Motor vehicle with display device, method for illuminating a display device of a motor vehicle, and control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) with a display device (26) comprising: a first display device (18) configured as a combination instrument of the motor vehicle (10), a control panel device (20), and a support element (24) configured as a support arm, which projects into the vehicle interior and connects the first display device (18) and the control panel device (20), such that the control panel device (20) projects into the vehicle interior. The support element (24) has a through-opening (28) between the first display device (18) and the control panel device (20).The motor vehicle (10) also has a lighting device (30) arranged on the display device (26) such that a lighting element (32) is aligned with the through-opening (28) of the support element (24), so that light emitted by the lighting element (32) passes through the through-opening (28) and illuminates a display surface (36) of the first display device (18) as well as a rear side of the control panel device (20). The invention also relates to a method for illuminating one of the display devices (26) of the motor vehicle (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle with a display device, a method for illuminating a display device of a motor vehicle, and a control device.

[0002] For racing drivers or fast amateur drivers, precise feedback about when a vehicle system, especially a driver assistance system such as electronic stability control ("ESP"), intervenes is important. Good drivers constantly operate at the limit, and electronic stability control, for example, intervenes and disengages frequently. Drivers need precise feedback about this frequency. They receive this feedback via the vibration of the brake pedal and via a symbol in the instrument cluster.

[0003] The disadvantage is that the symbol isn't as clearly visible in the instrument cluster. It's possible, for example, that the ESP system will intervene if the driver isn't pressing the brake pedal (for example, only accelerating).

[0004] EP 0 595 338 A2 describes a vehicle lighting system comprising one or more central light sources, a plurality of optical loads including headlight lenses, an optical fiber network extending from the light sources to illuminate the headlight lenses and other optical loads, as well as optical switches and oscillators. The headlight assemblies switch between high and low beam by moving their fibers vertically and control light dispersion by moving the fibers parallel to the lens axes, including automatic dispersion adjustment for headlight reflection from a preceding vehicle.

[0005] From DE 10 2007 040 648 A1 a lighting device is known which is arranged in the interior of a motor vehicle, with a light source and a transparent cover, wherein the cover has at least two different optical functional areas.

[0006] DE 10 2008 033 228 A1 describes a display and operating device for a motor vehicle with a combination instrument and a center display, which has a left, a middle and a right area element, wherein the middle area element is offset, i.e. set back, from the other two area elements, wherein the left and the right area element are each connected to the middle area element by a connecting element.

[0007] DE 10 2015 011 377 B4 discloses a display device for a motor vehicle, comprising a base element for connecting the display device to the motor vehicle and a screen element arranged on the base element for displaying pixel-based graphic objects on a display surface of the screen element. The aim is to reduce the influence of light reflections on the display surface on readability. In the screen element, the display surface is provided as a curved OLED pixel matrix.

[0008] The first-mentioned prior art document describes a permanently installed lamp with a movable lens that provides either a reading light or ambient lighting depending on its position. Adjusting the light had no effect on the problem described above. The same applies to the latter document, because ambient lighting can only minimally highlight signals on the instrument cluster—if at all.

[0009] An object underlying the invention is to improve feedback of an active and / or deactivated state of a driving function, in particular a driver assistance function, to the driver.

[0010] The stated object is achieved by the devices and methods according to the invention according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are provided by the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea of ​​providing a display device in which a display unit of an at least partially free-standing control panel is combined. A display device is understood to be a device component of the display device that is designed and configured to output digital image content via a display surface. The display device is thus designed as a screen. In the display device, the screen is connected via a support element to a control panel element, i.e., to a device part of an electrical installation with switching and / or display elements. The control panel element can be designed, for example, as a control panel or as a second display device.The support element, which is designed as a support arm, has an opening, and in the motor vehicle, a lighting device with a light-emitting element is arranged on the display device such that the light-emitting element emits light through the opening of the support element. As a result, the dashboard element is illuminated from behind, and the display surface of the first display device is illuminated from the front. Ideally, the light output can be controlled such that it is synchronized with the use or activation of the driving function.

[0012] In other words, with just one light, both the dashboard element ambient and the display surface of the first display device are illuminated frontally through the opening in the carrier. A symbol for a driving function is accordingly directly illuminated on the first display device designed as an instrument cluster, making it more visible. Even if the driver of the vehicle does not have their foot on the brake pedal, the symbol is very clearly visible whenever it lights up on the instrument cluster. In other words, the driver does not have to constantly have their foot on the brake pedal or constantly look at the instrument cluster. This is why the frequency with which the symbol lights up and, accordingly, the frequency with which the driving function is used is much easier to perceive.Another advantage, unlike the prior art, is that the design requires no moving parts, since both the button element and the display surface of the first display device are illuminated with a single light. This makes the lighting device more robust.

