A display system designed to be integrated into a vehicle and associated vehicle

Abstract

Display system for integration into a vehicle and associated vehicle. The invention relates to a display system (16) for integration into a vehicle, the display system (16) comprising: a. an optical component (30) having at least one outer face (38) with a semi-reflective property, b. a decorative element (32) extending opposite the inner face (39) of the optical component (30), and c. an image generation unit (34) for emitting a light beam towards the outer face (38) of the optical component (30) such that the optical component (30) forms a virtual image in a plane between the decorative element (32) and the optical component (30). Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Title of the invention: Display system suitable for integration into a vehicle and associated vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a display system suitable for integration into a vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a display system.

[0002] Vehicles, particularly automobiles, are equipped with display systems, such as control panels (also known as "instrument clusters"), dashboards, central or passenger screens, to present the driver and / or a passenger with information useful for driving and operating the vehicle, or with entertainment content. For example, when the display system is a control panel, it includes the vehicle's instruments, some of which are required by law.

[0003] For a motor vehicle, the display system is traditionally integrated into the dashboard of the vehicle under the windshield in the form of a screen, or integrated into one of the front seats of the vehicle opposite a rear seat of the vehicle, so as to be installed in front of a passenger occupying said rear seat.

[0004] On the other hand, such screens generally have a rectangular geometry which is difficult to integrate aesthetically into the dashboard of the vehicle.

[0005] In addition, such screens only allow the display of a real image in a plane, without the possibility for the user to benefit from an enhanced visual experience.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a vehicle display system that improves the visual experience of a vehicle user, in particular by adding new sensory perceptions, and whose integration into the dashboard is facilitated.

[0007] To this end, the present description relates to a display system suitable for integration into a vehicle, the display system comprising an external surface visible to at least one occupant of the vehicle, the display system further comprising:

[0008] a. an optical component comprising an outer face and an inner face, opposite to the outer face, at least the outer face of the optical component having a semi-reflective property, the outer face of the optical component forming at least a part of the outer surface of the display system,

[0009] b. a decorative element extending opposite the inner face of the optical component, and

[0010] c. at least one image generation unit capable of emitting at least one light beam in the direction of the external face of the optical component so that the optical component forms at least one virtual image in a plane (B) between the decorative element and the optical component.

[0011] The particular arrangement of the image generation unit, the optical component and the decorative element makes it possible to form at least one virtual image in a plane between the decorative element and the optical component.

[0012] The virtual image formed therefore appears as floating to an occupant of the vehicle who observes the information presented on the display system.

[0013] This feature enhances the occupant's visual experience, giving a three-dimensional and depth effect to the displayed image. These effects could not be achieved with a simple screen displaying an image on the screen's projection surface.

[0014] The background element of the virtual image highlights the position of the virtual image to increase its visibility and facilitate, for example, the reading of information for the vehicle occupant. The floating (or aerial) effect of the virtual image and / or the three-dimensional effect are further enhanced.

[0015] According to other advantageous aspects, the display system comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: - the image generation unit includes at least one screen on which an image is displayed, the or at least one virtual image being an image of the image displayed on the screen and reflected on the outer face; - the display system includes at least one secondary lighting system illuminating at least part of the decorative element located opposite the inner face of the optical component; - the display system forms a cavity with the decorative element, the cavity being delimited by an upper part and a lower part, the lower part being opposite and at a distance from the upper part in a direction of elevation, the image generation unit being fixed on and / or integrated into the upper part of the cavity; - the optical component is fixed to the upper and / or lower part of the cavity; - the display system includes an eye-tracking system for a vehicle driver, the tracking system being configured to control the emission of light beams by the image generation unit according to the position of the driver's eyes; - the display system extends along a longitudinal direction, the decorative element delimiting, with the optical component, a clear space along the longitudinal direction; - the decorative element has at least one curved surface, the curved surface comprising a convex face and a concave face, the concave face being positioned opposite the inner face of the optical component; and - the image generation unit is designed to emit, in the direction of the optical component, a light beam polarized according to a principal polarization, called the incident beam, the incident beam arriving on the optical component with an angle of incidence and defining with the optical component a plane of incidence, the principal polarization being a polarization contained in the plane of incidence, called P polarization.

