Vehicle navigation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle navigation system comprising a control unit (24) that transmits map data, navigation data, data about a planned route, and / or topographical data to a vehicle-mounted display means in which the data can be displayed. According to the invention, the display means comprises a haptic display field (12) with a plurality of display segments (11) for a three-dimensional representation of the data. Depending on the transmitted data, the display elements (11) can be controlled in any desired combination, in order to specifically change the surface shape, structure, and color of the display field.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle navigation system according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a vehicle navigation system has a control unit that transmits map data, navigation data, data about a planned route, and / or topographical data to a vehicle-mounted display. In the prior art, the display is a display, which visually displays the data transmitted by the control unit on a screen.

[0003] EP 3 144 770 A1 discloses a system comprising an electronic device, a display screen, a cover configured to cover the display screen, a sensor configured to detect an input gesture comprising a deformation and / or movement of the cover relative to the electronic device, and a processor configured to determine an action to be performed by the electronic device based on the input gesture. EP 3 285 144 B1 discloses a haptic display system with which any virtual three-dimensional object can be haptically represented. WO 2014 / 164274 A1 discloses a sensory display for experiencing stiffness and local shape.The stiffness and local shape of the cells in a cell array forming the display are controlled by three independent and distinct control mechanisms: Cell stiffness controllers control the stiffness of the cells. A shape array controller controls the shape of the cell array. Cell pinning controllers control the height of the cells.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle navigation system whose functionality is extended compared to the prior art.

[0005] The object is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims.

[0006] The invention relates to a vehicle navigation system with a control unit that transmits map data, navigation data, data about a planned route, and / or topographical data to a vehicle-mounted display device in which the data can be visually displayed. According to the characterizing part of claim 1, the display device is no longer a 2D display. Rather, the display device has a haptic display field with a plurality of display segments for a three-dimensional representation of the data. Depending on the transmitted data, the display segments of the display field can be controlled in any combination in order to specifically change the surface shape, structure, and color of the display field. By controlling the display field accordingly, the user thus receives tactile or three-dimensional feedback about terrain shapes, differences in elevation, and / or terrain characteristics, which are reproduced three-dimensionally on the display field.Communication and data processing between the navigation system control unit and the adaptive display panel preferably takes place in real time to provide the user with a seamless and immersive navigation experience.

[0007] The navigation system has a first interface for map and navigation route data. This first interface enables the bidirectional transmission of map data and navigation information between the navigation system's control unit and the display panel. The navigation system's control unit sends precise map data and the planned route to the display panel, which processes and displays this information in real time. This allows the user to see and feel a larger radius of the surroundings through which the route passes, while retaining all relevant navigation information.

[0008] The navigation system has a second interface for topographical data to the flexible surface. The second interface is responsible for transmitting topographical data to the display panel control unit. The navigation system control unit sends detailed topographical information about the surrounding area to the display panel. This requires software that interprets the data in real time and adjusts the corresponding LED colors in the chambers of the display elements of the display panel and heights ad hoc and displays them via the opening of the display segments. The higher the topographical features, the wider the respective display segment opens. The topographical data is processed by an internal processor of the display panel and then displayed to provide the user with tactile feedback by depicting the terrain shapes, elevation differences, and terrain characteristics in real time.

[0009] Communication between the interfaces is enabled either via a wireless connection, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or via a wired connection via HDMI or DisplayPort. The navigation system's control unit sends regularly updated map data, the planned route, and topographical information to the display panel's control unit. The display panel's control unit processes this data quickly and accurately and presents it to the user in an intuitive and engaging manner. This seamless communication enables the user to better understand their surroundings and plan their route effectively, as they receive visual and haptic feedback that goes beyond the limited display of the navigation device.

[0010] The topographic data can come from various sources, e.g. satellite imagery, GIS databases or specialised mapping services. The data must be in a suitable format, e.g. as elevation maps or grid data. The topographic data must be processed by a suitable system to prepare it for display on the extended display. This may involve a combination of data filtering, map creation and calculations for contour lines or shading. The processed data is presented on the adaptive surface of the display panel. This requires software that interprets the data in real time and synchronises and adjusts the appropriate LED colours and heights on an ad hoc basis and presents them via the opening of the display segments in the display panel. The higher the topographic features, the wider a display segment opens.

[0011] Depending on the type of topographical data, various sensors may be required to capture the environment. These could include, for example, GPS receivers to determine the vehicle's precise position. The captured data must be sent to a central processing unit that contains the logic for processing and displaying the data. This unit can be either an embedded computer or a dedicated navigation processor.

