Projection Assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a projection assembly (100) for displaying virtual images (9a, 9b, 9c) to an observer whose eyes are located within an eyebox (10a, 10b, 10c), the projection assembly (100) comprising at least a laminated pane (1) having a projection region (P) and a primary transmission region (H), wherein the projection region (P) is located outside the primary transmission region (H), the laminated pane (1) comprising an opaque masking layer (5) located at least within the projection region (P) and outside the primary transmission region (H), an image display device (6) located on an inner side and directed towards the projection region (P), wherein the image display device (6) is a matrix display, and a control element (7) adapted to selectively control different matrices (8a, 8b, 8c) of the image display device (6) corresponding to different positions of the eyebox (10a, 10b, 10c) to display the virtual images (9a, 9b, 9c).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle projection assembly, a vehicle having a projection assembly, and a method of operating a projection assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Modern automobiles are increasingly being equipped with so-called head-up displays (HUDs). A projector, typically located in the dashboard area, projects an image onto the windshield, where it is reflected and perceived by the driver as a virtual image behind the windshield (from the driver's perspective). Important information, such as the current driving speed, navigation messages, or warnings, can thus be projected into the driver's field of vision, and the driver can perceive this without having to take their eyes off the road. Head-up displays can therefore make a substantial contribution to improving road safety.

[0003] However, head-up displays often have the problem that the area of ​​the windshield provided for reflecting the light projected by the projector must have a high transparency, typically 70% or more. Therefore, the projector's reflected light overlaps with light from the external environment, which can result in a decrease in the contrast of the virtual image depending on the lighting conditions, thus resulting in relatively poor driver visibility. Sufficient visibility, especially of safety-related information such as lane assistance, speed indicators, or engine revs, must be ensured under all weather and lighting conditions. To obtain a projection assembly based on head-up display technology that does not generate unwanted secondary images and that allows good visibility through sufficient brightness and contrast of the displayed image information in a relatively simple manner, the contrast within the reflective area of ​​the windshield can be increased. The increased contrast can be achieved, for example, by making the background of the reflective area largely or completely opaque.

[0004] WO 2022 / 161894 discloses a vehicle pane for a head-up display, comprising at least one transparent pane, at least one first masking strip in an end region of the pane, and at least one light guide device for directing light into the interior of the vehicle or at least one image display device for displaying image information, which is arranged within the region of the masking strip on the vehicle interior side of the masking strip.

[0005] The virtual image is usually generated within a so-called eyebox. The eyebox refers to the area within the vehicle where the observer's eyes must be located so that the virtual image can be seen. The eyebox refers to an area whose height and width correspond to a theoretical viewing window. An observer whose eye position is within the eyebox can perceive the virtual image; all elements of the virtual image are visible to the observer. If the eyes move outside the eyebox, the observer may only perceive a portion of the virtual image or may not be able to see it at all. The corner points of the eyebox and the virtual image define a viewing cone. The beam path connecting the center of the eyebox with the center of the display is called the central beam.

[0006] In a head-up display, the beam direction of the projector can typically be changed by mirrors, especially vertically, to adapt the projection to the observer's body size and thus to the observer's vertical eye position. The area within which the observer's eyes must be located in a given mirror position to perceive the virtual image is called the eyebox, as mentioned above. This eyebox can be moved vertically by adjusting the mirrors.

[0007] DE 10 2015 104 834 A1 discloses a method for setting the relative position between a head-up display device of a motor vehicle and the eye position of a user of the motor vehicle, in which optical information is generated by an imaging unit of the head-up display device, and the optical information is reflected by a synthetic mirror of the head-up display device that is movably arranged on a housing of the head-up display device into a viewing zone in the direction of the user's line of sight, and in which, depending on the position of the user's eyes, the entire housing with the synthetic mirror is positioned so that the viewing zone is directed towards the eye position.

[0008] DE 10 2015 109 027 A1 discloses a head-up display unit for a vehicle that generates a virtual image of the vehicle environment in the driver's field of view, wherein the display unit has an emission unit that generates and emits an image signal that is projected into the driver's field of view via a multi-stage refractive path, the display unit having at least one movable reflector that influences part of the projection path, wherein the representation of the virtual image is influenced by controlled changes in the orientation of the movable reflector and further by modifications of the emitted image signal compared to the raw image signal, such as to correct distortions due to windshield curvature and shifts in eye position due to vehicle movement.

[0009] DE 10 2017 130 376 A1 discloses a display device as a head-up display for a vehicle having a lighting unit, the display device being designed to emit light for displaying a virtual image, and an optical device having a plurality of optical elements that projects the light emitted by the lighting unit onto a display element for displaying a virtual image in the eyebox, wherein the lighting unit is designed to be fixedly mounted on the vehicle, the display device has a mounting device for fixedly mounting on the vehicle, and the optical device is adjustably held on the mounting device by an adjustment device, whereby the display of an image or a display on the display element is adapted using the light emitted by the lighting unit in the mounted state, and the optical device is adjusted during adjustment relative to the lighting unit.

[0010] DE 10 2021 119 272 A1 discloses a projection unit for a vehicle field of view display device, which has an imaging unit that generates a light beam containing display content, a first adjustment device in which a mirror is arranged in the beam path of the light beam and is designed to tilt it to adapt to different eyebox positions of different users, and a second adjustment device that is designed to tilt the imaging unit or further optical components to maintain the image orientation, wherein the projection unit is designed to generate a virtual display image in a virtual image plane in the user's field of view by outputting the light beam in the direction of a reflecting pane, from which it is reflected into the user's eyebox, and the tilt that maintains the image orientation is designed so that the virtual image plane has a predetermined identical orientation at different eyebox positions.

