Vehicle navigation system

Abstract

Vehicle navigation system with a control unit (24) that transmits map data, navigation data, data about a planned route (28) and / or topographic data to a vehicle-mounted display in which the data can be displayed, wherein the display has a haptic 3D display field (12) with a plurality of display segments (11) for a three-dimensional representation of the data, wherein the haptic 3D display field (12) is integrated into a surface of an instrument panel (1) of the vehicle, and wherein, 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 haptic 3D display field (12), characterized in that, in addition to the haptic 3D display field (12), the display has a 2D display (26) by means of which the data transmitted by the control unit (24) can be reproduced.that 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 arranged on a windshield-facing side (22) of the instrument panel (1), and that both the 2D display (26) and the haptic 3D display field (12) are controlled by the control unit (24) during navigation operation in such a way that the data displayed in the 2D display (26), i.e. the route (28) and / or the terrain shape, can be continued in perspective and optical extension in the haptic 3D display field (12).

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 topographic data to a vehicle display. In the current state of the art, the display is a screen that visually reproduces the data transmitted by the control unit.

[0003] From EP 3 144 770 A1, a system is known comprising an electronic device, a display screen, a cover configured to cover the display screen, a sensor configured to detect an input gesture that includes 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. From EP 3 285 144 B1, a haptic display system is known with which any virtual three-dimensional object can be represented haptically. From WO 2014 / 164274 A1, a sensory display for experiencing stiffness and local shape is known.The stiffness and local shape of the cells in an array of cells that make up 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] A vehicle navigation system of this type is known from US patent 2020 / 0109964 A1. Another vehicle navigation system is known from GB patent 2617557 A. An actuating device is known from DE patent 10 2022 122 156 A1.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle navigation system whose functionality is expanded compared to the prior art.

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0007] 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 topographic data to a vehicle-mounted display, in which the data can be visually represented. According to the invention, the display is no longer a 2D display. Rather, for a three-dimensional representation of the data, the display has a haptic display field with a plurality of display segments. Depending on the transmitted data, the display segments of the display field can be controlled in any combination to selectively change the surface shape, structure, and color of the display field. By appropriately controlling the display field, the user thus receives tactile or three-dimensional feedback about terrain features, elevation differences, and / or terrain characteristics, which are reproduced three-dimensionally on the display field.Communication and data processing between the navigation system's control unit and the adaptive display field preferably takes place in real time to offer the user a seamless and immersive navigation experience.

[0008] The navigation system features a primary interface for map and route data. This interface enables bidirectional data transfer between the navigation system's control unit and the display panel. The 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 wider area of ​​the route while retaining all relevant navigation information.

[0009] The navigation system features a second interface for topographic data on the flexible surface. This second interface is responsible for transmitting topographic data to the display panel's control unit. The navigation system's control unit sends detailed topographic information about the surrounding environment to the display panel. This requires software that interprets the data in real time and adjusts the corresponding LED colors and elevations in the display panel's display segments on an ad-hoc basis, displaying them via the opening of the display segments. The higher the topographic features, the wider the respective display segment opens. The topographic data is processed by an internal component of the display panel and then displayed to provide the user with tactile feedback by showing the terrain's shape, elevation changes, and characteristics in real time.

[0010] Communication between the interfaces is enabled either wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or wired via HDMI or DisplayPort. The navigation system's control unit regularly sends updated map data, the planned route, and topographic information to the display unit. The display unit processes this data quickly and accurately and presents it to the user in an intuitive and appealing way. This seamless communication allows the user to better understand their surroundings and plan their route effectively, as they receive visual and haptic feedback that goes beyond the limitations of the navigation device's display.

[0011] The topographic data can originate from various sources, such as satellite imagery, GIS databases, or specialized mapping services. The data must be in a suitable format, such 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 generation, and calculations for contour lines or shading. The processed data is displayed on the adaptive surface of the display field. This requires software that interprets the data in real time and synchronizes, adjusts, and displays the corresponding LED colors and elevations on an ad-hoc basis by opening the display segments within the display field. The higher the topographic features, the wider a display segment opens.

[0012] Depending on the type of topographic data, various sensors may be required to capture the environment. These could include GPS receivers, for example, to determine the vehicle's precise position. The collected data must be sent to a central data processing unit, which contains the logic for processing and displaying the data. This unit can be either an embedded computer or a dedicated navigation processor.

[0013] The adaptive surface, which displays the topographic 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.

[0014] In a technical implementation, each of the display segments can be adjusted by means of an electromechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuator. This actuator can be controlled by the navigation system's control unit depending on the transmitted data.

