, without limitation, input systems or gestures. For example, users may access touchscreens or button controls, or use voice-activated systems to alter the intensity and position of the dimmed areas. Additionally, the controller 26 may communicate with interior sensors that interpret gestures performed by users of the vehicle 12 and, based on those gestures or movements, determine where anti-glare areas 34 or virtual visors 54 should be located on the various windows.

[0053] If many windows of the vehicle 12 include display screens 10, and in particular the LC array layer 22, the controller 26 may be configured to determine whether the total solar load entering the vehicle 12 through the plurality of windows exceeds a solar load threshold. If the total solar load is greater than the solar load threshold, the controller 26 may tint at least two of the plurality of LC array layers 22 on the windows. Tinting means darkening the entire visible surface of the window, so that less light passes through the tinted window. This may limit the amount of total ambient light from the sun 30—i.e., the solar load—that enters the greenhouse formed by the windows of the vehicle 12.

[0054] By tinting multiple windows, the controller 26 limits the greenhouse effect when the vehicle 12 is parked on sunny days, so less energy is required to cool the vehicle 12. In addition, there may be situations where the sun's rays are so strong that it may be difficult for air conditioning systems to cool the vehicle 12 to the temperature desired by the occupants.

[0055] In some cases, the windshield 14 will not be tinted, particularly when a human driver is operating the vehicle 12. However, for autonomous vehicles 12, all windows may be tinted. Additionally, the controller 26 may receive input commands from users of the vehicle 12 such that one or more windows are tinted by the users. For example, and without limitation, users may prefer the windows to be tinted to protect privacy while the vehicle 12 is operating in autonomous mode or while the vehicle 12 is parked, such as for rest breaks during long-distance personal or business trips.

[0056] As in Fig. 3, the display screen 10 may also be configured to generate an external display 56, which may be a message, a static image, or dynamic images / videos. In the example shown, the external display 56 is located on the rear fixed window 52 and resembles a flag. In some configurations, the external display 56 may be animated, such as a waving flag, or automated, such as a scrolling or changing display.

[0057] The controller 26 may be configured to create the exterior display 56 exclusively in grayscale using a selection of the LC pixels of the LC array layer 22. The grayscale exterior display 56 would be visible through the window from the exterior of the vehicle 12 and may also provide a reduction in the solar load entering the vehicle 12.

[0058] Alternatively, the exterior display may be displayed in color by the LED layer 24. The controller 26 is configured to trigger the emission of the LED pixels to form the exterior display 56 without dimming the matching LC pixels, so that the message is visible from outside the window. It should be noted that if the controller 26 were to trigger the LC pixels matching the LED pixels, the light emitted by the LED pixels toward the exterior of the vehicle 12 would be substantially blocked by the dimmed LC pixels.

[0059] When the LED layer 24 of the display screen 10 generates the external display 56, the control unit 26 darkens a set of LC pixels that do not match the external display 56 formed by the LED pixels, so that the LC pixels block the light passing through the window but do not block the light from the LED pixels exiting the window. This creates effective contrast for viewing the external display 56 through the LED layer 24, even when the ambient light is quite bright.

[0060] For example, if the user wants the flag on the exterior display 56 to be black and white, the stars can be formed with white light emitted by the LED pixels of the LED layer 24, and the LC pixels of the LC array layer 22 can darken the areas surrounding these stars with contrasting black or dark gray. This would help the white stars in the exterior display 56 stand out when viewed from both inside and outside the vehicle 12. This contrast effect of the LC array layer 22 can be particularly useful for displaying promotional information such as logos or slogans.

[0061] With additional reference to Fig. 4 and with continued reference to the Fig. 1-3, another view of the interior of the vehicle 12 is shown. In some situations, the vehicle 12 may include a driver assistance system, including, without limitation, a radar system, a lidar system, visible light cameras, infrared cameras, and night vision cameras. The driver assistance system may include all or just some of the listed systems. The various types of cameras may be referred to individually or collectively as a camera system. The driver assistance system may be integrated with or in communication with the controller 26. Additionally, the driver assistance system may include 3D mapping or high-resolution mapping such that the driver assistance system incorporates road markings in the area of ​​the vehicle 12. Some of the components or sensors used for the driver assistance system may be integrated into the sensor farm 46.

[0062] Furthermore, the controller 26 or the driver assistance system may be configured to determine when the driver has limited visibility due to, for example, fog, heavy rain, snow, smoke, or other visibility restrictions. Under such conditions, the controller 26 may be configured to display a virtual view enhancement 60 based on interactions with the driver assistance systems. Furthermore, the virtual view enhancement 60 may be activated by a user, e.g., the driver, of the vehicle 12. The virtual view enhancement 60 may be part of the heads-up display 40 or may represent a separate feature.

[0063] Therefore, the display screen 10 on the windshield 14 of the vehicle 12 can display a number of different virtual vision enhancement features 60. The Fig. 4 are only examples, and those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and types of display elements that may be used for the virtual vision enhancement 60. Fig. 4 shows a pedestrian 62 and a road sign 64. The pedestrian 62 is located in a crosswalk, which is one of several road markings 66 illuminated by the display screen 10. Additionally, one or more visual warnings 68 may be displayed to alert the driver to unseen objects or situations. Alternative display elements for the virtual vision enhancement 60 may include, without limitation, other vehicles, animals, or objects on the roadway.