[0011] DE 10 2016 214 438 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a head-up display, comprising a projector generating individually controllable pixels for displaying an image and a mechanically adjustable optical system for projecting the image onto a pane of the vehicle, and comprising a module for determining the gaze direction or eye position of a driver of the vehicle and / or a vehicle occupant, and wherein the motor vehicle has a control for moving the pixels by means of the projector in response to a perceived change in the gaze direction and simultaneously for mechanically adjusting the optical system in response to a perceived change in the gaze direction or eye position, and wherein the mechanically adjustable optical system comprises at least one mechanically adjustable mirror.

[0012] German Patent Application No. 10 2010 040 694 A1 discloses a head-up display for vehicles, which uses a transparent surface in the vehicle in the direction of the observer's line of sight as a display area for displaying information by means of an imaging unit, wherein imaging optics are arranged between the imaging unit and the display area and have adaptation means by which the display of information can be adapted to various eye positions of the observer, a camera for recording the observer's head, and an image processing unit for evaluating images from the camera. Projection means are provided for visualizing optically detectable marks in the direction of the observer's head, and the image processing unit is designed to evaluate the marks based on the recording by the camera. Adaptation to various eye positions of the observer is achieved by a rotating mirror.

[0013] DE 10 2018 213 363 A1 describes a method for determining setting parameters of a configurable component of a motor vehicle, in which for three or more head positions of a subject in a motor vehicle, the head positions and correspondingly set setting parameters of the configurable component are detected and an imaging function between the head positions and the setting parameters of the configurable component is determined.

[0014] DE 10 2017 100 676 A1 discloses a method for calibrating a head-up display for a motor vehicle and a corresponding head-up display for a motor vehicle, which has an infrared camera arranged behind a cold light mirror of the head-up display for detecting infrared radiation and which has a computing device.

[0015] DE 199 33 769 A1 describes a method and an assembly for setting individual and independent functions of components of a motor vehicle, in particular components that contribute to the safety of the driver, on the basis of driver-specific characteristic data.

[0016] DE 10 2021 101 432 A1 discloses a waveguide-based projection display device with a dynamic scattering light absorption device for vehicles.

[0017] WO 2019 / 238896 discloses a device for generating virtual images with distortion elements, and DE 10 2016 224 166 discloses a head-up display with image distortion for vehicles.

[0018] WO 2022 / 218699 discloses a projection assembly having a stacked pane and an image display device, the image display device having a 3D image display based on light field technology. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved projection assembly that allows the projection to be adapted to the vertical eye position of the observer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0020] The object is achieved according to the invention by a projection assembly as claimed in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are evident from the dependent claims.

[0021] The projection assembly according to the invention is suitable for displaying a virtual image for an observer whose eyes are located in the eyebox and comprises a stacked pane, an image display device, and a control element. As is usual in a HUD, the image display device illuminates an area of ​​the stacked pane from which radiation is reflected in the direction of the observer, thereby generating a virtual image that the observer perceives from his perspective, behind the stacked pane.

[0022] The laminated pane has a primary transmission area and a projection area. The area of ​​the laminated pane that can be illuminated by the image display device is referred to herein as the projection area. The area through which a vehicle driver or observer primarily sees through the laminated pane is referred to herein as the primary transmission area.

[0023] According to the present invention, the projection area is located outside the main transmission area and therefore does not overlap it.

[0024] The laminated pane according to the invention comprises an outer pane and an inner pane, which are joined together via a thermoplastic interlayer. The laminated pane is provided in a window opening of a vehicle to separate the interior from the outside environment. In the sense of the present invention, the term "inner pane" refers to the pane of the laminated pane facing the interior of the vehicle. The outer pane refers to the pane facing the outside environment.

[0025] A laminated pane has an upper edge and a lower edge and two side edges extending therebetween. The upper edge means the edge intended to face upward in the installed position. The lower edge means the edge intended to face downward in the installed position. In the case of a windshield, the upper edge is often called the roof edge and the lower edge is often called the engine edge. The lower edge is also called the root of the pane.

[0026] The outer pane and the inner pane each have an outer surface and an inner surface, and circumferential side edges extending therebetween. In the sense of the present invention, the outer surface means the main surface intended to face the exterior environment when installed. In the sense of the present invention, the inner surface means the main surface intended to face the interior when installed. The inner surface of the outer pane and the outer surface of the inner pane face each other and are joined to each other by a thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0027] The outer surface of the outer pane is designated as side I. The inner surface of the outer pane is designated as side II. The outer surface of the inner pane is designated as side III. The inner surface of the inner pane is designated as side IV.

[0028] The laminated pane also has an opaque masking layer disposed outside the primary transmission area, at least within the projection area.

[0029] The image display device is positioned on the interior side, i.e., at an installation position within the interior of the vehicle, and is directed toward the projection area. Thus, the image display device illuminates the laminated pane through the interior surface of the inner pane. Thus, the interior surface of the inner pane is the surface of the inner pane closest to the image display device.

[0030] According to the invention, the image display device is a matrix display, which is an optical display consisting of individual pixels in a matrix of horizontal rows and vertical columns.

[0031] The control element is adapted to selectively control different matrices of the image display device to display virtual images for different positions of the eyebox.

[0032] The control element is particularly suitable for controlling at least a first matrix for the upper eyebox position, a second matrix for the intermediate eyebox position, and a third matrix for the lower eyebox position of the image display device. In this way, when a virtual image is displayed in an eyebox located in the upper position, the image is displayed in a different area of ​​the image display device than when a virtual image is displayed in an eyebox located in the intermediate or lower position. Similarly, when a virtual image is displayed in an eyebox located in the intermediate position, the image is displayed in a different area of ​​the image display device than when a virtual image is displayed in an eyebox located in the upper or lower position. Similarly, when a virtual image is displayed in an eyebox located in the lower position, the image is displayed in a different area of ​​the image display device than when a virtual image is displayed in an eyebox located in the intermediate or upper position.

[0033] It will be appreciated that the control element may also be suitable for selectively controlling more than three different matrices of image display devices to display virtual images to more than three different positions of the eyebox.