[0015] Each display segment 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 surface to avoid detracting from the vehicle's appearance. In contrast, in the raised position, the display segment protrudes from the surrounding surface by a profile height. This profile height can correlate with the topographical data. That is, the higher the topographical features, the greater the profile height of the respective display segment.

[0016] To further enhance functionality, each display segment can be assigned at least one light source, particularly an LED. The light sources of the display segments can be controlled in any combination, depending on the transmitted data. For example, the lifting positions of the individual display segments can be visually emphasized by controlling the light sources. Alternatively and / or additionally, a planned travel route can be visually highlighted using the light sources.

[0017] According to the invention, the display field is integrated into a surface of the vehicle's instrument panel. In addition to the haptic 3D display field, the navigation system's display also includes a conventional 2D display. This conventional display allows the data transmitted by the control unit to be visually represented on a screen. Both the 2D display and the haptic 3D display field are controlled by the control unit during navigation operation to provide the user with a comprehensive navigation experience. The display is located on the user-facing side of the instrument panel, while the haptic 3D display field is located on the side facing the windshield. The data displayed two-dimensionally in the display can be seamlessly transferred to the 3D display field in three-dimensional representation through perspective and optical extension.

[0018] The display panel can be designed as a flat, plate-shaped component. This component incorporates a display layer comprising numerous display layer segments. Each display layer segment is height-adjustable by means of a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator can utilize a diaphragm acting as a lifting cushion. This diaphragm defines a pressure chamber that can be pressurized with compressed air. When the pressure chamber is pressurized, the diaphragm can raise the display layer segment to its lifted position. Conversely, when the pressure chamber is depressurized, the display layer segment can be returned to its initial position.

[0019] The membrane can be made of an elastomeric material and expand elastically under pressure, increasing its cross-sectional area. Conversely, when the pressure is released, the membrane contracts back to its original shape.

[0020] 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 on the surface of the component, depending on the data transmitted by the control unit.

[0021] The component can preferably have a multi-layer structure in which the individual layers are joined together by adhesive bonding, for example. By way of example, the multi-layer structure can consist of the upper display layer, followed by the membrane and a functional carrier layer. The functional carrier layer, together with the membrane, can define the pressure chamber. The individual layers can be additively applied to one another in a manufacturing process. Furthermore, various additional functional layers can be integrated into the multi-layer structure.

[0022] From a manufacturing perspective, the membranes of the display layer segments are advantageous as materially uniform components of an elastomer layer. The elastomer layer can be positioned between the display layer and the functional carrier layer. Furthermore, the elastomer layer can be bonded firmly to both the display layer and the functional carrier layer. In such a layer structure, the respective membrane can be an elastomer layer segment that is unbonded to the functional carrier layer, i.e., without an adhesive bond.

[0023] To enhance functionality, it is advantageous for each pressure chamber in the component's display area to have its own dedicated pressure line. The pressure line connects an external pressure source to the respective pressure chamber. To increase design flexibility in arranging the display layer segments within the display area, it is beneficial to position the pressure lines on the underside of the functional layer opposite the display layer. In this case, each pressure line is connected to its pressure chamber via a flow passage integrated into the functional layer. By positioning the pressure lines on the underside of the functional layer, they can be routed independently of the positions of the membranes on the upper side of the functional layer.

[0024] The display field according to the invention is therefore designed in the manner of an electrical circuit board or printed circuit board, in which the display layer segments can be selectively controlled via pressure conductor tracks (i.e., via the pressure lines). In contrast to an electrical circuit board, however, the pressure conductor tracks are not arranged on the same side of the component as the pneumatic actuators, but on the opposite side of the component, according to the invention. This results in a significantly greater degree of freedom in the design and positioning of the display layer segments and the pressure conductor tracks.

[0025] 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, on the one hand, in a structurally simple realization of the pressure line, and on the other hand, in a comparatively reduced component thickness of the multilayer structure. Preferably, the groove-shaped recess can be covered with another display layer, in particular an elastomer layer.

[0026] With regard to functional enhancement, it is preferred if the component has a lighting element, in particular an LED, in the area of ​​the display layer segment. The lighting element can be activated, at least when the display layer segment is in the lifting position, to visually emphasize the lifting position of the display layer segment. In a manufacturing-preferred embodiment, 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 aperture formed in the functional carrier layer.

[0027] With a view to reducing the number of components, it is preferable for the display layer segment to be a single, integral part of the display layer, made of a single material. In a first embodiment, the display layer segment can be fully integrated into the display layer. Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the display layer segment can be formed by a cutout in the display layer base. In this case, the display layer segment can be connected to the display layer base, for example, via a hinged axis. In the lift position, the display layer is therefore open to the outside with a gap.

[0028] The display layer can be made of materials such as metal, plastic, or textile. Furthermore, the functional support layer can be made of an elastically compliant and / or easily deformable material, such as an elastomer.

