DISPLAY SYSTEM, VEHICLE AND PROCEDURE

Abstract

Display system (200) for a vehicle (100), comprising: - at least one camera module (110) configured to record a field of view (FOV) in an environment that is at least partially surrounding the vehicle (100); - at least one display unit (210) configured to display the recorded FOV, wherein the display unit (210) has a plurality of viewing angles; - at least one filter (220) configured to selectively enable at least one viewing angle (VA) from the plurality of viewing angles, wherein the filter (220) is positioned on or above the display unit (210);and- at least one processing unit configured to operate the filter (220) either in an activated state or in a deactivated state, wherein, in the event of an event in which the filter (220) is in the activated state, the filter (220) enables the representation of the FOV in at least one viewpoint (VA) of the plurality of viewpoints, wherein the at least one viewpoint (VA) is a subset of the plurality of viewpoints, and, in the event of an event in which the filter (220) is in the deactivated state, the filter (220) enables the representation of the FOV in all of the plurality of viewpoints.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optoelectronic device in connection with the interior parts of motor vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a display system for a motor vehicle, a vehicle with such a display system, and a method for operating a display system for a motor vehicle to display the environment around the motor vehicle.

[0002] Generally, motor vehicles have a pair of external rearview mirrors positioned on either side of the vehicle to provide a clear view of the rear. These mirrors are typically an assembly of mechanical and / or electromechanical components. The assembly typically includes a mirror head designed to rotate either forward or backward around a substantially vertical pivot axis. The mirror head is the component that is adjusted relative to the driver's position to provide a view of the vehicle behind, either manually or via a motor.

[0003] In modern vehicles, however, motorized or manual mirrors are supplemented or replaced by camera monitoring systems (CMS). Mirrors can be replaced by one or more cameras mounted in the same location as the mirrors or elsewhere, and one or more screens with display units can be arranged in the vehicle cabin. A screen is intended to show the exact field of view (FOV) captured by the cameras to correspond to the mirror image. In a practical example, the side mirrors are replaced by a left-hand camera and a right-hand camera, facilitated by two screens mounted inside the left and right sides of the cabin. The left-hand screen displays the image or real-time video captured by the left-hand camera, while the right-hand screen displays the image or real-time video captured by the right-hand camera.

[0004] The use of such screens can have many advantages and disadvantages, one of which is that the front passenger often suffers from motion sickness because they constantly see the display mounted near the passenger side. In most cases, viewing the image is useless to the passenger and leads to other problems.

[0005] Furthermore, there are screen filters that filter the image or the display light in a specific direction; however, these are static and must be preset with a wider viewing angle to accommodate all possible viewing angles of the driver. Such a system is unsuitable because the wider viewing angle on the display unit's screen can impair the viewing angle of the front passenger or rear passengers.

[0006] In view of the aforementioned and further disadvantages of the state of the art, it is desirable to present an effective solution for a display system that limits the viewing angle to the driver even when the driver's seat position changes, and yet does not have the same disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0007] The aim of the present disclosure is therefore to provide a display system for a motor vehicle that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present disclosure provides a display system for a vehicle, comprising at least one camera module configured to capture a field of view (FOV) in an environment that is at least partially surrounding the vehicle; at least one display unit configured to display the captured FOV, wherein the display unit has a plurality of viewing angles; at least one filter configured to selectively enable at least one viewing angle (VA) from the plurality of viewing angles, wherein the filter is positioned on or above the display unit;and at least one processing unit configured to operate the filter either in an activated state or in a deactivated state, wherein, in the case of an event where the filter is in the activated state, the filter enables the representation of the FOV in at least one viewpoint (VA) of the plurality of viewpoints, wherein the at least one viewpoint (VA) is a subset of the plurality of viewpoints, and, in the case of an event where the filter is in the deactivated state, the filter enables the representation of the FOV in all of the plurality of viewpoints.

[0009] According to embodiments, the filter comprises a plurality of ribs, wherein the ribs are preferably transparent and / or each extend at a specific angle from the display unit, and / or the filter is designed to filter out light reflected from a smooth surface of the display unit.

[0010] Embodiments can be characterized in that the ribs are designed to switch between at least two states, comprising a transparent state, a translucent state and / or an opaque state, that the ribs are designed to be switched between at least two states by applying a voltage, and / or that the light transmission properties of the ribs are designed to be modified when voltage, light and / or heat is applied.

[0011] Furthermore, embodiments can be characterized in that each or a combination of the plurality of ribs is switched and / or electronically activated or deactivated by the processing unit, wherein ribs are in an opaque state in the event where they are electronically activated, and / or ribs are in a transparent state in the event where they are electronically deactivated.

