Display system

Abstract

The invention relates to a display system comprising a light guide (4) and a reflective display field (2), wherein the light guide (4) is to be arranged on the display field (2) in a vehicle, wherein the light guide (4) has at least one layer with at least one emission area facing the display field (2) and configured to emit at least one symbol (8a, 8b) onto the display field (2), wherein the display field (2) is configured to reflect the at least one symbol (8a, 8b) emitted thereon.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a display system and a method for operating a display system.

[0002] A trim element for the interior of a motor vehicle is known from publication WO 2015 / 138680 A1.

[0003] An illuminated design element for a motor vehicle is described in the publication DE 10 2020 133 838 A1.

[0004] The publication DE 10 2016 005 619 A1 describes an illuminated switch arrangement for a motor vehicle.

[0005] Against this background, the task was to adequately illuminate a control and / or display surface in a vehicle.

[0006] This problem is solved by a display system and a method with the features of the independent claims. Embodiments of the display system and the method are described in the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] The display system according to the invention is designed for a vehicle and comprises a light guide and a reflective display field or display, wherein the light guide, e.g., a light guide film, is arranged on the reflective display field. The display field is to be arranged, or can be arranged, on a component, e.g., on a part and / or device, in the vehicle, e.g., a motor vehicle. The light guide has at least one layer, i.e., one layer or several layers. The at least one layer has at least one emission region facing the display field. The at least one emission region facing the display field can be arranged in and / or on an inner layer of the light guide and / or in and / or on an outer layer of the light guide that encloses and / or limits the light guide from its surroundings.The at least one emission area of ​​the at least one layer of the light guide facing the display field is configured to emit at least one symbol, e.g., at least one character, such as a letter and / or a digit or number, and / or a pattern with or for the at least one symbol, usually light to generate the at least one symbol and / or the pattern, onto the display field when the light guide is switched on, wherein the display field is configured to reflect the at least one symbol emitted thereon.

[0008] In this embodiment, the at least one emission region is arranged on and / or within an inner surface of a first outer layer of the light guide, facing the display field. The light guide also has a second outer layer, the outer surface of which faces away from the display field. The light for the at least one symbol is injected and / or coupled into the light guide at an outer edge of the planar light guide by at least one light source arranged thereon, with the light propagating planarly between the outer and inner surfaces of the light guide. Light is coupled out from the at least one emission region, at least to the display field.

[0009] The light guide, for example its inner surface, is arranged directly on the display field, with the typically planar light guide, for example the light guide film, usually its inner surface, and the display field being in direct contact. The light guide on the display field is usually transparent, with the at least one symbol reflected from the display field being visible through the light guide.

[0010] By switching the display system, it is possible to set and / or influence the display content of the display field and / or the at least one symbol emitted by the light guide to the display field, e.g., the light for this symbol. Depending on the circuit, switching state, and / or setting of the light guide, the at least one symbol can be emitted either from its inner surface onto the display field or, if necessary, in the opposite direction from its outer surface. In a possible circuit, switching state, and / or setting, the light guide is configured to emit the at least one symbol, or the light for it, and / or the pattern for the at least one symbol, only or exclusively in the direction of the display field.

[0011] The design of the display system includes at least one measure for providing the at least one emission area and / or for aligning the at least one symbol and / or pattern, or the light for it, from the at least one emission area of ​​the light guide, usually only, onto the display field. According to a first measure, the at least one layer, e.g., its inner surface, of the light guide, e.g., the light guide film, which faces the display field, is roughened on the at least one emission area, which emits the at least one symbol, usually only, in the direction of the display field. According to a second measure, it is also possible that the at least one layer, e.g., its inner surface, of the light guide, which faces the display field, has microperforations in the at least one emission area for aligning the at least one symbol, usually only, in the direction of the display field.As an alternative or supplementary measure, reflective particles are arranged in at least one layer and / or in at least one emission area of ​​the light guide, e.g., in the light guide film, the reflective sides of which are usually oriented only towards the display field. The at least one emission area emits the at least one symbol and / or pattern or light to generate or provide the at least one symbol and / or pattern by means of light-directing measures and / or components in and / or on the light guide to the display field.

[0012] It is also possible that the display field and / or the display content it presents is dynamically changeable on the vehicle component, wherein the display field, for example, has electronic ink and is configured to divide itself and / or its display content into at least one main area and at least one field area, wherein the display field is further configured to represent the at least one main area in or with a first appearance, for example, in at least one first color and / or with a first decoration, and the at least one field area in or with at least a second appearance, for example,to be represented in at least one second color and / or with at least one second decoration, wherein the light guide is configured to emit the at least one symbol, usually only, onto the at least one field area which is optically different from the at least one main area with respect to its second appearance.

