Display unit for the interior of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a display unit for the interior of a vehicle, comprising at least one projector (1, 3, 5) arranged in the vehicle interior (12), which emits light onto a reflective surface (13) of the vehicle interior (12) serving as a projection surface (15) for displaying a virtual display. In a display unit that enables cost-effective yet high-contrast projection of virtual displays in the vehicle interior, the at least one projector (1, 3, 5) is arranged in the vehicle interior (12) such that the display of user-relevant information below a windshield (7) of the vehicle (9) can be projected at least partially onto a dashboard (13) serving as a projection surface (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a display unit for an interior of a vehicle, comprising at least one projector arranged in the vehicle interior, which emits light onto a reflective surface of the vehicle interior serving as a projection surface in order to display a display.

[0002] DE 10 2005 00739 B4 discloses a vehicle vision support system for eliminating blind spots in the driver's field of vision. To this end, a projector projects an image captured by a camera onto a reflective surface of a pillar in the vehicle interior that restricts the driver's view. The projector is fixedly mounted near the driver's line of sight directed toward the reflective surface.

[0003] DE 20 2013 007 158 U1 discloses a panoramic projection device with a housing for a motor vehicle. A three-dimensional projection screen comprising a transparent panoramic pane is arranged in the housing. A plurality of projectors are arranged in the housing such that images can be projected onto the back of the panoramic screen.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a display unit for the interior of a vehicle, which enables a cost-effective yet high-contrast projection of virtual displays in the vehicle interior.

[0005] The invention is based on the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims. Further features, possible applications, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the explanation of exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the figures. The problem is solved by the subject matter of patent claim 1.

[0006] In the display unit for a vehicle interior explained above, comprising at least one projector arranged in the vehicle interior, which emits light onto a reflective surface of the vehicle interior serving as a projection surface to depict a display, the at least one projector is arranged in the vehicle interior in such a way that the display of user-relevant information below a windshield of the vehicle can be output at least partially onto a dashboard serving as a projection surface. The arrangement of the at least one projector ensures that no direct sunlight falls on the projector, thereby preventing heat from affecting the projections. Furthermore, such a virtual display is also located directly in the driver's field of vision, allowing them to adhere to their viewing habits while driving.

[0007] Advantageously, the display extends across the entire dashboard, with the display featuring analog and / or digital instruments for displaying vehicle operating data and / or multifunction components and / or infotainment components. This eliminates the need for an instrument cluster entirely, significantly reducing the manufacturing costs of the display unit.

[0008] In one embodiment, at least two projectors are arranged to display redundant projection surfaces. This compensates for the obscuration of one projection surface by a vehicle occupant, thus ensuring safety while driving the vehicle.

[0009] In one variant, a separate projection surface contains liquid crystals for changing the angle of light reflection. This allows the projection surface to be adjusted according to the seating position and / or viewing angle of the vehicle occupant.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one projector is connected to a projection control unit for determining a projection matrix to adapt the display to different geometric shapes of the dashboard. By calculating a projection matrix, different sizes and curvatures of different projection surfaces can be adapted for an undistorted display. Likewise, different overlaps of projection surfaces can be calculated.

[0011] It is advantageous if the display can be operated virtually, with one part of the projection being movable onto another. By sliding the projection parts onto one another, the vehicle occupant can enter commands.

[0012] In a further embodiment, a touch-sensitive material extends beneath the reflective surface for the vehicle occupant to operate the display. This allows the vehicle occupant to use the dashboard as a human-machine interface from any seating position. Operating errors caused by vehicle vibrations can be largely prevented, as the vehicle occupant's arm can be rested in a comfortable position and moves with the vehicle with reduced inertial distortion.

[0013] In another variant, at least one projector is configured as an LED projector and at least a second projector as a laser projector. This combination supports the creation of particularly bright areas on the display.

[0014] In a further embodiment, at least one physical display is formed on the dashboard, which is combined with the virtual display projected onto the dashboard. This allows for a virtual extension of the display area, allowing the display unit to be used in a variety of ways, both as a functional display and as an artistic and aesthetic element.

[0015] It's also advantageous to include a steering wheel in the projection screen, allowing the driver to perceive additional information at this location as well.

[0016] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which at least one exemplary embodiment is described in detail—possibly with reference to the drawings. Described and / or illustrated features may form the subject matter of the invention alone or in any meaningful combination, possibly independently of the claims, and may, in particular, also be the subject of one or more separate applications. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0017] They show: Fig. 1: an embodiment of the display unit according to the invention in a front view, Fig. 2: the embodiment of the display unit according to the invention according to Fig. 1 in a side view, Fig. 3: another embodiment of the display unit according to the invention in a side view.

