Vehicle visualization system including an integrated display device

Abstract

Vehicle visualization system comprising an integrated display device. The present invention relates to a vehicle visualization system, comprising a support element (9) and a visualization device (11) comprising an image acquisition device and a display device (17) facing the interior of the vehicle, the display device comprising a display surface (19), the image acquisition device being arranged to acquire images of the vehicle's exterior environment with respect to said image acquisition device, said images acquired by the image acquisition device being displayed on the display device. The support element comprises a decorative layer forming part of an interior surface (15) of the support element, the display device extending between the decorative layer (23) and an exterior surface (13) of the support element.Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle visualization system comprising an integrated display device

[0001] The present invention relates to a visualization system for the external environment of a vehicle, of the type comprising at least one support element defining an external surface intended to extend outside the vehicle and an internal surface intended to extend inside the vehicle, and at least one visualization device for the external environment of the vehicle, the visualization device comprising at least one image acquisition device on the side of the external surface of the support element and at least one display device facing the interior of the vehicle, the display device comprising a display surface, the image acquisition device being arranged to acquire images of the external environment of the vehicle with respect to said image acquisition device,The images acquired by the image acquisition device are displayed on the display device when the display device is switched on.

[0002] The invention also relates to a vehicle door comprising such a viewing system and to a vehicle comprising such a vehicle door.

[0003] It is known to use means of visualizing the external environment in a vehicle, in order to help a vehicle occupant to better understand and perceive the external environment.

[0004] For example, most current vehicles are equipped with a plurality of rearview mirrors, a reversing camera, etc.

[0005] It is also known to replace certain optical mirrors forming the vehicle's rearview mirrors with image acquisition devices arranged to acquire images of the vehicle's external environment, in order to allow, in particular, viewing of part of the environment behind the vehicle. The images acquired by an acquisition device are, for example, displayed on a display device extending into the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0006] On the other hand, these visualization elements of the external environment do not necessarily allow visualization of certain parts of the environment, in particular those located in a blind spot of the vehicle, the visibility of which is reduced or even zero for an occupant of the vehicle.

[0007] Furthermore, these elements display images of the external environment either by the use of optical mirrors or by the use of a screen connected to an acquisition device and formed of a lens or a pane of glass extending over a trim element of the vehicle, for example on the dashboard or on a pillar of window or windshield.

[0008] These elements therefore do not integrate harmoniously with the vehicle's interior. Indeed, the display surface of the display device is visible to a vehicle occupant even when the display device is switched off. This detracts from the appearance of the vehicle's interior.

[0009] One of the aims of the invention is therefore to propose a visualization system of the external environment of a vehicle allowing to increase the visibility of the external environment by an occupant of the vehicle, while offering an integrated and harmonious system in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a visualization system of the aforementioned type, in which the support element comprises a decorative layer forming at least part of the inner surface, the display device extending between the decorative layer and the outer surface of the support element.

[0011] The display device, extending between the decorative layer and the outer surface of the support element, is fully integrated into the support element. The display system is thus concealed beneath the decorative layer, and the display surface is seamlessly integrated into the support element, without the transition between the edges of the display surface and the outer surface of the support element being visible to a vehicle occupant.

[0012] Furthermore, the display device comprising at least one image acquisition device of the external environment displaying the acquired images on the display surface, an occupant of the vehicle can distinguish external elements on the display surface which are normally obscured by a part of the vehicle body.

[0013] Visibility and perception of the external environment are then improved.

[0014] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the visualization system comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0015] - the acquisition device comprises an image sensor, the image sensor and the display devices being located on the same side of the vehicle, relative to a front-to-rear line of the vehicle;

[0016] - the decorative layer obscures the display device so that when the device The display is off, only the decorative layer is visible, the display device is not visible from inside the vehicle;

[0017] - the decorative layer is at least partially translucent and / or has or openings allowing light to pass through from the display device when it is switched on;

[0018] - the display device comprises a set of light-emitting diodes forming a matrix of light-emitting diodes;

[0019] - the image acquisition device includes an external protective layer extending over the outer surface of the support element, opposite the image acquisition device;

[0020] - the decorative layer includes a finishing layer, the finishing layer being a grained skin, and / or smoked and / or made of a woven or non-woven textile;

[0021] - the decoration layer is multilayered and comprises successively, from the outside towards The inside consists of a layer of plastic material, a flexible layer, and a finishing layer.

[0022] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a vehicle door comprising a door body defining at least one window and an external environment viewing system as defined above, in which the support element forms a part of the body extending in the vicinity of the window, in particular in the lower vicinity of the window.

