Reflective display on windshield edge

Abstract

[0006] Embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques for displaying content in a projection display system. A computer-implemented method includes receiving data related to a vehicle, generating, based on the received data, content for display on a projection surface including a partially absorbent portion and a transparent portion, the partially absorbent portion being disposed along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion being disposed in a central region of the projection surface, and projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled "REFLECTIVE DISPLAY ON THE EDGE OF A WINDSHIELD," filed October 7, 2022, and bearing Serial No. 63 / 414,419, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Field of Various Embodiments Various embodiments relate generally to in-vehicle display systems, and more particularly to reflective displays at the edge of a windshield. [Background technology]

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art Many modern vehicles rely on advanced electronic systems for various operational and safety features, including engine performance, information and entertainment (also known as infotainment), autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, collision avoidance, route navigation, and / or the like. Vehicles can be equipped with a "console display system" for presenting information to vehicle occupants (e.g., driver, operator, passenger). A console display system presents information on a console display or instrument panel that can be mounted in the vehicle's center console. Occupants can access various functions by interacting with the console display system, such as by activating pushbuttons and rotary controls adjacent to the console display, by touching various areas of the console display's touchscreen, and / or the like.

[0004] One problem with such console display systems is that when a vehicle driver interacts with the console display system, the driver momentarily shifts their focus of attention away from the road ahead and focuses it toward the console display. After interacting with the console display, the driver shifts their focus away from the console display and back toward the road. In one example, when a driver focuses on the road ahead, the driver may be focusing on an area that is approximately 2-3 degrees below the horizontal plane of the driver's eyes and at a distance that may range from 200-400 meters in front of the vehicle. In contrast, when a driver focuses on the console display, the driver may be focusing on an area that is approximately 16-18 degrees below the horizontal plane of the driver's eyes and at a distance that may range from 30-40 centimeters. This difference in viewing angle and distance can momentarily cause the driver to lose sight of certain objects, such as other vehicles, traffic lights, or pedestrians. As a result, the driver may become distracted, which can increase the likelihood of a traffic accident.

[0005] One approach to reducing distractions associated with console displays is to equip vehicles with head-up display systems to present information to vehicle occupants. In head-up display systems, content is typically projected onto a transparent object (e.g., the vehicle's windshield, a transparent display positioned between the occupant and the windshield), and the content is reflected from the transparent object toward the occupant. Head-up display systems present information in a manner that allows the occupant to continue looking forward toward the environment in front of the vehicle without having to look down toward the console display. Different types of vehicles can implement head-up displays to make it easier for the vehicle operator to pay attention to the environment in front of the vehicle.

[0006] A disadvantage of head-up display systems is that the systems may present ghost images of the content projected by the system and intended virtual images of the projected content. Ghost images are the result of the projected content reflecting toward the occupant from multiple surfaces of a transparent object (e.g., the inner and outer layers of a windshield), causing intended virtual and ghost images of the content to reach the user's eyes at different angles relative to the transparent object. The ghost images can distract the occupant from viewing the projected content and / or reduce the effectiveness of the head-up display in conveying information to the occupant. Another disadvantage of head-up display systems is that such display systems may require a significant amount of power to generate projected content that is bright enough for the occupant to see and understand. The amount of power supporting a head-up display may be sufficient to affect the vehicle's range, for example, by reducing the miles per gallon (MPG) of a fuel-powered vehicle, reducing the miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) of an electric vehicle, and / or the like.

[0007] As the above indicates, there is a need for more effective ways to present content to vehicle occupants. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment specifies that a computer-implemented method includes receiving data associated with a vehicle; generating, based on the received data, content for display on a projection surface including a partially absorbent portion and a transparent portion, wherein the partially absorbent portion is disposed along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is disposed in a central region of the projection surface; and projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface.

[0009] One embodiment specifies that the system includes a projection surface including a partially absorbent portion and a transparent portion, and a first projection unit configured to receive data associated with the vehicle and generate content for display on the projection surface including the partially absorbent portion and the transparent portion based on the received data, the partially absorbent portion being disposed along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion being disposed in a central region of the projection surface, and to project the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface.

[0010] Further embodiments provide, among other things, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media and systems configured to implement the above methods.

[0011] At least one technical advantage of the disclosed approach over the prior art is that with the disclosed technique, the angle and distance between what is seen on the road ahead and what is seen on the displayed content is reduced compared to conventional systems that present content on a console display. As a result, the level of distraction experienced by occupants when viewing the displayed content is reduced compared to systems with a console display. Another advantage of the disclosed approach over the prior art is that the amount of power required to project content for display on a partially absorbent surface of the windshield is reduced compared to head-up display systems, improving mileage performance. These technical advantages result in one or more technical improvements over prior art approaches.

[0012] Thus, in a manner that the above-described features of the various embodiments can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the inventive concepts briefly summarized above will be made by reference to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the accompanying drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, as there may be other equally effective embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a projection display system configured to implement one or more aspects of various embodiments.

[0014] [Figure 2] 2 illustrates a content display arrangement implemented in a vehicle with the projection display system of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments.

[0015] [Figure 3] 2 illustrates a display arrangement associated with the projection unit of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments.