[0012] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, each or a combination of the plurality of ribs, when activated and / or in the opaque state, defines the at least one viewing angle (VA) of the plurality of viewing angles.

[0013] Furthermore, embodiments are defined in that the processing unit is designed to operate the filter based on the detection of at least one event, wherein the at least one event preferably includes traffic detection, collision detection, blind spot detection, vehicle turning detection and / or lane change detection.

[0014] There are embodiments which further comprise at least one driver recognition system, wherein preferably the at least one driver recognition system includes a camera directed towards the driver (D), a proximity sensor directed towards the driver (D), a time of flight sensor (TOF) and / or a sensor integrated into the seat of the driver (D), and / or wherein preferably the at least one driver recognition system is configured to recognize a seating position (SP) of the driver (D), the head of the driver (D), the eyes of the driver (D) and / or the direction of the driver's gaze (D), in particular in real time.

[0015] Further embodiments are defined in that the processing unit is designed to determine a driver-centric viewing angle based on the position of the display unit and an input from the driver recognition system, and / or to selectively activate one or the combination of the plurality of ribs based on the position of the display unit and an input from the driver recognition system, or to selectively activate one or the combination of the multitude of ribs that corresponds to the driver-centric viewing angle from the multitude of viewing angles of the display unit.

[0016] Embodiments may further include at least one input module with which a user, in particular manually, can input a user-defined viewing angle, wherein preferably the processing unit selectively activates one or the combination of the plurality of ribs that corresponds to the user-defined viewing angle from the plurality of viewing angles of the display unit. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display system that restricts the viewing angle of a display unit of the display system based on the detection of the driver's real-time position, wherein a driver detection system effectively detects the driver's position and transmits the information to a processing unit. The processing unit then determines the viewing angle based on the information received from the driver detection system and accordingly dynamically activates a filter to restrict the viewing angle specifically to the driver's position.

[0017] The present disclosure also provides a vehicle with at least one of the display systems described above, wherein each camera module is mounted outside the vehicle, preferably on the side of the vehicle, to capture the FOV at least around the rear end of the vehicle, and each display unit is mounted or mountable in the cabin of the vehicle so that the FOV captured by the camera module(s) is shown to the driver (D).

[0018] It is also proposed that the processing unit be included in an electronic processing unit (ECU) of the vehicle and / or that the at least one input module be included in a center console.

[0019] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a method for operating a vehicle display system, comprising a step of capturing a field of view (FOV) by at least one camera module in an environment that is at least partially surrounding the vehicle; a step of displaying the FOV by at least one display unit, wherein the display unit has a plurality of viewing angles; a step of selectively enabling at least one viewing angle (VA) from the plurality of viewing angles by a filter, wherein the filter is positioned on or above the display unit;and a step of operating the filter by a processing unit either in an enabled state or a disabled state, wherein, on an event where the filter is in the enabled state, the filter enables the representation of the FOV in at least one viewpoint (VA) of the plurality of viewpoints, wherein the at least one viewpoint (VA) is a subset of the plurality of viewpoints, and, on an event where the filter is in the disabled state, the filter enables the representation of the FOV in all of the plurality of viewpoints.

[0020] Further aspects, advantages and outstanding features of the disclosure will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, reveals exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0021] The disclosure itself, together with further features and advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are now described only by way of example, wherein identical reference numerals represent identical elements and wherein: Fig. 1. A top view of a vehicle is illustrated which is equipped with a display system having a plurality of viewing angles, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a top view of the vehicle Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a display system filter that is activated to restrict one or more viewing angles; Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b illustrate a side view of the vehicle which has a driver recognition system for recognizing different seating positions of the driver according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a filter integrated into a display unit to restrict one or more viewing angles, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 5 illustrates a process flow diagram for operating the vehicle's display system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Furthermore, the drawings referenced in this description should not be understood as being to scale unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0023] The terms "includes," "comprising," "containing," "having," "consisting of," or other variations thereof indicate non-exclusive inclusion to cover a setup, structure, or process that includes a list of components or steps, but may also include other components or steps not explicitly stated or inherent in such setup, structure, or process. This means that one or more elements in a device introduced by "includes...a" do not, without further qualification, exclude the existence of other or additional elements in the system or device.

[0024] To increase the clarity of this disclosure, reference is made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying figures, and furthermore, the same reference numerals are used in the following figures to identify the same components in alternative views.

[0025] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a display system 200 of a vehicle 100. The display system 200 of the vehicle 100 is an improved solution for showing a driver D a field of view (FOV) at least partially around the vehicle 100, which was captured by one or more camera modules 110 of the vehicle 100. The display system 200 has a variety of viewing angles VA to display the captured FOV.