[0023] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the vehicle door comprises the following feature:

[0024] - the display surface extends the window onto the inner surface of the element support, the acquisition device acquiring images extending the outside scene visible from inside the vehicle through the window, the images acquired by the acquisition device being displayed on the display surface.

[0025] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a vehicle comprising at least one vehicle door comprising an external environment viewing system as defined above.

[0026] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic representation of a visualization system the external environment according to the invention and the portion of the environment acquired by this visualization system,

[0028] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective representation of a system of visualization according to the invention, the visualization system comprising a display device that is switched off,

[0029] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective representation of the vi system visualization of [Fig.2] in which the display device is switched on, and

[0030] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic exploded perspective representation of the visualization system of the [Fig.2].

[0031] With reference to Figs. 1 to 3, a vehicle external environment visualization system 1 is described, intended to be mounted on a part of the passenger compartment of a vehicle body, for example on part of a vehicle door, or a dashboard.

[0032] In the example shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the vehicle's external environment visualization system 1 is intended to be mounted on a vehicle door 3.

[0033] More particularly, the door 3 includes a body 5 defining an opening forming a window 7, receiving in a known way a pane of glass.

[0034] In all that follows, the terms "external" and "outside" refer to what is turned outwards from the outside of the vehicle, as opposed to the terms "internal" and "inside" which refer to what is turned towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0035] The visualization system 1 includes at least one support element 9 and at least one visualization device 11 of the external environment of the vehicle.

[0036] The support element 9 forms, for example, part of the body 5 of the vehicle door 3, in particular of a front door of the vehicle, in the vicinity of the window 7. The support element 9 defines an outer surface 13 intended to extend outside the vehicle and an inner surface 15 intended to extend inside the vehicle. In other words, the outer surface 13 forms part of the outer surface of the door body 5 and the inner surface 15 forms part of the inner surface of the door body 5, for example, part of the door panel lining the door sheet metal inside the vehicle and delimiting a part of the vehicle's interior from the outside of the vehicle when the door 3 is closed.

[0037] The outer surface 13 of the support element 9 thus forms, for example, part of a body panel of the door 3 of the vehicle and the inner surface 15 forms a trim element of the body 5 of the door 3, the part of the body panel and the trim element extending on either side of the window 7, in the direction of the thickness of the door.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, the support element 9 forms, for example, the lower part of the door 3, extending below the window 7. Thus, with respect to a driver of the vehicle, the support element 9 extends beside them at a height slightly lower than the height of the base of a windshield of the vehicle, on the left or right side of the vehicle. The support element 9 extends, for example, above the armrest formed in the door panel, between the armrest and the opening forming the window 7.

[0039] It is understood that the support element 9 can form any other part of the vehicle, such as a dashboard for example.

[0040] The support element 9 comprises, for example, a support layer 16 forming an internal part of the support element 9, i.e. extending from the inner side of the vehicle. The support layer 16 is for example made of a rigid plastic material and gives its mechanical properties to the support element 9.

[0041] The display device 11 constitutes, for example, a single module suitable for integration into the support element 9. Thus, the assembly of the display device 11 with the support element 9 is facilitated, and this is independent of the part of the vehicle formed by the support element 9.

[0042] The display device 11 includes a display device 17 facing inwards towards the vehicle. The display device 17 belongs to an inner part of the display device 11, extending into the interior of the vehicle.

[0043] For example, the display device 17 extends over the support layer 16, and in particular, extends between the support layer 16 and the inner surface 15 of the support element 9.

[0044] The display device 17 includes a display surface 19 intended to display images and / or luminous areas for a vehicle occupant, as will be described in more detail later.

[0045] In a particular embodiment, the display device 17 comprises an array of light-emitting diodes forming an LED matrix 21. The LED matrix 21 is, for example, connected to a power supply unit, not shown, capable of supplying the LEDs with energy in order to activate the display device 17.

[0046] In addition to the display device 17, the support element 9 includes a decorative layer 23 forming at least part of the inner surface 15 of the support element 9. The display device 17 extends between the decorative layer 23 and the outer surface 15 of the support element 9.

[0047] In one particular embodiment, the decorative layer 23 obscures the display device 17 so that when the display device 17 is switched off, as shown in [Fig. 2], only the decorative layer 23 is visible. In other words, the display device 17 is not visible from inside the vehicle when it is switched off. More specifically, the transition between the edges of the display surface 19 and the inner surface 15 of the support element 9 is invisible to a vehicle occupant when the display device 17 is switched off.

[0048] The decorative layer 23 is, for example, at least partially translucent and / or has openings allowing light from the display device 17 to pass through when it is switched on. Thus, when the display device 17 is switched on, as shown in [Fig. 3], the occupants inside the vehicle can distinguish the images from the display device 17 and displayed on the display surface 19 through the decorative layer 23.

