Method for head-up display of a number in a motor vehicle, associated device and motor vehicle
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-01
Smart Images
Figure FR2024050948_27022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] TITLE OF THE INVENTION: Method for head-up display of a number in a motor vehicle, associated device and motor vehicle.
[0003] The present invention claims priority from French application 2308859 filed on 08 / 23 / 2023, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] [1.] The invention relates to head-up displays in motor vehicles.
[0005] [2.] The head-up display consists of superimposing graphic elements (in other words: displayed information) with the environment of the motor vehicle seen through a transparent wall of a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, in particular through the windshield in a motor vehicle.
[0006] [3.] There is a need to facilitate the perception and / or interpretation of these graphic elements.
[0007] [4.] For this purpose, the invention relates to a method for controlling a head-up display on a windshield of a motor vehicle comprising a projection device, the method being implemented in the motor vehicle, and being characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
[0008] • Reception (for example, via a vehicle data bus), from a (electronic) sensor of the motor vehicle, of a physical quantity measured by the sensor (and the method may comprise an acquisition of the physical measurement by the sensor), then
[0009] • Determination of a first focal distance, from the physical quantity, then
[0010] • Control of a projection, by the projection device, of a graphic element (in other words: sending to the projection device a command of a projection of a graphic element, by the projection device), on the windshield, at the first focal distance (in other words: with or according to the first focal distance), (the command may comprise the graphic element and the first focal distance) (the method may, in addition, comprise this projection by the projection device), the graphic element comprising digital characters (representing figures, or in other words, figures) of a number obtained from the physical quantity.
[0011] [5.] According to one embodiment, the first focal length is a decreasing function (i.e.: strictly decreasing in part, i.e. over at least part of its domain of definition) of the physical quantity (in other words: the larger the physical quantity, the smaller the focal length, i.e., the closer the graphic element will be displayed in a plane to the driver (when he is in the driving position, for example, sitting on the driver's seat)) or a decreasing function of a deviation (or the difference in absolute value) between a predetermined central value and the physical quantity (in other words: the further the physical quantity is from a predetermined central value, the smaller the focal length, i.e., the closer the graphic element will be displayed in a plane to the driver (when he is in the driving position, for example, sitting on the driver's seat)).
[0012] [6.] Alternatively, the first focal length is an increasing function (i.e. strictly increasing in part, i.e. over at least part of its domain of definition) of the physical quantity (in other words: the larger the physical quantity, the higher the focal length, i.e., the further the graphic element will be displayed in a plane away from the driver (when he is in the driving position, for example, sitting on the driver's seat)) or an increasing function of a deviation (or the difference in absolute value) between a predetermined central value and the physical quantity (in other words: the further the physical quantity is from a predetermined central value, the higher the focal length, i.e., the closer the graphic element will be displayed in a plane to the driver (when he is in the driving position, for example, sitting on the driver's seat)).
[0013] [7.] The first focal distance corresponds to a plane in which the graphic element is displayed. [8.] Thus, the display of the number obtained from the physical quantity appears, to the driver of the vehicle, at a distance depending on the absolute value.
[0014] [9.] This makes it easier for the driver to perceive that this information is critical or important.
[0015] [10.] For example, the physical quantity is the number.
[0016] [11.] Alternatively, the number is proportional (or some other kind of function) of the physical quantity.
[0017] [12.] According to one embodiment, the determination of the first focal length from the physical quantity comprises a step of selecting the first focal length from a plurality of focal lengths, from the physical quantity
[0018] [13.] For example, each focal length of the plurality of focal lengths is associated, in a memory (for example, of the electronic device implementing the method according to the invention), with a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold (greater than the minimum threshold) (so that the first focal length is a decreasing function of the physical quantity or of a deviation between a predetermined central value and the physical quantity), the first focal length being selected, during the selection step, if the physical quantity is between the minimum threshold of the first focal length and the maximum threshold of the first focal length.
[0019] [14.] For example:
[0020] • The sensor is a motor vehicle traffic speed sensor and the physical quantity is a motor vehicle traffic speed, or
[0021] • The sensor is a temperature sensor (external or internal) of the motor vehicle, and the physical quantity is a temperature (external or internal of the motor vehicle).
[0022] [15.] Alternatively, other sensors and physical quantities are conceivable. [16.] For example: the sensor is a rotation frequency sensor of a propulsion engine of the motor vehicle and the physical quantity is a rotation frequency of this propulsion engine.
