IMPROVED WINDSHIELD DISPLAY FOR VEHICLES

Abstract

An autonomous vehicle incorporates a window with a first and second layer of polymer material sandwiched between an inner and outer glass pane. The first polymer layer contains perovskite crystals that are activated by UV light and emit visible light. The second polymer layer is positioned between the outer glass pane and the first polymer layer. This second layer blocks UV sunlight to prevent the perovskite crystals from activating. The vehicle also includes a projector configured to project UV light onto the inside of the window to create illuminated images.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle displays and in particular to a vehicle display which includes a projector that projects light onto a window of a vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Various types of vehicle displays have been developed for motor vehicles. For example, displays can be mounted in a vehicle's dashboard. Viewfinder displays have also been developed for windshields. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle comprising a body that includes a passenger compartment. The vehicle may optionally include an autonomous vehicle that does not require direct control by a driver during at least a certain period of operation on roads and the like. The vehicle further comprises a window having an inner and an outer glass layer on an inside and an outside of the window, respectively. The window includes a first layer of polymer material between the inner and outer glass layers. At least a portion of the first polymer layer comprises perovskite nanocrystals that are activated by UV light in the range of approximately 340 nm to approximately 380 nm and emit visible light with a wavelength in the range of approximately 450 nm to approximately 750 nm. The window includes a second polymer layer between the outer glass layer and the first polymer layer.At least part of the second layer of polymer material blocks UV light with a wavelength of 400 nm or less to prevent activation of the perovskite nanocrystals by UV sunlight incident on the outer glass layer. The vehicle also includes a projector mounted in the passenger compartment. The projector is configured to project UV light with a wavelength in the range of approximately 340 nm to 380 nm onto the inside of the window to selectively activate the perovskite crystals and create illuminated images on the window that are visible from inside the passenger compartment. - The projector can optionally include a first, a second and a third light source that project light with frequencies of approximately 340 nm, approximately 360 nm and approximately 380 nm respectively onto the inside of the window. - One or more of the first, second and third light sources may optionally include lasers. - The perovskite nanocrystals can be several nanometers in size or less. The first layer of polymer material can include: 1) first perovskite crystals activated by UV light of a first UV wavelength, emitting blue light; 2) second perovskite crystals activated by UV light of a second UV wavelength, emitting green light; and 3) third perovskite crystals activated by UV light of a third wavelength, emitting red light. The projector can be configured to selectively project at least one first, one second, and one third UV wavelength onto the inside of the window. - The first UV wavelength can be approximately 330 nm to approximately 350 nm, the second UV wavelength can be approximately 350 nm to approximately 370 nm, and the third UV wavelength can be approximately 370 nm to approximately 390 nm. - The first UV wavelength can be about 340 nm, the second UV wavelength can be about 360 nm, and the third UV wavelength can be about 380 nm. - Blue light can have a wavelength of about 450 nm, green light can have a wavelength of about 540 nm, and red light can have a wavelength of about 750 nm. - The window may include a layer of acoustic polyvinyl butyral (PVB) placed between the first and second layers of polymer material to provide sound insulation. - The perovskite nanocrystals of at least one of the first and second layers of polymer material can be compounded into the polymer material prior to extrusion of the compounded material to form a film. At least one of the first and second polymer material layers can comprise a main polymer material layer that is free of perovskite nanocrystals. The perovskite nanocrystals can be arranged in a material layer that is located on at least one side of the main polymer material layer.