[0012] The adaptive surface, which is intended to display the topographical data, must be connected to the data processing unit. This connection can be made via HDMI, DisplayPort, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. All system components, including the cabling itself, require a reliable power supply. This is provided by the vehicle battery.

[0013] In a technical implementation, each of the display segments can be adjustable using an electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuator. This actuator can be controlled by the navigation system's control unit depending on the transmitted data.

[0014] Each of the display segments can be adjusted between a home position and a raised position, depending on the transmitted data. In the home position, the display segment is flush with the surrounding area to avoid impairing the vehicle's appearance. In contrast, in the raised position, the display segment protrudes from the surrounding area at a certain profile height. The profile height can correlate with the topographical data. This means that the higher the topographical features, the greater the profile height of the respective display segment.

[0015] To further enhance functionality, at least one light source, particularly an LED, can be assigned to each of the display segments. The light sources of the display segments can be controlled in any combination depending on the transmitted data. For example, by controlling the light sources, the stroke positions of the individual display segments can be visually emphasized. Alternatively and / or additionally, a planned route can be visually highlighted using the light sources.

[0016] In a specific embodiment, the display panel is integrated into a surface of a vehicle's instrument panel. Furthermore, the display means of the navigation system can comprise a conventional 2D display in addition to the haptic 3D display panel. With the aid of this display, the data transmitted by the control unit can be visually displayed on a screen. Preferably, both the 2D display panel and the haptic 3D display panel are controlled by the control unit during navigation operation to provide the user with a comprehensive navigation experience. Preferably, the display panel is arranged on a side of the instrument panel facing the user, while the haptic 3D display panel is preferably arranged on a side of the instrument panel facing the windshield.In this case, the data displayed two-dimensionally in the display can be seamlessly transferred into the display field in three-dimensional reproduction in the 3D display field in perspective and optical extension.

[0017] The display panel can be designed as a flat, plate-shaped component. The component is formed with a display layer comprising a plurality of display layer segments. The stroke of each of the display layer segments is adjustable using a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator can comprise a membrane acting as a lifting cushion. This membrane defines a pressure chamber pressurized with compressed air. When the pressure chamber is pressurized, the membrane can lift the display layer segment to its lifting position. Conversely, when the pressure chamber is released, the display layer segment can be returned to its original position.

[0018] The diaphragm can be made of an elastomer material and expands elastically when pressure is applied, increasing its cross-section. Conversely, the diaphragm contracts back to its original position when pressure is released.

[0019] In the display field, the display layer segments can be pneumatically controlled in different ways in order to generate, for example, different surface patterns or surface geometries in the surface of the component depending on the data transmitted by the control unit.

[0020] The component can preferably have a multilayer structure in which the individual layers are bonded together, for example, by adhesive bonding. For example, the multilayer structure can consist of the upper display layer, followed by the membrane and a functional support layer. The functional support layer, together with the membrane, can define the pressure chamber. The individual layers can be additively applied to one another in a single manufacturing process. Furthermore, various additional functional layers can be integrated into the multilayer structure.

[0021] From a manufacturing perspective, the membranes of the display layer segments are made of the same material as an elastomer layer. The elastomer layer can be arranged between the display layer and the functional layer. Furthermore, the elastomer layer can be firmly bonded to both the display layer and the functional layer. In such a layer structure, the respective membrane can be a section of the elastomer layer that is unattached to the functional layer, i.e., without an adhesive bond.

[0022] To increase functionality, it is advantageous if each pressure chamber in the component's display field is assigned its own pressure line. The pressure line connects an external pressure source to the respective pressure chamber. To increase the design freedom when arranging the display layer segments in the display field, it is advantageous if the pressure lines are arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer opposite the display layer. In this case, each of the pressure lines is connected to the pressure chamber via a flow passage formed in the functional carrier layer. By arranging the pressure lines on the underside of the functional carrier layer, they can be laid independently of the positions of the membranes on the top side of the functional carrier layer.

[0023] The display panel according to the invention is therefore designed like an electrical circuit board or printed circuit board, in which the display layer segments can be specifically controlled via printed circuit tracks (i.e., via the pressure lines). However, unlike an electrical circuit board, the printed circuit tracks are not arranged on the same component side as the pneumatic actuators, but rather on the opposite component side. This results in a significantly greater degree of freedom in the design and positioning of the display layer segments and the printed circuit tracks.

[0024] In a technical implementation, each of the pressure lines can be incorporated as a groove-shaped recess in the underside of the functional carrier layer. This results in a structurally simple implementation of the pressure line, while at the same time, a comparatively reduced component thickness of the multi-layer structure. Preferably, the groove-shaped recess can be covered with another display layer, in particular an elastomer layer.

