Infotainment device for vehicles

Abstract

Infotainment device that features: an inner cover provided in the roof of a vehicle; a projection surface located on the underside of the inner cover and exposed from the roof, so that an image or video output by a projector provided in the vehicle is projected onto it; an outer cover to which one edge of the projection surface is pivotably attached, the projection surface has: a cinema screen onto which the image or video emitted by the projector is projected, the cinema screen comprising a first irradiation surface with a predetermined curved surface and a first screen frame; and an information screen that is included in or exposed from the first screen frame.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an infotainment device for a vehicle. background

[0002] The content described in this section serves only as background information for the invention and does not represent the prior art.

[0003] A display device capable of providing various information can be installed in the vehicle's interior, for example, in a center console, dashboard, or headliner. Such a display device can provide various entertainment options as well as vehicle information. For example, the display device can play video, receive terrestrial or satellite broadcasts and display the video on a screen, provide user-friendly information such as vehicle status, weather data, and news, and perform a navigation function. The display device can be configured as a large screen.

[0004] Once installed in a vehicle, conventional display devices must be fixed in shape and position. A particular problem arises when a large-screen display device is mounted on the vehicle's roof lining, as it takes up a significant amount of space inside the vehicle. Disclosure of the invention. Technical problem

[0005] Accordingly, the invention aims to solve these problems and has the main purpose of providing a large screen display that is exposed or incorporated inside a vehicle.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention has the main purpose of increasing the level of integration of an infotainment device in a vehicle by superimposing displays of different sizes.

[0007] Furthermore, the invention has the main purpose of selectively controlling displays of different sizes in order to provide visual information to a user based on a control request signal from the user.

[0008] One aspect of the invention is not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not expressly mentioned will be clearly understandable to the person skilled in the art from the following description. Solution to the task

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, an infotainment device is provided comprising: an inner cover provided in the roof of a vehicle; a projection surface arranged on the underside of the inner cover and exposed from the roof, so that an image or video output by a projector provided in the vehicle is projected onto it; an outer cover to which an edge of the projection surface is pivotably attached, the projection surface comprising: a cinema screen onto which the image or video emitted by the projector is projected, the cinema screen comprising a first irradiation surface with a predetermined curved surface and a first screen frame, and an information screen that is included in or exposed from the first screen frame. Effects of the invention

[0010] According to one embodiment, an infotainment device according to the invention has the effect of providing a large screen display that is exposed or incorporated inside a vehicle.

[0011] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the invention, the infotainment device is configured such that displays of different sizes are arranged one above the other, which has the effect of increasing the level of integration in the vehicle.

[0012] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the infotainment device according to the invention has the effect of effectively providing visual information to a user by selectively controlling displays of different sizes based on a control request signal from the user. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an infotainment device arranged in the roof of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an infotainment device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view showing an infotainment device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4 is an operating state diagram showing the control of a cinema screen according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an infotainment device according to an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the implementation of the invention

[0013] In the following, some embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to illustrative drawings. It should be noted that when adding reference numerals to the components in each figure, the same components should, where possible, have the same reference numerals, even if they are indicated in other figures. Furthermore, if it is determined that a specific description of a known configuration or function could obscure the core of the invention, a detailed description will be omitted from the description of the invention.

[0014] In describing the components of the embodiments according to the invention, reference numerals such as first, second, i), ii), a), and b) may be used. These reference numerals serve only to distinguish the components from other components, and the type, sequence, arrangement, and the like of the components are not limited by the reference numerals. If, in the description, a section is described as "comprising" or "encompassing" a component, this means that other components may also be included, and not that other components are excluded, unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0015] When a component is described as "connected" or "coupled" with or "attached" to another component, it is understood that the component may be directly connected to or attached to the other component, but that another component may be "connected", "coupled" or "attached" between each component.

[0016] The terms “section”, “module” and similar terms used in the description refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation and may be implemented by hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0017] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the description of one embodiment can also be applied to other embodiments.

[0018] The description of the invention, which is disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, is intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention can be practiced.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an infotainment device arranged in the roof of a vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an infotainment device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The infotainment device 12 according to the invention can be embedded in a roof 20 of the vehicle. The vehicle according to the invention can be configured to have a predetermined space in the roof 20. The infotainment device 12 can be coupled to a space in the roof 20 using a screw, a nut, or the like.

[0022] The infotainment device 12 according to the invention comprises an inner cover 25 and / or a projection surface 31 and / or an outer cover 30.