[0013] The motor vehicle according to the invention, which can preferably be configured as a passenger car, in particular a sports car, has a display device. A display device is understood to be a device or group of devices designed to output digital image content by means of a display device. The display device is understood to be the part with the display surface, i.e., the screen.

[0014] The display device of the motor vehicle according to the invention has a first display device for displaying a first display content. The first display device is configured as an instrument cluster of the motor vehicle and is arranged on a steering wheel of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the first display device is installed behind and above a steering wheel of the motor vehicle, i.e., integrated into the interior trim.

[0015] The display device also includes a control panel device. For example, the control panel device can be configured as a control panel and, for example, include switches, air vents, and / or other operating elements. In a preferred embodiment, the control panel device can be configured as a second display device, in particular as a human-machine interface ("MMI") with, for example, a touch-sensitive screen.

[0016] The display device further comprises a support element configured as a support arm, which projects into the vehicle interior and is arranged at a first end on the first display device, preferably fastened to the first display device, and at whose second end the control panel device is arranged. As a result, the control panel device projects into the vehicle interior, i.e., is arranged at least partially freely suspended or partially free-standing. The support element has a through-opening between the first display device and the control panel device, i.e., on the support arm. Due to the at least partially free-standing position of the control panel device, the driver does not have to turn their head very far to use the control panel device.

[0017] The motor vehicle also has a lighting device, i.e. a device, a device component, or a device group designed to emit light by means of at least one lighting element. A lighting element is understood to be the component designed to emit the light. The lighting element can be designed, for example, as an LED, LED matrix, or other light source. In other words, the lighting element can be designed as a single light or a lighting array, wherein, in the case of a lighting array, all light sources are directed in the same direction. As already described above, it is not necessary for the at least one lighting element to be positionable in different positions or orientations.The lighting device with the luminous element is arranged on the display device in such a way that the at least one luminous element is aligned with the through-opening of the carrier element, so that light emitted by the luminous element passes through the through-opening and illuminates the display surface of the first display device, as well as a rear side of the dashboard device. For example, the lighting device can be arranged behind the carrier element as seen from the driver, or the display device can comprise the lighting device or the luminous element. In the latter variant, the luminous element can preferably be arranged on the carrier element, preferably at the through-opening, or at least partially around the through-opening, or completely, for example in a ring shape, around the through-opening.

[0018] This results in the advantages discussed above. Particularly when the motor vehicle is designed as a sports car and / or for sporty drivers or even racing drivers, the invention reduces the driver's workload and improves a faster flow of information.

[0019] The preferred configuration of the dashboard device as a second display device with a second display surface for displaying a second display content has already been discussed above. Such a second display device can preferably be configured as an MMI and / or as an extendable and / or foldable display. This configuration of the dashboard device allows additional information to be output, and by positioning the dashboard device in the vehicle interior and facing the driver, the driver does not have to turn their head far enough to view the information on the second display surface.

[0020] Particularly when the motor vehicle is designed as a sports car and / or for sporty drivers or even racing drivers, the driver is relieved by faster access to information and better operability of the control panel device.

[0021] Preferably, the first display content can comprise a display field, i.e., a portion of the display area, for a symbol of a driving function of a given motor vehicle system. In a preferred development, the symbol is one for a driver assistance function. In a further development, which can optionally be combined with the previous development, the luminous element can be aligned such that the light emitted by the luminous element illuminates only this display field. The driver's attention is thus focused on the symbol of the driving function, and important information is highlighted.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the motor vehicle has a control device, i.e., a device, a device component, or a device group, which is designed and configured to receive signals, evaluate them, generate control signals, and transmit the generated control signals to other systems or devices. For this purpose, the control device can comprise, for example, a standard receiving and / or transmitting module, and preferably additionally one or more microprocessors. The control device can be configured, for example, as a control chip or control unit, and can therefore also be referred to as a control device.

[0023] In this embodiment, the control device is configured to receive a function description signal from the specified motor vehicle system, which can describe an activation and / or deactivation of the driving function, in particular a driver assistance function, of the specified motor vehicle system. Optionally, the motor vehicle system from which the control device receives the function description signal can be an on-board computer of the motor vehicle. The function description signal can, for example, describe an activation of the electronic stability control, its deactivation, or both the activation and deactivation, and thus a frequency of use of the electronic stability control.