[0016] This description also relates to a vehicle comprising a display system as described above, the display system being integrated into the dashboard of the vehicle.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings which are:

[0018] - [Fig.1] [Fig.1], a schematic representation of an example of a passenger compartment of a vehicle in which a display system is integrated,

[0019] - [Fig.2] [Fig.2], a schematic representation of an example of a system display, and

[0020] - [Fig.3] [Fig.3], a schematic cross-sectional representation of the display system of [Fig.2],

[0021] A vehicle 10 is illustrated by [Fig.1].

[0022] In this example, the vehicle 10 includes, in a passenger compartment 11, a windscreen 12, a dashboard 14, pillars 15 and a display system 16.

[0023] The vehicle 10 is, for example, a land, air or sea vehicle. The land vehicle is, for example, a motor vehicle ([Fig.1]), a railway vehicle or a two-wheeler.

[0024] In the example shown in the figures, the display system 16 is a control panel of the vehicle 10. On the other hand, the display system 16 according to the invention is not limited to a control panel but could represent any other means of display present in the vehicle 10.

[0025] It is therefore understood that different possibilities for integrating the display system 16 into the vehicle 10 can be envisaged.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the display system 16 is intended to be integrated into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10.

[0027] The term “integrated” means that the display system 16 is appropriately incorporated into the dashboard 14. Such incorporation was, for example, carried out during the design of said dashboard 14 (during the industrialization phase of the vehicle 10). The display system 16 is therefore different from a panel installed as a retrofit and which would simply have been placed in the vehicle 10 without specific incorporation into the dashboard 14.

[0028] The dashboard 14 is defined as a surface extending over the entire width of the vehicle 10, along a longitudinal direction L, below the windscreen 12 and above the feet of the driver 18 and, where applicable, the front passenger.

[0029] The longitudinal direction L corresponds to the left-right direction of vehicle 10.

[0030] The pillars 15 are connected to the windscreen 12 and to the roof of the vehicle 10.

[0031] The display system 16 is for example suitable for displaying information intended for one or more users of the vehicle 10, for example control information for the vehicle 10, including all the on-board instruments 19 of the vehicle 10.

[0032] The instrument panel 19 is an indicator or warning light which informs the driver 18 of a vehicle 10 about driving parameters (speed, acceleration, temperature, etc.) and the operation of the vehicle 10, in particular the engine of the vehicle 10. For a motor vehicle, the instrument panel includes, for example, at least a tachometer, a speedometer, a fuel gauge and a coolant temperature indicator.

[0033] Optionally, the display system 16 is also suitable for displaying information useful for driving such as navigation (maps, positions, directions); traffic conditions (traffic jams, roadworks), or more generally driver assistance systems (ADAS for "Advanced Driving Assistant Systems").

[0034] As an alternative or in addition, the display system 16 is also suitable for displaying other information such as multimedia services, entertainment content for one or more occupants of the vehicle 10, or information relating to the vehicle's air conditioning.

[0035] For example, the display system 16 is fixed and / or integrated into 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.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, not shown, in which the display system 16 is a control panel, the display system 16 is coupled with a head-up display device, located above the display system 16 and displaying additional and / or supplementary information to the information displayed by the display system 16.

[0037] Advantageously, the display system 16 is configured to be switched on automatically when the ignition is switched on in the vehicle 10 (i.e. when the vehicle engine is started) and to be switched off automatically when the ignition is switched off in the vehicle 10 (engine stopped).