[0023] The inner cover 25 according to the invention can be provided in a predetermined space in the roof 20 of the vehicle. Although in Fig. 1 and Fig. Not shown, the inner cover 25 can be coupled with separate mounting configurations to be attached to the roof 20.

[0024] The infotainment device 12 according to the invention can be illuminated with an image or video output by a projector 11. The infotainment device 12, illuminated with the output image or video, can visually provide the user in the vehicle with various information, such as driving information and vehicle entertainment information.

[0025] The projector 11 according to the invention can be mounted or attached at any point in the interior of the vehicle. With reference to the in Fig. In the arrangement position of projector 11 shown in Figure 1, the projector 11 is preferably arranged so that it emits light forward, i.e., in the direction of travel of the vehicle. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement position of projector 11 can also be changed according to the arrangement state of the infotainment device 12.

[0026] The infotainment device 12 can be located at any point in front of the projector 11 on the roof 20. In particular, the infotainment device 12 can be controlled based on the control request signal so that it is exposed from a state embedded in the roof 20.

[0027] The infotainment device 12 according to the invention can be arranged on the roof 20 between the front seat 13 and the rear seat 14 of the vehicle. However, the position of the infotainment device 12 in the vehicle is not limited to this. Based on the vehicle's parked or stopped state, the infotainment device 12 can be exposed from the roof 20 at a position corresponding to the vehicle's windshield. In this case, all users seated in the front seat 13 and the rear seat 14 of the vehicle can see the image or video projected onto the infotainment device 12.

[0028] The projection surface 31 according to the invention is arranged on the underside of the inner cover 25. The projection surface 31 is controlled so that it is exposed from the roof 20, allowing the image or video output by the projector 11 provided in the vehicle to be projected onto it.

[0029] The projection surface 31 according to the invention can be exposed from or received into an interior formed by the inner cover 25 and the outer cover 30, which will be described later, based on a driving force from the first drive module 21, which is arranged on the upper section of the inner cover 25. In some embodiments, the first drive module 21 can be referred to as a first drive controller.

[0030] A specific configuration and control method for the projection surface 31 will be described later in Fig. 3 described.

[0031] The first drive module 21 according to the invention comprises a linear motor 22, rail elements, connecting sections 26, a drive force transmission element 24 and a rotary support section 28.

[0032] The linear motor 22 according to the invention is attached by means of a bracket at any point on the upper surfaces of the inner cover 25 and is configured to generate a driving force for moving the drive shaft 23 forward or backward.

[0033] The drive shaft 23 according to the invention can be arranged on the upper surface of the inner cover 25 in the same direction as the direction of travel of the vehicle. Based on the actuation of the linear motor 22, it moves in Fig. 2. The drive shaft 23 moves forward in the direction of the Y-axis or backward in the direction of the (-)Y-axis. The projection surface 31 can be exposed or received by this forward- or backward-moving drive shaft 23. The fact that the projection surface 31 is exposed or received means that the projection surface 31 is exposed from or received within the interior space formed by the coupling of the outer cover 30 and the inner cover 25, in the direction of an interior space corresponding to the headroom in the vehicle.

[0034] The rail elements according to the invention are arranged on both sides of the inner cover 25 in a direction parallel to the drive shaft 23. The rail element guides the movement of the connecting sections 26 in the Y-axis direction or the (-)Y-axis direction.

[0035] The rail elements can be attached to the upper surface of the outer cover 30. A portion of the rail elements in the (-)Y-axis direction is formed in a predetermined plate shape so that it is coupled to a part of the outer cover 30, and several holes (not shown) can be formed in the upward direction.

[0036] The connecting sections 26 according to the invention are each coupled to rail elements formed on both sides of the inner cover 25. The connecting sections 26 can move forward along the rail elements in the Y-axis direction or backward in the (-)Y-axis direction. The connecting sections 26 move on the rail elements based on the forward or backward movement of the drive force transmission element 24.

[0037] The drive force transmission element 24 according to the invention is coupled in extension to the other end of the drive shaft 23 of the linear motor 22.

[0038] The drive force transmission element 24 is arranged and coupled in a direction perpendicular to the drive shaft 23 on the upper section of the inner cover 25 and has a predetermined length to connect to the connecting sections 26 spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The drive force transmission element 24 is configured to move the connecting sections 26 forward or backward in accordance with the direction of rotation of the linear motor 22 in order to expose or receive the projection surface 31.

[0039] A roller element 27 according to the invention can be coupled to the upper section of each of the connecting sections 26. The roller section can be coupled to the upper section of each of the connecting sections 26 in the Y-axis direction.