[0034] Controlling different positions of the eyebox using selective control of the matrix of a matrix display has the advantage that the desired control of the matrix can be performed much more quickly than setting the desired mirror position, compared to mechanical adjustment of the mirrors of a projector to adjust the position of the eyebox.

[0035] The image display device is preferably an LCD display, an LED display, a mini LED display, an OLED display, or an electroluminescence display, in particular an LCD display or a mini LED display with a local dimming function.

[0036] The observer is preferably the driver of the automobile, although alternatively the observer may be, for example, a passenger or other vehicle occupant.

[0037] As mentioned above, the area of ​​the stacked pane that can be illuminated by the image display device is referred to in this application as the projection area, it being understood that the area that can be illuminated by the image display device means the entire area that can be illuminated by all possible matrices of the image display device, and not just the area that can be illuminated by a single matrix or a selection of matrices of the image display device.

[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the projection area is arranged adjacent to the lower edge of the laminated pane. The projection area can be arranged directly adjacent to the lower edge or indirectly adjacent to the lower edge. Indirectly adjacent is understood to mean that the projection area is not directly adjacent to the lower edge, but is arranged at a distance of a few centimeters, for example, in particular 5 cm to 10 cm, from the lower edge.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the opaque masking layer is disposed within the peripheral edge, particularly in the portion overlapping the projection area, and has a width greater than that of the portion other than the peripheral edge. The opaque masking layer disposed within the peripheral edge also serves as UV protection for the mounting adhesive of the laminated pane.

[0040] Preferably, the projection assembly of the present invention further comprises an adaptation unit which, from information input by the observer regarding the positions of his or her eyes, identifies the positions of the eyeboxes corresponding to the eye positions, and then outputs an electrical signal to a control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the identified eyebox positions.

[0041] The observer may preferably specify, for example at the start of an outing, whether he is tall, medium or short and may draw conclusions as to the position of his eyes. In this way, the adaptation unit identifies the eyebox positions corresponding to the eye positions and then outputs electrical signals to the control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the identified eyebox positions.

[0042] Alternatively, a conclusion may be drawn about the position of the observer's eyes by setting the seat and / or the rearview and exterior mirrors, and in this way the adaptation unit may ascertain the position of the eyebox corresponding to the eye position and then output an electrical signal to a control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the ascertained position of the eyebox.

[0043] Alternatively, the observer may, preferably at the start of an outing, run a test program of the projection device, thereby indicating the position of his or her eyes and selecting when the virtual image of the image projected by the image display device onto the stacked pane is best seen, thus transmitting his or her eye position to the adaptation unit, as a result of which the adaptation unit may identify the position of the eyebox corresponding to the eye position, and thereafter output an electrical signal to a control element for selectively controlling the matrix corresponding to the identified eyebox position.

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the projection assembly according to the present invention further comprises a detection device for detecting the positions of the observer's eyes, and an electrical control device configured to determine, based on the eye positions ascertained using the detection device, positions of the eyeboxes corresponding to the eye positions, and to output electrical signals to control elements for selectively controlling the matrices corresponding to the ascertained positions of the eyeboxes.

[0045] Suitable detection devices are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the detection device may be a thermal imaging camera. The detection device may, for example, detect the position of the eye based on infrared radiation, i.e., perform infrared detection, and may have a radiation source that emits infrared radiation and a radiation receiver that receives infrared radiation.

[0046] In embodiments where the detection device performs infrared detection and has a radiation source that emits infrared radiation and a radiation receiver that receives infrared radiation, the radiation source and radiation receiver may be oriented such that infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source strikes the observer's face directly, and infrared radiation reflected by the observer's face strikes the radiation receiver directly.

[0047] Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the detection device performs infrared detection and has a radiation source that emits infrared radiation and a radiation receiver that receives infrared radiation, the laminated pane further has a functional layer that reflects infrared radiation, and the radiation source and radiation receiver are arranged so that the infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source can be reflected by the functional layer onto the face of an observer as first reflected radiation, the first reflected radiation can be reflected by the observer's face onto the functional layer as second reflected radiation, and the second reflected radiation reflected by the functional layer as third reflected radiation can be reflected to the radiation receiver and received by the radiation receiver.

[0048] The image display device can be designed to be flat in plan view. In a preferred embodiment, the image display device is curved in plan view. The image display device can be curved in the horizontal and / or vertical direction. Due to the curvature, the image can be adapted relatively well to the shape of the pane, so that distortions in the virtual image can be minimized and can be corrected relatively easily using so-called warping.

[0049] The laminated pane is preferably curved in one or more spatial directions, as is customary for automotive panes, with typical radii of curvature in the range of about 10 cm to about 40 mm, however, the laminated pane may be flat, for example, when provided as a pane for a bus, train, or tractor.

[0050] In embodiments in which the image display device is curved in plan view and / or the laminated pane is curved, the projection assembly preferably further comprises a distortion element. The distortion of the image displayed by the image display device, caused by the distortion element, takes into account the curvature of the image display device and / or the curvature of the laminated pane, so that the virtual image can be perceived by the observer without distortion. As mentioned above, the curvature of the image display device preferably adapts the image to the shape of the pane as much as possible, so that the distortion element only needs to correct distortions that have not already been corrected by the curvature of the image display device. The distortion of the image by the distortion element to adapt to the curved image display device and / or the curved laminated pane as projection surface is also referred to as warping. For this purpose, in particular, a warping matrix or a set of warping parameters is used. Suitable distortion elements are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0051] As mentioned above, the laminated pane has an opaque masking layer outside the primary transmission area, at least within the projection area, which results in a good image display with high contrast against the opaque background formed by the opaque masking layer, making the image display appear brighter and therefore more visible. This advantageously allows for reduced power consumption of the image display device and therefore reduced energy consumption. This is an advantage of the projection assembly according to the present invention.

