Motor vehicle and display device for providing a three-dimensional display

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) and a display device (12) for providing a three-dimensional display. The display device (12) comprises at least three projection surfaces (14, 16, 18) arranged one behind the other and spaced apart from one another, wherein at least the projection surfaces (14, 16) located at the front in the direction of a display output direction are at least partially transparent. Furthermore, the display device (12) comprises individual laser projectors (20, 22, 24) assigned to the respective projection surfaces (14, 16, 18) and configured to project a respective image onto the respective projection surface (14, 16, 18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a display device for providing a three-dimensional display. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle that has such a display device.

[0002] Display devices for showing images and / or videos are common in many applications. These displays are typically two-dimensional, meaning they lack a spatial effect. If a three-dimensional display is desired, this can be achieved using 3D glasses.

[0003] From DE 10 2018 215 266 A1, a display device for a motor vehicle for providing a three-dimensional display is known, wherein the display device comprises several display units, each having a first thickness, as well as a first side and a second side opposite the first side and spaced apart by the first thickness. Furthermore, the display devices are arranged one behind the other, such that the first and second sides of adjacent display units are directly adjacent to each other with respect to a large part of their surfaces. In addition, each display unit has a display with several display areas, each of which is self-illuminating in an active state and at least partially transparent in an inactive state.

[0004] From US patent 2007 / 0296644 A1, a three-dimensional display device is known, comprising a plurality of projection sections for projecting a plurality of images, a plurality of wedge-shaped light guide plates assigned to the plurality of projection sections to emit the plurality of images, and a plurality of directed diffuser screens assigned to the plurality of wedge-shaped light guide plates to scatter or transmit the plurality of images.

[0005] From DE 699 35 883 T2, a method and a device for a three-dimensional representation are known which are capable of electronically reproducing a moving image or a video with a reduced amount of information about a three-dimensional image.

[0006] From WO 2016 / 073314 A1, a system is known that comprises a multilayered transparent surface including a UV absorption layer located between a user environment and an external environment, and a phosphor layer located between the user environment and the UV absorption layer. An image projection system can project an ultraviolet image onto the phosphor layer, creating a visual image based on a fluorescent reaction of the phosphor layer to the ultraviolet image, which can be perceived by a user in the user environment. The image projection system can include multiple image projection systems that project separate images onto separate projection fields, resulting in the phosphor layer producing an image that is perceived by a user in the user environment as a stereoscopic image.

[0007] From DE 10 2021 117 159 A1, an optical device is known that generates real images in two spatially separated imaging planes to achieve a 3D impression. Two projection screens can be used as imaging planes, which are alternately switched between transparent and opaque, and which are illuminated by a projector with images belonging to the imaging planes.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a display device with a three-dimensional display.

[0009] This problem is solved by the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a display device for providing a three-dimensional display, comprising at least three projection surfaces arranged one behind the other and spaced apart from each other, wherein at least the projection surfaces arranged at the front in the direction of a display output direction are at least partially transparent, and respective laser projectors assigned to the respective projection surfaces and configured to emit a respective projection image onto the respective projection surface.

[0011] In other words, three or more projection surfaces can be provided, onto which a laser projector projects an image. These projection surfaces can be arranged in a staggered row and be at least partially transparent. This allows the image projected by the laser projector onto each surface to be seen through the other projection surfaces, creating a depth or three-dimensional effect.

[0012] The projection surfaces or projection planes can be made of glass or acrylic glass, for example. The projection surfaces can be flat surfaces aligned one behind the other and parallel to each other. Alternatively, curved projection surfaces, in particular spherically curved projection surfaces, can also be used.

[0013] Of the three projection surfaces, at least two are transparent or partially transparent, allowing a user to perceive a projected image through them. The third projection surface, which may be the rearmost one, can also be transparent, partially transparent, or opaque.

[0014] To generate the projected images, the display device has at least as many laser projectors as there are projection surfaces. A laser projector can be configured to generate the projected image by scanning a changing laser point on the respective projection surface until the complete image is achieved. The laser projector, or laser beamer, has the advantage of being able to display high light intensity, precise color reproduction, and sharp contours. This can produce a clear and high-contrast image, especially in bright environments. Furthermore, laser projectors can generate fast refresh rates, particularly above 100 Hz, enabling smooth and distortion-free display. Preferably, the respective display image can be generated in Ultra High Definition (UHD).