[0004] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle comprising a body with a passenger compartment and a window comprising an inner and an outer glass layer on the inside and outside of the window, respectively. The window further comprises: 1) a first layer of polymer material between the inner and outer glass layers, wherein at least a portion of the first polymer layer comprises perovskite crystals that are activated by UV light and have a first, a second, and a third wavelength, emitting blue, green, and red visible light, respectively; and 2) a second polymer layer between the outer glass layer and the first polymer layer.At least part of the second layer of polymer material blocks UV light with a wavelength of approximately 400 nm or less to prevent activation of the perovskite crystals by UV light from sunlight incident on the outer glass layer. The vehicle incorporates a projector mounted in the passenger compartment. The projector is configured to project UV light with the first, second, and third wavelengths onto the inside of the window to selectively activate the perovskite crystals and form an illuminated image on the window that is visible from inside the passenger compartment. At least some parts of the illuminated image are formed by blue, green, and red light emitted by the perovskite crystals. - The UV light from the projector can be in the range of approximately 340 nm to approximately 380 nm. - The projector includes a first, a second and a third light source that project light with frequencies of approximately 340 nm, approximately 360 nm and approximately 380 nm respectively onto the inside of the window. - The first UV wavelength is approximately 330 nm to approximately 350 nm, the second UV wavelength is approximately 350 nm to approximately 370 nm, and the third UV wavelength is approximately 370 nm to approximately 390 nm. - The first UV wavelength is about 340 nm, the second UV wavelength is about 360 nm, and the third UV wavelength is about 380 nm. The window can optionally include a windshield, and the vehicle can optionally include a rearview mirror. The projector can be integrated into the rearview mirror and can project light onto an inner surface of the windshield. The bodywork can include a roof structure, and the window can comprise roof glass that extends over at least part of the passenger compartment. The projector can be mounted on the roof structure to project light onto the underside of the roof glass. The window can optionally include a variety of windows selected from the group consisting of a windshield, a rear window, a sunroof, a right side window, and a left side window. The projector can be configured to project light onto the variety of windows.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for providing an illuminated image on a vehicle window. The method involves equipping the vehicle with a window comprising an inner and an outer glass layer on the inside and outside of the window, respectively. The window further comprises: 1) a first layer of polymer material between the inner and outer glass layers, wherein the first polymer layer comprises perovskite crystals that are activated by UV light and emit visible light; and 2) a second polymer layer between the outer glass layer and the first polymer layer, wherein the second polymer layer blocks UV light from sunlight incident on the outer glass layer to prevent activation of the perovskite crystals.The process further involves using a projector mounted in the passenger compartment to project light with a wavelength in the range of approximately 340 nm to approximately 380 nm onto the inside of the window in order to activate the perovskite crystals and form an illuminated image on the window that is visible from inside the passenger compartment.

[0006] These and other features, advantages and functions of the present invention will be more easily understood and apparent to the person skilled in the art by reference to the following description, the claims and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a top view of the vehicle from Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is a partially fragmentary cross-sectional view of a window according to one aspect of the present revelation; and Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic view of a vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0008] A detailed reference will now be made to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote identical or similar parts. In the drawings, the structural elements depicted are not to scale, and certain components have been enlarged relative to the other components for the purpose of emphasis and clarity.

[0009] In accordance with the requirements, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed in this document; however, it is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures do not necessarily represent a detailed embodiment; some schematic representations may be enlarged or reduced to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed in this document are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching the person skilled in the art the diverse applications of the present invention.

[0010] For the purposes of this description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof refer to the concepts in their orientation in Fig. 1. It is understood that the concepts can assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the concepts according to the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties relating to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0011] The embodiments illustrated herein consist mainly of combinations of process steps and device components relating to a vehicle display. Accordingly, the device components and process steps are, where appropriate, represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that are readily apparent to the person skilled in the art from the description in this document. Furthermore, identical reference numerals in the description and the drawings represent identical elements.

[0012] In this context, the terms "or" and "and / or," when used in a list of two or more elements, mean that each of the listed elements can be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if a composition or device is described as containing or comprising components A, B, or C, the composition or device may contain (include) only A; only B; only C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. If a composition or device is described as containing or comprising components A and / or B and / or C, the composition or device may contain (include) only A; only B; only C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0013] In this writing, reference terms such as first and second, upper and lower, and the like are used merely to distinguish one unit or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order of such unit or action between such units or actions. It is intended that the terms "includes," "comprising," "incorporating," or any other variation thereof cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, procedure, object, or establishment which includes or incorporates an enumeration of elements may not only include those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, object, or establishment. An element that "includes" or "contains"The presence of “a” does not, without further limitations, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, procedure, subject matter or facility that includes the element.