[0049] With reference to [Fig. 4], the decoration layer 23 is, for example, multilayered and comprises successively, from the outside in, a layer of plastic material 25, a flexible layer 27 and a finishing layer 29.

[0050] The plastic material layer 25 is, for example, a layer made of a polymer such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The plastic material layer 25 is at least partially translucent and / or at least partially transparent so as to allow light from the display device 17 to pass from its outer surface to its inner surface and into the interior of the vehicle. The plastic material layer 25 protects the display device 17 and is assembled, for example by bonding, to the display device 17. The plastic material layer 25 also improves the light diffusion of the display device 17. It has a thickness, for example, of between 0.3 mm and 3 mm.

[0051] The flexible layer 27 is for example a layer of foam or a layer of textile, for example formed of an assembly of threads perpendicular to the assembly surface of the flexible layer 27 with the layer of plastic material 25. The flexible layer 27 provides a feeling of comfort for the occupants of the vehicle, unlike a support element 9 comprising a screen formed of a glass, which would have much more rigid sensory properties and therefore be less pleasant for the occupants of the vehicle.

[0052] The flexible layer 27 is bonded to the plastic layer 25 of the support element 9, for example by gluing. By flexible, it is understood that the flexible layer 27 deforms to conform to the shape of the layer to which it is applied and to compress elastically when pressure is applied to one of its faces, particularly from the inner surface 15, the pressure being applied, for example, by a user's finger. The flexible layer 27 has a thickness, for example, of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0053] The finishing layer 29 forms, for example, at least part of the inner surface 15 of the support element 9, and thus gives the support element 9 its aesthetic appearance. The finishing layer 29 is assembled to the flexible layer 27, for example by gluing.

[0054] For example, the finishing layer 29 is a grained, smoked skin, made of a woven or non-woven textile, colored or colorless or otherwise. It has a thickness, for example, between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0055] In one embodiment, the flexible layer 27 and the finishing layer 29 are at least partially translucent and / or have openings allowing light from the display device 17 to pass through when it is switched on, from their outer surface to their inner surface.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the visual device The display 11 comprises at least one image acquisition device 31. In contrast, the display device 11, as described above, can be used independently of the image acquisition device 31, that is, without displaying the images from the image acquisition device 31, as will now be described, nor without being connected to this image acquisition device 31. In other words, everything extending from the inner side of the support layer 16, that is, everything extending between the support layer 16 and the inner surface 15 of the support element 9, including the support layer 16, can be used independently of the image acquisition device 31, and more generally, everything extending from the outer side of the support layer 16, that is, everything extending between the support layer 16 and the outer surface 13 of the support element 9.

[0057] The image acquisition device 31 extends from the outer surface 13 of the support element 9 and is arranged to acquire images of the external environment of the vehicle with respect to the image acquisition device 31. In other words, the image acquisition device 31 "opens" into the outer surface 13 of the support element 9. According to one embodiment, the image acquisition device 31 extends over the outer surface 13 of the support element 9. In the example shown in [Fig. 1], the image acquisition device 31 and the display device 17 extend on either side of the support element 9 so that the image acquisition device 31 forms an outer part of the display device 11 extending outside the vehicle.

[0058] Thus, the image acquisition device 31 extends from the side of the outer surface 13 of the support element 9 and the display device 17 extends from the side of the inner surface 15 of the support element 9.

[0059] The image acquisition device 31 acquires images of the external environment of the vehicle and is connected to the display device 17 so as to display the acquired images on the display surface 19, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

[0060] For this purpose, the image acquisition device 31 includes, for example, an image sensor 33, such as a camera, mounted on the outer surface 13 of the support element 9. The image sensor 33 is arranged to acquire images of the external environment of the vehicle, more particularly of the side of the vehicle outside of which the image acquisition device 31 extends in order to inform an occupant of the vehicle of the presence of other vehicles and / or obstacles in the external environment.

[0061] In one embodiment, the image sensor 33 includes a night mode capable of improving the perception of images acquired by the acquisition device 31 when the outside environment is a dark, or nighttime environment.

[0062] In order to simply represent the external environment to the occupant present in the vehicle, the image sensor 33 and the display device 17 are advantageously located on the same side of the vehicle, relative to a front-rear line of the vehicle.

[0063] The image sensor 33 is for example mounted on the shoulder of the outer surface 13 of the door 3, that is to say at the hinge of the door 3.