[0026] Each camera module 110 can be mounted outside the vehicle 100, in particular on the side of the vehicle 100, to capture the FOV at least partially around the rear end of the vehicle 100. The display system 200 includes a display unit 210 to represent or show the FOV, with further details of the display unit 210 relating to Fig. 4. The display unit is mounted in the cabin of vehicle 100, so that the driver is shown the field of view (FOV) captured by the camera modules 110. The display unit 210 has a variety of viewing angles.

[0027] Furthermore, the display system 200 includes a filter 220 which is integrated in such a way as to selectively enable at least one viewing angle from the multitude of viewing angles of the display unit 210, with details of the filter 220 relating to Fig. 4. The filter 220 can be positioned on or above the display unit 210. Furthermore, the display system 200 has a processing unit (not shown) configured to operate the filter 220 either in an activated state or in a deactivated state. As described in Fig. Figure 2 illustrates that filter 220 allows the FOV to be displayed in at least one of the many viewpoints during an event where filter 220 is in the activated state, while filter 220 allows the FOV to be displayed in all of the many viewpoints during an event where filter 220 is in the deactivated state. Fig. 1.

[0028] The filter 220 can comprise a plurality of translucent ribs 222, 224, 226. Each or a combination of the plurality of translucent ribs is electronically activated and deactivated by a microcontroller of the processing unit. Furthermore, each or the combination of the plurality of translucent ribs, in the activated state, corresponds to at least one viewing angle of the plurality of viewing angles. The processing unit can be configured to operate the filter 220 based on the detection of at least one event, either in the activated state or in the deactivated state. The at least one event can include traffic detection, collision detection, blind spot detection, vehicle turning detection, and lane change detection.

[0029] The display system 200 also includes a driver recognition system 120, as described in the Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows that the at least one driver position detection system 120 can include a driver-facing camera, a driver-facing proximity sensor, a sensor integrated into the driver's seat, or any combination thereof. The processing unit can be configured to determine a driver-centric viewing angle based on the position of the display unit 210 and input from the driver detection system 120.

[0030] The processing unit is further configured to selectively activate, based on the position of the display unit 210 and an input from the driver recognition system 120, one or a combination of the plurality of translucent ribs that corresponds to the driver-centric viewing angle from among the plurality of viewing angles of the display unit 210. In another embodiment, the display system 200 includes an input module with which the user / driver can manually input a user-defined viewing angle, and accordingly, the processing unit selectively activates one or a combination of the plurality of translucent ribs that corresponds to the user-defined viewing angle from among the plurality of viewing angles of the display unit 210.

[0031] The camera module 110, as used above, is designed to capture a field of view (FOV) in an environment that extends at least partially around the vehicle 100. The camera module 110 can be a high-resolution camera designed to capture day and night images as required for viewing the rear, front, or a 360-degree view of the vehicle 100.

[0032] The display unit 210, as used above, is an output device designed to display a static image, a dynamic image (video), or a combination thereof. The display unit 210 may include, among other things, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and / or a light-emitting diode (LED) display.

[0033] The filter 220, as used above, is designed to filter out the light reflected from the smooth glass surface of the display unit 210. The filter 220 reduces the viewing angle of the display unit 210 and prevents it from being seen from the side or from any viewing angle. The filter 220 can be an accessory that can be arranged on the display unit 210, or the display unit 210 and the filter 220 can be formed as a single piece for this purpose. The filter 220 comprises an arrangement of preferably translucent ribs 222, 224, 226. The ribs are designed to switch between an opaque state and between a translucent and a transparent state. The translucency properties of the ribs are modified when voltage, light, or heat is applied.

[0034] When the ribs switch from a transparent to a translucent state (and vice versa), they generally no longer allow light to pass through, but rather block some or all wavelengths of light (and vice versa). In the opaque state, all light rays are blocked. The ribs are typically switched between their states by electronically applying a voltage via the processing unit. The voltage is controlled and applied by the processing unit as needed.

[0035] The processing unit, as used above, is designed to electronically activate and deactivate the filter 220, so that the display of the FOV in the display unit 210 is enabled in at least one of the multiple viewing angles when the filter 220 is activated. The processing unit can be part of the vehicle's electronic processing unit (ECU), also known as the electronic control module (ECM), which is a system embedded in the automotive electronics that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in the vehicle 100. The development of the processing unit includes both hardware and software required to perform the functions expected of a particular module. The hardware may include, among other things, a general-purpose or specialized microcontroller or microprocessor.

