Interactive device for passengers

Abstract

Interactive device for passenger The present invention relates to an interactive device (16) for passenger, the interactive device (16) being suitable for being integrated into a vehicle (10) to display information intended for one or more passengers of the vehicle (10), the interactive device (16) comprising: - an opaque panel (20) having a useful surface (21) at least a part of which is suitable for being positioned in front of one or more passengers of the vehicle (10), - a reflective element covering the useful surface (21) of the opaque panel (20), the reflective element being at least partially reflective, and - an information emission unit (24), suitable for emitting at least one light beam in the direction of the reflective element, so that the reflection of the light beam on the reflective element forms at least one virtual image in an observation window of one or more passengers of the vehicle (10). Figure for abstract: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Interactive device for passengers

[0001] The present invention relates to an interactive device for a passenger. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such an interactive device.

[0002] Vehicles, such as motor vehicles, are equipped with dashboards, also called instrument panels (in English "instrument cluster"), allowing the display of information useful for driving and operating the vehicle. This information is intended to be viewed by the driver. The driver is then in control of this information which he can communicate orally to interested passengers.

[0003] Nevertheless, in order to give passengers more autonomy, it may be desirable for passengers to have direct access to some of this information or to other information relating to driving (journey time, route taken, etc.), or even to information relating to life on board (air conditioning for example), or even to entertainment.

[0004] In some vehicles, screens are sometimes provided for passengers to allow them to view films or other interactive content directly on the screen. One could then imagine using these screens to display information relating to driving.

[0005] However, due to the limited space in the vehicle, these screens are arranged close to the passenger, so that an accommodation effort is often required, causing eye fatigue. In addition, these screens are likely to mask part of the road in the passenger's field of vision, which can promote motion sickness for passengers. Furthermore, these screens, when visible to the driver, can also be a source of distraction when driving.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a means of interacting with a passenger of a vehicle without degrading the comfort of the passenger.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to an interactive device for passengers, the interactive device being suitable for being integrated into a vehicle to display information intended for one or more passengers of the vehicle, the interactive device comprising: a. an opaque panel having a useful surface of which at least a part is suitable for being positioned in front of one or more passengers of the vehicle. b. a reflective element covering the useful surface of the opaque panel, the reflective element being at least partially reflective, and c. an information transmission unit, capable of transmitting at least one light beam towards the reflecting element, so that the reflection of the light beam on the reflecting element forms at least one virtual image in an observation window of one or more passengers of the vehicle

[0008] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations:

[0009] - the opaque panel is an opaque blade;

[0010] - the interactive device is suitable for being integrated into the dashboard of the vehicle;

[0011] - the opaque panel is suitable for being fixed directly to the dashboard of the vehicle ;

[0012] - the interactive device comprises a support for the opaque panel, the panel opaque being suitable for being fixed to the dashboard of the vehicle via the support;

[0013] - the opaque panel is suitable for being fixed to the roof of the vehicle in front of the passengers occupying the rear of the vehicle

[0014] - the opaque panel is suitable for being fixed to one of the front seats of the vehicle in vis- opposite a rear seat of the vehicle so as to be in front of a passenger occupying said rear seat;

[0015] - the vehicle comprising a windshield comprising a transparent surface and a screen-printed area surrounding the transparent surface, the screen-printed area comprising a lower portion having a base and a raised portion projecting from the base, the opaque panel being formed by the raised portion;

[0016] - the vehicle comprises pillars connected to the lateral portions of the base of the windshield, the raised portion comprising a strip projecting from the base and extending over substantially the width of the transparent surface with the exception of the ends of the base of the screen-printed area which are clear, so as to clear the visibility of the environment at the level of the pillars of the vehicle, preferably the raised portion comprising a raised area more raised than the strip and projecting from the strip, the raised area being an area in the field of vision of one or more passengers of the vehicle.

[0017] The present invention also relates to a vehicle in which an interactive device as described above is integrated.

[0018] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0019] [Fig. 1][Fig. 1], a schematic representation of an example of an interactive device,

[0020] [Fig.2][Fig.2], a schematic representation of another example of a device in interactive,

[0021] [Fig.3][Fig.3], a schematic representation of an example of a portion of the passenger compartment of a vehicle in which an interactive device is integrated according to a first integration mode (flush dashboard integration),

[0022] [Fig.4][Fig.4], a schematic representation of an example of a portion of the passenger compartment of a vehicle in which an interactive device is integrated according to a second integration mode (blade dashboard integration),

[0023] [Fig.5][Fig.5], a schematic representation of an example of a portion of the passenger compartment of a vehicle in which an interactive device is integrated according to a third integration method (dashboard integration with vertical projection),

[0024] [Fig.6][Fig.6], a schematic representation of an example of a portion of the passenger compartment of a vehicle in which an interactive device is integrated according to a fourth integration mode (roof integration),

[0025] [Fig.7][Fig.7], a schematic representation of an example of a portion of the passenger compartment of a vehicle in which an interactive device is integrated according to a fifth integration mode (windshield integration), and

[0026] [Fig.8][Fig.8], a schematic representation of a windshield (visible face of the exterior) of the vehicle according to the fifth mode of integration.