[0014] In the sense used in this document, the term "approximately" means that quantities, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and properties are not exact and need not be, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller if desired, and may reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, and other factors known to the person skilled in the art. When the term "approximately" is used to describe a value or an endpoint of a range, the disclosure should be understood as including the specific value or endpoint to which reference is made. Regardless of whether a numerical value or an endpoint of a range contains "approximately" in the description, the numerical value or endpoint of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "approximately" and one not modified by "approximately".It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the areas are significant both with respect to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0015] The terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof are used in this context to indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface means that a surface is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "substantially" means that two values ​​are equal to or nearly equal to each other. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values ​​within approximately 10% of each other, such as within approximately 5% of each other or within approximately 2% of each other.

[0016] In the present context, the terms "the", "a", "a", or "a" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "just one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "one component" includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] In relation to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 includes a vehicle 1 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a body structure 2, and a passenger compartment 3. The passenger compartment may include a first, a second, and a third row of seats 9A-9C, respectively. As detailed below in conjunction with Fig. As discussed in section 4, the vehicle 1 may optionally include an autonomous vehicle configured to communicate wirelessly with, for example, a satellite 4 and / or a mobile phone mast 5 and / or a cloud server 6 and / or other devices.

[0018] The vehicle 1 can include a window, such as a roof glass 8 arranged in a roof structure 7, a windshield 10, a rear window 12, and one or more side windows 14A-14D. The vehicle 1 can also include a projector 15A integrated into a rearview mirror 16. The projector 15A projects light 20 onto an inner surface 22 of the windshield 10 to form an illuminated image 20 on the windshield 10, visible from inside the passenger compartment 3 of the vehicle 1. If the vehicle 1 comprises an autonomous vehicle, the illuminated image 20 can, for example, include video entertainment content displayed while the vehicle 1 is operating in autonomous mode.

[0019] Vehicle 1 may include a projector 15B in addition to, or instead of, projector 15A. As used in this document, "projector" and "projector 15" generally refer to any projector configured to project light onto an interior surface of at least one window. Projector 15B may be mounted on the roof structure 7 and may be configured to project light 18 onto the roof glass 8 and / or the windshield 10 and / or the rear window glass 12 and / or one or more of the side windows 14A-14C to form illuminated images 20. Projector 15B may include one or more individual projectors 24A-24D configured to project light 18 onto one or more of the roof glass 18 and / or rear window glass 12 and / or side windows 14A-14D. Alternatively, the Projector 15B can power a single projector (e.g.The vehicle 1 may include projector 24A) and projector 15B may be movably mounted on the roof structure, allowing the single projector to be moved to direct light 18 onto a selected window 8, 10, 12 and / or 14A-14D. Alternatively, the vehicle 1 may include only a single window (e.g., windshield) configured to provide images 20 when light from projector 15A and / or 15B is projected onto the window.

[0020] Projectors 15A and / or 15B can be configured to project light 18 with three different wavelengths to selectively activate perovskite crystals in one or more of the windows (e.g., roof glass 8 and / or windshield 10 and / or rear window 12 and / or side windows 14A-14D) to form the illuminated image 20. For example, projectors 15A and / or 15B can be configured to project light 18 with a first wavelength of approximately 320 to approximately 350 nm, a second wavelength of approximately 340 to approximately 370 nm, and a third wavelength of approximately 370 to approximately 390 nm. As discussed in more detail below, the window glass can contain perovskite crystals that emit blue, green, and red light in response to light from projectors 15A and / or 15B at the first, second, and third frequencies, respectively. This allows the system to provide illuminated images 20 with a wide color gamut.In general, the illuminated images 20 may include static images in the form of, for example, text (e.g., "Welcome" or "Thirteen minutes until arrival") and / or pictures or patterns, which may be decorative or informative. The illuminated images 20 may also include video images, such as films or the like. The vehicle 1 may include an audio system (not specifically shown) to provide audio corresponding to the illuminated static images and / or video images, allowing occupants of the vehicle 1 to watch films and / or other videos accompanied by audio.