[0036] As in the Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b illustrates how different positions of the driver D are detected based on different seat positions SP of the driver D. The driver's seat can be equipped with one or more sensors designed to detect the movement of the seat and its final position in all axial directions, i.e., all lateral and vertical movements. Furthermore, the final position of the seat can be transmitted, stored, and used by the processing unit.

[0037] Alternatively, or in addition, the various positions of the driver D can be determined by detecting the driver's head. The vehicle 100 can be equipped with a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, an image sensor, or a camera designed to detect the driver's head movements in real time and the final position in all axial directions, i.e., all lateral and vertical movements. Furthermore, the final position of the driver's head can be transmitted, stored, and used by the processing unit.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the filter 220, which is integrated into the display unit 210 of the vehicle 100. As already mentioned, the filter 220 comprises an arrangement of ribs 222, 224, 226, which are configured to switch, for example, between an opaque state and a transparent state. The ribs become opaque when activated by the processing unit. In particular, the plurality of ribs or the arrangement of ribs has different sets of ribs configured to allow light from the display unit 210 to be reflected in a specific direction. A combination of ribs with different angles may be provided. In one embodiment, the filter 220 is composed of a first set of ribs 222, a second set of ribs 224, and a third set of ribs 226, each set being defined by a predefined angle.

[0039] If the first set of ribs 222 is activated, they reflect the light from the display unit 210 at a specific first angle, thus creating a first viewing angle. If the second set of ribs 224 is activated, they reflect the light from the display unit 210 at a specific second angle, thus creating a second viewing angle. If the third set of ribs 226 is activated, they reflect the light from the display unit 210 at a specific third angle, thus creating a third viewing angle.

[0040] However, a combination of ribs 222, 224, 226 can also be activated to generate a user-defined viewing angle VA. Thus, according to the present disclosure, the processing unit determines the viewing angle VA required for the driver D based on inputs from the driver recognition system 120 and accordingly activates ribs 222, 224, 226, or a combination of ribs 222, 224, 226, to generate the viewing angle VA tailored specifically to the driver D. In a further embodiment, the processing unit can determine the viewing angle as required by the driver.

[0041] The display system 200 may also include an input module, which may be a center console for manually inputting a user-defined viewing angle VA desired by the driver. Based on the manual input received from the driver, the processing unit determines the ribs 222, 224, and 226 that must be activated to produce the desired viewing angle and selectively activates the required ribs 222, 224, and 226.

[0042] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, a procedure 300 for operating the display system 200 of the vehicle 100, initiated in step 310, comprises the following steps: In step 320, a field of view (FOV) of the camera module 110 is recorded in an environment at least around the vehicle 100 by the camera module 110. In step 330, the FOV is displayed by display unit 210. Display unit 210 has a variety of viewing angles. In step 340, at least one viewing angle from the multitude of possible viewing angles is selectively enabled by filter 220. Filter 220 is positioned on or above the display unit 210. In step 350, the processing unit operates filter 220 in either the enabled or disabled state. Filter 220 allows the FOV to be displayed from at least one of the many possible viewpoints when it is enabled, while it allows the FOV to be displayed from all possible viewpoints when it is disabled.

[0043] Furthermore, the present disclosure advantageously includes the fact that the display system 200 limits the viewing angle of the display unit 210 based on the detection of the driver's real-time position. The driver detection system 120 effectively detects the driver's position and transmits the information to the processing unit. The processing unit then determines the viewing angle based on the information received from the driver detection system 120 and dynamically activates the filter 220 accordingly, so that the viewing angle is specifically limited to the driver's position.

[0044] In summary, the present disclosure provides a switchable privacy screen for a CMS.

[0045] Although the subject matter has been described here using language specific to structural properties and / or actions, it is understood that the subject matter as described in the attached claims is not necessarily limited to the specific properties or actions described above. Rather, the specific properties and actions described above are disclosed as implementation examples of the claims, such that further equivalent properties and actions are included within the scope of the claims. REFERENCE MARK 100 vehicles 110 camera module 120 Driver Recognition System 200 display system 210 Display unit 220 filters 222 First set of ribs 224 Second set of ribs 226 Third set of ribs 300 procedures 320 to 360 process steps SP seating position VA viewing angle D driver