[0038] In all that follows, the terms "interior" and "internal" refer to what is facing the part of the vehicle 10 on which the display system is integrated, i.e., towards the outside of the vehicle 10, and the terms "exterior" and "external" refer to what is facing the passenger compartment 11 of the vehicle 10, i.e., towards the inside of the vehicle 10.

[0039] As illustrated in more detail in [Fig.2], the display system 16 extends along the longitudinal direction L and includes an external surface 22 visible by at least one occupant of the vehicle 10.

[0040] The external surface 22 forms the visible part of the display system 16 for an occupant located in the passenger compartment 11 of the vehicle 10. In other words, the external surface 22 is the surface of the display system 16 closest to an occupant located in the passenger compartment 11 of the vehicle 10.

[0041] At least a portion of the visible external surface 22 of the display system 16 is suitable for being positioned opposite one or more occupants of the vehicle 10.

[0042] For example, the display system 16 is positioned opposite the upper body (torso, head) of a driver 18 in the driving position ([Fig. 1]). Alternatively, the display system 16 is positioned opposite a passenger (upper body).

[0043] In one embodiment example, the visible external surface 22 extends over the entire extent of the dashboard 14, i.e. opposite the driver's seat and the front passenger seat in the case of a motor vehicle.

[0044] According to the invention, the display system 16 comprises an optical component 30, a decorative element 32 and at least one image generation unit 34.

[0045] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the display system 16 includes an image generation unit 34. However, several image generation units 34 may be provided. For example, two, three, or more image generation units 34 may be provided, or even a single extended image generation unit 34.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the display system 16 includes a cavity 35 delimited by an upper part 36 and a lower part 37.

[0047] The lower part 37 of the display system 16 is opposite and at a distance from the upper part 36 in an elevation direction Z, defining the cavity 35.

[0048] The elevation direction Z is for example perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. For example, the elevation direction Z corresponds to a floor-to-ceiling direction of the vehicle 10.

[0049] The cavity 35 defines a cleared volume between the upper part 36 and the lower part 37. As seen in [Fig.3], the cavity 35 extends along the elevation direction Z between the upper part 36 and the lower part 37, and extends in depth along a direction perpendicular to the elevation directions Z and longitudinal L, between the optical component 30 and the decorative element 32.

[0050] In other words, the cavity 35 extends behind the optical component 30, and in front of the decorative element 32, in a rear-front direction of the vehicle 10.

[0051] The optical component 30 is for example fixed on the upper part 36 and / or on the lower part 37 of the cavity 35. For example, an upper edge of the optical component 30 is fixed on the upper part 36 and / or a lower edge of the optical component 30 is fixed on the lower part 37.

[0052] In one embodiment, the optical component 30 is for example fixed by its lateral edges, using fixing legs (or any other fixing means) extending for example between the upper part 36 and / or lower part 37 of the cavity 35 and the lateral edges of the optical component 30, or using a gripping element for the edges of the optical component 30. This configuration gives a floating effect to the optical component 30.

[0053] The lateral slices of the optical component 30 are defined as the two lateral edges of the optical component 30, opposite along the longitudinal direction L.

[0054] By "fixed", it is understood that the optical component 30 can be assembled to the upper part 36 and / or the lower part 37 by any known means of assembly, such as an adhesive means, a mechanical and / or geometric means of assembly.

[0055] The optical component 30 comprises an outer face 38 and an inner face 39, opposite the outer face 38. The thickness of the optical component 30, taken between the outer face 38 and the inner face 39, is for example between 0.3 mm and 5 mm.

[0056] The external face 38 of the optical component 30 forms at least part of the external surface 22 of the display system 16.

[0057] The outer face 38 is preferably flat, which reduces aberrations and provides a larger viewing window than a concave surface. Alternatively, all or at least part of the outer face 38 is concave.

[0058] In particular, the optical component 30 is at least semi-transparent. By the term "semi-transparent" (equivalent to partially transparent), it is understood that the opacity is not zero, but not total. By the term "transparent," it is understood that the opacity is zero.