[0016] [Figure 4] 2 illustrates content displayed on one or more portions of a projection surface by the projection unit of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments.

[0017] [Figure 5-1] 2 illustrates content displayed on one or more portions of a projection surface by the projection unit of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. [Figure 5-2] Same as above.

[0018] [Figure 6] 10A-10C show graphs of transmittance and reflectance characteristics for S-state and P-state polarizations according to various other embodiments.

[0019] [Figure 7] 10 illustrates the curvature of a windshield including frit regions according to various other embodiments.

[0020] [Figure 8] 8 illustrates modification of content to correct for the curvature of the windshield of FIG. 7, according to various other embodiments.

[0021] [Figure 9]2 is a flow diagram of method steps for displaying content via the projection display system of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concepts of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0023] 1 is a block diagram of a projection display system 100 configured to implement one or more aspects of various embodiments. As shown, the projection display system 100 includes, but is not limited to, a computing device 190, input / output (I / O) device(s) 130, and a projection surface 134. The computing device 190 includes, but is not limited to, one or more processing units 102, an I / O device interface 104, a network interface 106, an interconnect (bus) 112, storage 114, and memory 116. The memory 116 stores a database(s) 142 and a projection application 150. The processing unit(s) 102, the I / O device interface 104, the network interface 106, the storage 114, and the memory 116 may be communicatively coupled to each other via an interconnect 112. In various embodiments, projection display system 100 can display content to a user (e.g., a vehicle driver or operator) by projecting an image, such as text, graphics, or an icon, corresponding to the content onto projection surface 134, which then redirects the projected image toward the user.

[0024] As described above, computing device 190 may include processing unit(s) 102 and memory 116. Computing device 190 may be a system-on-chip (SoC). In various embodiments, computing device 190 may be a head unit included in a vehicle system. In some embodiments, computing device 190, or the entire projection display system 100, may be an aftermarket system or device added to a vehicle. Generally, computing device 190 is configured to coordinate the overall operation of projection display system 100. Embodiments disclosed herein contemplate any technically feasible system configured to implement the functionality of projection display system 100 via computing device 190. Various examples of computing device 190 include wearable devices (e.g., helmets, headsets, glasses, etc.), vehicle computing devices (e.g., head units, in-vehicle infotainment systems, driver assistance systems, aftermarket systems), and / or the like.

[0025] The processing unit(s) 102 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a neural processing unit (NPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or the like. Each processing unit 102 generally includes a programmable processor that executes program instructions and manipulates input data. In some embodiments, the processing unit(s) 102 may include any number of processing cores, memory, and / or other modules to facilitate program execution. In some embodiments, the processing unit(s) 102 may be configured to execute a projection application 150 to provide display services. In some embodiments, the projection application 150 may generate an image including content based on information from various sources associated with the vehicle (e.g., a navigation system, an infotainment system, a driver assistance system, and / or the like) and cause the content image to be projected via the vehicle's projection display system 100.

[0026] Storage 114 may include non-volatile storage for applications, software modules, and data, and may include fixed or removable disk drives, flash memory devices, and CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Blu-ray, HD-DVD, or other magnetic, optical, solid-state storage devices, and / or the like. For example, projection application 150 and database(s) 142 may be stored in storage 114 and then loaded into memory 116 as needed.

[0027] The memory 116 may include a memory module or a collection of memory modules. The memory 116 typically includes storage chips, such as random access memory (RAM) chips, that store application programs and data for processing by the processing unit 102. The processing unit(s) 102, the I / O device interface 104, and the network interface 106 may be configured to read data from and write data to the memory 116. The projection application 150 may be loaded into the memory 116 from the storage 114. While in the memory 116, the projection application 150 may be executed by the processing unit(s) 102 to implement the functionality described according to various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0028] Database(s) 142 may store templates, display elements (e.g., text characters, graphics, shapes, etc.), and / or palettes of display elements usable by processing unit(s) 102 to generate images for display via projection display system 100 and projection application 150. That is, database(s) 142 may include one or more repositories of templates, display elements, display element palettes, and / or the like. Database(s) 142, or portions thereof, may be stored in storage 114 and loaded into memory 116 as needed. In various embodiments, processing unit(s) 102 may be configured to search for templates and / or display elements stored in database(s) 142 and generate images for display. For example, database(s) 142 may store templates, formats, etc. for displaying navigation information via projection display system 100 and may display elements (e.g., alphanumeric characters, symbols, icons, graphics, etc.) usable to display the navigation information. Projection application 150 can retrieve these templates and elements and generate an image including display elements arranged based on the templates to present navigation information. In some embodiments, database(s) 142 can receive periodic updates from a remote computing system (e.g., a cloud computing system or a remote server system) via network interface 106 and a wired or wireless network (not shown) about at least a portion of the data stored in database(s) 142 (e.g., additional and / or updated fonts of characters, additional and / or updated symbols, additional and / or updated graphics, display elements for additional and / or languages, etc.). In some embodiments, the display elements stored in database 142 include one or more fonts of text characters, fonts for one or more languages, shapes, icons, graphics, and / or the like.In some embodiments, the templates stored in database 142 include templates for arranging and displaying one or more of navigation information, vehicle speed information, infotainment media information (media playback information), vehicle state or status information, environmental information (e.g., weather), and / or the like.