[0052] Preferably, the opaque masking layer is formed as a coating on the interior surface of the outer pane or the outer surface of the inner pane, as an opaque insert element disposed between the outer and inner panes, or as an opaquely tinted area of ​​a thermoplastic intermediate layer.

[0053] The opaque masking layer is preferably a coating made up of one or more layers. However, as an alternative, it can also be an opaque element, such as a film, embedded in the laminated pane, as described above. According to a preferred embodiment of the laminated pane, the opaque masking layer consists of a single layer. This has the advantage that the laminated pane can be manufactured particularly simply and cost-effectively, since only a single layer needs to be formed as the opaque masking layer.

[0054] The opaque masking layer is in particular an opaque cover print made of dark, preferably black, enamel. The opaque masking layer designed as an opaque cover print may cover the entire surface. The cover print may also be designed to be at least partially translucent, for example as a dot matrix, stripe matrix, or checker matrix. Alternatively, the cover print may have a gradation, for example from an opaque coating to a translucent coating.

[0055] The opaque masking layer formed as an opaque colored area of ​​the thermoplastic interlayer can also be realized by using a thermoplastic interlayer composed of an opaque thermoplastic film and a transparent thermoplastic film. The opaque thermoplastic film and the transparent thermoplastic film are preferably offset from each other so that the two films do not overlap when viewed through the laminated pane. The transparent film and the opaque film are made of, or preferably contain, the same plastic. The materials from which the opaque film and the transparent film can be formed are the same as those described for the thermoplastic interlayer. The opaque film is preferably a colored film that can have various colors, especially black.

[0056] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the laminated pane further comprises a reflective element for reflecting visible light, the reflective element being positioned within the projection area between the outer and inner panes or on the interior surface of the inner pane, where the reflective element is spatially positioned in front of the opaque masking layer when viewed through the laminated pane.

[0057] The expression "when viewed through the laminated pane" means viewing through the laminated pane from the interior surface of the inner pane. "Spatially forward" in the sense of the present invention means that the reflective element is positioned spatially further from the outer surface of the outer pane than the opaque masking layer.

[0058] Thus, according to the invention, a projection assembly for displaying a virtual image to an observer whose eye positions are in the eyebox comprises at least: - a laminated pane having a projection area, a primary transmission area, an upper edge, a lower edge, and two side pane edges, wherein the projection area is disposed outside the primary transmission area, the laminated pane having an outer pane having an outer surface and an inner surface, an inner pane having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a thermoplastic intermediate layer disposed between the outer pane and the inner pane, and an opaque masking layer at least within the projection area outside the primary transmission area, wherein a reflective element for reflecting visible light is disposed within the projection area between the outer pane and the inner pane or on the inner surface of the inner pane, the reflective element being spatially disposed in front of the opaque masking layer when viewed through the laminated pane; an image display device arranged on its inner side and directed towards the projection area, wherein the image display device is a matrix display; a control element, the control element being suitable for selectively controlling different matrices of the image display device in order to display virtual images for different positions of the eyebox.

[0059] The reflective element may be formed as a coating on the inner or outer surface of the inner pane or the inner surface of the outer pane. The coating may be positioned directly adjacent to the inner or outer surface of the inner pane, or may be positioned directly adjacent to the inner surface of the outer pane, or alternatively, at least one other layer may be positioned between a particular surface and the coating.

[0060] The reflective element may alternatively be formed as a coating on a thin glass pane or film, or as a reflective film disposed between the thermoplastic interlayer and the inner pane, or between the thermoplastic interlayer and the outer pane, or adhered to the inner surface of the inner pane. The thin glass pane preferably has a thickness of 20 μm to 500 μm, more preferably 50 μm to 300 μm, most preferably 50 μm to 100 μm, for example 70 μm.

[0061] The reflective element preferably reflects at least 10%, particularly preferably at least 40%, and most preferably at least 70% of visible light. The reflective element preferably reflects no more than 90% of visible light. In the sense of the present invention, "reflected" means that the reflective element reflects the visible light that strikes it. In the sense of the present invention, reflection in a specific percentage range means the average reflectance at a defined angle of incidence (65°). The reflective element is provided to reflect an image projected onto the reflective element by an image display device. The reflective element may be transparent, but is preferably opaque.

[0062] Suitable reflective elements are known to those skilled in the art.

[0063] When the reflective element is transparent, as described above, this means that it has an average transmittance in the visible spectrum of at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, or more, within the meaning of the present invention, thereby not significantly restricting visibility through the laminated pane. In some embodiments, the reflective element may be provided only in the projection area of ​​the laminated pane. However, in alternative embodiments, the reflective element may be provided in additional areas, or the laminated pane may be provided with reflective elements over substantially the entire surface, which may be preferred for manufacturing reasons. In one embodiment of the present invention, at least 80% of the pane surface is provided with reflective elements. In particular, the reflective element is applied over the entire surface of the windshield, with the exception of a peripheral edge region and optional localized areas, which are intended to ensure the transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the windshield as a communication, sensor, or camera window and therefore are not provided with reflective elements. The peripheral edge region may have a width of, for example, up to 20 cm. This prevents the reflective element from coming into direct contact with the ambient atmosphere, thereby protecting the reflective element within the interior of the laminated pane from corrosion and damage.

[0064] It is understood that when the reflective element is positioned not only within the projection area but also at least partially within the primary transmission area, the reflective element is transparent, thereby ensuring visibility through the laminated pane within the primary transmission area.

[0065] Preferably, the reflective elements are opaque and located only outside the primary transmission area, and particularly preferably, the reflective elements are opaque and located only within the projection area.

[0066] Opaque reflective elements are in particular elements that include a mirror layer.

[0067] The image display device serves to generate p-polarized and / or s-polarized light (image information) that strikes the laminated panes in the projection area and is reflected towards the viewer.