[0059] In other words, due to the semi-transparency property, a value taken for example between 20% and 90%, preferably between 50% and 90%, and even more preferably between 70% and 90%, of the electromagnetic energy of a light ray incident on the optical component 30 and having a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm, is transmitted by optical component 30.

[0060] At least the outer face 38 of the optical component 30 has a semi-reflective property. By the term "semi-reflective" (equivalent to partially reflective), it is understood that only a portion of the received incident beam is reflected, the other portion being transmitted.

[0061] In other words, due to the semi-reflective property, a value taken for example between 10% and 80%, preferably between 10% and 50%, and even more preferably between 10% and 30%, of the electromagnetic energy of a light ray incident on the external face 38 of the optical component 30 and having a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm, is reflected by the external face 38 of the optical component 30, and the remaining percentage of electromagnetic energy is transmitted by the optical component 30.

[0062] It is then understood that the optical component 30 is for example formed of a transparent or semi-transparent support (for example a blade) and a reflector element affixed or applied to the external face 38. The reflector element in this case confers the semi-reflective property to the optical component 30.

[0063] For this purpose, the reflective element includes, for example, a coating or treatment (for example obtained by physical or chemical deposition) or a film (for example laminated or held by electrostatic effect) that is at least partially reflective, applied to the external face 38.

[0064] The optical component 30 is for example made of glass or plastic such as polymethyl methacrylate, or polycarbonate.

[0065] As will be described in more detail later, the optical component 30, and in particular the outer face 38, is adapted to receive and reflect at least one light beam emitted by the image generation unit 34 towards the driver 18. The reflection of the light beam by the optical component 30, in particular by the outer face 38, forms at least one useful virtual image in an observation window of the driver 18 in driving position.

[0066] The light beam is, for example, in the visible wavelength range (380 nanometers to 700 nanometers). The resulting image thus allows the driver 18 to view vehicle control information 10.

[0067] In one embodiment, not shown, the optical component 30 optionally includes at least one touch interface, for example, located on the outer face 38. For this purpose, the optical component 30 includes, for example, capacitive, resistive, infrared, or piezoelectric sensors to give the touch interface interactive properties with the vehicle occupants. In other words, by a By pressing on the touch interface with their finger, for example, the vehicle occupant can control certain vehicle functions.

[0068] For example, the vehicle's features, or functions, may include adjusting the ventilation, adjusting the defrosting functions, adjusting the temperature inside the vehicle, managing a multimedia device, etc.

[0069] The decorative element 32 is for example applied between the lower part 37 and the upper part 36 of the display system 16 and extends at least opposite the inner face 39 of the optical component 30.

[0070] More particularly, as shown in [Fig.3], the decorative element 32 extends opposite and at a distance from the inner face 39 of the optical component 30.

[0071] The scenery element 32 is, for example, a decorative element, such as a decorative surface or a stage structure. The scenery element 32 is not a screen or any other element configured to generate an image and / or a luminous area.

[0072] The decorative element 32 can also be an area of ​​the dashboard. In this case, the design (shape, geometry) and / or texture of this area have been adapted accordingly.

[0073] The decorative element 32 has an extent, that is to say a surface, for example at least equal to the surface area of ​​the external face 38 of the optical component 30. The decorative element 32 can be made of any desired material, preferably non-reflective and opaque.

[0074] For example, the decorative element 32 is a textile, a leather, a imitation leather, a plastic skin.

[0075] The decorative element 32 is for example dark or light, with or without texture (rough or smooth).

[0076] The decorative element 32 is further arranged to give its aesthetic appearance to the display system 16.

[0077] Since the optical component 30 is at least partly transparent or translucent, the decorative element 32 located opposite the inner face 39 of the optical component 30 is visible to a user located inside the passenger compartment 11 of the vehicle 10 and looking through the optical component 30.