[0013] The display content of the display field, which serves as the background for the light guide, can be set to a single color or multiple colors and / or displayed as a decorative element. The display content can exhibit a grain, such as wood or leather. At least one color of the symbol differs from at least one color of the display content of the display field onto which it is emitted and from which it is reflected.

[0014] In one embodiment, the display field can be touch-sensitive and typically includes sensors for detecting manual operation, for example, by a vehicle driver. These sensors are arranged in and / or below the display field, usually in the vehicle component bounded by the display field. Each symbol reflected from the display field, generated from the emitted symbol and / or pattern, can be assigned to a sensor and represent a vehicle function. Pressing the light guide at a position of the at least one symbol activates the assigned sensor, which then generates a signal that triggers the execution of the function.

[0015] The method according to the invention is provided for operating a display system for a vehicle, which has a light guide, e.g., a light guide film, and a reflective display field, wherein the light guide is arranged on the reflective display field. The display field can be arranged, be arranged, or be arranged on a component, e.g., on a part and / or a device, in the vehicle. The light guide has at least one layer with at least one emission area, e.g., on an inner surface of this layer, which faces the display field, wherein at least one symbol and / or a pattern with the at least one symbol or light for this is emitted from or with the at least one emission area onto the display field, which is usually located below it, wherein the at least one symbol and / or pattern emitted onto the display field is reflected by the display field to display the at least one symbol.

[0016] It is possible that an embodiment of the presented display system is configured to carry out an embodiment of the presented method, wherein the embodiment of the presented method is carried out with the embodiment of the presented display system.

[0017] In this embodiment of the method, a display field, typically dynamically variable, is used, which is arranged on the vehicle component. In this method, at least one display content is shown on the display field, onto which the at least one symbol is emitted by the light guide. In this embodiment, the display content of the display field and / or the display field itself is divided into at least one main area and at least one field area, typically dynamically, with the display field itself being divided into the at least one main area and the at least one field area. The display field and / or the display content it shows is shown in the at least one main area with a first appearance, e.g., in at least one first color and / or with a first decoration, and in the at least one field area with at least one second appearance, e.g.,...The display is shown in at least one second color and / or with at least one second decoration, and is usually colored accordingly. The at least one symbol or light for this is emitted by the light guide only onto the at least one field area. The display field or screen is made, for example, of electronic ink or e-ink.

[0018] In this embodiment of the method, a function of the vehicle can be assigned to each symbol and / or field area represented by the display field, wherein a symbol is emitted from the light guide onto each field area and reflected by it. Each field area or button represented by this field area is dynamically and / or variably assigned the respective function via the symbol emitted onto it. A respective function is executed when the field area to which it is assigned and / or is associated is activated by manual touch, which is detected by at least one sensor.

[0019] In one embodiment of the method, the display system can be controlled and / or regulated by a control unit of the display system. The control unit can select and set a switching state for the light guide from among several possible switching states, whereby the emission of the at least one symbol from the light guide is set for each switching state and changed when switching between two switching states. The size, color, and / or direction of each symbol to be emitted can be set. It is possible that the at least one symbol is emitted in one possible switching state only through the inner side of the light guide towards the display field, and in another switching state through both the inner and outer sides.It is also possible to have a switching state in which at least one symbol is emitted only through the outside.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit for the display field can be used to select and set a switching state from among several possible switching states, whereby the display content of the display field is set for each switching state and changes when switching between two switching states. The size and / or color of the respective display content can be set.

[0021] In this method, the reflective display field is illuminated by the light guide with at least one symbol that is projected onto and reflected from the display field, regardless of whether the display field has only a uniform and / or homogeneous appearance or at least two different appearances, which are divided and separated from each other into at least one main area and at least one field area. If the display field is switched on, it or its display content can be dynamically divided into the at least one main area and the at least one field area with the different appearances as desired, with the display field dividing itself accordingly. If the display field is switched off, the display content that was set before it was switched off can be retained as static display content and continue to be shown.It is also possible for the light guide to be switched on or off, whereby the at least one symbol is only emitted onto the display field when the light guide is switched on. If it is switched off, the at least one symbol disappears completely.

[0022] The display field of the display system, which is usually located in the interior of the vehicle, can be designed as a button. The display field, for example, made of electronic ink, can statically or dynamically represent buttons as its content, with each button typically represented by a field area with a corresponding secondary appearance. The primary area with the primary appearance forms a background for the field areas used to display the buttons. In this process, light from the pattern and / or the primary symbol is coupled out of the light guide, emitted onto the field areas for the buttons, and reflected by them, thus making the symbols for the buttons visible. Typically, each field area or button is used by the light guide to display a symbol or symbol.The pattern for this was emitted.