[0029] In some embodiments, the projection display system 100 can be coupled to a sensor array (not shown), which can include one or more sensor devices that perform measurements and / or acquire data related to specific objects in the environment. The sensor array can include an outward-facing sensor array and / or an inward-facing sensor array. The outward-facing sensor array can include one or more sensor devices configured to perform measurements and / or acquire data related to the exterior of the vehicle (e.g., the environment around the vehicle). The inward-facing sensor array can include one or more sensor devices configured to perform measurements and / or acquire data related to the interior of the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle cabin, the vehicle occupants). Examples of sensor devices include, but are not limited to, biometric sensors, physiological sensors, image sensors, acoustic sensors, environmental sensors, behavioral sensors, imaging devices, laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors, physical sensors (e.g., touch sensors, pressure sensors, position sensors, accelerometers, inertial measurement units (IMUs)), motion sensors, etc. The sensor array can generate sensor data associated with the state and / or context of the vehicle, one or more occupants (e.g., driver, passenger), and / or the environment surrounding the vehicle. For example, the sensor array can collect biometric data associated with the driver (e.g., heart rate, brain activity, skin conductance, blood oxygenation, pupil size, eye movement, galvanic skin response, blood pressure level, average blood glucose concentration, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the sensor array can generate sensor data related to the cabin of the vehicle. For example, the sensor array can generate sensor data related to the presence of other occupants in the vehicle, the environment within the cabin of the vehicle, vehicle operation, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor array can generate sensor data associated with the environment outside the vehicle. For example, the sensor array can generate sensor data related to weather outside the vehicle (e.g., exterior temperature), detection of objects near the vehicle (e.g., other vehicles, people, animals, etc.), detection of road features (e.g., lane markings, road signs, etc.), etc.More generally, the sensor array can be a source of information from which projection display system 100 can generate images for display. For example, a driver assistance system can process sensor data obtained from the sensor array to generate information that is passed to projection application 150. Projection application 150 can generate images that include content presenting the information obtained from the driver assistance system.

[0030] I / O device(s) 130 may include devices (not shown) capable of receiving input (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-sensitive screen, push buttons, rotary knobs, a microphone, etc.) to provide input data to computing device 190. I / O device(s) 130 may include devices capable of providing output (e.g., a display screen, one or more speakers, a haptic device, a touchless haptic device, and / or the like). One or more of I / O devices 130 may be incorporated into computing device 190 or may be external to computing device 190. I / O device 130 may interface with computing device 190 via I / O device interface 104. In some embodiments, computing device 190 and / or one or more I / O device(s) 130 may be components of a head unit implemented in a vehicle. In some embodiments, projection application 150 may obtain information from one or more systems and / or subsystems of the vehicle (e.g., a navigation system, an infotainment system, a driver assistance system) and display that information via projection display system 100. More generally, projection display system 100 (e.g., computing device 190) may interface with other systems of the vehicle to obtain information for display.

[0031] The network (not shown) may enable communication between computing device 190 and other devices in the network via wired and / or wireless communication protocols, satellite networks, telephone networks, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), wireless local area networks (WiFi), cellular protocols, and / or V2X networks, including near field communication (NFC). The network may be any technically feasible type of communication network that enables the exchange of data between computing device 190 and remote systems or devices, such as servers, cloud computing systems, cloud-based storage, or other networked computing devices or systems. For example, the network may include a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network, a cellular data network), and / or the Internet, among others. Computing device 190 may connect to the network via network interface 106. In some embodiments, network interface 106 is hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software configured to connect to and interface with one or more networks.

[0032] In some embodiments, projection display system 100 may include or be coupled to a location module. The location module may include hardware and / or software components for determining the geographic location of computing device 190 (e.g., the current location of a vehicle). The location module may determine the location of computing device 190 through obtaining geographic location data (e.g., from a global navigation satellite system such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Glonass, Galileo, or Beidou) and / or determining location based on sensor data from a sensor array (e.g., dead reckoning). The location module may also cross-reference the obtained and / or determined geographic location with a navigation database, which may be stored in database(s) 142, and may determine address information corresponding to the geographic location.

[0033] In some embodiments, computing device 190 can pair with and communicate with another nearby computing device. The other computing device can be coupled to computing device 190 via I / O device interface 104 and / or network interface 106 and one or more networks using any suitable wired (e.g., USB cable) or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) connection. Projection application 150 on computing device 190 can communicate and interface with an application on the other computing device. For example, projection application 150 can communicate with and interface with a navigation application on another computing device to obtain navigation information, which projection application 150 then uses to generate an image for display.