[0078] The decorative element 32 then serves as a decorative background visible to the user. This feature enhances the user's sensory perception, particularly visual perception, when displaying information in the vehicle 10 via the display system 16.

[0079] The decorative element 32 has at least one surface 40 that is geometrically adapted to the design (shape, geometry, aesthetic appearance, etc.) of the dashboard 14, such as a curved, flat, or inclined surface. For example, the decorative element 32 has a C-shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0080] In a particular example, the decorative element 32 has a convex face and a concave face, the concave face being arranged opposite the internal face 39 of the optical component 30.

[0081] The aesthetic appearance of the decorative element 32, and its particular geometry, allow it to be integrated harmoniously into the dashboard 14 of the vehicle 10.

[0082] The decorative element 32 then forms a recess behind the optical component 30.

[0083] Advantageously, the decorative element 32 delimits, together with the optical component 30, a clear space 42 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0084] In other words, the cavity 35 is cleared along the longitudinal direction L, so as to form the cleared space 42 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0085] In other words, the decorative element 32 does not include lateral edges closing, with the optical component 30, the clear space 42 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0086] This feature makes it possible to avoid any edge effect on the image viewed and the decorative element 32 thus does not harm the aesthetics of the projected image.

[0087] On the contrary, such a decorative element 32 makes it possible to highlight the virtual image, in order to create a decorative background in front of which the virtual image seems to float for the occupant of the vehicle 10.

[0088] As mentioned previously, the image generation unit 34 is designed to emit at least one light beam towards the outer face 38 of the optical component 30 so that the optical component 30 forms at least one virtual image by reflection of the light beam.

[0089] The image generation unit 34 is used, for example, to present information related to the driving or operation of the vehicle 10 to one or more occupants of the vehicle 10. The image generation unit 34 is also used, for example, to interact with one or more occupants of the vehicle 10 in order to control one or more functionalities of the vehicle 10, or in order to control entertainment content offered in the vehicle 10.

[0090] For example, the controlled functionalities may include the management of a multimedia system, the management of the temperature regulation in the passenger compartment, the management of the ignition of the vehicle's lights 10, etc.

[0091] The image generation unit 34 is for example fixed on and / or integrated into the upper part 36 of the cavity 24.

[0092] For example, the upper part 36 comprises a lower surface 43 and an upper surface 44, opposite the lower surface 43 in the elevation direction Z. The lower surface 43 is turned towards, i.e. facing, the lower part 37 of the display system 16.

[0093] The image generation unit 34 is for example flush with the lower surface 43. Thus, the light beams emitted by the image generation unit 34 when the image generation unit 34 is active are directed towards the outer face 38 of the optical component 30.

[0094] Alternatively, the image generation unit 34 is applied against the lower surface 43 of the upper part 36. The image generation unit 34 is thus projecting from said lower surface 43, towards the lower part 37.

[0095] In each of the cases mentioned above, the image generation unit 34 is fixed on and / or integrated into the upper part 36, so as not to be visible to an occupant (for example the driver in driving position or the front passenger in the front passenger seat) of the vehicle 10 located in the passenger compartment 11.

[0096] Preferably, the image generation unit 34 comprises at least one screen 45 on which an image is displayed. The at least one virtual image formed is then an image of the image displayed on the screen 45. Such a virtual image is obtained by reflection of the beam from the screen 45 onto the optical component 30 (due to the semi-reflective property of the outer face 38 of the optical component 30).

[0097] The screen 45 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD for "liquid crystal display").

[0098] Advantageously, the optical component 30 is inclined at an angle a, shown in [Fig.3], between 30° and 70° relative to the image generation unit 34, preferably between 40° and 60°.

[0099] More particularly, the angle a corresponds to the angle formed between a normal to the outer face 38 of the optical component 30 and a normal to the image generation unit 34.

[0100] Advantageously, the display system 16 is devoid of optics on the path of the light beam between the image generation unit 34 and the optical component 30, which makes it possible to gain in compactness and not to restrict the observation window.