[0064] Alternatively, the image sensor 33 is mounted on the outer surface 13 of the support element 9, in the vicinity of the door 3, and not on the door 3 itself, so that the image sensor 33 remains fixed regardless of the position of the door 3, and does not rotate with the door 3 when it is opened.

[0065] The image sensor 33 is, for example, flush with the outer surface of the body, in particular with the outer surface 13 of the support element 9 on which it is mounted. In other words, the image sensor 33 does not protrude from the outer surface 13 outwards from the vehicle. This has the advantage of limiting the wind resistance of the acquisition device 31 and offering little resistance to the airflow around the vehicle so as not to degrade the vehicle's aerodynamic performance.

[0066] The image sensor 33's connectors, i.e., the power supply and transmission cable(s) for a signal representing the images acquired by the acquisition device 31, extend, for example, from the image sensor 33 into the vehicle. The power supply cable, not shown, is then connected directly to the display device 17 via the support element 9. "Connected directly" means that the image sensor 33's connectors do not necessarily require a connection to the vehicle's electronic system, so that the display system 1 can, in one embodiment, be mounted simply as a single module in the vehicle. Alternatively, the image sensor is connected to the vehicle's electronics.

[0067] In a particular embodiment, the image acquisition device 31 includes an external protective layer, not shown, extending over the outer surface 13 of the support element 9, opposite the image acquisition device 31. The external protective layer is, for example, a glass pane or a plastic pane and protects the image acquisition device 31, in particular the image sensor 33, from potential external shocks and / or weathering.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the display surface 19 extends the window 7 of the vehicle onto the inner surface 15 of the support element 9.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the display device 19 forms a band extending under and along the window 7 between the door panel and the window opening 7.

[0070] The image acquisition device 31 is, for example, configured to acquire images extending the exterior scene visible from inside the vehicle by the window 7, as shown in [Fig. 3]. The images acquired by the acquisition device 31 are then displayed on the display surface 19, and the window appears extended. By "extended," we mean that window 7 appears to be extended at its lower part in order to view the external environment behind the support element 9, opposite the display device 17, but outside the vehicle.

[0071] Thus, a vehicle occupant can see obstacles / vehicles in the external environment that are potentially at least partially obscured by the vehicle's body. The vehicle occupant is then better informed about the environment outside the vehicle and can adapt their driving and / or behavior to best interact with their surroundings, particularly when they wish to open the vehicle's door 3. Indeed, in the case of a door, the viewing system allows the vehicle occupant sitting next to door 3 to see what extends directly on the other side of door 3 under window 7, so that this occupant can ensure that the space opposite door 3 is clear of any obstacles before opening door 3 without having to lean out of the vehicle's window 7.

[0072] In addition, according to one embodiment, the display device 11 includes a control device, not shown, configured for controlling the image acquisition device 31 and / or the display device 17.

[0073] The control device includes, for example, one or more buttons for controlling the image acquisition device 31 and / or the display device 17. Each button is, for example, physical and includes, for example, a movable element that can be manually moved by the user and a sensor for the movement of the movable element. Alternatively, the control device may include a touch interface extending over the inner surface 15 of the support element 9, opposite the display device 17, and intended for interaction with a vehicle occupant in order to control the image acquisition device 31 and / or the display device 17. The vehicle occupant can then choose whether or not to activate the image acquisition device 31 and / or the display device 17 depending on the vehicle configuration or the visibility conditions of the external environment.

[0074] Alternatively, the control device is an automatic device, capable of activating or deactivating the display device 17 according to the images acquired by the acquisition device 31.

[0075] In one embodiment, the display system 1 can, for example, be configured to recognize obstacles in the vehicle's external environment and display them on the display surface 19. In this case, it is possible, for example, to modify the images displayed on the display surface 19 to highlight the presence of obstacles, for example by changing their color. obstacles, by surrounding them or otherwise. The matrix 21 of light-emitting diodes is arranged for example so that pictograms or light signals appear on the display surface 19, for example depending on the external environment of the vehicle.

[0076] Thus, for example, the pictograms are illuminated or change color when an obstacle is near the vehicle, or the intensity and / or color of the light signals displayed on the display surface 19 changes. Such detection of the proximity of an obstacle is obtained, for example, by processing the images acquired by the acquisition device 31.

[0077] Alternatively or in addition, the detection of the proximity of an obstacle is achieved by means of one or more proximity sensors arranged on the vehicle. Advantageously, the visualization system 1 is coupled with the use of one or more proximity sensors arranged to detect objects extending into the blind spots of the vehicle, i.e., areas in which the acquisition device 31 cannot acquire images due to the geometry of the vehicle.