[0021] With further reference to Fig. 3. A window 25 can include a first or inner glass layer 26, a second or outer glass layer 28, a first layer of polymer material 30 between the inner and outer glass layers 26 and 28, respectively, and a second layer of polymer material 32 between the outer glass layer 28 and the first layer of polymer material 30. The window 25 can optionally include a middle layer 34 of polymer material, which provides increased sound insulation. The design of the window 25 can be used in virtually any vehicle window, including one or more of the roof glass 8 and / or the windshield 10 and / or the rear window 14 and / or the side windows 14A-14D. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0022] The first polymer layer 30 can comprise a suitable polymer, such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB), containing perovskite particles arranged within the PVB material. The perovskite crystals can be embedded in the first polymer layer 30 by compounding (mixing) a polymer material with perovskite crystals, and the compounded material can then be extruded to form a film. Alternatively, the first polymer layer 30 can comprise a main polymer layer (e.g., PVB) that is free of perovskite crystals and a coating 36 containing perovskite crystals arranged within the coating layer 36. For example, perovskite crystals can be added to transparent ink or brushed or sprayed onto one side of a layer or film of polymer material that is essentially free of perovskite crystals to form a coating layer 36.The perovskite crystals can comprise nanocrystals with an average size on the order of several (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40) nanometers.

[0023] The first polymer layer 30 can incorporate three different types of phosphorescent perovskite materials, which can be in the form of nanoparticles with a size of several nanometers. A first type of perovskite crystal can be configured to be activated by UV light in the range of approximately 330 nm to approximately 350 nm and emit blue light. For example, the first type of perovskite crystal can be activated by UV light at approximately 340 nm and emit blue light at approximately 450 nm. The second type of perovskite crystal can be activated by UV light in the range of approximately 350 nm to approximately 370 nm and emit green light. For example, the second type of perovskite crystal can be activated by UV light at approximately 360 nm and emit green light at approximately 540 nm.A third type of perovskite crystals in the first polymer layer 30 can be activated by UV light at approximately 370 nm to approximately 390 nm and emit red light. Another third type of perovskite crystal can be activated by UV light at approximately 380 nm and emit red light at approximately 750 nm. It is understood that the frequency of the UV light can be adjusted to induce the emission of light at specific frequencies by selecting perovskite crystals that emit light at the desired frequencies in response to a selected UV light frequency. The three types of perovskite crystals can be compounded into a polymer material and extruded into a film, as described above, or the three types of perovskite crystals can be applied to one side of the first polymer layer 30 to form a coating layer 36, also as described above.

[0024] The second layer of polymer material 32 includes UVA inhibitors that block light with wavelengths less than a selected wavelength. Preferably, the second polymer layer 32 blocks light with wavelengths less than approximately 380 nm or less than approximately 400 nm. The UVA inhibitor can, for example, comprise benzotriazole or benzofone, or another suitable inhibitor. In general, UVA inhibitors used in known automotive glass can block light with a wavelength of less than approximately 370 nm to allow the entire visible spectrum of light to pass through the glass (e.g., the windshield). However, the second polymer layer 32 preferably blocks light with somewhat higher wavelengths (e.g., 380 nm or 400 nm) to ensure that UV light from sunlight 38 does not pass through the second polymer layer 32 and activate the perovskite crystals of the first polymer layer 30.Thus, according to the present disclosure, in contrast to known window glass, a window can block a portion of visible light in addition to blocking UV light of less than about 370 nm (e.g., visible light from about 370 nm to about 380 nm or about 370 nm to about 400 nm).

