Display system

Abstract

A display system for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing is disclosed. The display system comprises a transparent display panel, a backlighting module, and a decorative layer. The decorative layer

Description

The present invention relates to the field of display systems. In particular, the present invention describes an apparatus and method of manufacture for a display system suitable for use in the interior of a vehicle. Background to the Invention In the automotive industry, there is a growing demand for incorporating more displays within the interior of a vehicle to provide additional information or for entertainment purposes. Various types of displays may be employed within the vehicle to present visual information to the viewer, enabling the representation of images, videos, and other visual content. A display system may comprise a combination of high resolution and low-resolution displays. Some examples of high-resolution displays include non-emissive liquid crystal displays (LCDs) which utilise liquid crystals plus a backlight, emissive organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays using organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied and MicroLED displays which utilise miniature light-emitting diodes as individual display pixels. Furthermore, low-resolution displays used within the vehicle display system may include emissive light-emitting diode (LED) display devices, such as an LED light-tile for backlighting. As more displays are currently required within a typical vehicle display system, it is important to ensure that a visually attractive display system is created, that provides a pleasant atmosphere for the viewer. Furthermore, it is similarly important to ensure that the displays are integrated within the display system in a non-distracting manner, to prevent a driver from being distracted by the displays. An example of a typical automotive display system as known in the art, and generally depicted by reference numeral 1, is presented in Figure 1. In particular, Figure 1 presents a cross sectional view of the display system 1. As shown in Figure 1, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel 2 and a backlighting unit 3 are placed behind a black glass layer 4 to create a hidden or concealed appearance when the backlighting unit 3 and LCD panel 2 are turned off. The black glass layer 4 is made of a glass that appears black or dark when not actively displaying information. When the LCD panel 2 and backlighting unit 3 are turned on, the display information, graphics, or controls, become visible through the black glass layer 4. In this way, when the vehicle is turned off, or certain features or not in use, the display system 1 can blend in with the vehicles interior design. However, as depicted in Figure 1, an LCD panel 2 comprises an active region 5 and an opaque border 6. The active region 5 is the area of the LCD panel 2 where the visual content is presented, and the opaque border 6 surrounds one or more edges of the active region 5. The opaque border 6 may serve as both a structural component, providing support for the LCD panel 2, and as a housing for various components or structures required for the LCD panel 2. In particular, the opaque border 6 generally contains the various electrical components or circuits that are required for controlling the individual pixels within the active region 5. As shown in Figure 1, opaque edges 7 are also present in the black glass layer 4 and aligned with the opaque border 6 of the LCD panel 2 to give a more seamless effect to a viewer of the display system 1. However, unfortunately this results in visible opaque edges 7 for a viewer of the display system 1. Significantly, if further display panels are incorporated into the display system 1, the opaque edges 7 would have the effect of separating the distinct display panels for the viewer. As a result, the automotive display system 1 does not provide a complete immersive experience for a viewer as there is no natural lighting transition between different display panels. Another disadvantage of the above described display system 1 is that there is significant optical loss within the display system 1. Only approximately 5% of the light from the backlighting unit 3 is transmitted through the LCD panel 2. Furthermore, typically less than 50% of the light transmitted through the LCD panel 2 is then transmitted through the black glass layer 4. A further example of an automotive display system 8, as is known in the art, is presented in Figure 2. In particular, Figure 2 presents a cross sectional view of the display system 8. Similar to Figure 1, Figure 2 also shows a backlighting unit 3 and an LCD panel 2 that are placed behind a layer of material to create a hidden or concealed appearance when the LCD panel 2 and backlighting unit 3 are turned off. However, rather than a black glass layer 4, a fabric or wooden veneer layer 9 is used for covering the LCD panel 2 and the backlighting unit 3. The display system 8 of Figure 2 is often preferred to the display system 1 of Figure 1 when the display system 8 is used within the interior of a vehicle. The reason for this is that the fabric or wooden veneer layer 9 acts to create a more immersive experience for a viewer than the black glass layer 4 of Figure 1 and is more aesthetically pleasing when the display system 8 is turned off. However, the display system 8 of Figure 2 is still subject to significant optical loss and also diffusion, as light from the backlight module 3 is first transmitted through the LCD panel 2. Light from the LCD panel 2 is then transmitted through the fabric or wooden veneer layer 9 before it is visible to the viewer. Substantial optical loss and diffusion can occur when light is transmitted through the fabric or wooden veneer layer 9, where the exact amount of optical loss depends on the material used for the fabric or wooden veneer layer 9. A further disadvantage of the fabric or wooden veneer layer 9 is that the increased diffusion can impact the display resolution of the display system 8. In summary, there is an increasing demand for vehicle manufacturers to incorporate more displays within a vehicle display system for information and entertainment purposes, and to integrate these displays into the interior decor in a visually pleasing and non-distracting manner. Examples of systems and methods known in the art include, International Patent Publication Number WO 2018 / 059862 A1, US Patent Number US 10,328,871 B2, US Patent Number US 10,821,889 B2, US Patent Number US 11,267,280 B2 and International Patent Application Number WO 2021 / 011536 A1. There is generally a need for an apparatus and method to address the problems identified above. It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a display system that obviates or mitigates one or more drawbacks or disadvantages of the