[0025] With regard to functional expansion, it is preferred if the component has a lighting element, in particular an LED, in the region of the display layer segment. The lighting element can be activated at least when the display layer segment is in the lift position in order to visually emphasize the lift position of the display layer segment. In a preferred embodiment variant from a manufacturing perspective, the lighting element can be arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer. In this case, the lighting element can be optically connected to the top side of the functional carrier layer via a light passage formed in the functional carrier layer.

[0026] With a view to reducing the number of components, it is preferred if the display layer segment is a uniform and / or one-piece component of the display layer. In a first embodiment, the display layer segment can be integrated into the display layer with a closed surface. Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the display layer segment can be formed by a cutout in a display layer base body. In this case, the display layer segment can be connected to the display layer base body, for example, via a folding axis. In the lifting position, the display layer is therefore open to the outside with a gap.

[0027] The display layer can be made of metal, plastic, or textile, for example. Furthermore, the functional carrier layer can be made of an elastically flexible and / or easily deformable material, such as an elastomer material.

[0028] The display layer segment can be reset, for example, by applying negative pressure to the pressure chamber. Alternatively and / or additionally, the display layer segment can be reset from its lifted position to its initial position by a restoring force that builds up when the pressure is applied.

[0029] In another design variant, the membrane can be designed to be translucent. When the light element is activated, light escapes through the open gap between the display layers.

[0030] An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1 to 6 different views of the vehicle navigation system according to the invention.

[0031] In the Fig. 1 shows a view of an instrument panel 1 arranged in a vehicle interior, looking from the vehicle interior to the front of the vehicle. The instrument panel 1 converges in the vehicle longitudinal direction towards the front of the vehicle with a lower edge of a vehicle windscreen 2. This has Fig. 1 features a pillar-to-pillar display 4 with the current vehicle speed. A 2D display 26 with a screen is positioned approximately centrally on a user-facing side 8 of the instrument panel 1. A handlebar grip 9 is arranged to the left of the 2D display 26.

[0032] The vehicle is assigned a navigation system with a control unit 24 that transmits map data, navigation data, data about a planned route, and / or topographical data to the 2D display 26. A core of the invention is that, in addition to the 2D display 26, the navigation system has a haptic display panel 12 that extends on a side 22 of the instrument panel 1 near the windshield. The haptic 3D display panel 12 offers the user an immersive navigation experience.

[0033] The 3D display field 12 has a plurality of display segments 11. These, like the 2D display 26, can be controlled depending on the data transmitted by the control unit 11. By appropriately controlling the display segments 11 of the 3D display field 12, the user receives tactile feedback about terrain shapes, elevation differences, and / or terrain characteristics, which are simulated by the display segments 11.

[0034] Each of the display segments 11 is adjustable between a starting position and a stroke position or to any intermediate position, depending on the data transmitted by the control unit 24. In addition, each of the display segments 11 is assigned a light element 23 ( Fig. 5 or Fig. 6). The light elements 23 of the display segments 11 can also be controlled in any combination depending on the transmitted data.

[0035] In the Fig. 1, a planned vehicle route 28 is shown on the 2D display 26. The vehicle route 28 shown on the 2D display 26 is in the Fig. 1 in perspective and optical extension seamlessly into the driving route 28 generated in the 3D display field 12. In the 3D display field 12, the vehicle route 28 is reproduced with the aid of light elements 23 of the display segments 11. To the left and right of the driving route 28 reproduced with the aid of the light elements 23, some of the display segments 11 are in their lifting position in order to reproduce the terrain characteristics. The profile height (ie the gap height 31 according to the Fig. 5) correlates with the topographical data from the control unit 24. This means that the higher the topographical features are, the greater the profile height of the respective display segments 11. The display segments 11 that are still in the starting position, on the other hand, are aligned flush with the adjacent instrument panel surface.

[0036] The following is based on the Fig. 2 to 7, the structure and function of the display panel 12 are described: The display panel 12 is a flat, plate-shaped component which is manufactured as a multi-layer structure and has, for example, a component thickness s ( Fig. 3 or Fig. 6) of 3 to 5 mm. The display field 12 consists of an upper display layer 3, followed by an elastomer layer 5, a functional carrier layer 7, a further elastomer layer 9 and a final lower LED layer 10. All individual layers 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 of the component 1 are integrally connected to one another by an adhesive connection, for example by bonding. The upper display layer 3 is in the present case a component of the instrument panel 1 of the vehicle. For example, the upper display layer 3 can be formed from a thin metal sheet or from a wood veneer. Alternatively, the upper display layer 3 can also be formed from a more flexible material, such as a textile layer or leather. The functional carrier layer 7, like the two elastomer layers 5, 9, can be made from elastomer material.