[0027] In the following, we consider a vehicle 10 of which at least part of the passenger compartment 11 is illustrated in the examples of figures 3 to 7.

[0028] In these examples, the vehicle 10 comprises, in the passenger compartment 11, a windshield 12, a dashboard 14, pillars 15 and an interactive device 16.

[0029] The vehicle 10 is, for example, a land, air or naval vehicle. The land vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle (Figures 3 to 7), a railway vehicle or even a two-wheeler.

[0030] The dashboard 14 is defined as being a surface extending over the entire width of the vehicle 10, below the windshield 12 and above the feet of the driver 18 and the front passenger.

[0031] The pillars 15 are connected to the windshield 12 and to the roof of the vehicle 10.

[0032] As illustrated by [Fig. 1], the interactive device 16 comprises an opaque panel 20, a reflective element 22 and an information transmission unit 24.

[0033] By the term “opaque” is meant zero transparency.

[0034] The opaque panel 20 is, for example, a panel made of an opaque material or covered with an opaque material. Alternatively, the zero transparency of the opaque panel 20 is obtained by photo or electrochromic activation.

[0035] Preferably, the opaque panel 20 is black, which makes it possible to obtain useful images with better contrast. Alternatively, the opaque panel 20 is of any other color.

[0036] Preferably, the opaque panel 20 is made of glass or plastic. In the case of glass, the glass (for example of the windshield 12) forming the opaque panel 20 is by example covered with a ceramic providing opacity. In the case of plastic, the plastic forming the opaque panel 20 is for example tinted or covered with a film providing opacity.

[0037] The opaque panel 20 has a useful surface 21 of which at least a portion is suitable for being positioned in front of one or more passengers of the vehicle 10. By the term "in front", it is understood in front, possibly opposite the passenger (but not necessarily), possibly in the field of vision of the passenger (but not necessarily). As an optional addition, the opaque panel 20 and its useful surface 21 also extend in front of the driver 18 of the vehicle 10. As a variant or as an optional addition, the opaque panel 20 also extends in the central portion of the dashboard 14.

[0038] The useful surface 21 is preferably flat, which makes it possible to reduce aberrations and to obtain a larger observation window than for a concave surface. Alternatively, the or at least a part of the useful surface 21 is concave. Compared to a flat surface, a concave surface makes it possible in particular to form the virtual image further away and to reduce the eye box, for example so that the virtual image is not visible to the driver (avoid distracting him).

[0039] The reflective element 22 covers the useful surface 21 of the opaque panel 20.

[0040] The reflective element 22 is at least partially reflective.

[0041] The reflective element 22 is, for example, a coating or treatment (for example obtained by physical deposition or chemical deposition) or a film (for example laminated or held by electrostatic effect).

[0042] Optionally, the useful surface 21 is covered with a confidentiality film so that only the passenger located in front of the opaque panel has access to the information emitted by the transmission unit 24.

[0043] The transmission unit 24 is capable of transmitting information relating to the driving of the vehicle 10 (route taken, speed, estimated duration of the journey, traffic conditions) intended to inform the passenger(s), or other information such as multimedia services, or information relating to life on board the vehicle 10, such as the air conditioning of the vehicle 10.

[0044] Generally speaking, the information transmitted by the transmission unit 24 is grouped under the term infotainment.

[0045] The emission unit 24 is capable of emitting at least one light beam in the direction of the reflector element 22 so that the reflection of the light beam by the reflector element 22 forms at least one useful virtual image in an observation window of one or more passengers of the vehicle 10.

[0046] The light beam is, for example, in the visible wavelength range (380 nanometers to 700 nanometers).

[0047] Preferably, the transmission unit 24 comprises at least one screen 40 on which an image is displayed. The at least one useful image is then a virtual image IM of the image displayed on the screen 40. Such a virtual image IM is obtained by reflection of the beam coming from the screen 40 on the reflector element 22 (due to the semi-reflective property of the reflector element 22).

[0048] The screen 40 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0049] Advantageously, the interactive device 16 is devoid of optics on the path of the light beam between the emission unit 24 and the reflector element 22, which makes it possible to gain in compactness and not to restrict the observation window.