[0101] In one variant, the display system 16 includes one or more optics, such as lenses, in the path of the light beam between the image generation unit 34 and the optical component 30. The additional optics are, for example, configured to create virtual images in different planes.

[0102] According to the invention, the optical component 30, the decorative element 32 and the image generation unit 34 are arranged in such a way that the virtual image is formed in a plane B, visible on the [Fig.3], included between the decorative element 32 and the optical component 30.

[0103] In other words, the optical component 30, the decorative element 32 and the image generation unit 34 are arranged such that the light beams emitted by the image generation unit 34 and reflected by the optical component 30 form a virtual image in plane B between the decorative element 32 and the optical component 30, and not on the decorative element 32. This adds a depth effect to the image seen by the occupants of vehicle 10.

[0104] A virtual image being created in plane B between the decorative element 32 and the optical component 30, the occupant who looks at the images reflected by the optical component 30 observes a floating image, located between the decorative element 32 and the optical component 30, that is to say behind the external face 38 according to the rear-front direction of the vehicle 10.

[0105] Plane B is shown substantially vertically in [Fig. 3]. However, the optical component 30, the decorative element 32, and the image generation unit 34 can be arranged so that plane B extends in a completely different direction. For example, plane B can extend perpendicularly to the line of sight of the occupant of the vehicle 10.

[0106] The presence of the decor element 32 behind the virtual image formed by the optical component 30 allows the user to better visualize the image floating in front of the decor element 32 and improves the observer's sensory experience.

[0107] For example, the decor element 32 can be chosen so as to increase the visibility, the contrast between the virtual image and the decor element 32 in order to facilitate the perception of the information displayed by the display system 16.

[0108] A method of using such a display system 16 will now be described in detail.

[0109] A preliminary step of the process consists, for example, of starting the vehicle 10. When a user starts the vehicle 10 (turns on the engine), the display system 16 is then automatically activated at the same time as the engine of the vehicle 10 is started.

[0110] Alternatively, when a user starts the vehicle 10 (starts the engine), the display system 16 can then be manually activated by said user.

[0111] By "activated" we mean, for example, that the image generation unit 34 is switched on so as to generate visual content.

[0112] When the image generation unit 34 is activated, the image generation unit 34 sends one or more light beams towards the outer face 38 of the optical component 30.

[0113] By its semi-reflective properties, the outer face 38 reflects the light beam(s) towards the user's eye.

[0114] A virtual image of the image generated by the image generation unit 34 is then created in the background of the optical component 30, between the optical component 30 and the decorative element 32, in plane B shown in [Fig.3].

[0115] The user then perceives a virtual image floating in front of the decorative element 32.

[0116] In a particular embodiment, the image generation unit 34 is adapted to emit, towards the optical component 30, a light beam polarized according to a principal polarization, called the incident beam. The incident beam arrives at the optical component 30 at an angle of incidence and defines a plane of incidence with the optical component 30. The principal polarization is a polarization contained in the plane of incidence, called P-polarization. The optical component 30, and in particular the reflecting element, preferentially reflects the P-polarization at the Brewster angle.

[0117] Such polarization allows the polarized light beam to be more visible to an occupant of the vehicle 10, in particular wearing polarized sunglasses.

[0118] Furthermore, P-polarization allows the vehicle occupant to better perceive the virtual image for light beams having a particular angle of incidence for which the refracted and reflected light possess specific polarization properties, such as at Brewster's angle. Indeed, for P-polarization, the percentage of reflected stray light is low compared to the percentage of reflected useful light, which makes the "ghost" effect relatively negligible.

[0119] In a particular embodiment, shown in [Fig.3], (and combinable with all previous embodiments), the display system includes at least one secondary lighting system 48, for example one or more light-emitting diodes, illuminating at least a part of the decorative element 32 located opposite the inner face 39 of the optical component 30.