[0015] Depending on the application of the display device, the distance between the projection surfaces and / or the dimensions of the projection surfaces can vary. In particular, the distance between the projection surfaces depends on the desired depth effect and the application environment. For example, a compact design may be chosen for use in a vehicle. In this case, distances between the projection surfaces in the range of 5 to 15 millimeters may be used. For outdoor applications, a greater distance can be used to maximize the depth effect. Distances between 20 and 50 millimeters, for example, may be used here.

[0016] The invention offers the advantage that a three-dimensional display can be provided without the use of 3D glasses. Furthermore, an improved image can be provided for the three-dimensional display through the use of laser projectors.

[0017] In one of three alternatives according to the invention, it is further provided that the transparency of successive projection surfaces decreases from front to back. In other words, a gradient of transparency of the respective projection surfaces can be provided, which decreases continuously from front to back. This means that, for example, with three projection surfaces, the first projection surface at the front, which is closest to a user, has the highest transparency, the second projection surface in the middle, which follows the first, has reduced transparency compared to the first projection surface, and the third projection surface at the rear has the lowest transparency of all three projection surfaces.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, a second embodiment of the invention provides that the projection surfaces each have a coating for influencing an optical property. In other words, it can be provided that a coating is applied to the respective projection surfaces which can influence an optical property of the projected image. In particular, light guidance or light scattering can be improved by the coating. Here, it can be provided that the coating influences the scattering and reflection properties of the projected light in order to increase the efficiency of the projections. It can be provided that each of the projection surfaces has a different coating, which is specifically adapted to a projection image associated with the projector. For example, if the respective projector has a different color signal, a coating can be adapted to the color signal.Coatings can include, for example, filters, especially interference-based filters, diffractive optics or refractive layers.

[0019] In the second alternative according to the invention, it is additionally provided that the projection surfaces are coated with a respective interference filter. With an interference filter, light can be filtered or reflected depending on a wavelength. In particular, it can be provided that the laser projectors emit a predetermined color signal onto the respective projection surfaces, wherein an interference filter matching the color signal is provided as a coating on the respective projection surface, so that this light is directed more effectively in the display output direction. That is, if the laser projector emits light onto the projection surface from the front, the interference filter can improve the reflection properties for the associated color signal, and if the projection surface is illuminated from behind, the interference filter can improve the transmission properties of the color signal.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, a third embodiment of the invention provides that the display device includes an adjustment mechanism for changing the distances between the projection surfaces. In other words, the distances between the projection surfaces can be variably adjusted by the adjustment mechanism. For example, the laser projectors can also be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism, or the laser projectors can adjust their focus to the adjusted distances. Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment mechanism can also be used to change the orientation of the projection surfaces, for example, if a different viewing direction of the display device is to be set. The adjustment mechanism offers the advantage that the display device can be adaptively adapted to different applications.

[0021] The invention also includes embodiments that offer additional advantages.

[0022] One embodiment provides that the rearmost projection surface is opaque. This means that the projection surface furthest back in the direction of the display output can be opaque. Thus, improved brightness of the displayed image can be provided for this projection surface, which enhances the three-dimensional display.

[0023] Another embodiment provides that the laser projectors are configured to project a predetermined color signal of the projection image onto their respective assigned projection surfaces, with the color signal being different for each laser projector. In other words, a different color signal of the desired three-dimensional display can be emitted onto each of the projection surfaces. In particular, it can be provided that a red color signal is projected onto one projection surface, a green color signal onto another, and a blue color signal onto yet another. This embodiment offers the advantage that a more pronounced 3D effect can be achieved by separating the color signals, especially red, green, and blue, into different planes.

[0024] Another embodiment provides that the projection surfaces are made of acrylic glass. Acrylic glass, or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a transparent thermoplastic that can transmit visible light and is robust against external influences.

[0025] Another embodiment involves aligning the respective projection images. This means that the projection images displayed on the respective projection surfaces can be aligned to create a coherent three-dimensional projection image. Calibration algorithms can be used to correctly superimpose the projection images, calculating image alignment on each plane. This optimizes the display to avoid ghosting or blurred edges. In particular, the projection images can be calibrated to a user's predefined perspective, allowing the 3D effect to be perceived from different viewpoints.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a display device according to the preceding aspect or at least one embodiment thereof. The motor vehicle according to the invention is preferably designed as a car, in particular as a passenger car or truck, or as a passenger bus or motorcycle. The display device can, for example, be provided as a screen of an infotainment system of the motor vehicle. This offers the same advantages and possibilities for variation as with the display device itself.

