DEVICE FOR THE OPTIONAL REDUCED DISPLAY OF A MEASURED VALUE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for displaying a measured variable at a driver's seat of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0002] Conventional pointer instruments, including those that are displayed exclusively digitally on a high-resolution screen, can clearly present a measured variable of driving operation. If a driver wishes to see additional information on this measured variable, this usually requires an information field that supplements, for example, a cause or an assessment of the displayed value of the measured variable. However, this increases the complexity of the display, meaning that the driver has to look at both displays and thus spend longer looking at the instrument cluster, which distracts them from their driving task. In addition, the reciprocal relationship between the display of the value of the measured variable and the display of additional information on the measured variable is unclear.

[0003] Document EP 2 813 399 A1 discloses a method for displaying an available range of a hybrid vehicle, wherein a main image comprises a first sector displaying the range using a fossil fuel and a second sector displaying the range using an alternative energy source. An additional image represents an enlargement of the second sector.

[0004] Document US 4,308,527 A discloses an instrument panel with means for displaying the vehicle's speed, consisting of horizontal, superimposed scales. The scales are activated in certain speed ranges, so that the activated scale is displayed higher in the driver's field of vision at higher speeds. The length of the speed indicator scales is inversely proportional to their height in the driver's field of vision.

[0005] Document US 2008 / 309475 A1 discloses a first display mode in which a common image function component is displayed such that at least a portion of a second specific image function component is occupied. In a second display mode, the common image function component is continuously displayed outside the second specific image function component to avoid overlap between them.

[0006] Document EP 3 366 505 A1 discloses a method and a system for checking the departure of a motor vehicle. A departure control display is displayed on a display surface before the motor vehicle departs. The departure control display includes a status display of at least a supply pressure of a compressed air circuit, an oil temperature, and a coolant temperature of the motor vehicle. The supply pressure status display is hidden after the supply pressure has reached a target value. Furthermore, the departure control display is hidden after the motor vehicle departs if at least the oil temperature has exceeded a target value and the coolant temperature has exceeded a target value.

[0007] The task is therefore to provide a device that not only displays a measured variable of the driving operation, but also optionally displays additional information about the measured variable, without further distracting a driver from the driving task.

[0008] This object is achieved by a display device and a corresponding commercial vehicle having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and applications of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description, with partial reference to the figures.

[0009] According to one aspect, a device for displaying a measured variable at a driver's seat of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle. The device comprises a display configured to display a first scale of the measured variable and optionally an information field adjacent to the first scale. Furthermore, the device comprises a controller that is in or can be brought into signal exchange with the display for controlling the display. The controller is configured to detect a numerical value of the measured variable, to display the numerical value on the first scale in a first mode, and to display the numerical value in the information field on a second scale spaced from the first scale in a second mode, in addition to displaying the numerical value on the first scale. Displaying the numerical value on the second scale corresponds to a geometric continuation of displaying the numerical value on the first scale.

[0010] The second scale may comprise a true subset or a section of the first scale.

[0011] Displaying the numerical value on the first scale in the first mode allows for a clear and concise presentation of the measured value. For example, the first mode allows for a continuous display of the measured value at the driver's seat without distracting the driver from their driving task.

[0012] Displaying the numerical value of the measured variable within the information field on the second scale directly establishes the connection between additional information in the information field and the numerical value, so that additional information in the information field can be recognized at a glance as belonging to the measured variable without further distracting the driver from the driving task.

[0013] The geometric continuation establishes a direct relationship between the first scale and the second scale, as well as the corresponding numerical value of the measured variable displayed on them, so that the combination of the first and second scales appears as a larger scale without the driver having to look at each of the two scales. Furthermore, the geometric continuation guides the viewer's gaze from the first scale, on which the measured variable is already displayed in the first mode, to the adjacent information field, where additional information about the measured variable can be displayed in the second mode.

[0014] By optionally displaying the measured value in the information field in the second mode, a dynamic scale display with regard to the level of detail can be achieved.

[0015] The vehicle may be a land vehicle or a watercraft. The vehicle may be a motor vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle, in particular a bus, a truck, or a tractor.