prior art. Further aims and objects of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description. Summary of Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a display system for use within the interior of a vehicle, the display system comprising: a transparent display panel; a backlighting module; and a decorative layer located between the transparent display panel and the backlighting module; wherein the decorative layer is configured to allow at least partial transmission of light emitted by the backlighting module to illuminate the transparent display panel. The display system of the present invention advantageously provides clear information to a viewer in addition to providing a visually appealing display. When the transparent display panel and backlighting module are turned off, the decorative layer is clearly visible to the viewer through the transparent display panel. However, the decorative layer becomes transparent when the backlighting module is turned on. When the transparent display panel and backlighting module are turned on, one or more images may overlay said decorative layer. Therefore, the described display system provides a transparent display panel which can be hidden when the transparent display panel is turned off. Significantly, the display system results in improved power efficiency when compared with alternative systems known in the art. As a decorative layer is located between the transparent display panel and the backlighting module, there is no optical diffusion or optical loss from the displayed image thanks to light emitted from the transparent display panel having no need to travel through additional layers before it is viewed by a user of the display system. Furthermore, the location of the backlighting module provides additional illumination to the transparent display panel through the decorative layer. As the backlighting module has a much higher energy efficiency than the transparent display panel the incorporation of backlight module reduces the light emitting requirements placed on the transparent display panel. Incorporating the backlighting module therefore acts to improve the overall efficiency of the display system as well as enhancing the image quality of the transparent display panel. This improved efficiency allows for a more compact transparent display panel to be incorporated into the display system. Considering the above, the present invention provides an immersive display system with both improved display resolution and efficiency, while maintaining an attractive visual design. Optionally the decorative layer becomes transparent when the backlighting module is turned on, and wherein the decorative layer is visible when the backlighting module is turned off. Preferably the decorative layer comprises one or more decorative materials. The decorative materials may comprise a natural material, fabric, textile, wood veneer, plastic or glass. Optionally, the decorative layer may comprise a surface effect. A surface effect may include wood grain effect, textured coatings, moulded contour textures. The appearance of the decorative layer allows for the display system to blend in pleasantly with any interior environment. Preferably the backlighting module is a light emitting diode backlighting unit. Preferably the transparent display panel comprises a transparent substrate material. Preferably the transparent substrate material is glass or plastic. Preferably the transparent display panel is a transparent MicroLED display. Alternatively, the transparent display panel is a transparent liquid crystal display or a transparent organic light emitting diode display. Preferably the transparent display panel comprises an on-state and an off-state. Preferably the display system is configured to display the decorative layer when the transparent display panel is in an off state. Preferably the display system is configured to display at least one image when the transparent display panel is in an on-state. Preferably the display system comprises two or more transparent display panels. Incorporating more transparent display panels allows for more information to be presented to a viewer. Preferably the display system comprises a rectangular shape. Optionally the display system comprises a contoured shape. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is method of manufacturing a display system for a vehicle comprising: -providing a transparent display panel, -providing a backlighting module; and -locating a decorative layer between the transparent display panel and the backlighting module; and configuring the decorative layer to allow at least partial transmission of light emitted by the backlighting module to illuminate the transparent display panel. Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may comprise features to implement the preferred or optional features of the first or second aspects of the present invention, or vice versa. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a display system comprising: a decorative layer having a first surface oriented to a user and a second surface opposite to said first surface, a transparent display panel arranged on said first surface so that said first surface is visible across said transparent display panel, - a light tile arranged under said second surface, said light tile comprising at least a first lighting state when it’s powered on by an electricity source, and a turning-off state when it’s not powered on, wherein said decorative layer is adapted to transmit at least some light emitted by said light tile when it’s powered on, to illuminate said transparent display panel so that at least one image is displayed by said transparent display panel and superposed on said first surface. Embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise features to implement the preferred or optional features of the first, second or third aspects of the present invention or vice versa. Brief Description of Drawings There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of aspects of the present invention with reference to the drawings, of which: Figure 1 presents a cross-sectional view of a display system as is known in the art; Figure 2 presents a cross-sectional view of an alternative display system as is known in the art; Figure 3 presents a cross-sectional view of a display system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 presents a cross-sectional view of a display system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of embodiments of the invention. Detailed Description An explanation of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In Figure 3, a cross-section of a display system, as generally depicted by reference numeral 10 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The display system 10 comprises a backlighting module 11 and a decorative layer 12. The display system further comprises a transparent display