Arrangement and method for displaying contents in a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for displaying contents in a motor vehicle. The arrangement comprises a display device which has a first display segment and a second display segment, wherein the first display segment is arranged so as to be pivotable or bendable with respect to the second display segment. The first display segment is adjustable relative to the second display segment between a first position and a second position different therefrom. Furthermore, the arrangement has a reflection surface which is designed in particular as a partial region of the windscreen of the motor vehicle. The first position of the first display segment is designed such that display contents on the first display segment and on the second display segment are directly visible in an eyebox of a driver or a passenger of the motor vehicle. The eyebox indicates a spatial region in which the eyes of the driver or of the passenger are located. The second position of the first display segment is designed such that display contents on the first display segment are reflected at the reflection surface into the eyebox of the driver or of the passenger of the motor vehicle and that display contents on the second display segment are directly visible from the eyebox.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Arrangement and method for displaying content in a motor vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to an arrangement for displaying content in a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adapting an operating mode of a display device for displaying content in a motor vehicle.

[0004] In the front of a vehicle, a variety of displays are available to the driver and front passenger. In particular, a head-up display may be provided for the driver, showing vehicle information such as the current speed, the distance to the next vehicle, etc. In addition, displays may be provided for the driver assistance system, the on-board entertainment system, the navigation system, and for displaying multimedia content. These displays must be arranged in a confined space in the front of the vehicle interior.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide an arrangement and a method which make it possible to provide different display functionalities in a motor vehicle in a space-saving and cost-effective manner.

[0006] The stated object is achieved by an arrangement for displaying content in a motor vehicle. The arrangement comprises a display device having a first display segment and a second display segment, wherein the first display segment is arranged so as to be pivotable or bendable relative to the second display segment. The first display segment is adjustable relative to the second display segment between a first position and a different second position. In addition, the arrangement has a reflective surface, which is designed in particular as a partial region of the windshield of the motor vehicle. The first position of the first display segment is designed such that display content on the first display segment and on the second display segment is visible directly in an eyebox of a driver or a passenger of the motor vehicle. The eyebox indicates a spatial region in which the eyes of the driver or the passenger are located.The second position of the first display segment is designed such that a display content on the first display segment is reflected at the reflection surface into the eyebox of the driver or passenger of the motor vehicle and that a display content on the second display segment is directly visible from the eyebox.

[0007] According to embodiments of the present invention, the first display segment can be pivoted or bent relative to the second display segment into a first position and a second position. In the first position of the first display segment, both the content displayed on the first display segment and the second display segment are directly visible from the eyebox. For example, the first display segment and the second display segment can complement each other to form a large-area display, for example to play back multimedia content. In the second position of the first display segment, the first display segment functions, for example, as part of a head-up display. The content displayed on the first display segment is reflected off the reflective surface, and the reflected image is directly visible from the eyebox.The arrangement according to the embodiments of the present invention enables the structural integration of a head-up display and a regular display. This enables a space-saving arrangement of different display functionalities. The dual use of the display device, in particular the first display segment, for a head-up display and a regular display allows for component savings and thus reduces costs.

[0008] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having an arrangement as described above. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adapting an operating mode of a display device for displaying content in a motor vehicle, wherein the display device has a first display segment and a second display segment, wherein the first display segment is arranged such that it can be pivoted or bent relative to the second display segment. The first display segment is adjustable relative to the second display segment between a first position and a different second position. The method comprises a step of operating the display device in a first operating mode in which the first display segment is in the first position, wherein in the first operating mode, display content on the first display segment and on the second display segment is visible directly in an eyebox of a driver or a passenger of the motor vehicle.The eyebox indicates a spatial area in which the eyes of the driver or front passenger are located. The method also comprises a step of moving the first display segment from the first position to the second position. The method further comprises a step of operating the display device in a second operating mode in which the first display segment is in the second position, wherein in the second operating mode, a display content on the first display segment is reflected into the eyebox of the driver or front passenger of the motor vehicle by a reflective surface, which is designed in particular as a partial area of ​​the windshield of the motor vehicle, and a display content on the second display segment is directly visible from the eyebox.

[0009] Advantageous training and further developments, which can be used individually or in combination with one another, are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second position of the first display segment is configured such that the display content on the first display segment is not directly visible from the driver's or passenger's eyebox. When the first display segment is in the second position, the driver should, for example, primarily be able to see the head-up display, i.e., the reflected image of the content displayed on the first display segment. The first display segment itself should preferably not be directly visible to the driver to avoid dazzling or irritating the driver.