[0024] The control device can then be configured to generate a lighting signal for synchronizing the lighting by the lighting device with the driving function. In other words, the control device can be configured to synchronize the lighting by the lighting device with the use of the driving function depending on the information of the received function description signal. The generated lighting signal can then describe the switching on of the lighting element whenever the motor vehicle system activates the driving function. The control device can then be configured to transmit the generated lighting signal to the lighting device.

[0025] By synchronizing the illumination of the display panel or the entire display surface with the driving function symbol, a visual representation of the driving function frequency is provided. Even if the driver is looking directly at the road, they can see the light flashes at least in their peripheral field of vision and can thus recognize the frequency information, for example from the electronic stability control. The driver's foot does not have to constantly return to the brake pedal to detect control of the driving function, and the driver does not have to constantly glance back at the instrument cluster to check whether the symbol is illuminated or not. This allows the driver to generally react more quickly to the driving behavior and the route. This embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention synergistically improves the advantages already mentioned above.

[0026] In a further development, the received function description signal can accordingly describe a frequency of the activated driving function, wherein the generated lighting signal describes a corresponding lighting frequency which corresponds to that of the activated driving function and can describe a synchronization of the lighting with an active mode of the driving function.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the motor vehicle, in particular as a further development of a configuration of the motor vehicle with the control device, the driving function can preferably be: an electronic stability control; or an anti-lock braking system; or a shifting moment; or a braking point; or a function of a feedback light; or information regarding an overtaking moment; or a steering moment. In other words, the driving function can be a pure driving function or even a driver assistance function.

[0028] In a further development of one of the above-described embodiments of the motor vehicle with the control device, the control device can be designed to generate one or more lighting signals for a plurality of driving functions in order to synchronize the lighting by the lighting device with the plurality of driving functions.

[0029] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for illuminating a display device of a motor vehicle according to one of the above-described embodiments of the motor vehicle with a control device. Accordingly, in this method, the control device receives the function description signal from the specified motor vehicle system, which describes the activation and / or deactivation of the driving function of the specified motor vehicle system. The control device generates the illumination signal for synchronizing the illumination by the illumination device with the driving function, in other words, for synchronizing the illumination frequency with the frequency of the driving function. The generated illumination signal describes a switching on of the lighting element of the illumination device whenever the driving function is active. The control device then transmits the generated illumination signal to the illumination device.The same advantages arise as discussed above.

[0030] Accordingly, in a further embodiment of the method according to the invention for a plurality of driving functions, the control device can generate one or more lighting signals for synchronizing the lighting by the lighting device with the plurality of driving functions.

[0031] The above-mentioned object is also achieved by the control device which is designed to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0032] The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle.

[0033] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the method and which are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, in accordance with the method, an error message and / or a request to enter user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0034] The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle. The control device can have a data processing apparatus or a processor device (processor circuit) that is configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can have at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In particular, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor. Furthermore, the processor device can have program code that is configured to carry out the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor device.The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor device can be based, for example, on at least one circuit board and / or on at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0035] The invention also includes further developments of the method according to the invention and the control device according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the method according to the invention and the control device according to the invention are not described again here.

[0036] As a further solution, the invention also encompasses a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a computer or computer network, causes the computer to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data memory (e.g. as a flash memory and / or as an SSD - solid state drive) and / or at least partially as a volatile data memory (e.g. as a RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be arranged in the computer or computer network. However, the storage medium can also be operated on the Internet, for example, as a so-called app store server and / or cloud server. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with, for example, at least one microprocessor.The program code can be provided as binary code and / or as assembly code and / or as source code of a programming language (e.g., C) and / or as a program script (e.g., Python). Alternatively, the computer-readable storage medium can be implemented as a signal containing computer-readable data, e.g., a time-variant voltage signal and / or a radio signal.

[0037] The invention also encompasses combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also encompasses implementations that each comprise a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, unless the embodiments are described as mutually exclusive.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are: Fig. 1 a symbol for an electronic stability control as an exemplary driving function from the state of the art; Fig. 2 a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, the control device according to the invention, and the method according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic illustration of a section of the display device of the motor vehicle; and Fig. 4 a further schematic illustration of the embodiment.

[0039] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, each of which also develops the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0040] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0041] As already discussed above, the display device of the motor vehicle according to the invention can be used to control the lighting in synchronization with a driving function for any driving function. For example, the focus can be on the active use of an anti-lock braking system, a gearshift moment, a braking point, a feedback light function, an overtaking moment, or a steering moment. As a preferred example, the driving function of an electronic stability control is chosen below, and the Fig. 1 shows a symbol 1, as it is already used in the state of the art for display in the instrument cluster.