[0040] Based on the forward movement of the connecting sections 26 in a Y-axis direction, the roller element 27 can transmit force to the rotary support section 28 described later. A wheel (not shown) or a roller (not shown) can be coupled to the other end of the roller element 27 in the Y-axis direction.

[0041] One end of the rotary support section 28 according to the invention is connected to the projection surface 31. The rotary support section 28 is configured to accommodate the projection surface 31 according to the actuation of the connecting sections 26.

[0042] The rotary support section 28 can be rotated in the first direction to guide the projection surface 31. Here, the first direction of rotation can mean a clockwise direction with respect to the X-axis. Additionally, the rotary support section 28 can rotate in the second direction by means of a force exerted by actuating the roller element 27 coupled to the connecting sections 26, thereby receiving the projection surface 31. Here, the second direction of rotation means a direction opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0043] The outer cover 30 according to the invention can be arranged so that it is exposed to the user from the roof 20 of the vehicle. Therefore, the outer cover 30 can be configured so that its material, color, and the like correspond to those of the roof 20 in order to create a sense of unity with the roof 20. For example, the outer cover 30 can be made of the same metal material as the roof 20 or directly incorporate the paint color and texture of the roof 20 to achieve a uniform appearance. Furthermore, the outer cover 30 can be treated to have a curved surface in order to create a natural connection with the roof 20.

[0044] Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view showing an infotainment device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 3. According to one embodiment of the invention, the infotainment device 12 can comprise the projection surface 31.

[0046] The projection surface 31 can be arranged in the interior formed by the inner cover 25 and the outer cover 30.

[0047] The projection surface 31 according to the invention comprises the cinema screens 32, 33 and the information screens 34, 35.

[0048] The projection surface 31 according to the invention is configured such that the information screens 34, 35 overlay the cinema screens 32, 33. Through this superimposed structure of the information screens 34, 35 and the cinema screens 32, 33, the projection surface 31 can increase the level of integration in the vehicle and improve the emotional experience within the vehicle.

[0049] Based on a driving force of the first drive module 21, which is arranged on the upper section of the inner cover 25, the cinema screens 32, 33 are exposed from or received into the interior formed by the inner cover 25 and the outer cover 30 according to the invention. Here, the first drive module 21 according to the invention is attached at any point on the upper surfaces of the inner cover 25.

[0050] The cinema screens 32, 33 according to the invention comprise a first irradiation surface 32 and a first screen frame 33.

[0051] The first irradiation surface 32 is coupled to a curved surface of the first screen frame 33. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first irradiation surface 32 can be in the form of a film and attached to or affixed to the first screen frame 33.

[0052] The first screen frame 33 includes an opening (not shown) for the information screens 34, 35, which are to be mounted one above the other. The first screen frame 33 can include an interior space in which a second drive module 36, described later, can be arranged and configured to drive the information screens 34, 35. In some embodiments, the second drive module 36 can be referred to as a second drive controller.

[0053] The first irradiation surface 32 according to the invention is directly irradiated with the image or video emitted by the projector 11 after the cinema screens 32, 33 have been exposed from the interior formed by the inner cover 25 and the outer cover 30.

[0054] The information screens 34, 35 according to the invention can be revealed from or received into the cinema screens 32, 33 in a space within the vehicle based on the driving force of the second drive module 36. The second drive module 36 according to the invention comprises a DC motor (not shown) and a gearbox (not shown). The DC motor and the gearbox can be coupled to the interior of the first screen frame 33. The second drive module 36 can reveal the information screens 34, 35 from the cinema screens 32, 33 by transmitting the torque of the DC motor via the gearbox. The second drive module 36 can receive the information screens 34, 35 into the cinema screens 32, 33 by transmitting the torque of the DC motor via the gearbox.

[0055] The information screens 34, 35 according to the invention are preferably designed with the same radius of curvature as the cinema screens 32, 33, so that they can be incorporated into the cinema screens 32, 33 to create a sense of unity.

[0056] The information screens 34, 35 according to the invention comprise a second irradiation surface 34 and a second screen frame 35.

[0057] The second irradiation surface 34 can be coupled to a curved surface of the second screen frame 35. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the second irradiation surface 34 can be designed in the form of a film and attached to or affixed to the second screen frame 35.

[0058] The second irradiation surface 34 according to the invention is irradiated with the image or video emitted by the projector 11 after the information screens 34, 35 have been exposed from the cinema screens 32, 33.

[0059] The first screen frame 33 and the second screen frame 35 according to the invention are designed to have a curvature of, for example, 1,600 R to 3,000 R. The unit R denotes a radius of curvature and indicates the degree of curvature of the first screen frame 33 and the second screen frame 35 according to the invention.