[0050] In the following, there is described, with reference to [Fig.2], an embodiment of the interactive device 16 optionally supplementing the embodiment described previously.

[0051] In this embodiment, the reflector element 22, also called a reflective polarizing element, is an element capable of reflecting an incident light beam F! having a given range of wavelengths, as a function of the angle of incidence 0; of the incident beam F! on the reflector element 22 and of the polarization of said incident beam Fb.

[0052] The given range of wavelengths of the incident beam F! belongs, for example, to the visible domain (380 nanometers to 700 nanometers).

[0053] The angle of incidence 0; of the incident beam F! is the angle between the axis of the beam and the normal N to the reflector element 22 at the point of incidence ?! of the incident beam F, on the reflector element 22. The axis of the incident beam Fi and the normal N to the reflector element 22 at the point of incidence ?! define a plane of incidence. In the example illustrated by [Fig.2], the plane of incidence is the plane of the figure. In particular, the reflector element 22 is capable of reflecting the incident beam Fi to form a useful virtual image observable from an observation window (corresponding to a useful beam Fu).

[0054] In the following, a linear polarization contained in the plane of incidence is also called P polarization, and a linear polarization perpendicular to the plane of incidence is also called S polarization.

[0055] The reflector element 22 is optimized to reflect P-polarized light.

[0056] Preferably, the reflector element 22 has a greater reflectivity, over a given range of angles of incidence and over the given range of wavelengths, for light of P polarization than for light of different polarization (S polarization, circular, elliptical).

[0057] Alternatively (particularly on an industrial scale), the reflective element 22 has a reflectivity optimized for P-polarized light compared to a reflection on a non-specifically optimized reflective element. On the other hand, the reflectivity of the reflector element 22 remains larger, over a given range of angles of incidence and over the given range of wavelengths, for light of S polarization than for light of P polarization.

[0058] Preferably, the reflectivity of the reflector element 22 for light of polarization P, over the given range of angles of incidence and over the given range of wavelengths, is greater than or equal to 10 percent, preferably greater than or equal to 15 percent, advantageously greater than or equal to 20 percent, advantageously greater than or equal to 40 percent.

[0059] Advantageously, the reflectivity of the reflector element 22 for light of polarization different from a polarization P, over the range of angles of incidence and over the given range of wavelengths, is less than or equal to 10 percent, preferably less than or equal to 5 percent.

[0060] Advantageously, the range of angles of incidence extends over at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 40 degrees, advantageously at least 60 degrees.

[0061] The reflective element 22 comprises, for example, a stack of dielectric layers.

[0062] The reflector element 22 is, for example, a polarizer having a specific reflectivity for P-polarized light, as described in patent application WO 96 / 19347 A.

[0063] In particular, the reflective element 22 comprises, for example, a multi-layer polymer film comprising layers of a crystalline or semi-crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic acid polyester, for example, a 2,6-polyethylene naphthalate ("PEN") or a copolymer derived from ethylene glycol, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and certain other acids such as terephthalate ("co-PEN"), with a positive optical coefficient of strain, i.e. upon stretching, its refractive index in the direction of stretching increases, having an average thickness of not more than 0.5 microns; and layers of a second selected polymer, for example, a polyethylene terephthalate ("PET") or a co-PEN, having an average thickness of not more than 0.5 microns.

[0064] In another example, the reflective element 22 comprises a multi-layer polymer film comprising layers of a crystalline or semi-crystalline polyester, e.g., PET, having an average thickness of not more than 0.5 microns; and layers of a second selected polymer, e.g., a polyester or a polystyrene, having an average thickness of not more than 0.5 microns; wherein said film has been stretched in at least one direction to at least twice the unstretched dimension of that direction.

[0065] In an exemplary implementation, the reflective element 22 also has at least one coating conferring additional optical and / or mechanical properties. The coating is, for example, a colorimetric treatment or an anti-scratch coating.

[0066] The emission unit 24 is capable of emitting an incident light beam on the reflector element 22. The incident beam carries information which is, for example, as described previously.

[0067] The incident beam emitted by the emission unit 24 is a beam polarized according to a specific polarization, called the main polarization.

[0068] The main polarization is a rectilinear polarization contained in the plane of incidence, called P polarization. The main polarization is thus different from an S polarization, a circular polarization or an elliptical polarization.

[0069] The wavelengths of the incident beam ?! are in the wavelength range given for the reflector element 22, typically in the visible.

[0070] The emission unit 24 is configured so that the incident beam ?! arrives on the reflector element 22 with an angle of incidence 0; included in the range of angles of incidence defined previously for the reflector element 22.