[0120] The secondary lighting system 48 is arranged to emit light beams towards the set element 32, the emitted light beams advantageously passing behind plane B in which the virtual image is formed.

[0121] For example, the secondary lighting system 48 is integrated into the upper part 36 and is flush with the lower surface 43.

[0122] The implementation of such a secondary lighting system 48 ensures good visibility of the decorative element 32.

[0123] The secondary lighting system 48 also makes it possible to generate a shading effect under the virtual image to accentuate its floating and three-dimensional appearance.

[0124] Optionally, the display system 16 includes an eye-tracking system 50 for the driver 18 of the vehicle 10. Such a tracking system 50 includes, for example, at least one head and / or gaze position sensor for a vehicle occupant, and an electronic central unit. The electronic central unit, not shown, is, for example, capable of calculating the coordinates of a gaze vector in a reference frame linked to the image generation unit 34 from the position of the occupant's head and / or gaze relative to the vehicle 10.

[0125] The tracking system is shown schematically in [Fig.1].

[0126] The tracking system 50 is configured for example to control the image generation unit 34 according to the position of the driver's eyes 18.

[0127] By "control the image generation unit", it is meant that the tracking system 50 is capable of generating a control command, consisting for example of:

[0128] - a command to activate or deactivate at least one projection zone of the image generation unit 34, and / or

[0129] - a command to modify the dimension, position and / or nature of content projected by the image generation unit 34, and / or

[0130] - a command to validate an action to be carried out for the control of a vehicle-related functionality, and / or

[0131] - a control for generating a visual and / or audible warning signal for a occupant of the vehicle.

[0132] In a first example, the tracking system 50 allows the image generation unit 34 to be activated or deactivated depending on the position of the head and / or eye of a vehicle occupant.

[0133] This makes it possible, for example, to avoid leaving the image generation unit 34 unnecessarily active if the occupant is not looking in its direction, and thus to save energy.

[0134] Similarly, if the optical component 30 has an extended external face 38, the tracking system 50 allows only certain areas of the image generation unit 34 to be activated or deactivated if the latter allows it, for example if it is equipped with localized backlighting.

[0135] By "extended outer face" it is understood that the optical component 30 covers for example a driver display area in the driver's field of vision, a central display area in both the driver's and front passenger's field of vision, and a passenger vision area in the front passenger's field of vision.

[0136] Similarly, the image generation unit 34 can also be extended to be positioned opposite the extended outer face, or several image generation units 34 can be provided and each positioned opposite a part of the extended outer face.

[0137] In a second application example, the tracking system 50 makes it possible to modify the size, position and / or nature of content generated by the image generation unit 34, for example to offer better visibility to the occupants of the vehicle 10.

[0138] In a particular example, the size of the displayed content (for example, icons or information) is increased when the tracking system 50 detects that the gaze of an occupant of the vehicle 10 falls upon said content.

[0139] In a third application example, the tracking system 50 makes it possible to validate an action to be taken for the control of a functionality related to the vehicle 10.

[0140] For example, when the tracking system 50 detects that the gaze of a vehicle occupant 10 is fixed on specific content displayed by the image generation unit 34, the tracking system 50 can generate a control command to select the fixed content. Such a command allows, for example, entering or exiting a menu or submenu, confirming a choice or action to be taken, or other functions.

[0141] In other words, such a tracking system 50 makes it possible to use the eye of an occupant of the vehicle 10 as a pointer to perform an action in the vehicle 10.

[0142] The tracking system 50 can be used in addition to or as a redundancy to an existing validation system (such as mechanical pressure on a touch interface or on a physical button, gesture or voice recognition, or other).

[0143] In a fourth example, the tracking system 50 makes it possible to generate a visual and / or audible warning signal for an occupant of the vehicle 10.