[0025] The middle layer 34 can comprise a PVB material configured to absorb sound. The polymer layers 30, 32, and 34 can be configured to provide a desired degree of sound reduction while also providing the desired display layer. In general, the middle layer 34 can comprise a PVB material that is softer than the material of layers 30 and 32 to provide increased sound absorption. However, the first polymer layer 30 can comprise a PVB material that is softer than the PVB material of the middle layer 34 to increase sound reduction above approximately 5,000 Hz. In general, perovskite crystals can be arranged in the first polymer layer 30 only, in the middle layer 34 only, or in both layers 30 and 34.Although layers 30, 32 and 34 preferably comprise a PVB polymer material, one or more of layers 30, 32 and / or 34 may comprise other suitable polymers or materials, and the present disclosure is not limited to PVB materials.

[0026] With further reference to Fig. 4. The vehicle 1 can be configured to communicate with an automatic vehicle location system (AVL system), which may include one or more satellites 4, a cell tower 5, a cloud server 6, and / or other devices. The vehicle 1 can be configured to use data from one or more sources to provide audio and / or video entertainment to people inside the vehicle 1. For example, images 20 in the form of videos can be displayed on the roof glass 8 ( Fig.2) Provide entertainment to users who are positioned in one or more of a first row 9A, a second row 9B or a third row 9C of vehicle 1.

[0027] In contrast to known heads-up displays (HUDs), which are limited to vehicle windshields, the display system of the present disclosure can provide images 20, for example, on the roof glass 8, which can be visible to persons in the second and third rows of seats 9B and 9C. If the vehicle 1 comprises an autonomous vehicle, users in all three rows 9A-9C can simultaneously view images 20 on the roof glass 8, thereby providing information and / or entertainment to all persons in the vehicle 1.

[0028] It is understood that variations and modifications to the aforementioned structure may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present invention, and it is further understood that such concepts are to be covered by the following patent claims, unless these patent claims expressly provide otherwise by their wording.

[0029] According to the present invention, an autonomous vehicle is provided which has the following: a body which includes a passenger cell;A window comprising an inner and an outer glass layer on an inside and an outside of the window, respectively, the window further comprising: 1) a first layer of polymer material between the inner and the outer glass layer, wherein at least a portion of the first layer of polymer material comprises perovskite nanocrystals that are activated by UV light in the range of 340 nm–380 nm and emit visible light with a wavelength in the range of 450 nm–750 nm, and: 2) a second layer of polymer material between the outer glass layer and the first layer of polymer material, wherein at least a portion of the second layer of polymer material blocks UV light with a wavelength of 400 nm or less in order to prevent activation of the perovskite nanocrystals by UV sunlight incident on the outer glass layer;and a projector mounted in the passenger compartment, the projector being configured to project UV light with a wavelength in the range of 340 nm-380 nm onto the inside of the window to selectively activate the perovskite crystals and form illuminated images on the window that are visible from inside the passenger compartment.

[0030] According to one embodiment: The projector includes a first, a second and a third light source that project light with frequencies of 340 nm, 360 nm and 380 nm respectively onto the inside of the window.

[0031] According to one embodiment: Each of the first, second and third light sources comprises a laser.

[0032] According to one embodiment: The perovskite nanocrystals have an average size of several nanometers or less.

[0033] According to one embodiment: The first layer of polymer material comprises: 1) first perovskite nanocrystals that are activated by UV light of a first UV wavelength and emit blue light; 2) second perovskite crystals that are activated by UV light of a second UV wavelength and emit green light; 3) third perovskite crystals that are activated by UV light of a third wavelength and emit red light; and wherein the projector is configured to selectively project the first, second, and third UV wavelengths onto the inside of the window.

[0034] According to one embodiment: The first UV wavelength is 330 nm-350 nm, the second UV wavelength is 350 nm-370 nm, and the third UV wavelength is 370 nm-390 nm.