[0016] The first scale and the second scale (for example, each a displayed or implicit axis along which the numerical value of the measured quantity is plotted or displayed) can be curved. For example, the first scale and the second scale can each be arranged on a circular arc or each extend along a circular arc. The geometric continuation can correspond to a radial continuation. For example, the first scale and the second scale can be concentric. The first scale and the second scale can each be arranged on a circular arc whose radii are different and / or whose circle centers coincide (for example, without the corresponding circle center being displayed and / or without the circle center being within the display).

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the first scale and the second scale may be rectilinear and / or parallel to each other (e.g., horizontal). The geometric continuation may correspond to a continuation orthogonal to the scales (e.g., vertical).

[0018] According to the invention, a pointer (e.g., a bar) representing the numerical value on the first scale is aligned with a pointer representing the numerical value on the second scale. Additionally, a pointer movement representing the numerical value on the first scale (e.g., with each deflection) can be displayed synchronously on the second scale.

[0019] The controller can further be configured to numerically display the numerical value of the measured variable in the information field in the second mode and / or to display a scale label. The numerical display of the numerical value and / or the scale label can include a (e.g., physical) unit of the measured variable.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, in the second mode, the measured variable can be displayed verbally in the information field. In the second mode, the information field can refer to the measured variable. In the second mode, the information field can include further information related to the measured variable and / or the numerical value (e.g., the additional information). The controller can further be designed to display, in the second mode, in the information field content associated with the measured variable and / or the numerical value (e.g., the additional information), for example a cause or an assessment of the displayed numerical value.

[0021] The controller can further be configured to display a category associated with the numerical value in the information field in the second mode. The displayed or displayable categories can include at least one of the following: economical driving, uneconomical driving, regenerative braking, dissipative braking, and / or energy-recovering acceleration (e.g., reclaiming recuperated energy).

[0022] The controller can further be configured, in a third mode, to display at least one second measured variable in the information field that is different from the measured variable on the first scale, in addition to displaying the numerical value on the first scale. This makes it possible to use the information field for this purpose if an event occurs in the first mode that requires the second measured variable to be displayed. This allows the information essential to the driver to be presented in a compact space. For example, the measured variable on the first scale can remain continuously displayed even in the third mode, so that the driver's attention is directed exclusively to the changing second information field.

[0023] Preferably, the information field in the third mode does not include a second scale of the measurand (i.e., the measurand displayed on the first scale). This allows the connection created in the second mode by the geometric continuation between the measurand of the first scale and the information field in the third mode to be eliminated. The information field can thus be available for independent use, in particular for a second measurand that is independent of the measurand displayed on the first scale.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, in the third mode the second measured variable can be displayed numerically in the information field and / or in the third mode a category assigned to the second measured variable can be displayed in the information field.

[0025] In the first mode, the information field can be empty. This allows for a clear or quiet display.

[0026] The controller may further be configured to switch between the modes (e.g., between the first and second modes and / or between the second and third modes) in response to an input from the driver. This allows the additional information in the information field to be displayed as needed by the driver (e.g., exclusively in response to the driver's input).

[0027] The controller may further be configured to configure the information field in the second and / or third mode, for example, in response to input from the driver (also: user input). The information field may also be referred to as a configurable display area.

[0028] The first scale and / or the second scale can comprise discrete values ​​of the measured variable. The controller can be configured to display the numerical value by means of a pointer (e.g., a bar) at the discrete value of the first scale and / or the second scale corresponding to the numerical value.

[0029] The display may be located or capable of being located on an instrument cluster and / or a center console. Alternatively or additionally, the display may include or utilize a head-up display.

[0030] The displayed numerical value can be an actual value. Optionally, a time dependence of the measured variable can be displayed on the first scale, the second scale, and / or between the first and second scales. The time dependence can comprise a change in the actual value relative to a previous (e.g., previously displayed) numerical value of the measured variable. The time dependence, in particular the change, can relate to a predetermined period of time. For example, changes can be displayed as the time dependence, provided they did not occur longer than the predetermined period of time.

[0031] The controller can be configured to display the time dependence on the respective scale outside the pointer (e.g., the bar) and / or (e.g., directly) next to the numerical value. The controller can be configured to display the time dependence for discrete values ​​that are greater and / or smaller than the numerical value.

