Display assembly and method for displaying information in a motor vehicle

Abstract

This motor vehicle display assembly (26) comprises a group unit (10) which includes a group display screen (14) and a holographic means, and a control system comprising a control means capable of being operated by a vehicle user, the control means being located on a vehicle steering wheel. The control system is configured, when the control means is operated by the user, to switch the group unit (10) between a first state in which the group display screen (14) is visible to the user and the holographic means is inactive, and a second state in which the group display screen (14) is invisible to the user and the holographic means displays a hologram. Figure for the abstract: Fig 3

Description

Title of the invention: Display assembly and method for displaying information in a motor vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a display assembly and a method for displaying information, particularly in a vehicle.

[0002] Most vehicles include a group unit and an infotainment unit. The group unit is intended to display information intended for the vehicle's driver. The infotainment unit is intended to display information intended for the vehicle's driver and passengers, such as a multimedia interface for the vehicle.

[0003] Some vehicles are equipped with a holographic system capable of displaying a hologram near the center of the dashboard. However, this location for the hologram is not entirely satisfactory since the driver cannot easily see it. To avoid safety issues for vehicle users, the hologram is used solely for infotainment purposes.

[0004] The invention aims to resolve the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0005] More specifically, the invention aims to use the hologram not only for infotainment purposes and without raising safety issues for vehicle users.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle display assembly is proposed, comprising a group unit which includes a group display screen and a holographic means, and a control system comprising a control means suitable for being operated by a vehicle user, the control means being placed on a steering wheel of the vehicle.

[0007] According to a general feature of this display assembly, the control system is configured, when the control means is operated by the user, to switch the group unit between a first state in which the group display screen is visible to the user and the holographic means is inactive, and a second state in which the group display screen is invisible to the user and the holographic means displays a hologram.

[0008] Such an arrangement allows the group display screen to be replaced by a hologram when requested by the user. Thus, the driver can view the hologram without taking their eyes off the road, enabling the hologram to be used for other purposes and improving the safety of the vehicle's occupants.

[0009] An infotainment unit comprising a screen may also be provided infotainment display, the control system being configured such that, when it moves the group unit from the first state to the second state, it moves an object displayed on the group display screen to display it on the infotainment display screen and, when it moves the group unit from the second state to the first state, the object displayed on the infotainment display screen returns to the group display screen.

[0010] It may also be provided that the control system is configured in such a way that, when it moves an object displayed on the group display screen to the infotainment display screen, it divides the infotainment display screen into a left region and a right region, one region among the left and right regions being intended to display the object moved from the group display screen to the infotainment display screen.

[0011] Such a configuration allows information that was displayed on the group display screen before the user requests to switch to the second state to continue to be displayed.

[0012] Preferably, the control means is located at a distance, relative to an axis of rotation of the steering wheel, which is between 0.7 and 0.9 times a radius of the steering wheel.

[0013] It can also be envisaged that the control means includes a button placed on a main spoke of the steering wheel.

[0014] In another embodiment, the control means comprises a touchpad located on a main spoke of the steering wheel, the control system being configured to switch the group unit between the first and second states when the user swipes the touchpad along the direction of the main spoke.

[0015] This location of the touchpad and this configuration of the control system allow the user to easily switch between the first state and the second state.

[0016] In one embodiment, the control system is configured to switch the group unit from the first state to the second state when the user performs a sweep in a direction oriented towards a driven side of the vehicle.

[0017] Thus, when the user wishes to view the hologram, they swipe the touchpad towards the infotainment unit to direct the information displayed on the group display screen to the infotainment display screen. The invention therefore provides intuitive control of the displayed information.

[0018] Preferably, the control system is configured to switch the group unit from the second state to the first state when the user performs a sweep in a direction opposite to a driven side of the vehicle.

[0019] As when the user performs a sweep in the direction oriented towards the driving side, the user performs a sweep in a direction opposite to the driving side, that is, the opposite of the infotainment unit, when he no longer wants to see the hologram and wants the primary information displayed on the infotainment display screen to be displayed on the group display screen.

[0020] Preferably, the infotainment unit is intended to be placed in a central part of a vehicle dashboard.