[0071] This specific embodiment has the advantage of being compatible with polarized solar lenses. Such lenses are in fact conventionally configured to transmit only P-polarized light, and reject other types of polarizations. The combination of a specific polarization of the beam sent by the emission unit 24, and the optimized reflection of the reflector element 22, thus makes it possible to optimize the reflection and therefore the visibility of the useful image by polarized solar lenses.

[0072] An example of operation of the interactive device 16 integrated in the vehicle 10 will now be described.

[0073] When driving or when stationary, the transmission unit 24 sends information in the form of a light beam towards the reflector element 22 which then forms a useful image comprising information relating to the driving of the vehicle 10 or other information in the observation window of one or more passengers.

[0074] Thus, the interactive device 16 allows the display of information relating to driving or any other type of information of interest to the passengers. This avoids distracting the driver, and gives autonomy to the passengers without affecting their comfort.

[0075] Furthermore, due to the opacity of the opaque panel 20, better contrast is obtained for the useful image compared to a transparent panel. It is thus possible to reduce the brightness of the emission unit 24 (for example, going from 12,000 nits, which is the current minimum standard for head-up displays, to 6,000 nits or less, i.e., a reduction by a factor of 2), which facilitates the production of the interactive device 16, makes it possible to reduce heating, and generates an energy saving compared to a panel transparent. Contrast optimization also contributes to the passenger's visual comfort.

[0076] Different possibilities for integrating the interactive device 16 into the vehicle 10 will now be described, for different configurations of the opaque panel 20 of the interactive device 16: in the form of an opaque blade or in the form of a windshield 12.

[0077] Integration modes for which the opaque panel 20 is an opaque blade

[0078] In examples of integration modes such as illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the interactive device 16 is suitable for being integrated into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10. By the term “integrated”, it is understood that the interactive device 16 is incorporated in a suitable manner into the dashboard 14. Such incorporation has, for example, been carried out during the design of said dashboard 14 (in the industrialization phase of the vehicle 10). The interactive device 16 is therefore different from a device installed as a second-hand product and which would only have been arranged in the vehicle 10 without specific incorporation into the dashboard 14.

[0079] In particular, in the embodiment of [Fig. 3], the opaque panel 20 is fixed directly to the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10. For example, the opaque panel 20 is fixed irreversibly (non-detachably) to the dashboard 14. The fixing has, for example, been carried out by gluing, or by mechanical means (screws, nuts). In particular, in the embodiment of [Fig. 3], the opaque panel 20 has been fixed against the surface of the dashboard 14 and is flush with this surface (flush integration).

[0080] In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the interactive device 16 comprises a support 50 for the opaque panel 20. The support is, for example, a fixing mechanism. The opaque panel 20 is fixed to the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10 via the support 50. In other words, the support 50 is fixed to the dashboard 14 and the opaque panel 20 is fixed to the support 50 (irreversible or non-irreversible fixings). In particular, in the embodiment of [Fig. 4], the opaque panel 20 protrudes from the dashboard 14 in the direction of the passenger (blade integration). In the embodiment of [Fig. 5], the opaque panel 20 protrudes from the dashboard 14 in the vertical direction.

[0081] Alternatively, the opaque panel 20 projects from the dashboard 14 as in the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 by being integrated directly into the dashboard 14, without the intermediary of a support 50.

[0082] In the embodiment of [Fig.6], the opaque panel 20 is attached to the roof 60 of the vehicle 10 in front of passengers occupying the rear of the vehicle 10. In the case of this example, this makes it possible to generate a virtual image for several rear passengers.

[0083] In another exemplary embodiment, the opaque panel 20 is suitable for being fixed to one of the front seats of the vehicle 10 opposite a rear seat of the vehicle 10 so as to be in front of a passenger occupying said rear seat.

[0084] Integration modes for which the opaque panel 20 is formed in the windshield 12

[0085] In these integration modes illustrated by figures 7 and 8, the interactive device 16 is not integrated into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10, but uses elements of the windshield 12.

[0086] In particular, as illustrated in detail in [Fig.8], the windshield 12 comprises a transparent surface 12A and a screen-printed area 12B surrounding the transparent surface 12A.

[0087] The screen-printed area 12B is an opaque area.

[0088] The screen-printed area 12B is typically made of ceramic.

[0089] The screen-printed area 12B comprises a lower part 40, two side parts 42 and an upper part 44.

[0090] The lower portion 40 of the screen-printed area 12B comprises a base 50 and a raised portion 52 from the base 50. The base 50 and the raised portion 52 are typically made of one material (and therefore made of the same material).