[0034] In various embodiments, the I / O device 130 includes one or more projection units 132. The projection unit(s) 132 can project an image onto a projection surface 134. Specifically, the projection unit(s) 132 can project an image in which a propagating light beam reflects off the surface of the projection surface 134 toward a user (e.g., a vehicle occupant). In some embodiments, the projection unit(s) 132 are optical collimators. More generally, the projection unit(s) 132 can be any technically feasible projection device suitable for projecting an image onto a partially absorbing surface. In some embodiments, the projection unit(s) 132 are positioned below the projection surface 134 and project the image upward toward the projection surface 134. In some embodiments, the projection unit(s) 132 can include one or more optical devices (e.g., lenses, prisms, mirrors, etc., or any combination thereof) that can affect the virtual image distance of the image projected by the projection unit(s) 132. In some embodiments, the projection unit(s) 132 may include actuators or the like that can orient or reorient the projection unit(s) 132 or components thereof (e.g., one or more optical devices within the projection unit(s) 132) to affect the projection angle of the image from the projection unit(s) 132 and correspondingly affect the angle of incidence onto the projection surface 134.

[0035] Projection surface 134 can be one or more pieces of glass, plastic, or the like that can redirect the image projected from projection unit(s) 132 toward the vehicle occupants through reflection. In some embodiments, projection surface 134 can include a transparent portion that can allow light to pass through and a partially absorptive portion that can partially absorb light that transmits through the interior surface of projection surface 134 while reflecting a portion of the light back toward the vehicle occupants. In some embodiments, projection surface 134 can be a vehicle windshield. In such embodiments, the transparent portion can be located in a central region of the windshield. The partially absorptive portion can be a frit region located along one or more boundary regions or edges of the windshield, such as an upper windshield boundary region, a lower windshield boundary region, a right windshield boundary region, a left windshield boundary region, and / or the like. The frit region can include a solid portion located along one or more boundary regions of the windshield. Additionally or alternatively, the frit region can include patterned portions, which include an array of various sized shapes, such as circles, hexagons, ellipses, and / or the like. The frit region can be colored black and comprised of ceramic paint, enamel paint, and / or the like. The frit region serves various functions, such as assisting adhesives in bonding the windshield to the vehicle, reducing the amount of external ultraviolet radiation from the sun that enters the interior of the vehicle, reducing sunlight glare, dissipating heat, providing an aesthetically appealing appearance, and / or the like. As described herein, the frit region absorbs or partially absorbs light beams that are transmitted through the interior surface of the windshield. Such light beams would otherwise be refracted by the windshield and reflected off the exterior surface of the windshield, causing a user to perceive ghost images of the displayed content. Such ghost images can reduce the visibility of images projected on the windshield. Instead, the frit regions absorb or partially absorb the refracted light beams, thereby reducing or eliminating such ghost images.

[0036] During operation, each projection unit 132 projects an image onto a different portion of the frit area of ​​the projection surface 134. In some embodiments, the I / O device includes three projection units 132, each projecting an image onto a portion of the frit area below the windshield above the dashboard. A vehicle occupant can observe the displayed image by slightly shifting their focus from the road ahead to the frit area below the windshield. Furthermore, the vehicle occupant can observe the displayed image in their peripheral vision without shifting their focus from the road ahead to the frit area. The projection units 132 can project images at angles of incidence and types of light that increase the reflectivity of the light beams projected by the projection units 132, thereby improving the brightness and visibility of the projected image as perceived by the occupant. The dark color of the frit area increases the contrast of the projected image, thereby improving the visibility of the projected image. Furthermore, the dark color of the frit area causes the frit area to absorb light beams that penetrate the inner surface of the windshield. As a result, the frit region prevents the light beam from reflecting off the outer surface of the windshield, which could result in ghost images that can reduce the visibility of the projected image. In some embodiments, the projection unit 132 projects s-polarized light onto the frit region at an incident angle between 50 and 60 degrees.

[0037] In some embodiments, the projection surface 134 is non-planar, such as when the projection surface 134 is a windshield that is horizontally and / or vertically curved. In such embodiments, the frit region of the projection surface 134 may be similarly curved. When the projection unit 132 projects an image onto the curved frit region, this curvature may distort the image. To reduce or eliminate this distortion, the projection surface 134 may modify the image before projecting it to compensate for the curvature of the projection surface 134. For example, a portion of the projection surface 134 may be curved to compress a portion of the projected image vertically and / or horizontally as perceived by a passenger viewing the image on the projection surface 134. Thus, the projection unit 132 may expand a corresponding portion of the projected image, such that the passenger perceives the image undistorted when displayed on the projection surface 134. Similarly, a portion of the projection surface 134 may be curved to expand a portion of the projected image vertically and / or horizontally as perceived by a passenger viewing the image on the projection surface 134. Thus, the projection unit 132 can magnify the corresponding portion of the projected image so that the occupant perceives the image undistorted when displayed on the projection surface 134 .