[0035] According to one embodiment: The first UV wavelength is 340 nm, the second UV wavelength is 360 nm, and the third UV wavelength is 380 nm.

[0036] According to one embodiment: The blue light has a wavelength of 450 nm, the green light has a wavelength of 540 nm, and the red light has a wavelength of 750 nm.

[0037] According to one embodiment: The window includes a layer of acoustic polyvinyl butyral (PVB) arranged between the first and second layers of polymer material to provide sound insulation.

[0038] According to one embodiment: The perovskite nanocrystals of at least one of the first and second layers of polymer material are compounded into the polymer material prior to extrusion of the compounded material to form a film.

[0039] According to one embodiment: At least one of the first and second layers of polymer material comprises a main layer of polymer material that is free of perovskite nanocrystals, and the perovskite nanocrystals are arranged in a material layer that is located on at least one side of the main layer of polymer material.

[0040] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided which has the following: a body which has a passenger compartment;A window comprising an inner and an outer glass layer on an inside and an outside of the window, respectively, the window further comprising: 1) a first layer of polymer material between the inner and the outer glass layer, wherein at least a portion of the first layer of polymer material comprises perovskite crystals that are activated by UV light with a first, a second and a third wavelength and each emit blue, green and red visible light, respectively; and: 2) a second layer of polymer material between the outer glass layer and the first layer of polymer material, wherein at least a portion of the second layer of polymer material blocks UV light with a wavelength of 400 nm or less in order to prevent the activation of the perovskite crystals by UV light from sunlight incident on the outer glass layer;and a projector mounted in the passenger compartment, the projector being configured to project UV light of the first, second and third wavelengths onto the inside of the window to selectively activate the perovskite crystals and form an illuminated image on the window visible from inside the passenger compartment, parts of the illuminated image being formed by blue, green and red light emitted by the perovskite crystals.

[0041] According to one embodiment: The UV light from the projector is in the range of 340 nm-380 nm.

[0042] According to one embodiment: The projector includes a first, a second and a third light source that project light with frequencies of 340 nm, 360 nm and 380 nm respectively onto the inside of the window.

[0043] According to one embodiment: The first UV wavelength is 330 nm-350 nm, the second UV wavelength is 350 nm-370 nm, and the third UV wavelength is 370 nm-390 nm.

[0044] According to one embodiment: The first UV wavelength is 340 nm, the second UV wavelength is 360 nm, and the third UV wavelength is 380 nm.

[0045] According to one embodiment: The window comprises a windshield; the vehicle includes a rearview mirror; and the projector is integrated into the rearview mirror to project light onto an inner surface of the windshield.

[0046] According to one embodiment: The body includes a roof structure; the window comprises roof glass that extends over at least part of the passenger compartment; the projector is mounted on the roof structure to project light onto an underside of the roof glass.

[0047] According to one embodiment: The window comprises a plurality of windows selected from the group consisting of a windshield, a rear window, a roof glass, a right side window and a left side window; and the projector is configured to project light onto the plurality of windows.

[0048] According to the present invention, a method for providing an illuminated image on a vehicle window comprises the following: equipping the vehicle with a window comprising an inner and an outer glass layer on an inside and an outside of the window, respectively, wherein the window further comprises: 1) a first layer of polymer material between the inner and the outer glass layer, wherein the first layer of polymer material comprises perovskite crystals which are activated by UV light and emit visible light, and: 2) a second layer of polymer material between the outer glass layer and the first layer of polymer material, wherein the second layer of polymer material blocks UV light from sunlight incident on the outer glass layer, thereby preventing the perovskite crystals from emitting light due to sunlight incident on the outer glass layer;and using a projector mounted in the passenger compartment to project light with a wavelength in the range of 340 nm to 380 nm onto the inside of the window to activate the perovskite crystals and form an illuminated image on the window that is visible from inside the passenger compartment.