[0091] The base 50 is typically a strip extending substantially over the width of the transparent surface 12A (therefore over the extent of the windshield 12). The base 50 is conventional for all windshields.

[0092] The raised portion 52 forms the opaque panel 20. In particular, the surface of the raised portion 52 oriented towards the interior of the vehicle 10 forms the useful surface 21 of the opaque panel 20. The raised portion 52 is, thus, a specific feature of this integration mode allowing the display of information on the windshield 12. The maximum height of the raised portion 52 is typically lower than the standards provided for the opaque bases of the windshields so as not to obstruct the passenger's vision.

[0093] Preferably, the raised portion 52 comprises at least one raised zone 60 facing the upper body of a front passenger.

[0094] Preferably, the raised portion 52 comprises a strip 62 projecting from the base 50 and extending over substantially the width of the transparent surface 12A with the exception of the edges 64 which are clear. In other words, the raised portion 52 does not extend over areas of the base 50 adjoining the pillars 15 of the vehicle 10. This makes it possible to clear the visibility of the environment at the level of the pillars 15 of the vehicle 10.

[0095] Preferably, the raised area 60 is a more raised area than the strip 62 and protruding from the strip 62. The raised area 62 allows access to a larger display area at passenger level.

[0096] Alternatively, the raised portion 52 comprises only the raised area 60.

[0097] Alternatively, the raised portion 52 has a different design or shape depending on the head-up display desired for the vehicle 10.

[0098] These integration modes have the advantage of optimizing the space in the vehicle 10, and of simplifying the design of the dashboard 14 which is not modified to integrate the opaque panel 20. The ergonomics and visibility are further improved since the on-board information is displayed directly on the opaque portion of the windshield 12 (therefore in the passenger's field of vision and with good contrast).

[0099] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments and integration methods described above can be combined with each other.

[0100] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the present description is based on the particular case of motor vehicles, but that the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. The interactive device 16 is, thus, adaptable to all types of vehicles, in particular air and naval.

Claims

Claims

1. Interactive device (16) for a passenger, the interactive device (16) being suitable for being integrated into a vehicle (10) to display information intended for one or more passengers of the vehicle (10), the interactive device (16) comprising: a. an opaque panel (20) having a useful surface (21) at least a part of which is suitable for being positioned in front of one or more passengers of the vehicle (10), b. a reflective element (22) covering the useful surface (21) of the opaque panel (20), the reflective element (22) being at least partially reflective, and c. an information emission unit (24), suitable for emitting at least one light beam in the direction of the reflective element (22), so that the reflection of the light beam on the reflective element (22) forms at least one virtual image in an observation window of one or more passengers of the vehicle (10).

2. An interactive device (16) according to claim 1, wherein the opaque panel (20) is an opaque blade.

3. Interactive device (16) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interactive device (16) is suitable for being integrated into the dashboard (14) of the vehicle (10).

4. Interactive device (16) according to claim 3, in which the opaque panel (20) is suitable for being fixed directly to the dashboard (14) of the vehicle (10).

5. Interactive device (16) according to claim 3, wherein the interactive device (16) comprises a support (50) for the opaque panel (20), the opaque panel (20) being suitable for being fixed to the dashboard (14) of the vehicle (10) via the support (50).

6. An interactive device (16) according to claim 2, wherein the opaque panel (20) is adapted to be fixed to the roof (60) of the vehicle (10) in front of passengers occupying the rear of the vehicle (10).

7. Interactive device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the opaque panel (20) is suitable for being fixed to one of the front seats of the vehicle (10) opposite a rear seat of the vehicle. (10) so as to be in front of a passenger occupying said rear seat.

8. An interactive device (16) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle (10) comprises a windshield (12) comprising a transparent surface (12A) and a screen-printed area (12B) surrounding the transparent surface (12A), the screen-printed area (12B) comprising a lower portion (40) having a base (50) and a raised portion (52) projecting from the base (50), the opaque panel (20) being formed by the raised portion (52).

9. Interactive device (16) according to claim 8, wherein the vehicle (10) comprises pillars (15) connected to the lateral portions (42) of the base (12B) of the windshield (12), the raised portion (52) comprising a strip (62) projecting from the base (50) and extending over substantially the width of the transparent surface (12A) with the exception of the ends of the base (50) of the screen-printed area (12B) which are clear, so as to clear the visibility of the environment at the pillars (15) of the vehicle (10), preferably the raised portion (52) comprising a raised area (60) more raised than the strip (62) and projecting from the strip (62), the raised area (60) being an area in the field of vision of one or more passengers of the vehicle (10).

10. Vehicle (10) in which is integrated an interactive device (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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