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a content display arrangement 200 implemented in a vehicle with the projection display system of FIG. 1 , according to various implementations. As illustrated, the display arrangement 200 includes a projection unit 232 of a projection display system (e.g., projection display system 100). In some embodiments, the projection unit 232 is installed or attached to the top of the vehicle's dashboard, or is inside the dashboard but exposed at the top of the dashboard, such as by using one or more mirrors (not shown). The projection unit 232 can project a light beam 216 carrying an image for display toward a frit region 230 (e.g., the lower edge of the windshield directly exposed to the vehicle cabin) of a projection surface 234 (e.g., the vehicle's windshield). The projection surface 234 reflects a portion of the light beam 216 from an interior surface of the projection surface 234 and redirects the reflected light beam 218 toward one or more eyes 202 of a user (e.g., a vehicle occupant). A user receiving light beam 218 perceives the corresponding image as originating from a location on or near frit region 230 of projection surface 234. Additionally, a portion of light beam 216 may transmit through the inner surface of projection surface 234 and be refracted, as shown by light beam 206. The refracted light beam 206 is directed toward frit region 230. Frit region 230 absorbs or partially absorbs light beam 206, thereby preventing light beam 206 from reflecting off the outer surface of projection surface 234. Light beam 206 also conveys the image for display. Due to the refraction of light beam 206, if light beam 206 is reflected off the outer surface of projection surface 234, light beam 206 may become a ghost image perceived by the user. The ghost image may reduce the visibility of the projected image. Instead, frit region 230 absorbs or partially absorbs the reflected light beam 206, thereby reducing or eliminating such a ghost image.

[0039] Additionally, a portion of the content projected by projection unit 232 may be replicated and presented on center console 240. In addition to, or as an alternative to, viewing the content on frit area 230, vehicle occupants view the replicated content presented on center console 240. When one or more eye(s) 202 of a vehicle occupant focus on the road ahead, eye(s) 202 may focus along a path 212 that passes through a transparent portion of projection surface 234. In some embodiments, angle 220 of path 212 may be approximately 2-3 degrees below horizontal plane 210. When one or more eye(s) 202 of a vehicle occupant focus on an image projected by projection unit 232, eye(s) 202 may focus along a path that coincides with light beam 218 reflected by frit area 230 of projection surface 234. In some embodiments, angle 222 of light beam 218 may be approximately 9-10 degrees below horizontal plane 210. In contrast, when one or more eye(s) 202 of a vehicle occupant are focusing on an image displayed on center console 240, eye(s) 202 may focus along path 214. In some implementations, the angle of path 214 may be approximately 16-18 degrees below horizontal plane 210. As a result, the focus of the vehicle occupant when viewing an image projected by projection unit 232 is closer to the focus of the vehicle occupant along path 212 through the transparent portion of projection surface 234 compared to when the vehicle occupant observes content displayed on center console 240 along path 214.

[0040] 3 illustrates a display arrangement associated with the projection unit 132 of FIG. 1 , according to various embodiments. As described herein, the disclosed technology can accommodate an arrangement of any number of three projection units 132. In that regard, the projection display system 100 can have one projection unit 132 that projects an image onto a single display area 312 in the left portion of the frit area 310. Alternatively, the projection display system 100 can have two projection units 132. A first projection unit 132 can project an image onto a display area 322 in the left portion of the frit area 320, and a second projection unit 132 can project an image onto a display area 324 in the right portion of the frit area 320. Alternatively, projection display system 100 can have three projection units 132 that project images onto three display areas: a first display area 332 in the left portion of frit area 330, a second display area 334 in the center portion of frit area 330, and a third display area 336 in the right portion of frit area 330. Alternatively, projection display system 100 can have five projection units 132 that project images onto five display areas 342, 344, 346, 348, and 350 in respective portions of frit area 340.

[0041] In some embodiments, the projection units 132 may be mounted in recesses within a housing (not shown). The housing may include a recess for each projection unit 132 mounted thereto. The housing may further include a dash pad disposed between the recess(es) and the windshield. When mounted in the recess(es), the projection units 132 project different images toward the dash pad and onto different portions of the frit area below the windshield. The display arrangement shown in FIG. 3 is exemplary, and other alternative display arrangements are possible. More generally, the projection display system 100 can accommodate any number and arrangement of projection units 132 and, correspondingly, any number and arrangement of display areas within the scope of this disclosure.

[0042] 4 illustrates content 400 displayed on one or more portions of a projection surface by the projection units of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments. As shown, the content 400 is projected onto a frit area 410 in a lower portion of the windshield. The content 400 is divided into a first image 402 projected by a first projection unit 132, a second image 404 projected by a second projection unit 132, and a third image 406 projected by a third projection unit 132. The three projection units 132 are not shown in FIG. 4.

[0043] As shown, a first image 402 is projected onto the left portion of the flit area 410. The first image 402 is a driver information panel that displays, among other things, but not limited to, transmission gear, current speed, fuel level, water temperature, brightness / dimness indicator, time, and / or the like. A second image 404 is projected onto the center portion of the flit area 410. The second image 404 is a navigation panel that displays, among other things, but not limited to, a map of the area around the vehicle, graphics indicating the next navigation action, the current driving situation, and / or the like. A third image 406 is projected onto the right portion of the flit area 410. The third image 406 is an infotainment panel that displays, among other things, but not limited to, song title, artist name, cover art, playback controls, graphics indicating playback progress, and / or the like.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates content 500 displayed on one or more portions of a projection surface by the projection units of FIG. 1 , according to various embodiments. During vehicle operation, an occupant can change the projection mode from one set of projection displays to a different set of projection displays. In various embodiments, when an occupant changes the projection mode, the image displayed by one projection unit 132 can change. Alternatively, the image displayed by two projection units 132 can change. Alternatively, the image displayed by all three projection units 132 can change. As illustrated, content 500 is projected onto a frit area in the lower portion of the windshield. Content 500 is divided into a first image 502 projected by a first projection unit 132, a second image 504 projected by a second projection unit 132, and a third image 506 projected by a third projection unit 132. The three projection units 132 are not shown in FIG. 5 .