[0011] Preferably, the first display segment is pivotable or bendable relative to the second display segment about a pivot axis extending substantially horizontally. By pivoting about the pivot axis extending horizontally, it can be achieved, for example, that the driver's view through the windshield is not obstructed in the second position of the first display segment.

[0012] It is advantageous if the first display segment is connected to the second display segment via at least one hinge element, or if the display device comprises a flexible display, wherein the first display segment comprises a first partial region of the flexible display and the second display segment comprises a second partial region of the flexible display. The pivotability of the first display segment relative to the second display segment can thus be achieved, for example, by both segments comprising parts of a flexible display, or by the two display segments being designed as separate display segments and connected by at least one hinge element.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, in the first position of the first display segment, the first display segment is pivoted or bent relative to the second display segment by an angle of inclination in the range from -30° to +30°, in particular in the range from 5° to 30° or from -5° to -30°. By means of this angle of inclination provided between the first and the second display segment, the display device can be adapted, for example, to the structural conditions and / or to the design of the vehicle interior. According to a preferred embodiment, in the second position of the first display segment, the first display segment is pivoted or bent relative to the second display segment by an adjustment angle in the range between 90° and 180°.This allows, for example, the content displayed on the first display segment in the second position to be reflected on the windshield, so that the first display segment, together with the reflective surface, can serve as a head-up display in the second position. Furthermore, it ensures, for example, that the view through the windshield is not obstructed by the first display segment in the second position of the first display segment.

[0014] Preferably, in the first position of the first display segment, the first display segment and the second display segment are arranged in one plane. This allows, for example, the first display segment and the second display segment to complement each other to form a large-area display in the first position of the first display segment.

[0015] It is advantageous if the second display segment is firmly connected to the motor vehicle or inserted into a holder attached to the motor vehicle.

[0016] Preferably, the first display segment is pivotable or bendable from the first position in the direction away from the eyebox into the second position.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, in the second position of the first display segment, the first display segment is obscured by the second display segment as viewed from the eyebox. For example, in the second position of the first display segment, only the head-up display should be directly visible from the eyebox, i.e., the reflected image of the content displayed on the first display segment.

[0018] Preferably, the first display segment is adjustable between the first position and the second position manually or by means of an electric drive. Preferably, the arrangement comprises a sensor system designed to detect the position of the first display segment.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the arrangement comprises a control device designed to control the content displayed on the first and second display segments depending on the position of the first display segment detected by the sensor system. Depending on the position of the first display segment detected by the sensor system, the first display segment can be controlled, for example, as part of a large-area display or as a head-up display.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the arrangement comprises a control device which is designed to distort the content displayed on the first display segment in the second position of the first display segment in such a way that the distortion resulting from the reflection of this content on the reflection surface is compensated.

[0021] It is advantageous if, in the second position of the first display segment, the display content reflected on the reflection surface on the first display segment and the directly visible display content on the second display segment in the eyebox complement each other to form a uniform image.

[0022] It is particularly advantageous if the display content reflected on the reflection surface on the first display segment and the directly visible display content on the second display segment in the eyebox complement each other to form a uniform image without any noticeable gap.

[0023] Further advantageous embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, to which, however, the invention is not limited. They show schematically:

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a front area of ​​a vehicle interior with a display device, wherein the first display segment of the display device is in its first position.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows an alternative example of a front region of the vehicle interior, wherein the first display segment is arranged in its first position inclined to the second display segment.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows the front area of ​​the vehicle interior, with the first display segment of the display device in its second position.

[0027] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, like reference numerals designate like or comparable components.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows the front area of ​​the passenger compartment of a vehicle from the side. The windshield 2 of the vehicle and a front module 4 arranged below the windshield 2 can be seen. A display device 6 is attached to the front module 4 and comprises a first display segment 8 and a second display segment 10, wherein the first display segment 8 is arranged so as to be pivotable or bendable relative to the second display segment 10. Preferably, the first display segment 8 can be pivoted or bent relative to the second display segment 10 about a substantially horizontal pivot axis 12. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the display device 6 has a flexible display which is arranged on the side of the display device 6 facing the driver or front passenger and extends over the first display segment 8 and the second display segment 10.Such a flexible display can be based, for example, on bendable OLED technology. The first display segment 8 comprises a first partial area of ​​the bendable display, and the second display segment 10 comprises a second partial area of ​​the bendable display. The first display segment 8 can be bent into different positions relative to the second display segment 10.