[0037] As can be seen from the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 or Fig. 4a, the display layer segments 11 are each cut out of a display layer base body 16 by a cutout 14. In the display field 13, the individual display layer segments 11 are moved between a pressure-free starting position ( Fig. 6) and a pressurized stroke position ( Fig. 5) stroke-adjustable. Each of the display layer segments 11 can pivot between the starting position and the stroke position.

[0038] Each of the display layer segments 11 is assigned its own pneumatic actuating unit 18, which has a membrane 13 acting as a lifting cushion. According to the Fig. 5 or Fig. 6, the membrane 13 is formed as a single-piece section of the elastomer layer 5. The membrane 13 is bonded to the functional carrier layer 7 without any adhesive or glue connection, so that the membrane 13 can expand freely when the pressure chamber 15 is pressurized. As can be seen from the Fig. 4b, a plurality of pressure lines 17 are arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer 7. Each of these pressure lines 17 connects the respective pressure chamber 15 to a compressed air source (not shown). In the assembled state, the pressure lines 17 are led to an air connection strip 19. The air connection strip 19 is clamped to a counter strip 22 ( Fig. 3 or Fig. 4a). In addition, the air connection strip 19 has air connection elements 20, which can be connected to a compressed air source (not shown).

[0039] The pressure chambers 15 of the display layer segments 11 can be pressurized in any desired manner via a control unit (not shown). Thus, the display layer segments 11 can be pneumatically controlled independently of one another in any desired combination, for example, to generate various surface geometries or patterns in the display field 12 depending on the data transmitted by the control unit 24.

[0040] A core of the invention is that the pressure lines 17 are arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer 7 and the membrane 13 together with pressure chambers 15 are arranged on the opposite upper side of the functional carrier layer 7. In this way, the pressure lines 17 can be laid according to any line pattern on the underside of the functional carrier layer 7 without colliding with the pressure chambers 15. The pressure lines 17 are incorporated as groove-shaped depressions in the underside of the functional carrier layer 7 in a way that is simple to manufacture and saves space. The groove-shaped depressions are covered with the lower elastomer layer 9. In addition, the groove-shaped depressions are each connected to the associated pressure chamber 15 via a flow passage 21 formed in the functional carrier layer 7.

[0041] According to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the LED layer 11 is made of individual LEDs 23, which are cast in an elastomer material 25 of the LED layer 11. Each pneumatic actuator 18 is assigned an LED 23. The LED 23 is arranged in alignment with the membrane 13, viewed in the thickness direction. Furthermore, the LED 23 is optically connected to the upper side of the functional carrier layer 7 via a light passage 27 formed in the functional carrier layer 7.

[0042] In the Fig. 6, the pneumatic actuator unit 18 is shown in a depressurized state. Accordingly, the display layer segment 11 is in its horizontal starting position, in which the display layer segment 11 is flush with the surrounding display layer base body 16. The flexible membrane 13 is arranged in a recess 29, which acts as a storage space and is incorporated into the upper side of the functional carrier layer 7.

[0043] In the Fig. 5, the pneumatic actuator 18 is shown in a pressurized state. Accordingly, the pressure chamber 15 of the membrane 13 is pressurized with compressed air, causing the membrane 13 to expand. The expanding membrane 13 folds the display layer segment 11 from its initial position ( Fig. 6) into its lifted position. In the lifted position, the display layer 3 is open to the outside via a gap 31, through which the light generated by the LED 23 can escape. To allow for such light to escape, the two elastomer layers 5, 9 are each designed to be translucent.

[0044] The component 1 according to the invention can provide an adaptive surface that can react actively or reactively. Furthermore, the component 1 is designed with a reduced weight and thickness. Furthermore, the component 1 can be designed to be deformable rather than rigid, thereby increasing the installation options of the component 1 compared to a rigid component. List of reference symbols 1 instrument panel 2 windshield 3 Display position 4 Pillar-to-Pillar Display 5 upper elastomer layer 7 Functionary position 8 user-facing instrument panel side 9 lower elastomer layer 10 LED positions 11 display layer segments 12 Display field 13 Membran 14 free cut 15 pressure chamber 16 display layer base body 17 pressure lines 18 pneumatic actuator 19 Air connection strip 20 steering wheel 21 Flow passage 22 Instrument panel side facing the windshield 23 LED 24 Control unit 25 Elastomer material 26 2D display 27 Light transmission 28 planned route 29 Deepening 31 gap s component thickness 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] EP 3 144 770 A1