[0045] As shown, a first image 502 is projected onto the left portion of the flit area 510. The first image 502 is a driver information panel that displays, among other things, but not limited to, current speed, graphics indicating nearby vehicles and pedestrians, and / or the like. The second image 404 is projected onto the center portion of the flit area 510. The second image 504 is an environmental control panel that displays, among other things, but not limited to, interior temperature, vent controls, air conditioning indicators, and / or the like. The third image 506 is projected onto the right portion of the flit area 510. The third image 506 is a status panel that displays, among other things, but not limited to, a check engine indicator, a brake indicator, a fog light indicator, an airbag enabled indicator, and / or the like. The various panels shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be projected onto the flit area 510 in any combination, along with other images on different panels (not shown).

[0046] 6 shows a graph 600 of transmittance and reflectance characteristics of S-state and P-state polarizations according to various other embodiments. The S-state and P-state polarizations are orthogonal to each other. The S-state polarization is polarized perpendicular to the plane of incidence, and the P-state polarization is polarized parallel to the plane of incidence.

[0047] As shown in graph 600, S-state polarized light has a higher reflectivity than P-state polarized light at various angles of incidence. As shown, at an angle of incidence of approximately 56 degrees, the reflectivity 610 of S-state polarized light is approximately 0.17, while the reflectivity 612 of S-state polarized light is approximately 0.0. At angles of incidence ranging from 50 to 60 degrees, the reflectivity of S-state polarized light ranges from 0.1 to 0.18, while the reflectivity 612 of S-state polarized light is approximately 0.0 throughout the entire range. As a result, projecting P-state polarized light onto a partially absorbing portion, such as a frit region, of projection surface 134 results in little or no reflection of the projected light. As a result, vehicle occupants have difficulty perceiving an image projected onto a partially absorbing portion of projection surface 134. Instead, projection unit(s) 132 transmit S-state polarized light, which has a high reflectivity relative to P-state polarized light. As a result, vehicle occupants can better perceive images projected onto partially absorptive portions of projection surface 134 with S-state polarized light. Advantageously, projection unit 132 can project S-state polarized light at angles of incidence ranging from 50 to 60 degrees, with relatively high S-state reflectivity and zero or near-zero P-state reflectivity. Furthermore, the high reflectivity of S-state light allows images to be projected using S-state light at lower power and intensity than images projected using P-state light.

[0048] Additionally, the projection unit(s) 132 may project an image onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface 134 at a lower power than an image projected onto the transparent portion of the projection surface 134. In some embodiments, to ensure that the projected image is perceptible, the projection unit(s) 132 may project an image onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface 134 at a display intensity in the range of 3,000 nits, where nit is a unit of luminance equal to 1 candela per square meter. In contrast, to ensure that the projected image is perceptible, head-up display systems typically project images onto the transparent portion of the projection surface 134 at a display intensity in the range of 12,000 nits. As a result, an image may be projected onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface 134 by the projection unit(s) 132 at a lower intensity of light than would typically be required for a head-up display system that projects an image onto the transparent portion of the projection surface 134. Additionally, projecting light at a higher intensity may consume more power than projecting light at a lower intensity, which may result in a decrease in MPG for fuel-powered vehicles, MPGe for electric vehicles, and / or the like.

[0049] 7 illustrates curvature of a windshield 700 including a frit region 710 according to various other embodiments. As shown, the windshield 700 may be curved horizontally, as indicated by a horizontal axis 702. Additionally or alternatively, the windshield 700 may be curved vertically, as indicated by a horizontal axis 704. Such curvature of the windshield 700 may distort an image projected onto the frit region 710 by the projection unit 132. As a result, the projection unit 132 may modify the image before projecting it onto the frit region 710 to compensate for distortion resulting from the curvature of the windshield 700.

[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates content modification to correct for the curvature of the windshield of FIG. 7 , according to various other embodiments. As shown, modified image 800 includes region 810 to the left of dilated image 800. Projection unit 132 generates modified image 800 by dilating region 810 to correct for the curvature in the corresponding portion of frit region 710, optically compressing that portion of the image. Projected image 850 shows modified image 800 after being projected onto frit region 710. After being projected onto frit region 710, frit region 710 optically compresses region 810 of modified image 800 such that the occupant perceives projected image 850 as including region 860 with correct scaling.

[0051] Figure 9 is a flow diagram of method steps for displaying content via the projection display system of Figure 1, according to various embodiments. Although the method steps are described with respect to the systems and embodiments of Figures 1-8, one skilled in the art will understand that any system configured to perform the method steps in any order falls within the scope of the various embodiments.