[0029] Alternatively, the first display segment 8 and the second display segment 10 can be configured as two separate display units that are pivotably connected to one another. For example, the first display segment 8 can be connected to the second display segment 10 via at least one hinge. The first display segment 8 can be pivoted relative to the second display segment 10 about the pivot axis 12 and can be pivoted into different positions relative to the second display segment 10.

[0030] Fig. 1 also shows an eyebox 14. The eyebox 14 indicates the spatial area in which the eyes 16 of the driver or passenger are located.

[0031] In Fig. 1, the first display segment 8 is in a first position relative to the second display segment 10. When the first display segment 8 is in the first position, the content displayed on the first display segment 8 is directly visible in the driver's or passenger's eyebox 14. This is illustrated in Fig. 1 by the first arrow 18. Furthermore, the content displayed on the second display segment 10 is also directly visible in the driver's or passenger's eyebox 14. This is illustrated in Fig. 1 by the second arrow 20.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first display segment 8 is arranged in its first position in the same plane as the second display segment 10. The angle of inclination of the first display segment 8 relative to the second display segment 10 is therefore approximately 0° in the first position. The two display segments 8 and 10 complement each other in the first position to form a large-area display that is well suited to showing multimedia content for the driver or front passenger. Preferably, in the first position of the first display segment 8, no gap can be seen from the eyebox 14 between the first display segment 8 and the second display segment 10. When the first display segment 8 is in its first position, the first display segment 8 and the second display segment 10 are controlled by a control device, preferably as sub-areas of a large-area display.

[0033] In the example shown in Fig. 1, in the first position of the first display segment 8, the first display segment 8 and the second display segment 10 are arranged in a common plane. Alternatively, in the first position of the first display segment 8, the first display segment 8 can be arranged at an angle to the second display segment 10. Such a solution is shown in Fig. 2, in which the first display segment 8 is inclined relative to the plane 22 defined by the second display segment 10 by an angle of inclination 24 in the direction of the windshield 2. As an alternative to the example shown in Fig. 2, the first display segment 8 could also be inclined relative to the plane 22 defined by the second display segment 10 by an angle of inclination in the direction away from the windshield 2.Preferably, the first display segment 8 is pivoted or bent in its first position by an inclination angle in the range of -30° to +30° relative to the second display segment 10. The respective inclination angle is specified here according to a sign convention, in which an inclination toward the windshield 2 is specified as an inclination angle with a positive sign, while an inclination away from the windshield 2 is specified as an inclination angle with a negative sign.

[0034] In the example shown in Fig. 2, both the content displayed on the first display segment 8 and the second display segment 10 are directly visible from the eyebox 14. This is illustrated in Fig. 2 by the third arrow 26 and the fourth arrow 28. An inclination of the upper display segment 8 relative to the lower display segment 10 can, for example, be useful in order to adapt the design of the display device 6 to the structural conditions and / or the design of the vehicle interior. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2, in which the first display segment 8 is arranged at an incline to the second display segment 10, the first and second display segments 8 and 10 complement each other to form a large-area display.In order to obtain an undistorted display across the two display segments 8 and 10, the control device for the two display segments 8 and 10 can, for example, be designed to adapt the vertical display scale of the displayed content to the respective angle of inclination of the display segments 8 and 10 in such a way that, viewed from the eyebox 14, distortion due to the different inclination of the display segments 8 and 10 is avoided.

[0035] When the first display segment 8 is in its first position, the display device 6 can be used as a large-area display for displaying multimedia content. However, in its first position, the first display segment 8 obscures the lower part of the windshield 2. The display device 6 should therefore only be used as a large-area display when the vehicle is not currently being controlled by the driver. This is the case when the vehicle is stationary or driving autonomously.

[0036] From the first position, the first display segment 8 can be pivoted relative to the second display segment 10 into a second position, as illustrated in Fig. 1 by the fifth arrow 30. In Fig. 3, the first display segment 8 is shown in its second position relative to the second display segment 10. In addition to the two display segments 8 and 10 of the display device 6, Fig. 3 also shows the windshield 2, the front module 4, and the eyebox 14. The eyebox 14 indicates the spatial area in which the eyes 16 of the driver or front passenger are located.