Claims

[1] Display system (200) for a vehicle (100), comprising: - at least one camera module (110) designed to record a field of view (FOV) in an environment that is at least partially located around the vehicle (100); - at least one display unit (210) designed to display the recorded FOV, wherein the display unit (210) has a plurality of viewing angles; - at least one filter (220) configured to selectively enable at least one viewing angle (VA) from the plurality of viewing angles, wherein the filter (220) is positioned on or above the display unit (210); and - at least one processing unit configured to operate the filter (220) either in an activated state or in a deactivated state, wherein The filter (220), when in an event where the filter (220) is in the activated state, enables the representation of the FOV in at least one viewpoint (VA) of the plurality of viewpoints, wherein the at least one viewpoint (VA) is a subset of the plurality of viewpoints, and The filter (220) enables the display of the FOV in all of the multitude of viewpoints during an event where the filter (220) is in the disabled state. [2] Display system (200) according to claim 1, wherein the filter (220) comprises a plurality of ribs (222, 224, 226), wherein the ribs (222, 224, 226) are preferably transparent and / or each extend at a specific angle from the display unit (210), and / or the filter (220) is configured to filter out light reflected from a smooth surface of the display unit (210). [3] Display system (200) according to claim 2, wherein the ribs (222, 224, 226) are designed to change between at least two states, which include a transparent state, a translucent state and / or an opaque state, the ribs (222, 224, 226) are designed to be switched between at least two states by applying a voltage, and / or the light transmission properties of the ribs (222, 224, 226) are designed to be modified when voltage, light and / or heat is applied. [4] Display system (200) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein Each or a combination of the multitude of ribs (222, 224, 226) is switched and / or electronically activated or deactivated by the processing unit, wherein the ribs (222, 224, 226) are in an opaque state during an event in which they are electronically activated, and / or ribs (222, 224, 226) are in a transparent state during an event in which they are electronically deactivated. [5] Display system (200) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each or a combination of the plurality of ribs (222, 224, 226), when activated and / or in the opaque state, defines the at least one viewing angle (VA) of the plurality of viewing angles. [6] Display system (200) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the processing unit is designed to operate the filter (220) based on the detection of at least one event, wherein the at least one event preferably includes traffic detection, collision detection, blind spot detection, vehicle turning detection and / or lane change detection. [7] Display system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one driver recognition system (120), wherein preferably the at least one driver recognition system (120) includes a camera directed towards the driver (D), a proximity sensor directed towards the driver (D), a time-of-flight sensor (TOF sensor) and / or a sensor integrated into the seat of the driver (D), and / or wherein preferably the at least one driver recognition system (120) is configured to detect a seating position (SP) of the driver (D), the head of the driver (D), the eyes of the driver (D) and / or the direction of the driver's gaze (D), particularly in real time. [8] Display system (200) according to claim 7, wherein the processing unit is configured to to determine a driver-centric viewing angle based on the position of the display unit (210) and an input from the driver recognition system (120), and / or based on the position of the display unit (210) and an input from the driver recognition system (120), selectively activate one or the combination of the multitude of ribs (222, 224, 226), or to selectively activate one or the combination of the multitude of ribs (222, 224, 226) that corresponds to the driver-centric viewing angle from the multitude of viewing angles of the display unit (210). [9] Display system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one input module with which a user, in particular manually, can input a user-defined viewing angle, wherein preferably the processing unit selectively activates one or the combination of the plurality of ribs (222, 224, 226) that corresponds to the user-defined viewing angle from the plurality of viewing angles of the display unit (210). [10] Vehicle (100) with at least one display system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each camera module (110) is mounted outside the vehicle (100), preferably on the side of the vehicle (100), to capture the FOV at least around the rear end of the vehicle (100), and each display unit (210) is mounted or mountable in the cabin of the vehicle (100) so that the FOV captured by the camera module(s) (110) is shown to the driver (D). [11] Vehicle (100) according to claim 10, wherein the processing unit is comprised of an electronic processing unit (ECU) of the vehicle, and / or that includes at least one input module from a center console. [12] Method for operating a display system (200) of a vehicle (100), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: - a step (320) of capturing a field of view (FOV) by at least one camera module (110) in an environment that is at least partially surrounding the vehicle (100); - a step (330) of displaying the FOV by at least one display unit (210), wherein the display unit (210) has a plurality of viewing angles; - a step (340) of selectively enabling at least one viewing angle (VA) from the plurality of viewing angles by means of a filter (220), wherein the filter (220) is positioned on or above the display unit (210); and - a step (350) of operating the filter (220) by a processing unit either in an enabled state or in a disabled state, wherein The filter (220), when in an event where the filter (220) is in the activated state, enables the representation of the FOV in at least one viewpoint (VA) of the plurality of viewpoints, wherein the at least one viewpoint (VA) is a subset of the plurality of viewpoints, and The filter (220) enables the display of the FOV in all of the multitude of viewpoints during an event where the filter (220) is in the disabled state.

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