[0064] The driver assistance system may also include audible warning signals that function in addition to or in conjunction with the virtual vision enhancement 60. The combined effect of the driver assistance system and the virtual vision enhancement 60 on the display screen 10 can enhance the experience for both the occupants of the vehicle 12 and pedestrians and other vehicles.

[0065] It should be noted that the display screen 10 contains some of the Fig. 4 even when the driver does not have restricted visibility. The controller 26 may determine that the situation indicates that the driver is unaware of an impending situation and may decide to display one or more elements of the virtual visibility enhancement 60, such as the visible warnings 68 or audible warnings of the driver assistance system.

[0066] The vehicle 12 may include a built-in projector configured to interact with the display screen 10. In some configurations, the projector may be integrated into the housing of the rearview mirror and sensor farm 46 or into the instrument panel of the vehicle 12. Alternatively, the projector could be mounted in a central location to provide access to the passenger and rear windows.

[0067] The controller 26 may further be configured to darken the LC array layer 22 substantially across an entire window, creating a projection screen such that the window serves as a projection surface onto which the projector projects static or dynamic images (video). In this context, the term "substantially the entire window" means more than eighty percent of the window. If not the entire window is darkened or opaque, it is likely that the outer edges are the portions that remain exposed or are less darkened. The function of the projection screen may involve only the LC array layer 22, since the LED layer 24 is not required to form the projection screen.

[0068] Using a window as a projection surface can be particularly useful on passenger windows. The projection surface can be used, for example, without limitation, for projecting infotainment or web conferencing. It should be noted that the projection surface can also be used with a portable projector that is not permanently attached to the vehicle 12. In autonomous vehicles, business people might want to give presentations or hold web conferences while driving. These users could activate the projection surface function of the display screen 10 and use a portable projector.

[0069] In addition, for windows with a display screen 10 that does not include the LED layer 24, the projector can project light onto the LC array layer 22 to display some of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. The controller 26 may be configured so that the LC array layer 22 selectively dims LC pixels, similar to the LC message 36 in Fig. 2. However, the bright part of the image would be provided by the projector, not the LED pixels. This would be a coordinated effort between the LC array layer 22 and the projector and may be useful to complement the display capabilities for windows that do not include both the LC array layer 22 and the LED layer 24.

Claims

[1] A display screen (10) for a vehicle window (50) of a vehicle (12), comprising: a liquid crystal array layer (22) operatively attached to the vehicle window (50) and having a plurality of liquid crystal pixels; a transparent LED layer (24) operatively attached to the liquid crystal array layer (22) and having a plurality of LED pixels; and a controller (26) operatively connected to the liquid crystal array layer (22) and the transparent LED layer (24), the controller (26) being configured: Selectively trigger emission of light from a selection of LED pixels; selectively darkening a selection of the liquid crystal pixels that directly correspond to the selection of the LED pixels such that the emitting LED pixels and the darkened liquid crystal pixels correspond and light is emitted from the LED pixels in a direction substantially opposite the liquid crystal array layer (22); selectively triggering the emission of light from the LED pixels without darkening matching LC pixels so that an exterior display (56) is visible from outside the vehicle window (50); and to darken a set of liquid crystal pixels that do not match an external display (56) formed by the LED pixels, such that the liquid crystal pixels block the passage of light through the vehicle window but do not block the light from the LED pixels exiting the vehicle window (50) when the LED layer (24) of the display screen (10) produces the external display (56). [2] Display screen (10) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (26) is further configured to determine a location of a glare source (30) and a location of a user in the vicinity of the display screen (10); and wherein the controller (26) selectively darkens the set of liquid crystal pixels in a region between the glare source (30) and the user so that the glare source (30) is limited from shining on the user. [3] A display screen (10) according to claim 2, further comprising: a glass layer (16), wherein the liquid crystal array layer (22) is adjacent to the glass layer (16). [4] Display screen (10) according to claim 3, wherein the display screen (10) has no backlight opposite the liquid crystal array layer (22) from the transparent LED layer (24); and wherein the display screen (10) has no opaque back member opposite the liquid crystal array layer (22) from the transparent LED layer (24). [5] The display screen (10) according to claim 4, wherein the display screen (10) is curved such that both the liquid crystal array layer (22) and the transparent LED layer (24) are curved. [6] The display screen (10) of claim 1, further comprising: an outer glass pane (16); and an inner glass pane (18); wherein the liquid crystal array layer (22) and the transparent LED layer (24) are arranged between the outer glass pane (16) and the inner glass pane (18). [7] Display screen (10) according to claim 1, wherein the display screen (10) has no backlight opposite the liquid crystal array layer (22) from the transparent LED layer (24), and wherein the display screen (10) has no opaque back member opposite the liquid crystal array layer (22) from the transparent LED layer (24). [8] Display screen (10) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (26) is formed: displaying a message with the LED pixels and the matching liquid crystal pixels on the vehicle window (50) so that multiple vehicle occupants can see the message from inside the vehicle (12).

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