[0042] The Fig. 2 schematically shows a motor vehicle 10, for example, a sports car. The motor vehicle 10 has an optional control device 12, which can be configured, for example, as a control chip or control unit. The motor vehicle systems relevant to the above-mentioned or other driving functions are not shown for clarity, since those skilled in the art will know which motor vehicle systems are involved in the aforementioned exemplary driving functions. The control device 12 can preferably have a data memory 14, for example, a memory chip or a memory card, and / or a processor device 16 with one or more microprocessors.

[0043] Communication with the first display device 18 and with a control panel device 20 takes place via a data communication connection 22, which can be wired or wireless, for example, it can be designed as a data bus of the motor vehicle 10, or as a WLAN or Bluetooth connection.

[0044] The first display device 18 and the dashboard device 20, together with the support element 24, form the display device 26. The first display device 18 can preferably be configured as an instrument cluster in the hood 17 and is configured to display a first display content, for example, multiple display fields, one of which can be used to display the symbol for the driving function. In other words, the first display device 18 is configured as a screen.

[0045] The control panel device 20 can be configured, for example, as a control panel with, for example, air vents and / or switches, or, in a particularly preferred example, as a second display device, i.e., a second screen. In particular, the second display device can be the MMI. The second display device is configured accordingly to display a second, preferably different, display content.

[0046] As in Fig. 2, the arrangement of the support element 24 is a connection configured as a support arm between the first display device 18 and the control panel device 20. The support element 24 can preferably be connected to the first display device 18 and the control panel device 20 without any joints. As a result, the control panel device 20 is at least partially suspended or at least partially free-standing within the vehicle interior.

[0047] The Fig. 2 illustrates the through-opening 28, i.e. the opening in the support element 24.

[0048] The Fig. Figure 2 also schematically illustrates a lighting device 30, which can be configured as a lighting device for a motor vehicle 10, as is known to those skilled in the art. At least one lighting element 32 can be configured, for example, as an LED. Preferably, the lighting device 30 can have only one lighting element 32. Here, too, communication with the control device 12 takes place via a data communication connection 22.

[0049] The lighting device 30 or just the lighting element 32 can be arranged either directly on the support element 24 or at a distance therefrom, for example, behind the support element 24 as seen from the driver. The direction of illumination of the light rays 34 of the light emitted by the lighting element 32 can extend through the through-opening 28 onto a display surface 36 of the first display device 18. Preferably, the lighting element 32 can be configured as a light ring around the through-opening 28. When the lighting element 32 is arranged on the support element 24, for example, configured as a light ring as shown in the figures, the light accordingly extends from the light ring.

[0050] It should be emphasized here that the Fig. 2 is a schematic representation. The light from the luminous element 32 illuminates the display surface 36 from the front and the control panel device 20 from the rear, thus simultaneously providing ambient light for the control panel device 20 while illuminating the display surface 36.

[0051] In one example of the preferred control of the lighting device 30 in synchronization with the driving function, for example, the electronic stability control, the control device 12 can receive a function description signal in S1, which can preferably describe a current frequency of activation of the electronic stability control. The control device 12 can analyze or determine the frequency based on the received function description signal and, in S2, generate a lighting signal that can preferably describe the same frequency for switching on the lighting element 32 by the lighting device 30. The generated lighting signal can specify that the light is always switched on when the exemplary electronic stability control is also currently being activated. In S3, the control device 12 then transmits the generated lighting signal to the lighting device 30, which controls the lighting element 32 accordingly.

[0052] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a section of the display device 26 to provide a closer view of the support element 24 and the control panel device 20. In addition to the light rays 34 pointing toward the display surface 36, the path 38 of the light from the luminous element 32 in other directions is also shown, creating the ambient light for the control panel device 20.

[0053] The Fig. Figure 4 shows the display device 26 again from a top view. When the lighting is controlled in synchronization with the frequency of the driving function, the light fields 40 created by the lighting can flicker in the area of ​​the first display device 18 as a switch location and behind the control panel device 20 as ambient light. In other words, the light fields 40 appear as a "glow."

[0054] The display device 26 of the Fig. 4 can preferably describe the one that has already been Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. For reasons of clarity, the other components of the motor vehicle 10 are shown in the Fig. 4 not shown.

[0055] Overall, the examples show how a light source can be provided that simultaneously ambiently illuminates the front of a first display device 18, for example an instrument cluster, and the rear of a control panel device 20, for example an MMI.