[0060] The first screen frame 33 and the second screen frame 35 are configured to provide the user with an optimal view through a predetermined curvature when an image or video emitted by the projector 11 is projected onto the first irradiation surface 32 or the second irradiation surface 34.

[0061] The first screen frame 33 and the second screen frame 35 according to the invention can be configured based on a metal screen structure. In particular, the first screen frame 33 and the second screen frame 35 can be formed based on an aluminum material.

[0062] Both the first screen frame 33 and the second screen frame 35 according to the invention comprise a second reflective layer and a base layer.

[0063] The second reflective layer according to the invention can be subjected to a blackening surface treatment to adjust the contrast ratio of the image or video projected onto the first irradiation surface 32 or the second irradiation surface 34 and to reduce interference from an external light source. The second reflective layer, which has undergone the blackening surface treatment, can, for example, have a transmittance of 50%. However, the blackening surface treatment of the second reflective layer can also be omitted.

[0064] The base layer according to the invention provides the supporting force for the curved surface of the first screen frame 33 and the second screen frame 35. In addition, it can be configured to prevent a hot spot phenomenon that can occur with a curved screen of a projection type.

[0065] The first irradiation surface 32 and the second irradiation surface 34 according to the invention comprise a surface layer, a diffusion layer and a first reflection layer.

[0066] The surface layer according to the invention is designed to adjust the resolution of the image or video emitted by the projector 11. The surface layer can be configured to suppress unnecessary reflections from the external light source to obtain a clear image, and the material of the surface layer can be selected from a material with excellent optical transparency and durability. In particular, anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coatings can be applied to ensure consistently high screen quality over a long period of time.

[0067] The diffusion layer according to the invention improves the viewing angle of the projection surface 31 and adjusts the brightness of the image or video projected onto it. The diffusion layer can adjust the brightness of the image or video emitted by the projector 11 to optimize the video quality. In particular, the diffusion layer maintains a color balance of the emitted light and minimizes color distortion, thereby optimizing the video quality. This is achieved through the use of an optical material with fine diffusion particles and can optimize the contrast ratio of high dynamic range (HDR) content.

[0068] The first reflective layer according to the invention is configured to reflect light scattered by the diffusion layer in order to adjust its brightness. The first reflective layer is configured to have a brightness of, for example, approximately 3 to 3.5 gain. Gain is a value that indicates the amount of light reflected in a particular direction. The gain can be determined by the material of the first reflective layer, its surface finish, or similar factors. The first reflective layer can be in the form of a highly reflective metal- or polymer-based reflective film. A multilayer reflective structure can be applied to the first reflective layer to increase its reflection efficiency.Furthermore, the reflective layer has heat dissipation properties to prevent thermal deformation during long-term use, and the reflectance and gain value can be adjusted according to the usage environment.

[0069] Although in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 not shown, the infotainment device 12 according to the invention comprises a control unit.

[0070] In some embodiments, the control unit can be referred to as a controller. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the control unit can comprise a processor (e.g., computer, microprocessor, CPU, ASIC, integrated circuits, logic circuits, etc.) and associated non-volatile memory that stores software instructions which, when executed by the processor, provide the functions of the control unit. The memory and the processor can be implemented as separate semiconductor circuits. Alternatively, the memory and the processor can be implemented as a single integrated semiconductor circuit. The processor can represent one or more processors.

[0071] The control unit manages several operating modes, which are activated based on the user's control request signal. These modes include, for example, a first operating mode and a second operating mode.

[0072] The first operating mode refers to a mode in which cinema screens 32 and 33 are activated to display driving information to the user inside the vehicle on a large screen. The second operating mode activates information screens 34 and 35 to display vehicle driving information to the user inside the vehicle. This information can include vehicle speed, engine status, remaining fuel level, battery status, navigation route information, information about surrounding vehicles and the road environment, and similar data.

[0073] The control request signal received from the user by the control unit can be generated in the form of a smart pointer remote control provided in the vehicle, a smartphone control app, voice control or a hand gesture.

[0074] The control unit can control the linear motor 22 of the first drive module 21 and the DC motor of the second drive module 36, which is described later. Therefore, based on the control request signal received from the user, the control unit can selectively control the cinema screens 32, 33 or the information screens 34, 35.