[0023] [17.] For example, the projection device comprises a plurality of steerable projectors and a steerable mirror, the projection device being capable of (and the method may comprise the following steps, for example implemented by a microprocessor of the projection device):
[0024] • Receive the order, and (then)
[0025] • (Upon receipt of said command), Select (from the first focal length) a projector from the plurality of orientable projectors, an orientation of the projector and an orientation of the orientable mirror, so as to project (, from the projector), onto the windshield, the graphic element, via the orientable mirror, at the first focal length.
[0026] [18.] Alternatively, the projection device comprises a plurality of steerable mirrors and a steerable projector, the projection device being capable (and the method may comprise the following steps, for example implemented by a microprocessor of the projection device) of:
[0027] • Receive the order, and (then)
[0028] • (Upon receipt of said command), Select (from the first focal length) a mirror from the plurality of orientable mirrors, an orientation of the orientable projector and an orientation of the mirror, so as to project (from the orientable projector), onto the windshield, the graphic element, via the mirror, at the first focal length.
[0029] [19.] Alternatively:
[0030] The projection device comprises an optical diffuser, and
[0031] The windshield includes a holographic optical element (e.g., in the thickness of the windshield), The graphic element being of a monochrome color, the focal length is determined by the monochrome color.
[0032] [20.] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a sensor of a physical quantity, a projection device and an electronic device adapted to carry out the steps of the method according to one of the variants previously described.
[0033] [21.] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions, which cause such a motor vehicle to execute the steps of the method according to one of the variants previously described.
[0034] [22.] The characteristics and advantages of the computer program, the electronic device, and the vehicle are identical to those of the method according to the invention (without it being necessary to repeat them here).
[0035] [23.] When the electronic device, motor vehicle (or other element) is “configured to” (or “capable of”) performing or implementing a step or operation, this implies, for example, that the element comprises means for performing the step or operation. The means preferably comprise electronic means, for example a computer program, data in memory, specialized electronic circuits, wired or wireless connections, a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller.
[0036] [24.] For example, the electronic device includes a computer program, a microprocessor and / or a microcontroller.
[0037] [25.] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the detailed description which follows, comprising embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:
[0038] • [Fig. 1] represents an electronic device and a motor vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention, in top view, • [Fig. 2], [Fig. 3] and [Fig. 4] represent three types of projection device of the motor vehicle of figure 1,
[0039] • [Fig. 5] represents an implementation of the method according to the invention, according to an exemplary embodiment, by the electronic device and the motor vehicle of figure 1,
[0040] • [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7] represent display plans, at several times, as seen by the driver of the motor vehicle in Figure 1.
[0041] [26.] In Figure 1, some elements are, of course, seen through transparency.
[0042] [27.] Detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, with reference to figures 1 to 5.
[0043] [28.] Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 100. The motor vehicle 100 comprises a windshield 140 and a microprocessor 110. Furthermore, the microprocessor 110 is connected, by a data bus 150, to a sensor 131 and to a projection device 120 of the motor vehicle 100.
[0044] [29.] In step S00 figure 5, the microprocessor 110 receives, from the sensor 131, a physical quantity measured by the sensor 131.
[0045] [30.] In step S10, the microprocessor 110 selects a first focal length from the physical quantity. For this, the microprocessor 110 can read, in its memory, a table associating each of the focal lengths of a plurality of focal lengths with a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold. The first focal length is the focal length in the associated table:
[0046] • At a maximum threshold greater than the physical quantity,
[0047] • Has a minimum threshold lower than the physical quantity.
[0048] [31.] This table defines the focal length as a decreasing function of the physical quantity (in other words: the smaller the physical quantity, the more it will be displayed in a plane close to the driver (when he is in the driving position, for example, sitting in the driver's seat)).
[0049] [32.] In step S20, the microprocessor 110 sends a command to the projector
[0050] 120 for the projection device 120 to project a graphic element onto the windshield 140 at the first focal length. The command may include the graphic element and the first focal length. The graphic element is determined from the physical quantity.
[0051] [33.] In step S30, the projection device 120 receives the command.
[0052] [34.] According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the projection device 120 comprises orientable projectors 121, 123 and 125 and an orientable mirror 122. In step S40, upon receiving the command, the projection device 120 selects a projector from among the orientable projectors 121, 123 and 125, for example the orientable projector 121. In step S40, the projection device 120 also selects an orientation of the orientable projector 121 and an orientation of the orientable mirror 122, so as to project, from the orientable projector 121, onto the windshield 140, the graphic element, via the orientable mirror 122, at the first focal distance.