[0032] The controller can be designed to display the time dependence by means of a pattern for values ​​that are greater and / or smaller than the numerical value. The pattern can include or imply a progression of a transverse dimension along the first and / or second scale. The transverse dimension can be perpendicular to the respective scale. The transverse dimension can also be referred to as height. The height can be displayed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the respective scale (e.g., perpendicular to a shown or implied axis of increasing values ​​of the scale). In the case of a curved scale (e.g., a scale along a circular arc), the transverse dimension can be a radial height.

[0033] A straight-line height curve can indicate a time dependence with (e.g., current) constancy of the numerical value. A straight-line height curve can also be referred to as a linear ramp. A time dependence with (e.g., current) constancy of the numerical value can also be referred to as a steady state of the numerical value. Alternatively or additionally, a curved height curve can correspond to a (e.g., current) increase and / or decrease of the numerical value.

[0034] The controller can be configured to display the time dependence on the scale for values ​​that are smaller than the numerical value, if the time dependence includes a temporal increase of the numerical value. The pattern (for example, the progression of the transverse dimension) can exhibit a maximum at values ​​that are smaller than the numerical value of the measured variable. The distance between the value on the scale corresponding to the maximum and the numerical value can be a measure of the rate of temporal increase of the numerical value.

[0035] The controller can be configured to display the time dependence on the scale for values ​​that are greater than the numerical value, if the time dependence includes a temporal decrease of the numerical value. The pattern (for example, the progression of the transverse dimension) can exhibit a strictly monotonically decreasing progression along the respective scale or a decrease along the respective scale for values ​​that are greater than the numerical value of the measurand. The decreasing progression or decrease can also be referred to as a tail. The length of the tail along the respective scale can be a measure of the rate of temporal decrease of the numerical value.

[0036] The measured variable can correspond to a dynamic variable of the vehicle, a driving speed of the vehicle, a power balance of a drive train of the vehicle, and / or a speed of a drive train of the vehicle. The measured variable of the vehicle can be a variable that depends on the driving operation and / or that temporarily increases or temporarily decreases during driving operation. Embodiments of the device can be used for any instrument (in particular any round instrument) of an instrument cluster.

[0037] The additional information may include a target value or target range (for example, a target acceleration and / or a target deceleration) and / or indicate compliance with or departure from the target value or target range. The stationary pattern may be a pattern that does not fade over time. The stationary pattern may be moved along the respective scale in unison with the numerical value (in particular, with the bar or pointer) without changing its shape.

[0038] The target acceleration can correspond to an economical driving style. An economical driving style can be predetermined by an upper limit on the acceleration.

[0039] The upper limit of the acceleration can correspond to an optimal acceleration (e.g., in terms of efficiency). The target acceleration can be an acceleration at which a transmission or other components of the drivetrain utilize optimal shift points (e.g., when using an internal combustion engine) and / or at which only recuperated energy accelerates the vehicle (e.g., when using an electric drive), and / or at which only electric drive is used and an internal combustion engine is not yet activated (e.g., in a hybrid drive with an electric motor and internal combustion engine).

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, economical driving can be predetermined by an upper limit on deceleration (i.e., a negative lower limit on acceleration). The upper limit on deceleration can correspond to a transition from deceleration achieved by recuperation (i.e., by an electric motor operating as a generator) or simulated braking to a dissipative brake. The target deceleration can correspond to wear-free deceleration and / or deceleration without the use of a service brake. The service brake or the dissipative brake can comprise a friction brake (for example, by friction of brake shoes on a brake disc), a viscous brake, or an eddy current brake.

[0041] According to a further aspect, a vehicle, for example a land vehicle or a watercraft, is provided, which comprises a device according to an embodiment of the device aspect. The land vehicle can in particular be a commercial vehicle (for example a bus, a truck, or a tractor). At least the display of the device or the device can be arranged in a driver's cab of the vehicle.

[0042] Further features and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of the device for displaying a measured variable in an exemplary first mode; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of the device for displaying a measured variable in an exemplary second mode; Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a second exemplary embodiment of the device for displaying a measured variable in an example of the first mode; Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a second exemplary embodiment of the device for displaying a measured variable in a first example of the second mode; and Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a second exemplary embodiment of the device for displaying a measured variable in a second example of the second mode.

