Extended image display system and vehicle equipped with the extended image display system

Abstract

Extended image display system and vehicle comprising the extended image display system This extended image display system (2) comprises an extended display surface (20), formed on a display plate (25) and comprising a plurality of distinct display areas, the display system (2) comprising: a display screen (28) and a light sheet (30) configured to illuminate said display screen (28) by a first light signal, the display screen (28) being arranged opposite the extended display surface (20) and forming a first display area of ​​said extended display surface (20);at least one projection module (34), comprising a light source (36) and an associated reflective element (38), the light source (36) being configured to emit a second light signal towards said reflective element (38), the reflective element (38) being arranged to project the second light signal towards a second display area of ​​said extended display surface (20), the first and second display areas being contiguous and without a separating edge. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2;

Description

Title of the invention: Extended image display system and vehicle comprising the extended image display system

[0001] The present invention relates to an extended image display system, particularly suitable for integration into a vehicle.

[0002] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising an extended image display system.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of image display systems, and is more particularly suited for providing an extensive and immersive display of audiovisual content. The invention is particularly applicable to the field of vehicle display systems, for displaying information and / or content intended for vehicle passengers.

[0004] It is known to use a display device comprising a liquid crystal display or LCD (for Liquid Crystal Display), and a screen backlighting device to display image data. In particular, TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology is used to obtain good display quality.

[0005] However, the use of a large-area TFT-LCD display screen is expensive, and the display quality, particularly the display resolution, is not useful for displaying certain information intended for vehicle passengers. Display resolution is known to be defined by the number of pixels per unit length of the display area.

[0006] A human-machine interface for displaying information, particularly for vehicles, is known from French patent application FR3122615 A1. This interface comprises an extended display area, including a main display area and one or more peripheral display areas illuminated by a light strip extending from the main display area and the peripheral display area(s). The extended display area proposed in French patent application FR3122615 A1 is integrated into the exterior surface of a trim element, such as a dashboard, seat, door panel, or other component, to display information for vehicle passengers and / or audiovisual content. The proposed human-machine interface enables display on an extended display area with reduced size and cost.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a display system with an even larger display area, allowing more information to be displayed and with improved viewing comfort for a user.

[0008] To this end, the invention proposes, according to one aspect, an extended image display system, comprising an extended display surface formed on a display plate and having a plurality of distinct display areas, the display system comprising:

[0009] -a display screen and a light strip configured to illuminate said display screen by a first light signal, the display screen being arranged opposite the extended display surface and forming a first display area of ​​said extended display surface.

[0010] This display system further comprises:

[0011] - at least one projection module, comprising a light source and an element associated reflective, the light source being configured to emit a second light signal towards said reflective element, the reflective element being arranged to project the second light signal towards a second display area of ​​said extended display surface, said second display area of ​​the extended display surface being translucent, the first display area and second display area being contiguous and without separating edge so as to form an extended display on said extended display surface.

[0012] Advantageously, the proposed display system makes it possible to obtain an extended display area thanks to the second display zones onto which the display is projected. Advantageously, the first and second zones are contiguous, so as to make the transition between these distinct display zones practically invisible to the eye, thus giving the user an impression of display continuity.

[0013] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the proposed display system comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0014] The second display area of ​​the extended display surface extends above the first display area, the second display area forming a head-up display element.

[0015] The first display area has a first display resolution, and each second display area has a second display resolution, the second resolution being lower than the first resolution.

[0016] The light panel comprises a plurality of individually controllable lighting units.

[0017] The extended display area includes third display areas extending laterally from said first display area, and at least part of said lighting units is configured to illuminate said third display areas.

[0018] The display system includes a control unit configured to control the lighting units of the light table and, for each projection module, the light source of said projection module.

[0019] The second display area is configured to display at least one piece of information from a duplication of information displayed on the first display area and / or at least one piece of information in continuity with information displayed on the first display area.

[0020] The display system comprises a plurality of second display areas, each second display area having a distinct second display resolution.

[0021] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a trim element and an extended image display system as briefly described above, the extended image display system being partially integrated into a trim element of said vehicle.

[0022] According to a particular feature, the vehicle comprising a windscreen, the trim element is a dashboard, the or each second area extending outside the dashboard, opposite the windscreen.

[0023] 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:

[0024] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective representation of a portion of a vehicle comprising a display system according to the invention;

[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic cross-sectional profile representation of [Fig.1];

[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a functional representation of a display system according to a method of implementation.

[0027] The invention will subsequently be described in its application to a vehicle display human-machine interface, particularly applicable to a motor vehicle.

[0028] A display system 2 adapted for integration into a vehicle 4 is shown with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0029] Figure 1 schematically represents a portion 6 of a vehicle 4, comprising a transparent windscreen 8; a trim element 10, which is the dashboard of the vehicle; a steering wheel 12.