[0053] [35.] In the variant shown in Figure 3, the projection device 120 comprises orientable mirrors 122', 124' and 126' and an orientable projector 121'. In step S40, upon receiving the command, the projection device 120 selects a mirror from among the orientable mirrors 122', 124' and 126', for example the mirror 124'. In step S40, the projection device 120 also selects an orientation of the orientable projector 121' and an orientation of the mirror 124', so as to project, from the projector 121', onto the windshield 140, the graphic element, via the mirror 124', at the first focal distance.
[0054] [36.] As a variant shown in figure 4:
[0055] • The projection device 120 comprises a projector 121”, an optical diffuser 127, and
[0056] • The windshield 140 comprises a holographic optical element (for example, in its thickness),
[0057] • The graphic element being of a monochrome color, the focal length is determined by the monochrome color. [37.] Step S40 can be implemented by a microprocessor (not shown) of the projection device 120.
[0058] [38.] Step S40 comprises calculations in the field of optics (implemented for example by the microprocessor of the projection device 120) within the reach of those skilled in the art.
[0059] [39.] In step S50, once thus configured, the projection device 120 projects the graphic element onto the windshield 140.
[0060] [40.] The sensor 131 is an exterior or interior temperature sensor of the motor vehicle, and the physical quantity is an exterior or interior temperature of the motor vehicle.
[0061] [41.] The focal length may be a decreasing function of a difference between a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and the temperature (alternatively, a decreasing function of the temperature, if the vehicle is traveling in a hot geographical area for example).
[0062] [42.] For example, as shown in Figure 6, a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius is displayed on a plane P2 further from the conductor than a plane P1 where a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius is displayed.
[0063] [43.] Alternatively, the sensor 131 is a sensor for the speed of movement of the motor vehicle 100, for example placed on a wheel of the motor vehicle 100.
[0064] [44.] The focal length may be a decreasing function of this speed (alternatively, a decreasing function of the deviation between this speed and a predetermined central value, for example 110 kilometers per hour on a highway).
[0065] [45.] For example, as illustrated in Figure 7, a speed of 120 kilometers per hour is displayed on a plane P4 further from the driver than a plane P3 where a speed of 157 kilometers per hour is displayed.
Claims
CLAIMS
1. Method for controlling a head-up display on a windshield (140) of a motor vehicle (100) comprising a projection device (120), the method being implemented in the motor vehicle (100), and being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: • Reception (S00), from a sensor (131) of the motor vehicle (100), of a physical quantity, • Determination (S10) of a first focal distance from the physical quantity, • Control (S20) of a projection, by the projection device (120), of a graphic element, on the windshield (140), at the first focal distance, The graphic element comprising numeric characters of a number obtained from the physical quantity.
2. Control method according to the preceding claim in which the first focal distance is a decreasing function of the physical quantity or a decreasing function of a deviation between a predetermined central value and the physical quantity
3. Control method according to the preceding claim in which: • The sensor (131) is a traffic speed sensor of the motor vehicle (100) and the physical quantity is a traffic speed of the motor vehicle (100), or • The sensor (131) is a temperature sensor of the motor vehicle (100), and the physical quantity is a temperature.
4. A control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the determination (S10) of the first focal length from the physical quantity comprises a step of selecting the first focal length from a plurality of focal lengths, from the physical quantity
5. Control method according to the preceding claim in which each focal length of the plurality of focal lengths is associated, in a memory, with a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold, the first focal length being selected, during the selection step (S10), if the physical quantity is between the minimum threshold and the maximum threshold of the first focal length.
6. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the projection device (120) comprises a plurality of steerable projectors and a steerable mirror (132), the projection device being capable of: • Receive (S30) the order, and • Select (S40) a projector (131) from the plurality of orientable projectors, an orientation of the projector (131) and an orientation of the orientable mirror (132), so as to project, onto the windshield (140), the graphic element, at the first focal distance.
7. Control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the projection device (120) comprises a plurality of orientable mirrors and an orientable projector (121'), the projection device being capable of: • Receive the order (S30), and • Selecting (S40) a mirror (124') from the plurality of orientable mirrors, an orientation of the orientable projector (121') and an orientation of the mirror (124'), so as to project, onto the windshield (140), the graphic element, at the first focal distance. [Claim s] Motor vehicle (100) comprising a sensor (131) of a physical quantity, a projection device (120) and an electronic device (110) adapted to carry out the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 7.
9. Computer program comprising instructions, which cause the motor vehicle according to claim 8, to execute the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.