[0052] As shown, method 900 begins at step 902, where projection application 150 receives data to display. Projection application 150 may receive data for display from any suitable system or device. For example, projection application 150 may receive (e.g., send to projection application 150) navigation data (e.g., current road, current speed, speed limit, next turn, etc.) from a navigation system or device. Additionally or alternatively, forecasting application 150 may receive (e.g., send to projection application 150) vehicle data (e.g., current speed, water temperature, current gear, fuel level, etc.) from various sensors within the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, projection application 150 may receive (e.g., send to projection application 150) infotainment data from an infotainment system (e.g., title, artist, and cover art of the audio track being played, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, projection application 150 may receive (e.g., send to projection application 150) any other relevant data for display.

[0053] In step 904, the projection application 150 generates display content corresponding to the information, where the display content includes at least one of text or graphics. The projection application 150 generates one or more images to be projected by the projection unit(s) 132 onto a partially absorbent portion, such as a frit area, of the projection surface 134. The projection application 150 formats and presents (e.g., visualizes) the generated image based on the data received in step 902, and may include text and / or graphics presenting the data. The projection application 150 may generate the image by retrieving one or more display elements and templates from the database(s) 142 and arranging the display elements within the template to present the information. For example, the template may be for presenting navigation data, and the design elements of the template may include text fonts or typefaces for indicating turns and speed limits, as well as for use in the template. Additionally or alternatively, the template may be for presenting vehicle data, and the design elements of the template may include graphics for indicating the current speed, water temperature, current gear, fuel level, etc., as well as text fonts or typefaces for use in conjunction with the template. Additionally or alternatively, the template may be a template for presenting infotainment data, and the design elements of the template may include graphics to indicate the title, artist, cover art, etc., as well as text fonts or typefaces for use with the template.

[0054] In step 906, projection application 150 modifies one or more visual characteristics of the display content based on the shape of projection surface 134 onto which the display content is projected. Projection surface 134 may be curved horizontally and / or vertically. Such curvature of projection surface 134 may distort the image generated by projection application 150 and projected onto the frit area of ​​projection surface 134 by projection unit 132. As a result, projection unit 132 may modify the image before projecting it onto the frit area to correct for the distortion resulting from the curvature of projection surface 134. Projection application 150 may include (e.g., insert) the modified content into the content generated in step 904.

[0055] In some embodiments, a display element retrieved from the repository of display elements in database 142 may already have such modifications pre-designed into it. In such cases, projection application 150 may use the display element without further modification. In some embodiments, database 142 may have multiple versions of a display element with different amounts and / or types of visual characteristics already applied. Projection application 150 may select a version based on one or more parameters and / or criteria and use that version with or without further modification. Projection application 150 may include (e.g., insert) the pre-modified display element or content into the content generated in step 904.

[0056] At step 908, the projection application 150 causes the modified display content to be projected onto the projection surface 134. The projection application 150 projects the modified image onto the projection surface 134 via the projection unit(s) 132. The projection surface 134 redirects the projected image toward the user's eyes. The method 900 returns to step 902 to generate further display content corresponding to the input data.

[0057] In summary, a projection display system generates display content in the form of one or more images that one or more projection units project onto a partially absorbing portion of a projection surface. In some embodiments, the projection surface is a vehicle windshield, and the partially absorbing portion is a fritted area of ​​the windshield. To display the image, the projection units project light onto the partially absorbing portion. The projection units can project light onto the partially absorbing portion at an angle of incidence and with a type of light that increases the reflectivity of the light, thereby improving the brightness and visibility of the projected image as perceived by the occupants. Additionally, the projection units can modify the image before projection to correct for distortions caused by the curvature of the projection surface.

[0058] At least one technical advantage of the disclosed approach over the prior art is that with the disclosed technique, the angle and distance between what is seen on the road ahead and what is seen on the displayed content is reduced compared to conventional systems that present content on a console display. As a result, the level of distraction experienced by occupants when viewing the displayed content is reduced compared to systems with a console display. Another advantage of the disclosed approach over the prior art is that the amount of power required to project content for display on a partially absorbent surface of the windshield is reduced compared to head-up display systems, improving mileage performance. These technical advantages result in one or more technical improvements over prior art approaches.

[0059] 1. A computer-implemented method, in some embodiments, comprising: receiving data associated with a vehicle; and generating, based on the received data, content for display on a projection surface including a partially absorbent portion and a transparent portion, wherein the partially absorbent portion is positioned along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is positioned in a central region of the projection surface; and projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface.

[0060] 2. The computer-implemented method of clause 1, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface includes projecting the content onto the projection surface at an angle of incidence between 50 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0061] 3. The computer-implemented method of clause 1 or 2, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface includes projecting s-state polarized light.

[0062] 4. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the light for projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface is of lower intensity than the light required to display the content on the transparent portion of the projection surface.

[0063] 5. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the content projected onto the partially absorbent portion is viewable by an occupant of the vehicle at an angle of approximately 9 to 10 degrees below horizontal.

[0064] 6. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface includes projecting a first portion of the content to a first position on the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface via a first projection unit, and projecting a second portion of the content to a second position on the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface via a second projection unit.

[0065] 7. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein the partially absorbent portion comprises a frit region of the projection surface.

[0066] 8. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1-7, wherein the frit region is black.

[0067] 9. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the projection surface is a windshield of the vehicle.