[0030] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image display system 2 comprises an extended display surface 20, formed on a display plate 25, for example a pane of glass or a transparent lens made of polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). For example, the plate The 25 display has a rectangular shape, flat or curved, and has a thickness between 1.5mm and 5mm.

[0031] In addition to supporting the extended display surface, the display plate 25 also forms a protective layer against dirt, dust, etc.

[0032] The extended display surface 20 is formed on a first face (or front face) of the display plate 25, which is the face facing the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The display plate 25 also includes a second face 27, also called the rear face, opposite the first face, and facing the bottom 29 of the dashboard 10.

[0033] The extended display surface 20 comprises a first display area 22, a second display area 24 and two third display areas, which are respective lateral areas 26L and 26R, arranged on either side of the first display area 22.

[0034] The second display area 24 is contiguous with the first display area 22.

[0035] Advantageously, there is no separating edge between the first display area 22 and the second display area 24, which allows for the formation of an extended display.

[0036] Each display area has an associated display resolution: the first display area has a first associated display resolution, the or each second display area has a second associated display resolution, and the or each third display area has a third associated resolution.

[0037] Alternatively, the extended display surface comprises a first display area and a second display area, but without third lateral display areas.

[0038] The first display area 22 extends opposite a screen 28 backlit by a light strip 30, formed of a plurality of backlighting units, for example light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The light strip 30 is integrated into a trim element 10, for example the dashboard 10. The light strip emits a first light signal which backlights the screen 28, to form first images on the first display area 22. The light strip 30 is positioned, for example, against the rear face 27 of the display panel 25.

[0039] In one embodiment, between the screen 28 and the rear face 27 of the display plate 25, a thin layer of optical transmission material, such as an optically transparent adhesive, is disposed.

[0040] Such an adhesive also ensures a fixing between the screen 28 and the display plate 25.

[0041] For a touch screen 28, it should be noted that a capacitive film can also extend over the rear face 27 of the display plate 25, opposite the first display area 22.

[0042] Alternatively, different capacitive films are provided to make the entire extended display surface 20 touch-sensitive.

[0043] The second display area 24 extends outside the trim element 10, and preferably above the first display area 22. Advantageously, the second display area 24 then forms a head-up display element.

[0044] For example, in the schematically illustrated embodiment, the second display area 24 extends vertically above the dashboard 10, and more generally outside the trim element 10. In other words, the second display area is formed on a portion of the display plate 25 which protrudes from the trim element 10, not obstructed on its rear face by an opaque background.

[0045] In the illustrated example, the second display area 24 extends opposite (or facing) the windshield 8.

[0046] Advantageously, the second display area 24 is also translucent, in the absence of an opaque background, which allows a user, for example the driver of a vehicle, to view second images displayed on the second display area 24 in a head-up position, while still being able to see through the second display area. In other words, advantageously, the second display area provides a complement without adding extra bulk and without impairing visibility from outside the vehicle through the windshield 8.

[0047] Optionally, a rear protective element 32, which is transparent, is provided, this rear protective element 32 being positioned between the bottom 29 of the dashboard and the upper edge of the display plate 25.

[0048] The display of second images on the second display area 24 is achieved by projection.

[0049] The display system 2 comprises a projection module 34 having a light source 36, configured to emit a second light signal, and a reflective element 38, arranged to reflect the second emitted light signal towards the second display area 24. The light source 36 is, for example, a DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector, a laser source, or a reflected TFT screen. The reflective element 38 is, for example, a flat mirror or a parabolic mirror.

[0050] Optionally, the projection module 34 further includes a magnification device 40, which allows the display resolution to be magnified by a factor F of the order of 1.4 to 1.6, for example equal to 1.5. Thus, the second display resolution obtained is F times the resolution of the corresponding source.

[0051] Preferably, the second display resolution of the second display area is lower than the first display resolution of the first display area, which is the display resolution of the screen 28, for example, an LCD screen.

[0052] Advantageously, and as shown schematically in [Fig.1], the second images displayed in the second display area include driving aid indicators 42, for example flashing light signals; information 44 from a duplication of information already displayed on the first display area, for example driving parameter values ​​(spot speed, average speed etc); guidance information 46.

[0053] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the guidance information 46 is displayed continuously with the guidance information displayed in the first display area. This improves ergonomics and visual comfort for the user.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the extended display area 20 comprises several secondary zones, each having a distinct secondary display resolution. Thus, for example, it is possible to provide a secondary display zone for each type of information and indicators mentioned above, providing, for example, a higher display resolution in the secondary zone intended to display guidance information 46 than in the secondary display zone for duplication information 44 and in the secondary display zone for indicator 42.