[0003] EP 3 285 144 B1

[0003] WO 2014 / 164274 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Vehicle navigation system with a control unit (24) which transmits map data, navigation data, data about a planned route and / or topographic data to a vehicle-side display in which the data can be displayed, characterized by , that the display means for a three-dimensional representation of the data has a haptic display field (12) with a plurality of display segments (11), and that, depending on the transmitted data, the display segments (11) can be controlled in any combination in order to selectively change the surface shape, structure and color of the display field. [2] Vehicle navigation system according to claim 1, characterized by , that each of the display segments (11) can be adjusted by means of an electromechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuating unit (18) which can be controlled by the control unit (24) depending on the transmitted data. [3] Vehicle navigation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that by appropriately controlling the display field (12) the user receives and / or replicates tactile feedback about terrain shapes, differences in elevation and / or terrain characteristics. [4] Vehicle navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each of the display segments (11) is adjustable between a starting position and a lifting position depending on the transmitted data, and that in particular the display segment (11) in the starting position is flush with the adjacent environment, and / or that the display segment (11) in the lifting position projects from the adjacent environment with a profile height (31), and that in particular the profile height (31) correlates with the topographic data, i.e. the higher the topographic features, the greater the profile height (31) of the respective display segment (11). [5] Vehicle navigation system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that each of the display segments (11) is assigned at least one light source (23), in particular LED, and that the light sources (23) of the display segments (11) can be controlled in any combination depending on the transmitted data, for example to visually emphasize the lifting positions of the display segments (11), and / or to visually highlight a planned driving route (28). [6] Vehicle navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the display field (12) is integrated into a surface of an instrument panel (1) of the vehicle. [7] Vehicle navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the display means, in addition to the haptic display field (12), has a 2D display (26) by means of which the data transmitted by the control unit (11) can be reproduced, and that in particular the 2D display (26) is arranged on a user-facing side (8) of the instrument panel (1), while the haptic 3D display field (12) is preferably arranged on a windshield-facing side (22) of the instrument panel (1), and that in particular the data reproduced in the display (26), especially the route (28) and / or the terrain shape, can be continued in perspective or optical extension in the display field (12). [8] Vehicle navigation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the haptic display field (12) has a view-side display layer (3) in which the display layer segments (11) are formed, each of which is adjustable by means of a pneumatic actuating unit (18), and that in particular each of the pneumatic actuating units (18) has a membrane (13) acting as a lifting cushion, which delimits a pressure chamber (15) that can be pressurized with compressed air, and that in particular when the pressure chamber (15) is pressurized the membrane (13) raises the display layer segment (11) to a lifting position, and / or that the haptic display field (12) has a multi-layer structure, consisting of the upper display layer (3), followed by the membrane (13) and a functional carrier layer (7), and that in particular the functional carrier layer (7) together with the membrane (13) delimits the pressure chamber (15). [9] Vehicle navigation system according to claim 8, characterized by, that the pressure chamber (15) of the membrane (13) acting as a lifting cushion is in flow connection with a pressure source via a pressure line (17), and that in particular the pressure line (17) is arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer (7) opposite the display layer (3) in a thickness direction, and / or that the pressure line (17) is connected to the pressure chamber (15) via a flow passage (21) formed in the functional carrier layer (7), and / or that in particular each of the pressure chambers (15) in the display field (12) can be connected to the pressure source with its own pressure line (17), so that preferably the pressure chambers (15) can be pneumatically controlled independently of one another, and / or that in particular the pressure line (17) is incorporated as a groove-shaped recess into the underside of the functional carrier layer (7), and that in particular the groove-shaped recess is covered with a further display layer (9), in particular an elastomer layer. [10] Vehicle navigation system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the light element (23) is activated at least when the display layer segment (11) is in the lifting position, and that in particular the light element (23) is arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer (7) and is in optical connection with the top of the functional carrier layer (7) via a light passage (27) formed in the functional carrier layer (7), and / or that in particular the display layer segment (11) is a single-piece component of the display layer (3) made of a single material, and / or that the display layer segment (11) is integrated into the display layer (3) over a closed surface, or that the display layer segment (11) is formed by a cutout (14) in a display layer base body (16) so that the display layer segment (11) transitions into the display layer base body (16) in a flap-like manner, so that in the lifting position the display layer (3) is open to the outside via a gap (31).

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