[0068] 10. The computer-implemented method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, further comprising modifying the content based on the curvature of the projection surface before projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface.

[0069] 11. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media that, in some embodiments, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps: receiving data associated with a vehicle; generating, based on the received data, content for display on a projection surface including a partially absorbent portion and a transparent portion, wherein the partially absorbent portion is disposed along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is disposed in a central region of the projection surface; and projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface.

[0070] 12. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of clause 11, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface includes projecting the content onto the projection surface at an angle of incidence between 50 degrees and 60 degrees.

[0071] 13. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of clause 11 or 12, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion includes projecting s-state polarized light.

[0072] 14. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media described in any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface includes projecting a first portion of the content onto a first position on the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface via a first projection unit, and projecting a second portion of the content onto a second position on the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface via a second projection unit.

[0073] 15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media according to any one of clauses 11-14, wherein the partially absorbent portion comprises a frit region of the projection surface.

[0074] 16. A system comprising: a projection surface including a partially absorbent portion and a transparent portion, wherein in some embodiments, the partially absorbent portion is disposed along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion is disposed in a central region of the projection surface; and a first projection unit configured to receive data associated with a vehicle, generate content for display on the projection surface based on the received data, and project the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface.

[0075] 17. The system of clause 16, further comprising a housing including a dash pad and a first recess, the first projection unit being located within the first recess.

[0076] 18. The system of clause 16 or 17, further comprising a second projection unit, said second projection unit being located in a second recess included in said housing.

[0077] 19. The system of any one of clauses 16-18, wherein the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface is a first frit region comprising at least one of a ceramic paint or an enamel paint.

[0078] 20. The system of any one of clauses 16 to 19, wherein the frit region is located at least partially within a lower portion of the projection surface.

[0079] Any and all combinations of any claim element recited in any claim and / or any element recited in this application, in any manner whatsoever, are within the intended scope and protection of the present disclosure.

[0080] The descriptions of various embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

[0081] Aspects of the present embodiments may be embodied as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which may be generally referred to herein as a "module" or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable medium(s) having computer-readable program code embodied therein.

[0082] Any combination of one or more computer-readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this specification, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0083] Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor in a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, executing on the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, enable the implementation of the functions / acts specified in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of the blocks or blocks. Such a processor can be, but is not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, an application-specific processor, or a field-programmable processor, or a gate array.

[0084] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, including one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions shown in the blocks may occur out of the order shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or these blocks may possibly be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, may be implemented by a special-purpose hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or acts, or a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0085] While the forgoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and that scope is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving data associated with a vehicle; generating, based on the received data, content for display on a projection surface including a partially absorbent portion and a transparent portion, the partially absorbent portion being disposed along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion being disposed in a central region of the projection surface; projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface; The computer-implemented method includes:

2. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface comprises projecting the content onto the projection surface at an angle of incidence between 50 degrees and 60 degrees.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises projecting s-state polarized light.

4. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein light for projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface is less intense than light required to display the content on the transparent portion of the projection surface.

5. 10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the content projected onto the partially absorbent portion is viewable by an occupant of the vehicle at an angle of approximately 9-10 degrees below horizontal.

6. projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface; projecting a first portion of the content via a first projection unit to a first location on the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface; projecting a second portion of the content via a second projection unit to a second location on the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface; The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , comprising:

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the partially absorbent portion comprises a frit region of the projection surface.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 7 , wherein the frit region is black.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the projection surface is a windshield of the vehicle.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising modifying the content based on a curvature of the projection surface before projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface.

11. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receiving data associated with a vehicle; generating, based on the received data, content for display on a projection surface including partially absorbent portions and transparent portions, the partially absorbent portions being disposed along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portions being disposed in a central region of the projection surface; projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface; the one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media comprising instructions to cause

12. 12. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 11, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface comprises projecting the content onto the projection surface at an angle of incidence between 50 degrees and 60 degrees.

13. 12. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 11, wherein projecting the content onto the partially absorbing portion of the projection surface comprises projecting s-state polarized light.

14. projecting the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface; projecting a first portion of the content onto a first location on the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface via a first projection unit; projecting a second portion of the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface at a second location via a second projection unit; 12. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media according to claim 11, comprising:

15. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 11 , wherein the partially absorptive portion comprises a frit region of the projection surface.

16. a projection surface including a partially absorbent portion and a transparent portion, the partially absorbent portion being disposed along one or more boundary regions of the projection surface and the transparent portion being disposed in a central region of the projection surface; a first projection unit, receiving data associated with the vehicle; generating content to be displayed on the projection surface based on the received data; the first projection unit configured to project the content onto the partially absorbent portion of the projection surface; Including, the system.

17. 17. The system of claim 16, further comprising a housing including a dash pad and a first recess, the first projection unit being located within the first recess.

18. 20. The system of claim 17, further comprising a second projection unit, said second projection unit being located in a second recess included in said housing.

19. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the partially absorptive portion of the projection surface is a first frit region comprising at least one of a ceramic paint or an enamel paint.

20. 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the frit region is disposed at least partially within a lower portion of the projection surface.

Images