panel 13, where the decorative layer 12 is positioned between the backlighting module 11 and the transparent display panel 13. The transparent display panel 13 allows light to pass through it, making any visual content from the transparent display panel 13 visible to a viewer, while also enabling a viewer of the display system 10 to see objects behind or under the transparent display panel 13. In Figure 3, the transparent display panel 13 may be any suitable transparent display technology, for example the transparent display panel 13 may comprise a transparent micro-LED display. Additionally, the transparent display panel 13 can be constructed from a suitable transparent substrate material, for example glass or plastic. The decorative layer 12 is configured or adapted to transmit at least a portion of light that is incident upon it. The decorative layer 12 can be made from any suitable material such as fabric, wood veneer, plastic, glass or any other suitable material. Furthermore, the decorative layer 12 may comprise any suitable combination of said materials. The decorative layer 12 may also have a surface effect or combination of surface effects. Such surface effects include a wood grain effect, textured coatings and moulded contour textures, where these visual effects are employed to enhance the appearance of the decorative layer 12. In Figure 3, the backlighting module 11 is a light emitting diode (LED) light-tile, however any suitable backlighting device could alternatively be used as the backlighting module 11. The display system 10 of Figure 1 operates as follows. When the backlighting module 11 is turned on, light is emitted from the backlighting module 11 towards the decorative layer 12. As the decorative layer 12 is at least partially transparent, the incident light is transmitted by the decorative layer 12 and illuminates the transparent display panel 13. When the transparent display panel 13 is turned on and illuminated by the light from the backlighting module 11 an image is displayed to the viewer which overlays a portion of the transparent display panel 13. As only the transparent display panel 13 is placed above the decorative layer 9, when the transparent display panel 13 and backlighting module 11 are turned off, only the decorative layer 12 is visible to a viewer. When the transparent display panel 13 and backlighting module 11 are turned on, in addition to the decorative layer 12, the visual content from the transparent display panel 13 is also visible to a viewer of the display system 10. Therefore, the above described display system 10 provides a display which can be hidden when the transparent display panel 13 and backlighting module 11 are turned off. In this way, the display system 10 provides visually appealing aesthetics to the user, while information can be clearly provided by the transparent display panel 13 as required. Alternative systems known in the art place a display panel 2 between a partially transmissive layer 4 or 9 and a backlighting unit 3. However, by positioning the decorative layer 12 between the transparent display panel 13 and the backlighting module 11, light from the transparent display panel 13 does not need to go through an additional layer prior to reaching the viewer of the display system 10. Therefore, there is no optical diffusion or optical loss from the displayed image produced by the transparent display panel 13 due to the light not having to propagate through the decorative layer 12 after it is generated by the transparent display panel 13. The presence of the backlighting module 11 enhances the visibility of the display content from transparent display panel 13. The backlighting module 11 has a high energy efficiency and provides additional illumination to the transparent display panel 13, reducing the light emitting requirements of the transparent display panel 13. As a result, the backlighting module 11 contributes to a reduction in the size of the transparent display panel 13, while still maintaining a high image resolution. This is important within the automotive field since it is important for the display system 10 to be sufficiently compact that all the relevant display information can be provided within the interior of the vehicle. Considering the above, the display system 10 is more efficient and provides greater image quality and clarity for the viewer than for alternative systems known in the art. These improved characteristics are a result of both the location of the transparent display panel 13 in addition to the presence of the backlighting module 11 to provide extra illumination to the transparent display panel 13. The present invention provides an immersive display system 10 with both improved display resolution and efficiency, while maintaining an attractive visual design. Figure 4 presents a display system 14 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment of Figure 3, Figure 4 comprises a backlighting module 11 and a decorative layer 12. However, a first 13a and a second 13b transparent display panel are provided within the display system 14. Each transparent display panel 13a, 13b provides different information to the user when turned on. Note that the number of transparent display panels 13 provided within the display system 14 is not limited to two, and further transparent display panels 13 may be included as required. In this way, different information can be integrated into the display system 14 for the viewer. A display system for a vehicle and a method of manufacturing is disclosed. The display system comprises a transparent display panel, a backlighting module, and a decorative layer. The decorative layer is configured to allow at least partial transmission of light emitted by the backlighting module. The transmitted light illuminates the transparent display panel. The display system of the present invention advantageously provides a high efficiency and display resolution, in addition to providing a visually appealing and immersive display for a viewer of the display system. Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms “comprise” or “include”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, “includes” or “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, unless the context clearly demands otherwise, the term “or” will be interpreted as being inclusive not exclusive. Furthermore, reference to any prior art in the description should not be taken as an indication that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A display system for use within the interior of a vehicle, the display system comprising:a transparent display panel;a backlighting module; anda decorative layer located between the transparent display panel and the backlighting module;wherein the decorative layer is configured to allow at least partial transmission of light emitted by the backlighting module to illuminate the transparent display panel.