[0144] In one example, the vehicle 10 includes AD AS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including, for example, parking sensors, rear cameras, lane departure warning systems and engine monitoring systems), positioned outside the vehicle and capable of detecting an obstacle and / or hazard on the roadway.

[0145] When the tracking system 50 determines that the obstacle and / or hazard is outside the occupant's field of vision (for example, in this case, the driver 18), the tracking system 50 can then generate a specific command to alert the occupant to a potential hazard.

[0146] In this example the generation command is for example an instruction to generate a visual and / or audible alert signal for the occupant, or to start up or modify a content of the image generation unit 34.

[0147] The display system 16 according to the invention has many advantages.

[0148] The virtual image formed appears to float in front of the decorative element 32 for a vehicle occupant viewing the information presented on the display system 16, thus enhancing the occupant's visual experience. A three-dimensional effect and a sense of depth are imparted to the viewed image. These effects could not be achieved with a simple screen displaying an image on its surface.

[0149] In addition, such a 16 display system offers new design possibilities compared to a screen that is generally rectangular in shape and which is difficult to integrate into a vehicle dashboard, for example.

[0150] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the present description is based on the specific case of motor vehicles, but that the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. The display system 16 is, therefore, adaptable to all types of vehicles, including aircraft and ships.

[0151] In addition, any technically possible combination of the variants and embodiments described above is supported by this description.

Claims

Demands

1. A display system (16) suitable for integration into a vehicle (10), the display system (16) comprising an external surface (22) visible to at least one occupant of the vehicle (10), the display system (16) further comprising: a. an optical component (30) comprising an external face (38) and an internal face (39) opposite the external face (38), at least the external face (38) of the optical component (30) having a semi-reflective property, the external face (38) of the optical component (30) forming at least a part of the external surface (22) of the display system (16), b. a decorative element (32) extending opposite the internal face (39) of the optical component (30), and c.at least one image generation unit (34) capable of emitting at least one light beam towards the outer face (38) of the optical component (30) so that the optical component (30) forms at least one virtual image in a plane (B) between the decorative element (32) and the optical component (30).

2. Display system (16) according to claim 1, wherein the image generation unit (34) comprises at least one screen (45) on which an image is displayed, the or at least one virtual image being an image of the image displayed on the screen (45) and reflected on the outer face (38).

3. Display system (16) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display system (16) comprises at least one secondary lighting system (48) illuminating at least a portion of the decorative element (32) located opposite the inner face (39) of the optical component (30).

4. Display system (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display system (16) forms a cavity (35) with the decorative element (32), the cavity (35) being delimited by an upper part (36) and a lower part (37), the lower part (37) being opposite and at a distance from the upper part (36) in an elevation direction (Z), the image generation unit (34) being fixed on and / or integrated into the upper part (36) of the cavity (35).

5. Display system (16) according to claim 4, wherein the optical component (30) is fixed on the upper part (36) and / or on the lower part (37) of the cavity (35).

6. Display system (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising an eye-tracking system (50) for a driver (18) of the vehicle (10), the tracking system (50) being configured to control the emission of light beams by the image generation unit (34) according to the position of the driver's (18) eyes.

7. Display system (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display system (16) extends along a longitudinal direction (L), the decorative element (32) delimiting, together with the optical component (30), a clear space (42) along the longitudinal direction (L).

8. Display system (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the decorative element (32) has at least one curved surface (40), the curved surface (40) comprising a convex face and a concave face, the concave face being arranged opposite the inner face (39) of the optical component (30).

9. Display system (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the image generation unit (34) is adapted to emit, in the direction of the optical component (30), a light beam polarized according to a principal polarization, called the incident beam, the incident beam arriving on the optical component (30) with an angle of incidence and defining with the optical component (30) a plane of incidence, the principal polarization being a polarization contained in the plane of incidence, called P polarization.

10. Vehicle (10) comprising a display system (16) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the display system (16) being integrated into the dashboard (14) of the vehicle (10).

Images