[0055] It is of course possible to offer display modes that can be adjusted according to the user's preferences, for example by letting the user choose the type of indicators and information to display in the second display areas, as well as display options (colors, contrasts etc.).

[0056] In one embodiment, the display system 2 comprises an extended display surface 20 also comprising third display areas 26L, 26R, peripheral to the first display area, arranged for example laterally

[0057] Preferably, the third display areas are peripheral display areas as described in patent application FR 3 122 615A1. In particular, it is planned to have a light strip extending to the first display area and to the third lateral display areas, i.e. located laterally on either side of the first display area.

[0058] For example, the light strip 30 is formed by an array of light-emitting diodes, comprising independently controllable sub-arrays (not shown). More generally, the light strip 30 comprises individually controllable lighting units.

[0059] The individually controllable lighting units arranged opposite the third display areas can be controlled to achieve a backlit display of the rear face 27 of the display plate 25, so as to achieve a backlit display in these third display areas.

[0060] In one embodiment the light sheet 30 is thin, for example with a thickness between 1mm and 5mm, which makes it compact and flexible, able to adapt to the shape of the display plate 25.

[0061] Thus, the lighting units of the light strip 30 can be controlled to emit a third light signal and form third images on the third display areas. These third display areas, with a third display resolution typically lower than the first display resolution, are adapted to display, preferably without a visible transition from the first display area, additional information, for example icons or pictograms and / or information of the same type as the information displayed on the first and second display areas.

[0062] In one embodiment, described with reference to [Fig.3], the display system includes a control unit 50 configured to control the lighting units of the light table 30 as well as the light source 36 for the display of the first images, the second images and optionally the third images in the first 22, second 24 and third 26L, 26R display areas.

[0063] Advantageously, a synchronized and controlled display is achieved, ensuring visual continuity at the transitions between display areas and, preferably, rendering the transitions virtually invisible to the naked eye. The user then sees an expanded display area, increasing visual comfort and creating a sensation of increased space.

[0064] The use of one or more secondary, translucent display areas opposite the windshield allows for the viewing of additional information in a head-up position, while maintaining a complete field of vision of the front exterior of the vehicle. Visibility through the vehicle's windshield is not affected.

[0065] Advantageously, the proposed extended display does not significantly increase the vehicle's size, and the cost of such an extended display system is limited because the second display areas are achieved by projection onto the display plate.

[0066] It is also noteworthy that the cost and size of the proposed display system are reduced compared to a two-part system, comprising on the one hand a display screen integrated into a trim element such as a vehicle's dashboard, and on the other hand a separate projection plate mounted above the dashboard. Indeed, such a two-part system is more difficult to to manufacture and assemble, therefore its cost is higher, and the assembly parts contribute to the bulk.

Claims

Demands

1. Extended image display system (2), comprising an extended display surface (20), formed on a display plate (25) and having a plurality of distinct display areas, the display system (2) comprising: - a display screen (28) and a light sheet (30) configured to illuminate said display screen (28) by a first light signal, the display screen (28) being disposed opposite the extended display surface (20) and forming a first display area (22) of said extended display surface (20), the display system (2) being characterized in that it further comprises: - at least one projection module (34), comprising a light source (36) and an associated reflective element (38), the light source (36) being configured to emit a second light signal towards said reflective element (38),the reflective element (38) being arranged to project the second light signal towards a second display area (24) of said extended display area (20), said second display area (24) of the extended display area (20) being translucent, the first display area (22) and second display area (24) being contiguous and without separating edge so as to form an extended display on said extended display area (20).

2. Display system according to claim 1, wherein the second display area (24) of the extended display surface (20) extends over the first display area (22), the second display area (24) forming a head-up display element.

3. Display system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first display area (22) has a first display resolution, and each second display area has a second display resolution, the second resolution being lower than the first resolution.

4. Display system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said light table (30) comprises a plurality of individually controllable lighting units.

5. Display system according to claim 4, wherein said extended display surface (20) comprises third display areas (26L, 26R) extending laterally from said first display area (22), wherein at least a portion of said lighting units is configured to illuminate said third display areas.

6. Display system according to any one of claims 4 or 5, comprising a control unit (50) configured to control the lighting units of the light table (30) and, for each projection module (34), the light source (36) of said projection module.

7. Display system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second display area (24) is configured to display at least one piece of information (44) resulting from a duplication of information displayed on the first display area (22) and / or at least one piece of information (46) in continuity with information displayed on the first display area (22).

8. Display system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of second display areas, each second display area having a second distinct display resolution.

9. Vehicle (4) comprising a trim element (10) and an extended image display system (2) according to claims 1 to 8, the extended image display system (2) being partially integrated into said trim element (10) of said vehicle (4).

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, the vehicle (4) comprising a windscreen (8), in which said trim element (10) is a dashboard, the or each second area (24) extending outside the dashboard, opposite the windscreen (8).

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