[0029] The reset of the display layer segment can be achieved, for example, by applying negative pressure to the pressure chamber. Alternatively and / or additionally, the reset of the display layer segment from its lifted position to its starting position can be achieved by a restoring force that builds up during pressurization.

[0030] In another version, the membrane can be made translucent. When the lighting element is activated, light then escapes through the open gap between the display layers.

[0031] An embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 different views of the vehicle navigation system according to the invention.

[0032] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows a view of an instrument panel 1 located in a vehicle interior, looking from the vehicle interior towards the front of the vehicle. The instrument panel 1 runs lengthwise towards the front of the vehicle and meets the lower edge of a windshield 2. This windshield has a... Fig. 1 A pillar-to-pillar display 4 shows the current vehicle speed. On a user-facing side 8 of the instrument panel 1, a 2D display 26 with a screen is positioned approximately in the center. To the left of the 2D display 26 is a handlebar grip 9.

[0033] The vehicle is equipped with a navigation system and a control unit 24, which transmits map data, navigation data, data about a planned route, and / or topographic data to the 2D display 26. A key aspect of the invention is that, in addition to the 2D display 26, the navigation system has a haptic display field 12 extending on a side 22 of the instrument panel 1 near the windshield. The haptic 3D display field 12 provides the user with an immersive navigation experience.

[0034] The 3D display field 12 has a multitude 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 features, elevation differences, and / or terrain characteristics, which are simulated by the display segments 11.

[0035] 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 has a light element 23 ( Fig. 5 or Fig. 6) assigned. The lighting elements 23 of the display segments 11 can also be controlled in any combination depending on the transmitted data.

[0036] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a planned vehicle route 28 displayed on the 2D display 26. The vehicle route 28 shown on the 2D display 26 proceeds in the Fig. 1 seamlessly transitions, both in perspective and optical extension, into the driving route 28 generated in the 3D display field 12. In the 3D display field 12, the vehicle route 28 is simulated using light elements 23 of the display segments 11. To the left and right of the driving route 28 simulated by the light elements 23, some of the display segments 11 are in their lifting position to simulate the terrain characteristics. The profile height (i.e., the gap height 31 according to the Fig. 5) correlates with the topographic data from the control unit 24. That is, the higher the topographic features, the greater the profile height of the respective display segments 11. The display segments 11 that are still in the initial position, on the other hand, are flush with the adjacent instrument panel surface.

[0037] The following is based on the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 The structure and function of the display field 12 are described: The display field 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) can have a thickness 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, another elastomer layer 9, and a final lower LED layer 10. All individual layers 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 of component 1 are bonded together by an adhesive bond, for example, by gluing. The upper display layer 3 is, in this case, part of the instrument panel 1 of the vehicle. By way of example, the upper display layer 3 can be made of a thin metal sheet or a wood veneer. Alternatively, the upper display layer 3 can also be made of a more flexible material, such as a textile layer or leather. The functional carrier layer 7, as well as the two elastomer layers 5 and 9, can be made of elastomer material.

[0038] As from the Fig. 2, Fig. 3 or Fig. As further shown in Figure 4a, the display layer segments 11 are each cut out of a display layer base body 16 by a relief cut 14. In the display field 13, the individual display layer segments 11 are moved between a pressureless starting position ( Fig. 6) and a pressurized lifting position ( Fig. 5) Stroke-adjustable. Each of the display position segments 11 can pivot between the starting position and the stroke position in a flap-like manner.

[0039] 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 designed as a single, one-piece section of the elastomer layer 5, made of a single material. The membrane 13 is free of any bonding to the functional carrier layer 7, i.e., without any adhesive or bonding, so that the membrane 13 can expand freely when the pressure chamber 15 is pressurized. As can be seen from the Fig. As shown in Figure 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 routed to an air connection strip 19. The air connection strip 19 is clamped to a counter strip 22 by means of the display panel 12 ( Fig. 3 or Fig. 4a) attached. In addition, the air connection strip 19 has air connection elements 20 which can be connected to a compressed air source not shown.

[0040] The pressurization of the pressure chambers 15 of the display layer segments 11 can be carried out in any way via a control unit (not shown). Thus, the display layer segments 11 can be pneumatically controlled independently of one another in any 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.

[0041] A key aspect of the invention is that the pressure lines 17 are arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer 7, and the membrane 13, including pressure chambers 15, is arranged on the opposite upper side of the functional carrier layer 7. In this way, the pressure lines 17 can be routed along the underside of the functional carrier layer 7 according to any desired pattern without colliding with the pressure chambers 15. For ease of manufacturing and space efficiency, the pressure lines 17 are integrated into the underside of the functional carrier layer 7 as groove-shaped recesses. These groove-shaped recesses are covered by the lower elastomer layer 9. Furthermore, each groove-shaped recess is connected to its corresponding pressure chamber 15 via a flow passage 21 formed in the functional carrier layer 7.