[0068] In embodiments of the projection assembly according to the invention in which the laminated panes have no reflective elements, the radiation of the image display device is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized (substantially pure s-polarized). The proportion of s-polarized radiation is 100% or deviates only slightly therefrom. In these embodiments, the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device is reflected within the inner surface of the inner pane towards the observer.

[0069] In embodiments of the projection assembly according to the invention in which the laminated panes have a reflective element disposed between the outer and inner panes, the reflective element is suitable for reflecting p-polarized radiation, and the radiation of the image display device is preferably completely or almost completely p-polarized (substantially pure p-polarized). The proportion of p-polarized radiation is 100% or deviates only slightly therefrom. In these embodiments, p-polarized light emitted by the image display device is reflected by the reflective element towards the viewer.

[0070] In embodiments of the projection assembly according to the invention, in which the laminated panes have reflective elements arranged on the inner surfaces of the inner panes, the reflective elements are suitable for reflecting p-polarized and / or s-polarized light, and the radiation of the image display device is correspondingly p-polarized and / or s-polarized. In these embodiments, light emitted by the image display device is reflected by the reflective elements towards the observer.

[0071] Radiation emitted by the image display device illuminates a region of the projection area during operation of the projection assembly to generate a projection. The radiation of the image display device is in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum—typical image displays operate at wavelengths of about 470 nm, about 550 nm, and about 630 nm (RGB). Embodiments of the projection assembly in which the laminated panes have reflective elements and the image display device emits p-polarized radiation are preferred, as this has the advantage that the virtual image can be viewed by someone wearing polarization-selective sunglasses, which typically allow only p-polarized light to pass and block s-polarized light.

[0072] The term "p-polarized" refers to light in the visible light spectrum with p-polarization. The polarization direction is seen relative to the plane of incidence of the radiation on the laminated pane. p-polarized radiation refers to radiation whose electric field oscillates in the plane of incidence. s-polarized radiation refers to radiation whose electric field oscillates perpendicular to the plane of incidence. The plane of incidence is subtended by the incidence vector and the surface normal of the laminated pane in the geometric center of the illuminated area. In other words, the polarization, i.e., in particular the proportion of p-polarized and s-polarized radiation, is determined in terms of the area illuminated by the light source, preferably in the geometric center of the illuminated area. The laminated pane may be curved (for example, when configured as a windshield), which affects the plane of incidence of the radiation, so that polarization components that deviate slightly from it may occur in other areas, which is unavoidable for physical reasons.

[0073] The laminated pane according to the invention is preferably a windshield for a vehicle, in particular an automobile, such as a car or truck. Projection assemblies are particularly common, in which radiation from an image display device is reflected onto the windshield, thereby producing an image that is recognizable to an observer, in particular the driver.

[0074] The outer and inner panes are preferably made of glass, especially soda-lime glass, which is commonly used for window panes. In principle, however, the panes can also be made of other types of glass (e.g., borosilicate glass, quartz glass, aluminosilicate glass) or transparent plastic (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate). The thickness of the outer and inner panes can vary widely. Preferably, panes having a thickness in the range of 0.8 mm to 5 mm, particularly preferably 1.4 mm to 2.5 mm, are used, for example, with standard thicknesses of 1.6 mm or 2.1 mm.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the inner pane has a thickness of 1.6 mm or less, particularly preferably 1.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.1 mm or less.

[0076] The outer pane, inner pane, and thermoplastic interlayer may be clear and colorless, but may also be tinted or colored. In a preferred embodiment, the total transmittance through the windshield (including the reflective coating) is greater than 70% in the predominantly transparent region (light type A). The term "total transmittance" refers to the method defined by ECE-R43, Annex 3, §9.1 for testing the light transmittance of automobile panes. The outer pane and inner pane may be unreinforced, partially reinforced, or reinforced, independently of each other. If at least one pane is reinforced, it may be thermally or chemically reinforced.

[0077] The inner pane is preferably not tinted or colored.

[0078] The thermoplastic intermediate layer comprises at least one thermoplastic polymer, preferably ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or polyurethane (PU), or a mixture thereof, a copolymer thereof, or a derivative thereof, and particularly preferably PVB. The intermediate layer is typically formed from a thermoplastic film (bonded film). The thickness of the thermoplastic intermediate layer is preferably 0.2 mm to 2 mm, particularly preferably 0.3 mm to 1 mm. The thermoplastic intermediate layer can be formed by a single film or by multiple films. The thermoplastic intermediate layer can also be a film with functional properties, such as a film with sound damping properties.

[0079] In some embodiments, the laminate pane may have multiple thermoplastic interlayers.

[0080] The thermoplastic interlayer may have a substantially constant thickness, excluding any surface roughness as is conventional in the art. Alternatively, the thermoplastic interlayer may be formed as a wedge film.

[0081] Laminated panes can be made by methods known per se. The outer and inner panes are laminated together via an intermediate layer, for example, by autoclaving, vacuum bagging, vacuum ring processing, calendaring, vacuum laminating, or a combination thereof. The outer and inner panes are typically bonded under the action of heat, vacuum, and / or pressure.

[0082] When bending laminated panes, the outer and inner panes are preferably subjected to bending before lamination, preferably after any coating process. Preferably, the outer and inner panes are bent together in unison (i.e., at the same time and with the same tool) because this allows the panes to optimally match their shapes to one another for subsequent lamination. Typical temperatures for glass bending processes are, for example, 500°C to 700°C.

[0083] To make a projection assembly according to the present invention, the lamination pane and image display device are positioned relative to one another with the inner pane facing the image display device and the image display device facing the projection area.

[0084] The present invention also provides a vehicle having a projection assembly.

[0085] Also provided in accordance with the present invention is a method of operating a projection assembly to display a virtual image to an observer whose eye position is within an eyebox, the projection assembly having a stacked pane, an image display device, and a control element, wherein the position of the eyebox is identified, and the control element selectively controls a matrix of the image display devices in response to the identified eyebox position to display the virtual image.