[0021] In another embodiment, the group unit is intended to be located in the same lateral position as the steering wheel.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for displaying information in a motor vehicle is proposed by means of a display assembly as defined above, in which, when the control means is operated by a user, the control system switches the group unit between the first and second states.

[0023] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description of embodiments, which are in no way limiting, and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig. 1] represents a vehicle dashboard comprising a set display according to a first aspect of the invention,

[0025] [Fig.2] represents the dashboard of [Fig. 1] at an intermediate stage between a first state and a second state,

[0026] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of the dashboard of Figures 1 and 2,

[0027] [Fig.4] represents a method for displaying information according to a second aspect of the invention,

[0028] [Fig.5] is a front view of the dashboard of figures 1 to 3 in a first state, And

[0029] [Fig. 6] is a front view of the dashboard of Figures 1 to 3 in a second state.

[0030] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a dashboard 2 of a vehicle (not shown) is shown.

[0031] A direct orthonormal vector basis 4 is defined attached to the dashboard 2. The vector basis 4 consists of a vector X, a vector Y and a vector Z.

[0032] In the present application, the words "front" and "rear" refer to the direction of the X vector, that is, assuming that the X vector is oriented longitudinally, from back to front.

[0033] In the present application, the words "left" and "right" refer to the direction of the vector Y, assuming that the vector Y is oriented transversely from right to left.

[0034] In the present application, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "up" and "down" refer to the direction of the Z vector, assuming that the vehicle is resting on poorly on a flat horizontal surface, that is to say assuming that the Z vector is directed vertically upwards.

[0035] The vehicle further comprises a steering wheel 6. In the embodiment shown, the steering wheel 6 is located on the right side of the dashboard 2. However, the invention can also be implemented in a vehicle in which the steering wheel is located on the left side of the dashboard 2. The steering wheel 6 can pivot, relative to the dashboard 2, about an axis 7 perpendicular to the Y vector. The steering wheel 6 comprises a main spoke 32 and an auxiliary spoke 34. When the steering wheel 6 is turned so that the wheels are straight, the main spoke 32 is horizontal and the auxiliary spoke 34 is vertical and located below the main spoke 32. The main spoke 32 comprises a left portion 36 and a right portion 38.

[0036] The dashboard 2 includes an infotainment unit 8. The infotainment unit 8 is located in a central part of the dashboard 2. The infotainment unit 8 is intended to display information relevant to all users of the vehicle, for example a multimedia interface of the vehicle.

[0037] The infotainment unit 8 includes an infotainment display screen 9. In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the infotainment display screen 9 shows a multimedia interface.

[0038] The dashboard 2 includes a group unit 10. The group unit 10 is located behind the steering wheel 6, relative to a driver of the vehicle. More precisely, in a manner known per se, the group unit 10 is located opposite the driver's head with respect to the steering wheel 6. The group unit 10 is in the same lateral position as the steering wheel 6, therefore, as can be seen in the figures, there is no offset along the direction of the Y vector between the group unit 10 and the steering wheel 6.

[0039] The steering wheel 6 includes a touchpad 12 that can be activated with one hand, for example, the user's right hand. In the example shown, the touchpad 12 is located on the right-hand side of a main arm of the steering wheel 6. The touchpad 12 is capable of detecting pressure exerted by the user's hand. The touchpad 12 is also capable of detecting the swiping speed and direction of a hand swipe relative to the touchpad 12. The touchpad 12 is located on the right-hand side 38 of the main arm 32. More specifically, the touchpad 12 is located at a distance, relative to the axis 7, that is between 0.7 and 0.9 times the radius of the steering wheel 6.

[0040] The touchpad 12 can be replaced by a button (not shown). Preferably, the button can be oriented in a direction parallel to the main branch 32. Alternatively, two buttons can be placed on the respective left and right parts 36 and 38.

[0041] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the group unit 10 includes a group display screen 14. The group display screen 14 is intended to display information that is relevant to the driver of the vehicle, for example the speed of the vehicle.