[0042] According to the Fig. 5 and Fig. In section 6, the LED layer 11 is made up of individual LEDs 23, which are embedded in an elastomer material 25 of the LED layer 11. Each pneumatic actuator 18 is assigned one LED 23. The LED 23 is arranged in the thickness direction in line with the membrane 13. In addition, the LED 23 is in optical contact with the top surface of the functional carrier layer 7 via a light transmission opening 27 formed in the functional carrier layer 7.

[0043] In the Fig. Figure 6 shows the pneumatic actuator 18 in a depressurized state. Accordingly, the display layer segment 11 is in its horizontal starting position, in which it 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 top surface of the functional carrier layer 7.

[0044] In the Fig. Figure 5 shows the pneumatic actuator 18 in a pressurized state. Accordingly, the pressure chamber 15 of the diaphragm 13 is pressurized with compressed air, causing the diaphragm 13 to expand. The expanding diaphragm 13 flips the display layer segment 11 from its initial position ( Fig. 6) up into its lifting position. In the lifting 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. For such light emission, the two elastomer layers 5, 9 are each made translucent.

[0045] 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 reduced component weight and reduced component thickness. The component 1 is also not rigid but deformable, which increases the installation possibilities of the component 1 compared to a rigid component. Reference symbol list 1 Instrument panel 2 Windscreen 3 Display positions 4 Pillar-to-Pillar Display 5 upper elastomer layer 7 Functional carrier position 8 user-facing instrument panel side 9 lower elastomer layer 10 LED layers 11 display layer segments 12 Display field 13 Membran 14 Clearing 15 pressure chamber 16-layer display base 17 pressure lines 18 pneumatic actuators 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 In-depth study 31 gap component thickness

Claims

[1] Vehicle navigation system with a control unit (24) that transmits map data, navigation data, data about a planned route (28) and / or topographic data to a vehicle-side display in which the data can be displayed, wherein the display has a haptic 3D display field (12) with a plurality of display segments (11) for a three-dimensional representation of the data, wherein the haptic 3D display field (12) is integrated into a surface of an instrument panel (1) of the vehicle, and wherein, 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 haptic 3D display field (12), characterized by, that the display means, in addition to the haptic 3D display field (12), has a 2D display (26) by means of which the data transmitted by the control unit (24) can be reproduced, that 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 arranged on a windshield-facing side (22) of the instrument panel (1), and that both the 2D display (26) and the haptic 3D display field (12) are controlled by the control unit (24) during navigation operation in such a way that the data reproduced in the 2D display (26), i.e. the route (28) and / or the terrain shape, can be continued in perspective and optical extension in the haptic 3D display field (12). [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 haptic 3D 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 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 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), 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 haptic 3D display field (12) has a view-side display layer (3) in which the display segments (11) are formed, each of which is adjustable by means of a pneumatic actuating unit (18), and that 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 when the pressure chamber (15) is pressurized, the membrane (13) raises the display segment (11) to a lifting position, and / or that the haptic 3D display field (12) has a multi-layer structure, consisting of the view-side display layer (3), followed by the membrane (13) and a functional carrier layer (7), and that the functional carrier layer (7) together with the membrane (13) delimits the pressure chamber (15). [7] Vehicle navigation system according to claim 6, characterized by, that the pressure chamber (15) with the membrane (13) acting as a lifting cushion is in flow connection with a pressure source via a pressure line (17), and that the pressure line (17) is arranged on the underside of the functional carrier layer (7) opposite the view-side 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 each of the pressure chambers (15) in the haptic 3D display field (12) can be connected to the pressure source with its own pressure line (17), so that the pressure chambers (15) can be pneumatically controlled independently of each other, and / or that the pressure line (17) is incorporated as a groove-shaped recess into the underside of the functional carrier layer (7), and that the groove-shaped recess is covered by another display layer (9). [8] Vehicle navigation system according to one of claims 6 or 7, insofar as related back to claim 5, characterized by, that the light source (23) is activated at least when the display segment (11) is in the lifting position, and that the light source (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 the display segment (11) is a single-piece, materially uniform component of the visible-side display layer (3), and / or that the display segment (11) is integrated into the visible-side display layer (3) in a closed surface, or that the display segment (11) is formed by a cutout (14) in a display layer base body (16) so that the display segment (11) transitions into the display layer base body (16) in a flap-like manner, so that in the lifting position the visible-side display layer (3) is open to the outside via a gap.

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