2. A display system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the decorative layer comprises one or more decorative materials.

3. A display system as claimed in claim 2, wherein decorative materials comprise a natural material or a fabric or a textile or wood veneer or plastic or glass.

4. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative layer comprises one or more surface effects.

5. A display system as claimed in claim 4, where the surface effect is a wood grain effect or a textured coating or a moulded contour texture.

6. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative layer becomes transparent when the backlighting module is turned on, and wherein the decorative layer is visible when the backlighting module is turned off.

7. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the backlighting module is a light emitting diode backlighting unit.

8. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the transparent display panel comprises a transparent substrate material.

9. A display system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the transparent substrate material is glass or plastic.

10. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the transparent display panel is a transparent MicroLED display.

11. A display system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the transparent display panel is a transparent liquid crystal display or a transparent organic light emitting diode display.

12. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the transparent display panel comprises an on-state and an off-state.

13. A display system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the display system is configured to display the decorative layer when the transparent display panel is in an off state and the display system is configured to display at least one image when the transparent display panel is in an on-state.

14. A display system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the display system comprises two or more transparent display panels.

15. A method of manufacturing a display system for use within the interior of a vehicle, the method comprising:-providing a transparent display panel,-providing a backlighting module; and-locating a decorative layer between the transparent display panel and the backlighting module; andconfiguring the decorative layer to allow at least partial transmission of light emitted by the backlighting module to illuminate the transparent display panel.

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