[0042] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, the group display screen 14 is movable between a first position, shown in [Fig. 1], in which it is visible to the vehicle driver, and a second position (not shown) in which it is not visible to the vehicle driver. For this purpose, as shown in [Fig. 3], the instrument panel 2 includes an actuator 16 and two connecting rods 18 and 20. The connecting rods 18 and 20 are on a kinematic chain between the actuator 16 and the group display screen 14. More specifically, the actuators 16 and the connecting rods 18 and 20 can rotate the group display screen 14 around a direction parallel to the Y vector relative to the instrument panel 2 from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions.The rotation of the group display screen 14 can be activated by pressing and swiping the user's hand on the touchpad 12.

[0043] The group unit 10 further comprises a holographic means 22. The holographic means 22, also known as a "holo-box", is capable of displaying a hologram which appears before a driver of the vehicle as being in a location 24.

[0044] With reference to [Fig. 3], a display assembly 26 is formed by the infotainment unit 8 and the group unit 10. The display assembly 26 includes a data communication link 28 with the group display screen 14, a data communication link 30 with the holographic means 22 and a data communication link (not shown) with the infotainment display screen 9. Thus, the display assembly 26 is capable of providing vehicle users with information by displaying it on the group display screen 14 and on the infotainment display screen 9, and by displaying a hologram by means of the holographic means 22.

[0045] The display assembly 26 includes a control system 40. The control system 40 is in data communication with the touchpad 12. More specifically, the control system 40 is able to determine if a user, for example the driver of the vehicle, performs a swipe on the touchpad 12 and is able to determine the direction of the swipe.

[0046] The control system 40 is configured to display primary information on the group display screen 14 and secondary information on the infotainment display screen 9. The primary information may include the vehicle speed, the engine revolutions per minute of the vehicle, or a satellite navigation interface. Secondary information may include a multimedia interface and a seatbelt warning.

[0047] Thanks to the display assembly 26, it is possible to implement a method for displaying information as shown in [Fig.4].

[0048] The method of [Fig.4] includes an initialization step E00 in which the display assembly 26 is configured in a first state, i.e. a state in which it displays the primary information on the group display screen 14 and the secondary information on the infotainment display screen 9.

[0049] The instrument panel 2 is shown in step E00 in [Fig. 5]. More specifically, a multimedia interface is shown on the infotainment display screen 9 while a number of revolutions per minute and a vehicle speed are shown on the group display screen 14.

[0050] The method of [Fig. 4] includes a test step E01 in which it is determined whether a user of the display assembly 26 performs an action to request a transition to a second state. More specifically, the control system 40 detects whether the user swipes from right to left on the touchpad 12. As long as the user does not swipe the touchpad 12 from right to left, step E01 continues to be executed. As soon as the user swipes the touchpad 12 from right to left, the method proceeds to step E02.

[0051] During step E02, the control system 40 divides the infotainment display screen 9 into a left region 42, located to the left of a vertical dividing line 44, and a right region 46, located to the right of the line 44. Then, the control system 40 displays on the right region 46 the primary information that was displayed on the group display screen 14 in step E01. The control system 40 displays on the left region 42 the secondary information that was originally displayed on the infotainment display screen 9. Thus, in the example shown, the control system 40 displays the engine speed and vehicle speed on the right region 46 and the multimedia interface on the left region 42.

[0052] Simultaneously, the control system 40 activates the actuator 16 such that the group display screen 14 rotates around a direction parallel to the Y vector and is no longer visible to the vehicle driver. Next, the control system 40 commands the holographic means 22 to display a hologram 48. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 6], the hologram 48 is displayed with an umbrella 50 and a storm cloud 52 to warn the vehicle driver of the risk of stormy weather. The hologram 48 is displayed with a temperature notification 54.

[0053] The method of [Fig. 4] includes another test step E03 in which the control system 40 detects whether a user of the display assembly 26 performs an action to request a return to the first state. More specifically, the control system 40 detects whether the user swipes the touchpad 12 from left to right. As long as the user does not swipe the touchpad 12 from left to right, the method remains at step E03. As soon as the user swipes the touchpad 12 from left to right, the method proceeds to step E04.

[0054] During step E04, the control system 40 stops splitting the infotainment display screen 9 and displays on it the secondary information that was displayed on the left region 46 in step E03. Thus, in the example shown, the control system 40 displays the multimedia interface on the infotainment display screen 9.