Claims

[1] vehicle, comprising the following: a car body that includes a passenger compartment; A window comprising an inner and an outer glass layer on an inside and an outside of the window, respectively, the window further comprising: 1) a first layer of polymer material between the inner and the outer glass layer, wherein at least a portion of the first layer of polymer material comprises perovskite crystals which are activated by UV light with a first, a second and a third wavelength and emit blue, green and red visible light, respectively; and: 2) a second layer of polymer material between the outer glass layer and the first layer of polymer material, wherein at least a portion of the second layer of polymer material blocks UV light with a wavelength of 400 nm or less in order to prevent the activation of the perovskite crystals by UV light from sunlight incident on the outer glass layer; a projector mounted in the passenger compartment, wherein the projector is configured to project UV light of the first, second and third wavelengths onto the inside of the window to selectively activate the perovskite crystals and form an illuminated image on the window visible from inside the passenger compartment, wherein parts of the illuminated image are formed by blue, green and red light emitted by the perovskite crystals. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The UV light from the projector is in the range of 340 nm-380 nm. [3] Vehicle according to one of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The projector includes a first, a second and a third light source that project light with frequencies of 340 nm, 360 nm and 380 nm respectively onto the inside of the window. [4] Vehicle according to one of claims 1-3, wherein: the first UV wavelength is 330 nm-350 nm, the second UV wavelength is 350 nm-370 nm, and the third UV wavelength is 370 nm-390 nm. [5] Vehicle according to one of claims 1-4, wherein: The first UV wavelength is 340 nm, the second UV wavelength is 360 nm, and the third UV wavelength is 380 nm. [6] Vehicle according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein: the window includes a windshield and: the vehicle includes a rearview mirror; The projector is integrated into the rearview mirror to project light onto an inner surface of the windshield. [7] Vehicle according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein: the bodywork includes a roof structure; the window includes roof glass that extends over at least part of the passenger compartment; The projector is mounted on the roof structure to project light onto the underside of the roof glass. [8] Vehicle according to claims 1-7, wherein: the window comprises a variety of windows selected from the group consisting of a windshield, a rear window, a roof glass, a right side window and a left side window; the projector is configured to project light onto the multitude of windows. [9] Vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: Each of the first, second, and third light sources includes lasers. [10] Vehicle according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein: The perovskite nanocrystals have an average size of several nanometers or less. [11] Autonomous vehicle according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein: blue light has a wavelength of 450 nm, green light has a wavelength of 540 nm, and red light has a wavelength of 750 nm. [12] Vehicle according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein: The window incorporates a layer of acoustic polyvinyl butyral (PVB) positioned between the first and second layers of polymer material to provide sound insulation. [13] Vehicle according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein: The perovskite crystals of at least one of the first and second layers of polymer material are compounded into the polymer material before extrusion of the compounded material to form a film. [14] Vehicle according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein: at least one of the first and second layers of polymer material comprises a main layer of polymer material that is free of perovskite nanocrystals, and the perovskite nanocrystals are arranged in a material layer that is located on at least one side of the main layer of polymer material. [15] Method for providing an illuminated image on a window of a vehicle, the method comprising: Equipping the vehicle with a window comprising an inner and an outer glass layer on the inside and outside of the window, respectively, wherein the window further comprises: 1) a first layer of polymer material between the inner and outer glass layers, the first layer of polymer material comprising perovskite crystals that are activated by UV light and emit visible light; and: 2) a second layer of polymer material between the outer glass layer and the first layer of polymer material, the second layer of polymer material blocking UV light from sunlight incident on the outer glass layer, thus preventing the perovskite crystals from emitting light due to sunlight incident on the outer glass layer; and: Using a projector mounted in the passenger compartment to project light with a wavelength in the range of 340 nm to 380 nm onto the inside of the window to activate the perovskite crystals and form an illuminated image on the window that is visible from inside the passenger compartment.

Images