[0037] In the second position of the first display segment 8, the first display segment 8 is pivoted relative to the second display segment 10 by an adjustment angle 32. In the second position of the first display segment 8, the adjustment angle 32 is preferably between 90° and 180°. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the adjustment angle 32 is approximately 113°. The pivoting of the first display segment 8 from the first to the second position can, for example, be carried out manually. For this purpose, an actuating element can be provided, for example an adjustment wheel 34, with which the first display segment 8 can be adjusted relative to the second display segment 10. Alternatively, an electric drive can be provided for adjusting the first display segment 8 relative to the second display segment 10. The electric drive is preferably controlled automatically.For example, an automatic control can be provided which ensures that the first display segment 8, if it is in the first position, is automatically pivoted into the second position at the start of the journey, unless it is an autonomous journey.

[0038] The display device 6 can additionally be equipped with a sensor system designed to detect the respective position of the first display segment 8. Depending on the signals supplied by the sensor system, the control of the two display segments 8 and 10 can then be adjusted accordingly.

[0039] In the second position of the first display segment 8, the content displayed on the first display 8 is not directly visible from the eyebox 14 because the folded or bent display segment 8 is covered by the second display segment 10. However, the content displayed on the first display segment 8 is reflected on an area 38 of the windshield 2. The area 38 of the windshield 2 serves as a reflection surface for the information displayed on the first

[0040] Display segment 8. As a result of the reflection on the area 38 of the windshield 2, a virtual image 36 of the first

[0041] Display segment 8 displays the content displayed. This virtual image 36 of the displayed content is directly visible from the eyebox 14. This is illustrated in Fig. 3 by the sixth arrow 40 and the seventh arrow 42. In its second position, the first display segment 8 functions as a head-up display together with the area 38 of the windshield 2 that serves as a reflective surface. The driver or front passenger of the vehicle can see the virtual image 36 created by the reflection on the windshield 2 without having to avert their gaze from the traffic. To improve the recognizability of the reflected display content, the area 38 of the windshield 2 that serves as a reflective surface can, for example, be provided with a reflective or reflection-enhancing coating, in particular, it can be completely or partially blackened.

[0042] Furthermore, the content displayed on the second display segment 10 is directly visible from the eyebox 14. This is illustrated in Fig. 3 by the eighth arrow 44. Additional information can be displayed on the second display segment 10, for example, while driving.

[0043] The content displayed on the head-up display via the virtual image 36 and the content displayed on the second display segment 10 can complement and interact with each other. For example, the head-up display can draw attention to important new information using a visual cue.

[0044] Preferably, the geometry of the display device 6, the front module 4, the windshield 2, and the eyebox 14 can be coordinated such that the content displayed on the second display segment 10 and the content displayed on the head-up display by means of the virtual image 36 merge seamlessly into one another. In particular, the geometry can be selected such that no gap is visible from the eyebox 14 between the head-up display and the second display segment 10, thus creating a seamless transition between the content displayed on the head-up display in the form of the virtual image 36 and the content displayed on the second display segment 10.

[0045] When the first display segment 8 is pivoted from the first position to the second position, it is advantageous to adapt the control of the first display segment 8. For example, a control device of the display device 6 can be designed to display the content on the first display segment 8 such that this content appears to the viewer in the virtual image 36 at the correct scale and without distortion. It can be advantageous to display the content to be displayed on the first display segment 8 such that the distortions caused by the reflection on the area 38 of the windshield 2 are taken into account and compensated.

[0046] When the driver is steering the vehicle, the first display segment 8 should be moved into the second position shown in Fig. 3 while driving. This ensures that the lower area of ​​the windshield 2 is not obscured by the first display segment 8, allowing the driver a clear view of the road. Furthermore, for the head-up display to be used while driving, the upper display segment 8 must be in the second position. If the display device 6 is equipped with an electric drive, it can be provided that the first display segment 8 is automatically pivoted into the second position at the start of the journey.

[0047] Furthermore, the upper display segment 8 can be used in the second position to display information such that it can be seen through the windows from outside the vehicle. For example, information such as parking information that can be seen through the windows from outside the vehicle can be displayed on the first display segment 8 in the second position. For example, the time at which parking began can be displayed, preferably in the form of a parking disc displayed on the first display segment 8.