[0043] Figure 1shows a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of a device, generally designated by reference numeral 100, for displaying a measured variable at a driver's seat of a vehicle. The vehicle is preferably a commercial vehicle. The device 100 comprises a display 110 which displays a first scale 112-A of the measured variable and optionally an information field 114 adjacent to the first scale 112-A. Furthermore, the device 100 comprises a controller 120 which is in or can be brought into signal exchange with the display 110 for controlling the display 110. The controller detects a numerical value 111 of the measured variable. In a first mode, the controller 120 causes the numerical value 111 to be displayed on the first scale 112-A.

[0044] The controller 120 may include a unit 122 for signal processing, for example, at least one processor and a memory that communicates with the processor. Furthermore, the controller 120 may include a unit 124 for user input by the driver of the vehicle.

[0045] In a Figure 2 In the second mode shown by way of example, the controller 120 causes the same numerical value 111 to be displayed in the information field 114 on a second scale 112-B spaced apart from the first scale 112-A, preferably in addition to and simultaneously with the display of the numerical value on the first scale 112-A. The display of the numerical value 111 on the second scale 112-B corresponds to a geometric continuation of the display of the numerical value 111 on the first scale 112-A.

[0046] Optionally, at least the first scale 112-A indicates a time dependence of the measured variable by means of a tail at values ​​which are smaller in the case of an increase in the measured variable or larger in the case of a decrease in the measured variable than the numerical value of the measured variable.

[0047] The (in Figure 2 The second mode (shown as an example) differs from the Figure 1 shown by way of example) by information contents 115 in the information field 114, which are related to the measured variable displayed on the scales 112-A and 112-B, and / or by a scale label 116, which preferably borders on the second scale 112-A in the information field 114.

[0048] Preferably, the numerical value 111 is indicated on each of the scales 112-A and 112-B by a pointer or bar. Figure 2In the first embodiment shown, the geometric continuation comprises aligning the bars to display the same numerical value on the respective scales 112-A and 112-B.

[0049] The pointer or bar may be wider and / or brighter than any bar or line of the respective scales 112-A and 112-B for values ​​other than the numerical value 111. Alternatively or additionally, the pointer or bar representing the numerical value 111 is highlighted by a border or a bright halo 118 (also referred to as a "glow") relative to the bars or lines of the respective scales 112-A and 112-B. The bright halo 118 extends the range of the pointer or bar, thus highlighting the numerical value 111 of the measured quantity on the second scale 112-B.

[0050] The first mode, or a transition from the second mode to the first mode, enables a reduced or collapsible scale view of the measured variable. The second mode, or a transition from the first mode to the second mode, enables an expanded or expandable scale view of the measured variable.

[0051] The Figure 1 The first mode shown as an example enables a graphic scale display with very reduced or no scale labeling 116, and preferably serves for a calm representation of the measured variable. Adjacent to this is the information field 114, i.e., an additionally configurable display area. The information field 114 can be used, for example, by an on-board computer as a display.

[0052] The display area of ​​the information field 114 is, as in Figure 2shown as an example, in the second mode, it is used as needed to display a scale label 116 and related additional information 115. The connection between the spatially separated display areas of the first scale 112-A and the information field 114 is achieved by the graphic continuation of the first scale 112-A (for example, by scaling) including the scale label 116 and the pointer movement. Furthermore, the pointer 118 on the second scale 112-B can be accompanied by a highlight 118, for example, a brightness (also: "glow"), which, similar to a spotlight, moves with each deflection of the numerical value 111.

[0053] By expanding the use of an adjacent display area as an information field 114, information can be distributed over a larger area or a larger space in order to ensure that the driver can easily understand the structure of the content and that it is easy to read.

[0054] The Figures 3 to 5 schematically show a second embodiment of the device 100, wherein individual features of the second embodiment may be identical or interchangeable with those of the first embodiment. In particular, features identified by the same reference numerals may be identical or interchangeable. The controller 120 is not shown for clarity.

[0055] The Figure 3 shows an example of the first mode. In the second embodiment, the information field 114 is empty and / or dark in the first mode. Figures 4 and 5 each show an example of the second mode of the device 100.