[0086] The laminated pane has a projection area, a main transmission area, an upper end, a lower end, and two side pane ends, the projection area being located outside the main transmission area, the laminated pane having an outer pane with an outer surface and an inner surface, an inner pane with an outer surface and an inner surface, and a thermoplastic intermediate layer located between the outer pane and the inner pane, and has an opaque masking layer outside the main transmission area, at least in the projection area.

[0087] The image display device is positioned on the interior side, facing towards the projection area, and is a matrix display.

[0088] The preferred embodiments of the projection assembly according to the invention described above apply equally to the method according to the invention.

[0089] The invention further includes the use of a projection assembly according to the invention in a vehicle for travelling on land, air or water, the laminated pane being preferably a windshield.

[0090] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of drawings and example embodiments, which are schematic and not to scale, and which are not intended to limit the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0091] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a stacked pane of an embodiment of a projection assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the projection assembly according to the present invention shown in FIG. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a plan view of the image display device. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a plan view of the image display device. [Figure 3c] FIG. 3c is a plan view of the image display device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a laminated pane. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a laminated pane. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a laminated pane. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a laminated pane. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a laminated pane. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a laminated pane. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a laminated pane. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a laminated pane. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a laminated pane. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a projection assembly according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0092] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a laminated pane 1, an embodiment of a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention. The laminated pane 1 has an upper end O, a lower end U, and two side pane ends S. Additionally, FIG. 1 shows the primary transmission area H and the projection area P of the laminated pane 1. FIG. 1 also shows in which areas the laminated pane 1 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 has an opaque masking layer 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the projection area P is located indirectly adjacent to the lower end U, e.g., 5 cm away from the lower end U. The opaque masking layer 5 is located directly adjacent to the lower end U and extends between the side pane ends S.

[0093] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a projection assembly 100 according to the invention, which corresponds to the cross-sectional view along section line X'-X in Figure 1. As can be seen in Figure 2, the projection assembly 100 according to the invention shown comprises a stacking pane 1, an image display device 6, and a control element 7.

[0094] The laminated pane 1 can be configured, for example, as shown in FIGS.

[0095] The image display device 6 is a matrix display and is disposed on the inner side facing the projection area P. The image display device 6 is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

[0096] In Figure 2, three differently positioned eyeboxes are depicted, with the upper eyebox labeled 10a, the middle eyebox labeled 10b, and the lower eyebox labeled 10c. The eyeboxes are depicted as eyes in Figure 2.

[0097] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the beam paths of three different matrices of the image display device 6 are shown. When matrix 8a is used, the light emitted by the image display device 6 strikes the laminated pane 1 in the region of the projection area P and is thereby reflected in the direction of the observer whose eye position is located in eyebox 10a, so that the observer sees virtual image 9a. When matrix 8b is used, the light emitted by the image display device 6 strikes the laminated pane 1 in the region of the projection area P and is thereby reflected in the direction of the observer whose eye position is located in eyebox 10b, so that the observer sees virtual image 9b. When matrix 8c is used, the light emitted by the image display device 6 strikes the laminated pane 1 in the region of the projection area P and is thereby reflected in the direction of the observer's eyes whose eye position is located in eyebox 10c, so that the observer sees virtual image 9c. Depending on the selection of matrices 8a, 8b, and 8c, adjustment of the positions of the eyeboxes 10a, 10b, and 10c occurs in the vertical direction.

[0098] The control element 7 is suitable for selectively controlling different matrices 8a, 8b, 8c of the image display device 6 in order to display virtual images 9a, 9b, 9c for different positions of the eyeboxes 10a, 10b, 10c. The different matrices 8a, 8b, 8c are partially overlapping in the embodiment of the inventive projection assembly 100 shown in Figure 2. However, it is also possible for the control element 7 to control different matrices for different positions of the eyeboxes which are separated from one another and thus at least partially non-overlapping.

[0099] 3a, 3b and 3c show plan views of an image display device 6 that can be used in a projection assembly according to the present invention.

[0100] Fig. 3a shows a plan view of the image display device 6 in which an image is displayed by a matrix 8a. Fig. 3b shows a plan view in which an image is displayed by a matrix 8b. Fig. 3c shows a plan view in which an image is displayed by a matrix 8c. Matrices 8a, 8b, and 8c partially overlap one another.

[0101] Inactive areas of the image display device 6, ie areas outside a particular active matrix, may be completely switched off, thereby saving power.

[0102] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a laminated pane 1 for a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention. The laminated pane 1 is shown flat in FIG. 4. It is understood that the laminated pane 1 may be curved, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 13. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the laminated pane 1 has an upper end O and a lower end U. Additionally, FIG. 4 shows the primary transmission area H and the projection area P of the laminated pane 1. The laminated pane 1 has an outer pane 2 having an outer surface I and an inner surface II, and an inner pane 3 having an outer surface III and an inner surface IV, which may be bonded together via a thermoplastic intermediate layer 4.

[0103] The thermoplastic interlayer 4 is, for example, a PVB interlayer having a thickness of 0.76 mm. The thermoplastic interlayer 4 has a substantially constant thickness, excluding the surface roughness as is customary in the art—it is not formed as a so-called wedge film. Alternatively, the thermoplastic interlayer 4 may be formed as a wedge film.

[0104] The outer pane 2 and the inner pane 3 are made of, for example, soda-lime glass. The outer pane 2 has a thickness of, for example, 2.1 mm; the inner pane 3 has a thickness of, for example, 1.6 mm or 1.1 mm.

[0105] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, an opaque masking layer 5 is disposed on the inner surface II of the outer pane 2 adjacent to the lower edge U, in an area disposed outside the primary transmission area H and having at least the projection area P. The opaque masking layer 5 is, for example, a cover print made of dark, preferably black, enamel. Alternatively, the opaque masking layer 5 may be formed as an opaque insert element, for example, a black polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, disposed between the outer pane 2 and the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4.