[0075] Fig. Figure 4 is an operating state diagram showing the control of a cinema screen according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0076] Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an infotainment device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0077] With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. According to the invention, the cinema screens 32, 33 can be accommodated in the interior formed by the inner cover 25 and the outer cover 30. In this case, the first drive module 21 moves the drive force transmission element 24, connected to the drive shaft 23, forward in the Y-axis direction. As the drive force transmission element 24 moves forward in the Y-axis direction, the connecting sections 26 are moved in the Y-axis direction. The roller element 27, coupled to the connecting sections 26, pushes the rotary support section 28, which is rotated according to the exposed state of the cinema screens 32, 33, in the Y-axis direction. The rotary support section 28 can rotate about a pivot point fixed on the outer cover 30 and accommodate the cinema screens 32, 33 in the interior.

[0078] The projection surface 31 according to the invention is designed such that, viewed in the X-axis direction, it has a predetermined radius of curvature. In particular, the first irradiation surface 32, which is coupled to the first screen frame 33, can be configured to have a predetermined radius of curvature. The second irradiation surface 34 of the information screens 34, 35, which are arranged one above the other within the first screen frame 33, is also configured to have a radius of curvature corresponding to that of the first irradiation surface 32.

[0079] The information screens 34, 35 according to the invention can be revealed from the cinema screens 32, 33 based on the driving force of the second drive module 36. The second drive module 36 can rotate relative to the pivot point attached to the first screen frame 33. The second drive module 36 can reveal the information screens 34, 35 from the cinema screens 32, 33. The second drive module 36 can accommodate the information screens 34, 35 within the cinema screens 32, 33.

Claims

[1] Infotainment device which features: an inner cover provided in the roof of a vehicle; a projection surface located on the underside of the inner cover and exposed from the roof, so that an image or video output by a projector provided in the vehicle is projected onto it; an outer cover to which one edge of the projection surface is pivotably attached, the projection surface has: a cinema screen onto which the image or video emitted by the projector is projected, the cinema screen comprising a first irradiation surface with a predetermined curved surface and a first screen frame; and an information screen that is included in or exposed from the first screen frame. [2] Infotainment device according to claim 1, wherein the cinema screen is configured such that, based on a driving force of a first drive control arranged on the upper section of the inner cover, it is exposed from or contained within an interior formed by the inner cover and the outer cover. [3] Infotainment device according to claim 2, wherein the first drive control comprises: a linear motor that is attached to any point on the upper surfaces of the inner cover and is configured to generate a driving force to move the drive shaft forward or backward; Rail elements, each arranged on both sides of the inner cover in a direction parallel to the drive shaft and partially coupled to the outer cover; Connecting sections, each coupled to the rail elements and configured to move along the rail elements; a drive force transmission element coupled in extension to the other end of the drive shaft and configured to move the connecting sections according to a direction of rotation of the linear motor in order to expose or receive the projection surface; and a rotation support section, one end of which is connected to the projection surface and is configured to accommodate the projection surface according to the movement of the connecting section. [4] Infotainment device according to claim 3, wherein the rotation support section is configured to rotate in a first direction of rotation to support the exposed state of the cinema screen, or to rotate in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation by a force exerted by actuating a roller element coupled to the connecting section to receive the cinema screen. [5] Infotainment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the info screen comprises: a second irradiation surface, which is formed on the basis of a curved surface corresponding to the first irradiation surface and onto which the image or video emitted by the projector is projected, and a second screen frame coupled to the second irradiation surface; and a second drive control, which is located within the first screen frame and is configured to expose or retract the information screen from the cinema screen based on drive forces from motors that are symmetrically located at both ends of the first screen frame. [6] Infotainment device according to claim 5, wherein the first screen frame and the second screen frame are each configured on the basis of a metal screen structure made of aluminium material. [7] Infotainment device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first irradiation surface and the second irradiation surface each comprise: a surface layer designed to adjust the resolution of an image or video projected by the projector; a diffusion layer configured to improve the viewing angle and optimize image quality by adjusting the brightness of the image or video projected onto it; and a first reflective layer configured to reflect light scattered by the diffusion layer in order to adjust the brightness. [8] Infotainment device according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the first and the second screen frame each comprise: a second reflective layer that undergoes a blackening surface treatment to adjust the contrast ratio of the projected image or video and to reduce interference from an external light source; and a base layer configured to provide support for the curved surface and prevent a hot spot phenomenon. [9] Infotainment device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the projection surface has several operating modes for control based on a control request signal from a user, wherein the several operating modes have: a first operating mode configured to drive the cinema screen in order to provide a user inside the vehicle with image and video information based on a large screen; and a second operating mode configured to control the information screen to provide the user inside the vehicle with driving information about the vehicle. [10] Infotainment device according to claim 9, wherein the control request signal is generated by a smart pointer remote control provided in the vehicle and / or a smartphone control app and / or a voice control and / or a hand gesture.

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