[0055] Meanwhile, the control system 40 commands the holographic means 22 to stop the display of the hologram 48. Then the control system 40 activates the actuator 16 so that the group display screen 14 rotates around a direction parallel to the Y vector in the opposite direction to that of step E02. Thus, the group display screen 14 becomes visible again to the vehicle driver. Next, the control system 40 displays on the group display screen 14 the primary information that was displayed on the right-hand region 42 in step E03. The control system 40 therefore displays the speed and the revolutions per minute on the group display screen 14.

[0056] If the touchpad 12 is replaced by a single button suitable for being oriented in the direction of the main branch 32, the control system 40 can implement the same process, considering that, in steps E01 and E03, the determination of a scanning direction on the touchpad 12 is replaced by a determination of a direction in which the button is oriented.

[0057] If the touchpad 12 is replaced by two buttons placed on the respective left and right parts 36 and 38 of the main branch 32, the control system 40 can implement the same process, considering that, in steps E01 and E03, the determination of a scanning direction on the touchpad 12 is replaced by a determination of the button which is activated, the left or the right.

[0058] The control system 40 may further include an adjustment module 56 capable of modifying steps E01 and E03. Specifically, the adjustment module 56 is capable of modifying the direction in which the user must perform the sweep to move from one of the first and second states to the other of the first and second states.

[0059] In view of the above, the display assembly described above makes it possible to display information by means of a hologram when the user requests it, without the driver needing to take their eyes off the road to view the hologram. Communication between the driver and the display unit is thus improved, resulting in more communication possibilities via a hologram without increasing safety risks.

Claims

Claims

1. A display assembly (26) for a motor vehicle, comprising a group unit (10) which comprises a group display screen (14) and a holographic means (22), and a control system (40) comprising a control means (12) operable by a user of the vehicle, the control means (12) being placed on a steering wheel (6) of the vehicle, characterized in that the control system (40) is configured, when the control means (12) is operated by the user, to switch the group unit (10) between a first state in which the group display screen (14) is visible to the user and the holographic means (22) is inactive, and a second state in which the group display screen (14) is invisible to the user and the holographic means (22) displays a hologram (48).

2. The display assembly (26) of claim 1, further comprising an infotainment unit (8) comprising an infotainment display screen (9), the control system (40) being configured such that, when it switches the group unit (10) from the first state to the second state, it moves an object displayed on the group display screen (14) to display it on the infotainment display screen (9) and, when it switches the group unit (10) from the second state to the first state, the object displayed on the infotainment display screen (9) returns to the group display screen (14).

3. The display assembly (26) of claim 2, wherein the control system (40) is configured such that when it moves an object displayed on the group display screen (14) to the infotainment display screen (9), it divides the infotainment display screen (9) into a left region (42) and a right region (46), one region (42, 46) of the left and right regions being for displaying the object moved from the group display screen (14) to the infotainment display screen (9).

4. A display assembly (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means (12) is located at a distance, relative to an axis of rotation (7) of the steering wheel (6), which is between 0.7 and 0.9 times a radius of the steering wheel (6).

5. A display assembly (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means comprises a button placed on a main branch (32) of the steering wheel (6).

6. A display assembly (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means comprises a touchpad (12) placed on a main branch (32) of the steering wheel (6), the control system (40) being configured to switch the group unit (10) between the first and second states when the user swipes the touchpad (12) along the direction of the main branch (32).

7. The display assembly (26) of claim 6, wherein the control system (40) is configured to switch the group unit (10) from the first state to the second state when the user swipes in a direction toward a driving side of the vehicle, and / or wherein the control system (40) is configured to switch the group unit (10) from the second state to the first state when the user swipes in a direction opposite a driving side of the vehicle.

8. A display assembly (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the infotainment unit (8) is intended to be placed in a central portion of a dashboard (2) of the vehicle.

9. A display assembly (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the group unit (10) is intended to be located at the same lateral location as the steering wheel (6).

10. A method of displaying information in a motor vehicle by means of a display assembly (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, when the control means (12) is operated by a user, the control system (40) switches the group unit (10) between the first and second states.

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