[0056] The in each of the Figures 3 to 5The scale 112-A shown and (if the device 100 is operated in the second mode) the scale 112-B are each curved, preferably along a circular arc. A focal point or center of the circular arcs is identical. The radii of curvature of the circular arcs are different, whereby the scales 112-A and 112-B are spaced apart from each other.

[0057] The vehicle may be an electric vehicle with an electric drive train. The vehicle may include a traction energy storage device that feeds the electric drive train and / or recovers energy from it (for example, during downhill driving or braking). In particular, the vehicle may be an electric bus. The Figures 4 and 5The examples of the second mode shown include, as an example of the content 115 with reference to the measured variable, a category 115-1 of the numerical value (for example, "recuperation" with a negative sign and "energy extraction" with a positive sign of the numerical value) and / or an average consumption 115-2 (for example, an average value of the measured variable).

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the Figures 4 and 5In the examples of the second mode shown, a physical unit 116-1 (e.g., kW for the power as a measured variable) and / or one or more limit values, target values, and / or target ranges of the measured variable are shown as scale labels. For example, the measured variable can comprise a power flow of the traction energy storage device. A displayed limit value 116-2 can be an upper limit for power extraction from the traction energy storage device. A target range of the power flow can be indicated by the limit value or further limit values. For example, the target range can correspond to an economical and / or ecological driving style.

[0059] The measured variable can be a dynamic variable during driving, for example, one that temporarily increases and temporarily decreases during driving. Alternatively or additionally, the measured variable can be a monotonically decreasing variable during driving, such as a fuel level or a charge level. Especially in the latter case, the tail next to the numerical value can be omitted. List of reference symbols

[0060] 100Device for displaying a measured variable 110Display of the device 111Numerical value of the measured variable 112-AFirst scale of the device outside the information field 112-BSecond scale of the device within the information field 114Information field of the device 115Content in the information field related to the measured variable 116Scale label of the second scale 118Highlighting of the numerical value 120Control of the device 122Signal processing unit 124User input unit

Claims

1. Device (100) for displaying a measured variable at a driver's position of a vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle, comprising: a display (110) configured to display a first scale (112-A) of the measured variable and selectively an information field (114) adjacent to the first scale (112-A); and a controller (120) which is or can be brought into signal exchange with the display (110) for controlling the display (110) and which is configured to detect a numerical value (111) of the measured variable, to display the numerical value (111) on the first scale (112-A) in a first mode, and to display the numerical value (111) in the information field (114) on a second scale (112-B) spaced apart from the first scale (112-A) in a second mode, in addition to displaying the numerical value (111) on the first scale (112-A), characterized in that the display of the numerical value (111) on the second scale (112-B) corresponds to a geometric continuation of the display of the numerical value (111) on the first scale (112-A).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first scale (112-A) and the second scale (112-B) are curved, and the geometric continuation corresponds to a radial continuation.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first scale (112-A) and the second scale (112-B) are rectilinear and parallel to each other, and the geometric continuation corresponds to a orthogonal continuation to the scales (112-A, 112-B).

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller (120) is further configured to numerically display the numerical value (111) of the measured variable in the information field (114) in the second mode and / or to display a scale label (116).

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the controller (120) is further configured to display, in the second mode, a content (115) associated with the measured variable and / or the numerical value (111) in the information field (114).

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the controller (120) is further configured to display a category associated with the numerical value (111) in the information field (114) in the second mode.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the controller (120) is further configured to display, in a third mode, in addition to displaying the numerical value (111) on the first scale (112-A), in the information field (114) at least one second measured variable different from the measured variable of the first scale (112-A).

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the information field (114) in the third mode does not comprise a second scale (112-B) of the measured variable, the second measured variable is displayed numerically in the information field (114), and / or a category assigned to the second measured variable is displayed in the information field (114).

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the first mode the information field (114) is empty.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the controller (120) is further configured to switch between the modes in response to an input from a driver of the vehicle.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first scale (112-A) and / or the second scale (112-B) comprises discrete values and the controller (120) is configured to indicate the numerical value (111) by means of a bar or pointer at the discrete value of the first scale (112-A) and / or the second scale (112-B) corresponding to the numerical value (111).

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display (110) is arranged or arrangeable on an instrument cluster and / or a center console, and / or comprises or uses a head-up display.

13. A commercial vehicle comprising a cab in which a device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is arranged.