[0048] The features disclosed in the above description, claims, and drawings may be important both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various forms. List of reference symbols

[0049] windshield

[0050] Front module

[0051] Display setup first display segment second display segment

[0052] Swivel axis

[0053] Eyebox

[0054] Eyes of the driver or passenger first arrow second arrow level determined by the second display segment

[0055] Angle of inclination third arrow fourth arrow fifth arrow

[0056] Adjustment angle

[0057] Virtual image dial

[0058] Windshield area sixth arrow seventh arrow eighth arrow

Claims

Claims 1. An arrangement for displaying content in a motor vehicle, the arrangement comprising: a display device (6) having a first display segment (8) and a second display segment (10), the first display segment (8) being arranged to be pivotable or bendable relative to the second display segment (10), the first display segment (8) being adjustable relative to the second display segment (10) between a first position and a second position different therefrom, a reflective surface, which is designed in particular as a partial region (38) of the windshield (2) of the motor vehicle, the first position of the first display segment (8) being designed such that a display content on the first display segment (8) and on the second display segment (10) is visible directly in an eyebox (14) of a driver or a passenger of the motor vehicle, the eyebox (14) indicating a spatial region in which the eyes (16) of the driver or passenger are located,wherein the second position of the first display segment (8) is designed such that a display content on the first display segment (8) is reflected at the reflection surface into the eyebox (14) of the driver or passenger of the motor vehicle and that a display content on the second display segment (10) is directly visible from the eyebox (14).

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the second position of the first display segment (8) is designed such that a The display content on the first display segment (8) is not directly visible from the driver’s or passenger’s eyebox (14).

3. Arrangement according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first display segment (8) is pivotable or bendable relative to the second display segment (10) about a pivot axis (12) extending substantially in the horizontal direction.

4. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first display segment (8) is connected to the second display segment (10) via at least one hinge element or in that the display device (6) comprises a flexible display, wherein the first display segment (8) comprises a first partial area of the flexible display and the second display segment (10) comprises a second partial area of the flexible display.

5. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second position of the first display segment (8), the first display segment (8) is pivoted or bent by an adjustment angle (32) in the range between 90° and 180° relative to the second display segment (10).

6. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the first position of the first display segment (8), the first display segment (8) and the second display segment (10) are arranged in one plane.

7. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second display segment (10) is firmly connected to the motor vehicle or is inserted into a holder attached to the motor vehicle.

8. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first display segment (8) is pivotable or bendable from the first position in the direction away from the eyebox (14) into the second position.

9. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second position of the first display segment (8) as seen from the eyebox (14), the first display segment (8) is covered by the second display segment (10).

10. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first display segment (8) is adjustable manually or by means of an electric drive between the first position and the second position.

11. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement has a sensor system which is designed to detect the position of the first display segment (8).

12. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement comprises a control device which is designed to distort the content displayed on the first display segment (8) in the second position of the first display segment (8) in such a way that the distortion resulting from the reflection of this content on the reflection surface is compensated.

13. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second position of the first display segment (8), the display content reflected on the reflection surface on the first display element (8) and the directly visible display content on the second display segment (10) in the eyebox (14) complement each other to form a uniform image.

14. A motor vehicle comprising an arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

15. A method for adapting an operating mode of a display device (6) for displaying content in a motor vehicle, wherein the display device (6) has a first display segment (8) and a second display segment (10), wherein the first display segment (8) is arranged so as to be pivotable or bendable relative to the second display segment (10), wherein the first display segment (8) is adjustable relative to the second display segment (10) between a first position and a different second position, wherein the method comprises the following steps: Operating the display device (6) in a first operating mode in which the first display segment (8) is in the first position, wherein in the first operating mode a display content on the first display segment (8) and on the second display segment (10) is visible directly in an eyebox (14) of a driver or a passenger of the motor vehicle, wherein the eyebox (14) indicates a spatial area in which the eyes (16) of the driver or the passenger are located, Moving the first display segment (8) from the first position to the second position, Operating the display device (6) in a second operating mode in which the first display segment (8) is in the second position, wherein in the second operating mode a display content on the first display segment (8) is reflected at a reflection surface, which is designed in particular as a partial area (38) of the windscreen (2) of the motor vehicle, into the eyebox (14) of the driver or the passenger of the motor vehicle and a display content on the second display segment (10) is directly visible from the eyebox (14).

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