[0078] The light signals can be arranged to change colour, shape and / or location for example depending on the distance separating the vehicle from the obstacle located in a blind spot.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the vehicle comprises two display systems 1 as described above, provided on the front right and left doors of the vehicle. According to another embodiment, all the doors of the vehicle are equipped with such a display system.

[0080] The visualization system 1 according to the invention has many advantages.

[0081] The visualization system described above makes it possible to give more information to the occupant of the vehicle about the external environment, efficiently and without increasing the bulk of the vehicle since the system is integrated into a support element of the vehicle.

[0082] Furthermore, the integration of the system into the support element does not alter the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle's interior and the harmony of the interior is preserved.

[0083] Such a visualization system thus makes it possible to improve driving conditions for the driver of the vehicle, and to improve the experience of other occupants of the vehicle, without being discernible to the driver and occupants of the vehicle when the display device is turned off.

[0084] Furthermore, the display device 17, as described above, has the advantage of also being usable without an acquisition device 31, for example, to display any type of image and / or information relating to the vehicle and / or the vehicle's external environment, or to display messages and / or alerts to a vehicle occupant, for example, to the occupant seated at side of the door on which the display device is mounted.

[0085] Alternatively, the display device 17 is integrated into a dashboard, a center console, a ceiling light, a seat back or any other part inside the vehicle.

[0086] In one embodiment, the display device 17 has a lower resolution than the image acquisition device 31, so as to provide an aesthetic effect behind the decoration layer, for example by displaying an image whose pixels are visible.

[0087] To this end, the display on the light-emitting diodes can be similar within the same area grouping light-emitting diodes together. In other words, an area containing nxm light-emitting diodes displays similar information on each of the nxm light-emitting diodes, where n and m are integers at least equal to 2.

[0088] The area is for example a square area, that is to say comprising nxm light-emitting diodes, n being equal to m, or a rectangular area, that is to say comprising nxm light-emitting diodes, n being different from m.

[0089] Furthermore, image processing can be performed to display the image in line with the outside world relative to the user's view (eye position). A parallax camera can be used for this purpose.

Claims

Claims

1. A system (1) for viewing the external environment of a vehicle, comprising at least one support element (9) defining an external surface (13) intended to extend outside the vehicle and an internal surface (15) intended to extend inside the vehicle, and at least one device (11) for viewing the external environment of the vehicle, the viewing device (11) comprising at least one image acquisition device (31) on the side of the external surface (13) of the support element (9) and at least one display device (17) facing the interior of the vehicle, the display device (17) comprising a display surface (19), the image acquisition device (31) being arranged to acquire images of the external environment of the vehicle opposite said image acquisition device,said images acquired by the image acquisition device being displayed on the display device (17) when said display device (17) is switched on, characterized in that the support element (9) comprises a decorative layer (23) forming at least part of the inner surface (15), the display device (17) extending between the decorative layer (23) and the outer surface (13) of the support element (9).,

2. A system (1) for viewing the external environment according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition device (31) comprises an image sensor (33), the image sensor (33) and the display device (17) being located on the same side of the vehicle, relative to a front-rear line of the vehicle.

3. A system (1) for viewing the external environment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative layer (23) obscures the display device (17) so that when the display device (17) is switched off, only the decorative layer (23) is visible, the display device (17) not being visible from inside the vehicle.

4. A system (1) for displaying the external environment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative layer (23) is at least partially translucent and / or has openings allowing light to pass through from the display device (17) when the latter is switched on.

5. Visualization system (1) of the external environment according to one of any of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (17) comprises an array of light-emitting diodes forming a matrix (21) of light-emitting diodes.

6. A system (1) for viewing the external environment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image acquisition device (31) comprises an external protective layer extending over the external surface (13) of the support element (9), opposite the image acquisition device (31).

7. A system (1) for viewing the external environment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative layer 23 comprises a finishing layer 29, the finishing layer 29 being a grained, and / or smoked, and / or made of a woven or non-woven textile.

8. Visualization system (1) of the external environment according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the decorative layer 23 is multi-layer and successively comprises, from the outside to the inside, a layer of plastic material 25, a flexible layer 27 and a finishing layer 29.

9. Vehicle door (3), comprising a door body (5) defining at least one window (7) and a system (1) for viewing the external environment according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the support element (9) forms a part of the body (5) extending in the vicinity of the window (7), in particular in the lower vicinity of the window (7).

10. Vehicle door (3) according to claim 9, in which the display surface (19) extends the window (7) on the inner surface (15) of the support element (9), the acquisition device (31) acquiring images extending the exterior scene visible from the interior of the vehicle through the window (7), the images acquired by the acquisition device (31) being displayed on the display surface (19).

Images