[0106] In a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention having a laminated pane 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3 towards the observer.

[0107] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment of a laminated pane 1 for a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 differs from that shown in FIG. 4 only in that the opaque masking layer 5 is arranged on the outer surface III of the inner pane 3 rather than on the inner surface II of the outer pane 2. The opaque masking layer 5 is, for example, a cover print made of dark, preferably black, enamel. Alternatively, the opaque masking layer 5 may be formed as an opaque insert element, for example a black PET film, arranged between the inner pane 3 and the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4.

[0108] In a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention having a laminated pane 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected at the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3 towards the observer.

[0109] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment of a laminated pane 1 for a projection assembly 100 according to the invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 6 differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 4 only in that the opaque masking layer 5 is not arranged on the inner surface II of the outer pane 2, but is formed as an opaque, tinted area of ​​the thermoplastic intermediate layer 4.

[0110] In the projection assembly 100 of the present invention having a laminated pane 1 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected towards the observer at the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3.

[0111] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment of a laminated pane 1 for a projection assembly 100 according to the invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 7 differs from that shown in Figure 4 only in that a reflective element 13 that reflects visible light is arranged in the projection area P between the inner pane 3 and the thermoplastic interlayer 4. The reflective element 13 is formed, for example, as a coating on the outer surface III of the inner pane 3. Alternatively, the reflective element 13 may be formed as a coating on a thin glass pane or film, or as a reflective film arranged between the thermoplastic interlayer 4 and the inner pane 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 may extend over the entire laminated pane 1.

[0112] In a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention having a laminated pane 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected in the direction of the observer at the reflective element 13.

[0113] In the embodiment of laminated pane 1 shown in Figure 7, reflective element 13 is positioned between inner pane 3 and thermoplastic interlayer 4. If reflective element 13 is formed as a coating on a thin glass pane or film or as a reflective film, it may alternatively be positioned between thermoplastic interlayer 4 and outer pane 2, where reflective element 13 is spatially positioned in front of opaque masking layer 5 when viewed through laminated pane 1.

[0114] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment of a laminated pane 1 for a projection assembly 100 according to the invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 8 differs from that shown in Figure 6 only in that a reflective element 13 that reflects visible light is arranged in the projection area P between the inner pane 3 and the thermoplastic interlayer 4. The reflective element 13 is formed, for example, as a coating on the outer surface III of the inner pane 3. Alternatively, the reflective element 13 can also be formed as a coating on a thin glass pane or film that is arranged between the thermoplastic interlayer 4 and the inner pane 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 may extend over the entire laminated pane 1.

[0115] In a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention having a laminated pane 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected in the direction of the observer at the reflective element 13.

[0116] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment of a laminated pane 1 for a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 differs from that shown in FIG. 4 only in that a reflective element 13 that reflects visible light is arranged in the projection area P on the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3. The reflective element 13 is formed, for example, as a coating on the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3. Alternatively, the reflective element 13 may be formed as a coating on a thin glass pane or film, or as a reflective film that is adhered to the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 may extend over the entire laminated pane 1.

[0117] In a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention having a laminated pane 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected in the direction of the observer at the reflective element 13.

[0118] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment of a laminated pane 1 for a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 10 differs from that shown in Figure 5 only in that a reflective element 13 that reflects visible light is arranged in the projection area P on the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3. The reflective element 13 is formed, for example, as a coating on the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3. Alternatively, the reflective element 13 may be formed as a coating on a thin glass pane or film, or as a reflective film that is adhered to the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 may extend over the entire laminated pane 1.

[0119] In a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention having a laminated pane 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected in the direction of the observer at the reflective element 13.

[0120] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment of a laminated pane 1 for a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 11 differs from that shown in Figure 6 only in that a reflective element 13 that reflects visible light is arranged in the projection area P on the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3. The reflective element 13 is formed, for example, as a coating on the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3. Alternatively, the reflective element 13 may be formed as a coating on a thin glass pane or film, or as a reflective film that is adhered to the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3. Optionally, the reflective element 13 may extend over the entire laminated pane 1.

[0121] In a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention having a laminated pane 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected in the direction of the observer at the reflective element 13.

[0122] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment of a laminated pane 1 for a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 12 differs from that shown in Figure 4 only in that the opaque masking layer 5 is disposed within a peripheral edge that has a greater width in the portion that overlaps the projection area P than in the remaining portion. Thus, the region in which the opaque masking layer 5 is disposed includes the peripheral edge and the projection area P.

[0123] It will be appreciated that the laminated pane 1 shown in Figures 5 to 11 may be modified in that the opaque masking layer 5 is disposed within a peripheral edge having a greater width in the portion overlapping the projection area P than in the remaining portion.

[0124] In a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention having a laminated pane 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the radiation of the image display device 6 is preferably completely or almost completely s-polarized, and the s-polarized light emitted by the image display device 6 is reflected towards the observer at the inner surface IV of the inner pane 3.

[0125] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a further embodiment of a projection assembly 100 according to the present invention. The embodiment shown in Figure 13 differs from that shown in Figures 1 and 2 only in that the projection assembly 100 further includes a detection device 11 for detecting the positions of the observer's eyes and an electronic control device 12. The electronic control device 12 is configured to determine the positions of eyeboxes 10a, 10b, and 10c corresponding to the eye positions based on the eye positions determined using the detection device 11, and to output electrical signals to the control element 7 for selectively controlling matrices 8a, 8b, and 8c corresponding to the determined positions of the eyeboxes 10a, 10b, and 10c. For simplicity, the matrices 8a, 8b, and 8c are not shown in Figure 13.