[0027] The invention also includes the control device for the motor vehicle. The control device can comprise a data processing device or a processor circuit configured to control an embodiment of the display device. For this purpose, the processor circuit can comprise 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 (Graphics Processing Unit), or an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) can be used as the microprocessor.

[0028] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also includes realizations that each exhibit a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, provided that the embodiments have not been described as mutually exclusive.

[0029] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention described. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a display device according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematically represented motor vehicle with a display device.

[0030] The exemplary embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention, which can be considered independently of one another and each further develops the invention independently. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0031] In the figures, identical reference symbols denote functionally equivalent elements.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a display device 12 for providing a three-dimensional display according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] The display device 12 can have at least three projection surfaces 14, 16, 18, arranged one behind the other and spaced apart from each other. In this example, three projection surfaces 14, 16, 18 are provided, although additional projection surfaces may also be provided.

[0034] Of the projection surfaces 14, 16, 18, at least the front projection surfaces 14 and 16 can be transparent or partially transparent, allowing a user to see through them. The rear projection surface 18 can also be transparent or, preferably, opaque, resulting in increased light scattering. The projection surfaces can be made of, for example, acrylic glass.

[0035] Furthermore, each of the three projection surfaces 14, 16, 18 can have an associated laser projector 20, 22, 24. This means that laser projector 20 can project an image onto projection surface 14, laser projector 22 onto projection surface 16, and laser projector 24 onto projection surface 18. The respective projected images can be synchronized so that they overlap to create a depth effect. The use of laser projectors has the advantage of providing high light intensities, which is beneficial when using transparent projection surfaces.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the laser projectors 20, 22, 24 can each emit a different color signal of the projected image onto the associated projection surface 14, 16, 18. For example, a red-green-blue color signal can be split between the laser projectors 20, 22, 24. To further improve the resulting image, the respective projection surface can have a predefined coating, in particular an interference filter, which can be tuned to the projected color signal. This allows, for example, the appropriate color signal to be reflected from the respective projection surface towards the user, while other signals can continue to be transmitted.

[0037] The display device 12 may also include an adjustment mechanism 26 that can adjust the distances between the projection surfaces 14, 16, 18. The adjustment mechanism can, for example, move the projection surfaces 14, 16, 18 by means of electric motors (not shown), for instance, on a rail. Thus, the distances between the projection surfaces 14, 16, 18 can be adjusted, thereby allowing the depth effect of the three-dimensional display to be variably changed.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 10 with a display device 12. The motor vehicle, which may be designed as a passenger car, may have the display device, for example, for providing infotainment content.

[0039] The display device 12 can be provided, in particular, in a center console and / or as a screen of an infotainment system of the motor vehicle 10. Alternatively, for example, one of the at least three projection surfaces can encompass an area of ​​a vehicle window of the motor vehicle 10.

[0040] Overall, the examples show how a three-dimensional display can be provided without 3D glasses.

Claims

Display device (12) for providing a three-dimensional display, comprising: - at least three projection surfaces (14, 16, 18) arranged one behind the other and spaced apart from each other; - wherein at least the projection surfaces (14, 16) arranged at the front in the direction of a display output direction are at least partially transparent; and - respective laser projectors (20, 22, 24) assigned to the respective projection surfaces (14, 16, 18) and configured to emit a respective projection image onto the respective projection surface (14, 16, 18); - wherein the transparency of successive projection surfaces (14, 16, 18) decreases from front to back; and / or - wherein the projection surfaces (14, 16, 18) have a respective coating for influencing an optical property, wherein the projection surfaces (14, 16, 18) are coated with a respective interference filter;and / or◯ wherein the display device (12) has an adjustment device (26) for adjusting distances between the projection surfaces (14, 16, 18).; Display device (12) according to claim 1, wherein the rearmost projection surface (18) is opaque. Display device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser projectors (20, 22, 24) are configured to project a predetermined color signal of the projection image onto the respective assigned projection surface (14, 16, 18), wherein the color signal of the respective laser projectors (20, 22, 24) is different. Display device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection surfaces (14, 16, 18) are made of acrylic glass. Display device (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective projection images are coordinated with each other. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a display device (12) according to one of the preceding claims.

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