[0023] With this method and display system, a decorative surface can be displayed as content on the display field, onto which at least one symbol is emitted by the light guide and reflected. In this configuration, the reflective display field is used to display buttons. The symbols are emitted from the thin light guide positioned above it and reflected by the display field, illuminated by the currently set and / or displayed content. The light is coupled from the light guide to the display field only in the form of symbols or patterns. The reflective display field can represent a surface and / or an operating area of ​​the vehicle component provided by the display system with any desired graphic structure, whereby the symbols are projected by the light guide and reflected by the display field.At least one illuminated symbol can be generated on the display field, which serves as the component's surface. The resulting appearance, when illuminated, closely resembles a modern control panel. Furthermore, the illumination color can be changed by altering the background color, creating the impression that the illumination color is changing. When the light guide and display field are switched off, the display field can show a previously set, static display, providing a uniform and / or homogeneous display, suitable for decorative purposes. Buttons, touchpads, and controls can be displayed as needed and can also be completely hidden. The displayed buttons have the appearance of a backlit surface.

[0024] The optical fiber can have multiple layers, with each layer emitting and reflecting only one symbol, for example, onto a specific area of ​​the display, thus creating a uniform illumination effect. It is possible to activate only some of the layers of the optical fiber, for example, only one layer, while the others are deactivated. Different symbols or groups of symbols can be switched on and off independently.

[0025] A manual touch of a button displayed on the screen is detected by a sensor, such as a capacitive, inductive, IR position sensor, or camera. If the sensor is located within or below the screen, the system tracks which button displayed on or by the screen is assigned to which sensor. It is also possible for at least one actuator of the display system to provide haptic feedback upon activation or touch. This actuator could be, for example, a mechanical vibration actuator, coil, or unbalanced motor, and the system also tracks which button displayed on or by the screen is assigned to which sensor.

[0026] The content displayed by the display field forms a background for the at least one symbol emitted by the light guide as an illuminated symbol. In the dark, typically only the outline of each illuminated symbol, such as text, is visible on the display field, making the display system appear like a laser-cut component. It is possible for overhead illumination in the form of symbols to be provided above the display field or its content. These symbols are only displayed when needed, when the light guide is switched on. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one symbol can be illuminated by the display field or its content.

[0027] It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without leaving the scope of the present invention.

[0028] The invention is schematically illustrated with reference to embodiments in the drawing and is described schematically and in detail with reference to the drawing.

[0029] Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 1c, Fig. Figure 1d shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the display system according to the invention for carrying out an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0030] The figures are described in a coherent and comprehensive manner. The same reference symbols are assigned to the same components.

[0031] The in the Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 1c and Fig. Figure 1d, a schematically illustrated embodiment of the display system according to the invention, is designed for a vehicle, e.g., a motor vehicle, and is to be arranged, or can be arranged, in an interior of this vehicle. The display system has a display field 2 and a planar light guide 4 arranged thereon, e.g., a light guide film, wherein the embodiment of the method according to the invention is carried out with this display system, wherein with each one Fig. 1a, Fig. 1b, Fig. 1c, Fig. 1d illustrates a mode of the display system.

[0032] The light guide 4 is in Fig. 1a to represent a first mode of the display system is switched off. The display field 2, which contains electric ink, is set to a neutral state and displays a content regardless of whether it is switched on or off. If it is switched on, the content is actively generated. If it is switched off, the reflective display field 2 displays the content that was set when it was last switched on, retaining the content last displayed by the switched-on display field 2. This content can be monochrome or multicolored. The display field 2 can also display a neutral structure, such as a wood grain.

[0033] In a based on Fig. In the second mode of the display system, as illustrated in Figure 1b, the display field 2 and / or the content it displays is divided into a main area 7, for which a first appearance is provided, and two field areas 6a and 6b, each for which a second appearance is provided. The first appearance of main area 7 corresponds to the neutral structure, such as the wood grain. Each field area 6a or 6b represents a button on main area 7, with main area 7 forming the background for field areas 6a and 6b and thus for the buttons they represent. If display field 2 is switched on, its entire display content is shown and can be dynamically changed. The same display content can also be shown when display field 2 is switched off, provided that it is retained by display field 2 after it has been switched off.

[0034] In which based on Fig. In the third mode illustrated in Figure 1c, the previously switched-off light guide 4 is switched on and illuminated. A first symbol 8a, here representing a spotlight, is generated by the light guide 4, coupled out from the light guide 4 towards the display field 2, emitted towards the first field area 6a in the direction of the display field 2, and reflected by the first field area 6a. The first symbol 8a is visible through the transparent light guide 4 and appears to a viewer on a first button represented by the first field area 6a.Accordingly, a second symbol 8b, which here comprises the characters "AUTO", is generated by the light guide 4, coupled out from the light guide 4 towards the display field 2, emitted towards the display field 2 onto the second field area 6b, and reflected by the second field area 6b, whereby the second symbol 8b is visible through the transparent light guide 4 and appears to the viewer on a second button represented by the second field area 6b. The symbols 8a and 8b, illuminated by the light guide 4, become visible on a surface of the display field 2, the light guide 4, and / or the display system.