[0126] In the embodiment of the projection assembly shown in FIG. 13, the stacking pane 1 can be designed, for example, as shown in any of FIGS. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 100 Projection Assembly 1 Stacked Panes 2 outer panes 3 Inner Pane 4 Thermoplastic Interlayer 5. Opaque Masking Layer 6 Image display devices 7 Control Elements 8a, 8b, 8c matrix 9a, 9b, 9c Virtual Images 10a, 10b, 10c Eye Box 11 Detection device 12 Electronic control device 13 Reflective elements O Upper edge of laminated pane 1 U Lower edge of laminated pane 1 S Side edge of laminated pane 1 P is the projected area of ​​stacked pane 1 H Main transparent area of ​​laminated pane 1 I. Outer surface of outer pane 2 II. Inner surface of outer pane 2 III. Outer surface of inner pane 3 IV. Inner surface of inner pane 3 X'-X cutting line

Claims

1. A projection assembly (100) for displaying a virtual image (9a, 9b, 9c) to an observer whose eyes are located within an eyebox (10a, 10b, 10c), comprising at least: a laminated pane (1) having a projection area (P), a main transmission area (H), an upper edge (O), a lower edge (U), and two side pane edges (S), wherein the projection area (P) is located outside the main transmission area (H), the laminated pane (1) having an outer pane (2) with an outer surface (I) and an inner surface (II), an inner pane (3) with an outer surface (III) and an inner surface (IV), and a thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) located between the outer pane (2) and the inner pane (3), and an opaque masking layer (5) outside the main transmission area (H), at least within the projection area (P); an image display device (6) arranged on the inner side and directed towards said projection area (P), said image display device (6) being a matrix display; a control element (7) suitable for selectively controlling different matrices (8a, 8b, 8c) of said image display device (6) in order to display said virtual images (9a, 9b, 9c) for different positions of said eyeboxes (10a, 10b, 10c); A projection assembly (100) having:

2. 2. The projection assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the control element (7) is suitable for controlling at least a first matrix (8a) for an upper position of the eyebox (10a), a second matrix (8b) for an intermediate position of the eyebox (10b), and a third matrix (8c) for a lower position of the eyebox (10c) of the image display device (6).

3. 3. The projection assembly (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the opaque masking layer (5) is arranged in a peripheral edge region, and in particular has a width greater in the portion overlapping the projection area (P) than in the remaining portion.

4. 4. The projection assembly (100) of claim 1, further comprising an adaptation unit (100) for determining positions of the eyeboxes (10a, 10b, 10c) corresponding to the eye positions from information input by the observer regarding their eye positions, and for outputting electrical signals to the control element (7) for selectively controlling the matrices (8a, 8b, 8c) corresponding to the determined positions of the eyeboxes (10a, 10b, 10c).

5. 5. The projection assembly (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a detection device (11) for detecting the positions of the eyes of the observer; and an electronic control device (12) configured to determine the positions of the eye boxes (10a, 10b, 10c) corresponding to the eye positions based on the eye positions determined using the detection device (11), and to output an electrical signal to the control element (7) for selectively controlling the matrix (8a, 8b, 8c) corresponding to the determined positions of the eye boxes (10a, 10b, 10c).

6. 6. The projection assembly (100) of claim 5, wherein the detection device (11) performs infrared detection and comprises a radiation source for emitting infrared radiation and a radiation receiver for receiving infrared radiation.

7. 7. The projection assembly (100) of claim 6, wherein the laminated pane (1) further comprises a functional layer that reflects infrared radiation, and the radiation source and the radiation receiver are arranged such that the infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source can be reflected by the functional layer onto the face of the observer as a first reflected radiation, the first reflected radiation can be reflected by the face of the observer onto the functional layer as a second reflected radiation, and the second reflected radiation reflected by the functional layer as a third reflected radiation can be reflected to the radiation receiver and received by the radiation receiver.

8. The projection assembly (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image display device (6) is curved in plan view.

9. A projection assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laminated pane (1) is curved.

10. The projection assembly (100) of claim 8 or 9, further comprising a distortion element.

11. 11. A projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the opaque masking layer (5) is formed as a coating on the inner surface (II) of the outer pane (2) or as a coating on the outer surface (III) of the inner pane (3), as an opaque insert element arranged between the outer pane (2) and the inner pane (3), or as an opaque tinted area of ​​the thermoplastic intermediate layer (4).

12. A projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a reflective element (13) that reflects visible light is arranged within the projection area (P) between the outer pane (2) and the inner pane (3) or on the inner surface (IV) of the inner pane (3), and the reflective element (13) is arranged spatially in front of the opaque masking layer (5) when viewed through the laminated pane (1).

13. A motor vehicle comprising a projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. 1. A method of operating a projection assembly (100) for displaying a virtual image (9a, 9b, 9c) to an observer whose eyes are located within an eyebox (10a, 10b, 10c), comprising: wherein the projection assembly (100) comprises a stacking pane (1), an image display device (6), and a control element (7); The laminated pane (1) has a projection area (P), a main transmission area (H), an upper end (O), a lower end (U), and two side pane ends (S), the projection area (P) being disposed outside the main transmission area (H), the laminated pane (1) having an outer pane (2) having an outer surface (I) and an inner surface (II), an inner pane (3) having an outer surface (III) and an inner surface (IV), and a thermoplastic intermediate layer (4) disposed between the outer pane (2) and the inner pane (3), and an opaque masking layer (5) at least within the projection area (P) and outside the main transmission area (H), wherein the image display device (6) is arranged on the inner side, is directed towards the projection area (P), is a matrix display, and wherein the positions of the eyeboxes (10a, 10b, 10c) are identified, and the control element (7) selectively controls the matrix (8a, 8b, 8c) of the image display device (6) in accordance with the identified positions of the eyeboxes (10a, 10b, 10c) to display the virtual images (9a, 9b, 9c); method.

15. Use of a projection assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 in a vehicle for travelling on land, air or water, wherein the laminated pane (1) is preferably a windshield.

Images