[0018] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the display unit according to the invention in a front view in a vehicle. The display unit consists, for example, of three projectors 1, 3, 5, which are arranged above a windshield 7 of the vehicle 9 on the roof lining 11 in the vehicle interior 12 such that all project an image onto a dashboard 13 of the vehicle 9. The first projector 1 is mounted above the rearview mirror 10, while the other two projectors 3, 5 are mounted on both sides of the roof lining 11 at a predetermined distance from the first projector 1. Each projector 1, 3, 5 emits a partial projection surface 151, 153, 155, which are superimposed on the dashboard 13 to form a projection surface 15.Using the projection surface 15, a wide variety of user-relevant information can be virtually presented, such as displays and / or display surfaces of various measuring instruments and / or user interfaces for an infotainment system or multifunction system, plain text and / or pictograms. The projectors 1, 3, and 5 are controlled by a projection control unit 17, which is coupled to a higher-level vehicle control unit 19.

[0019] This results in various configuration options for the dashboard 13. Completely dispensing with physical display elements, projectors 1, 3, and 5 project, for example, two displays 21, 23, whose representation is determined by a display controller 25 connected to the projection control unit 17. However, the display controller 25 can also be a component of the projection control unit 17.

[0020] Alternatively, the dashboard 13 may comprise a combination of real displays and virtually generated display elements.

[0021] Fig. 2 shows a side view of the Fig. 1. This shows that the projector 1 is arranged approximately vertically above the dashboard 13. The second projector 3 is positioned above a vehicle seat 27, with its beam surface inclined towards the dashboard 13. The same applies to the third projector 5 (not shown in detail), which is arranged above another driver's seat. This arrangement of the projectors 1, 3, 5 results in the dashboard 13 being covered in its transverse extent by the partial projection surfaces 151, 153, 155 of all three projectors 1, 3, 5 ( Fig. 1). However, since the dashboard 13 has a curve 29 along its transverse extent, the second projector 5 projects its images onto the upper part 131 of the dashboard 13, while the first projector 1 uses the entire surface of the dashboard 13 to display information. This results in only partial overlap of the partial projection surfaces 151, 153 of the first and second projectors 1, 3.

[0022] To ensure a clear and undistorted representation of the virtual display even on the curve 29 of the dashboard 13, the projection control unit 17 calculates a projection matrix, which can also be used to determine overlaps of the partial projection surfaces 151, 153, 155 of the three projectors 1, 3, 5. A display surface can thus also be adapted for different usage contexts, similar to a pin sculpture.

[0023] Since the projectors 1, 3, 5 can also project user interfaces onto the dashboard 13, a touch-sensitive film 31 extends beneath the surface of the dashboard 13 so that the vehicle occupant 37 can make inputs and thus operate the infotainment system or the multifunction system.

[0024] In Fig.3 shows a further embodiment of the display unit according to the invention in a side view in the vehicle 9. An additional projection surface 33 for the projector 1 is arranged on the surface of the dashboard 13. This projection surface projects beyond the dashboard 13 toward the vehicle occupants 37 and is rotatably mounted on the dashboard 13, allowing it to be tilted relative to the dashboard 13. The additional projection surface 33 has liquid crystals 35. The tilt of the additional projection surface 33 changes the light reflection angle of the light emitted by the first projector 1, which can be modulated in an energy-saving manner using the liquid crystals 35.

[0025] The projection surface 15 can also extend to the steering wheel of the vehicle 9, which increases the variety of possible ways of displaying the information.

[0026] The projection surface 15 can also be enlarged by darkening at least one window of the vehicle 9. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2005 00739 B4

[0002] DE 20 2013 007 158 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Display unit for an interior of a vehicle, comprising at least one projector (1, 3, 5) arranged in the vehicle interior (12) which emits light onto a reflective surface (13) of the vehicle interior (12) serving as a projection surface (15) to display a virtual display, characterized bythat the at least one projector (1, 3, 5) is arranged in the vehicle interior in such a way that the virtual display of user-relevant information below a windshield (7) of the vehicle (9) can be output at least partially on a dashboard (13) serving as a projection surface (15), wherein the display extends over the entire dashboard (13), wherein the virtual display comprises analog and / or digital instruments for displaying operating data of the vehicle and / or multifunctional components and / or infotainment components, wherein at least two projectors (1, 3, 5) are arranged in such a way that redundant projection surfaces (151, 153, 155) are used, wherein a separate projection surface (33) comprises liquid crystals (35) for changing a light reflection angle, wherein the at least one projector (1, 3,5) is connected to a projection control unit (17) for determining a projection matrix for adapting the display to different geometric shapes of the dashboard (13). [2] Display unit according to claim 1, characterized by that the display can be operated virtually, wherein a partial area (151, 153, 155) of the projection surface (15) can be displaced onto a further partial area (151, 153, 155) of the projection surface (15). [3] Display unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a touch-sensitive material (31) extends beneath the reflective surface of the dashboard (13) for operation of the display by the vehicle occupant (37). [4] Display unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one projector (3) is designed as an LED projector and at least a second projector (5) is designed as a laser projector. [5] Display unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one real display is formed on the dashboard (13), which is combined with the display projected onto the dashboard (13). [6] Display unit according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a steering wheel is included in the projection surface (15).

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