[0035] The symbols 8a and 8b are displayed both in and by the transparent, illuminated light guide 4, which is designed as a layer, and reflected by the display field 2. Each symbol 8a or 8b can be displayed on or by the reflective display field 2 with, for example, a white background, making the illuminated symbols 8a and 8b more visible and / or providing higher contrast. It is also possible for the display field 2 to generate and display, for example, a white border for each symbol 8a or 8b on a field area 6a or 6b displayed by the display field 2, which surrounds, encloses, and / or limits the respective symbol 8a or 8b. Typically, the respective symbol 8a or 8b is generated by the light guide 4 in a first color, including white and black. The border for the respective symbol 8a or 8b is generated by the display field 2 in a second color, including...white and black, generated, which differs from the first color, wherein a border for each symbol 8a, 8b, surrounding the symbol 8a, 8b, can also be designed or designated as field area 6a, 6b. The color for a graphic of the display content of the reflective display field 2 can also be dynamically adapted and / or changed to a contour of the respective symbol 8a, 8b, whereby the color impression of an illumination of the symbols 8a, 8b can also be changed.

[0036] It is intended that each symbol 8a, 8b and / or field area 6a, 6b is assigned a function of the vehicle to represent a respective button, whereby each field area 6a, 6b, as a representable or representable button, is assigned a function, usually dynamically, via its respective symbol 8a, 8b, whereby the respective button is dynamically assigned the respective function. Different functions can be assigned to each field area 6a, 6b successively and alternately, whereby each function can be symbolized by a standardized and / or a custom-designed symbol 8a, 8b, whereby each field area 6a, 6b is assigned only one function of the vehicle via a single symbol 8a, 8b.

[0037] Furthermore, at least one sensor (not shown) of the display system can detect a manual touch of a symbol 8a, 8b and / or a field area 6a, 6b to display the respective button for the respective function. When a function is manually selected by touching the respective field area 6a, 6b, e.g., also when switching between two functions, the appearance of the respective field area 6a, 6b and / or the color of the symbol 8a, 8b displayed therein can be changed, indicating which function is currently activated or deactivated and / or is activated or deactivated by switching, e.g., toggling, due to a touch of the respective field area 6a, 6b.Light for the optical fiber 4 is supplied to it by light sources 10 at an edge and / or an outer edge of the optical fiber 4, whereby at least one symbol 8a, 8b is emitted from each emission area of ​​the optical fiber 4.

[0038] In this embodiment of the method, the display content of the display field 2 and / or the emission of at least one symbol 8a, 8b through the light guide 4 can be set and changed by selecting a respective switching state using a control unit of the display system (not shown). The color and / or size of a respective field area 6a, 6b can be set in a given switching state, and at least one field area 6a, 6b can also be switched off or deactivated. Furthermore, at least one new field area on the display field 2, e.g., on its main area, can be switched on or activated. Changing the color and / or brightness of a respective field area 6a, 6b, which can also flash, can indicate, for example, the activity of a function symbolized by that field area 6a, 6b. Each field area 6a, 6b can be displayed in different switching states.Each field area 6a, 6b or the display content it represents or is to represent may also have a more complex graphic structure, such as a frame, a pattern, contours, symbols or lettering.

[0039] In the one based on Fig. The fourth mode, shown schematically in 1d, differs from the third mode according to Fig. 1c provides that only the first field area 6a is displayed on and / or next to the main area 7, while the second field area 6b is no longer displayed or is deleted. In addition to the two symbols 8a and 8b emitted by the light guide 4, only the first field area 6a, from which the first symbol 8a is reflected, is displayed next to the main area 7. The second symbol 8b is now reflected from the main area 7 in place of the deleted second field area 6b.

[0040] In the fourth mode, symbols 8a and 8b are visible both in the dark, e.g., at night, and in very bright sunlight and / or during the day. In the dark, symbols 8a and 8b are visible due to the illumination of the light guide 4. When light is reflected from the light guide 4 onto the display field 2, thus illuminating the display field 2, symbols 8a and 8b remain visible because they are also displayed in and / or on the reflective display field 2 from which they are reflected. REFERENCE MARK: 2 Display field 4 fiber optic cables 6a, 6b Field area 7 Main area 8a, 8b Symbol 10 light sources QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2015 / 138680 A1

[0002] DE 10 2020 133 838 A1

[0003] DE 10 2016 005 619 A1

[0004]

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