[0056] In a further exemplary embodiment, the display of the exemplary instrument cluster and the exemplary MMI display can be offset from one another. The exemplary instrument cluster and the exemplary MMI display are connected by a support element 24, in particular by a support. The MMI display is partially free-floating at the rear. The support element 24 has a through-opening 28, for example, an opening, which is illuminated. When the exemplary opening is illuminated, the front area of ​​the instrument cluster and the rear area of ​​the MMI display are ambiently illuminated. The driver can then clearly see when, for example, the ESP intervenes and with what frequency.

[0057] The lighting can also be used to indicate, for example, a gear shift moment, overtaking moment, steering moment (left or right), braking point or acceleration moment.

[0058] In addition to the advantages already mentioned, two displays can be illuminated ambiently, ideally with a single light. This provides very clear feedback without distracting too much from the road or the information on the display.

[0059] In a preferred technical implementation, the motor vehicle 10 can have: a fixed instrument cluster; an arm as a support element 24 that connects the instrument cluster and the MMI display; the MMI display can be partially free-standing in front of the dashboard; an opening as a through-opening 28 with, for example, an LED ring in the arm of the support element 24; and a communication between, for example, ESP and light.

[0060] The display device 26 and / or the illumination device 30 do not require any moving parts. In the invention, two different surfaces are illuminated with a single light, but only one light is needed. The light preferably only illuminates under certain circumstances as a feedback signal; it does not have to be constantly on or off. The light itself can optionally always be the same when illuminated.

[0061] In a further exemplary embodiment, which can be combined with the previous exemplary embodiments, there can be an opening as a through-opening 28 between the exemplary instrument cluster and the exemplary center display, where there is a light source (i.e., the light element 32) that simultaneously illuminates the area in front of the instrument cluster and the area behind the center display. In other words, the light source can simultaneously illuminate the front of the instrument cluster and the rear of the MMI display in a through-opening 28 configured as an opening in a connecting part between the instrument cluster and the MMI display.

[0062] Preferred applications: for example ESP, ABS, braking point, and / or feedback light.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (10) with a display device (26), wherein the display device (26) comprises: - a first display device (18) for displaying a first display content, which is designed as a combination instrument of the motor vehicle (10) and is arranged on a steering wheel of the motor vehicle (10), - a switchboard device (20), and - a support element (24) designed as a support arm, which projects into the vehicle interior and is arranged at a first end on the first display device (18), and at the second end of which the control panel device (20) is arranged, such that the control panel device (20) projects into the vehicle interior; wherein the support element (24) has a through-opening (28) between the first display device (18) and the control panel device (20); wherein the motor vehicle (10) has a lighting device (30) which is arranged on the display device (26) in such a way that a lighting element (32) is aligned with the through-opening (28) of the support element (24), such that light emitted by the lighting element (32) passes through the through-opening (28) and illuminates a display surface (36) of the first display device (18), as well as a rear side of the control panel device (20). [2] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control panel device (20) is designed as a second display device for displaying a second display content. [3] Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first display content comprises a display field for a symbol (1) of a driving function of a given motor vehicle system; preferably wherein the light emitted by the luminous element (32) illuminates only the display field. [4] Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a control device (12) which is designed to: - to receive a function description signal (S1) from the specified motor vehicle system, which describes an activation and / or deactivation of the driving function of the specified motor vehicle system, - to generate (S2) a lighting signal for synchronising the lighting by the lighting device (30) with the driving function, which describes a switching on of the lighting element (32) whenever the motor vehicle system activates the driving function, and - to transmit the generated illumination signal to the illumination device (30) (S3). [5] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 4, wherein the received function description signal describes a frequency of the activated driving function, and wherein the generated illumination signal describes an illumination frequency corresponding to that of the activated driving function and describes a synchronization of the illumination with an active mode of the driving function. [6] Motor vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the driving function is: - an electronic stability control; or - an anti-lock braking system; or - a switching moment; or - a braking point; or - a function of a feedback light; or - an overtaking moment; or - a steering moment. [7] Motor vehicle (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the control device (12) is configured to generate one or more lighting signals for a plurality of driving functions for synchronizing the lighting by the lighting device (30) with the plurality of driving functions. [8] Method for illuminating a display device (26) of a motor vehicle (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the control device (12): - receives the function description signal (S1) from the specified motor vehicle system, which describes the activation and / or deactivation of the driving function of the specified motor vehicle system, - the lighting signal for synchronising the lighting by the lighting device (30) with the driving function is generated (S2), which describes switching on of the lighting element (32) whenever the driving function is active, and - transmits the generated illumination signal to the illumination device (30) (S3). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the control device (12): - for several driving functions, one or more lighting signals are generated to synchronize the lighting by the lighting device (30) with the several driving functions (S3). [10] Control device (12) which is arranged to carry out a method according to one of claims 8 or 9.

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