Vehicle window laminate and method for producing the same

Abstract

The present invention is related to a vehicle window laminate for displaying information towards a driver, comprising a window laminate having an inward surface and an outward surface, said window laminate comprising a first transparent pane, and a second transparent pane, wherein said first transparent pane and second transparent pane are substantially parallel and mutually spaced apart, at least one intermediate structure, arranged between the first transparent pane and second transparent pane, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate structure is tinted or tintable, preferably having a light transmission situated between about 0% and about 70%. The invention is further related to a head-up display system and a method for producing a vehicle window laminate.

Description

[0001] Vehicle window laminate and method for producing the same

[0002] The present invention is related to a vehicle window laminate for displaying information to a driver or other receiver, and a method for producing said vehicle window laminate. The invention is further related to a head-up display system.

[0003] Over the recent years there has been a growing demand for projecting information onto vehicle windscreens (windows). This information may be formed by navigation, speed, settings such as cruise control, but also media related information could be displayed. Displaying information onto a windscreen has proven a reliable and safe location. The driver does not need to look into a central infotainment screen or onto the dials of the vehicle in order to acquire the needed information in a wide range of scenarios. Typically, projecting information is done on a display area of the windscreen that is just below the “straight view” of the driver in a transparent area of the windscreen. As such, the driver or other received such as an occupant merely has to look slightly downward to acquire access to the information, whereas the straight view is not delimited by the information and the human eyes needs less focusing power, as the virtual projection is further away.

[0004] However, since windscreens have become a layered product, comprising multiple layers of glass, some problems are introduced. Even though, from a safety perspective the multiple layers of glass is an improvement, this causes a well- known problem in the head-up displays in terms of ghost images. These ghost images are an unwanted (and distracting) phenomenon where light or an image projected onto the vehicle window is reflected twice (once by the first glass sheet, and once by the second glass sheet). However, these reflections are slightly shifted with respect to each other causing a hazy look of the displayed information making it less readable.

[0005] The unwanted ghost images may be resolved by including a correcting lens between the glass sheets, which causes the two reflections to be projected as a single projection. Said lens may to this end be substantially wedge shaped, allowing that the rays of light of the light or image displayed are aligned at the point of the observers eye. Another solution, or way of reducing the ghost image is by projecting only S- or P-polarised light, in combination with a polarised or with another optical retarding film. Said polarised or retarder film techniques have their own downside, in particular since windscreens are getting more and more complex and by every technique which is added, there is less room to fulfil mandatory rules like homologation of a windscreen.

[0006] For example an optical film like 3M Window Combiner Film (WCF), which is known in the market may, in combination with an AGC Super Iris Ag3 coated glass construction, not comply with the 70% visible light transmission (VLT) standard for windscreens. WCF is usually present in the entire windscreen, including areas which are not configured to function as a head-up display or which do not function as a head-up display. In the later example, depending on the installation angle of the glass, the VLT may be reduced by 5% or more. And it is also difficult to combine such optical films in sound absorbing (acoustic film - AF) or a sound and solar absorbing Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer (Solar acoustic film - SAF) in a thickness of 0,76mm. But also, the use of polarised sunglasses will affect the projected image. Hence, these solution may require a driver to change glasses, which is not desired. This is especially the case with wedged bonding layer as S- polarised light is projected on the windscreen. In theory, layers of destructive and constructive interference can be added, but a problem is that the preferred position is on F1 (surface 1 ) which is on the outside of the outer glass pane, the outward surface of the windscreen, and these layers are vulnerable to wash wiper and weather conditions etc. But as wedged shaped PVB is nowadays a very common product, yet another downside here is that it is difficult to produce different wedge angles at different areas in the glass, meaning it is more difficult to have multiple projection zones in a window, or in strong slope installation angles or e.g. projection from the roof side is desired, wedge angles become beyond acceptable angles. Generally 0,80 mrad is the maximum angle a PVB (bonding layer) can produced in. There is thus a need to solve this problem without having these aforementioned downsides.

[0007] It is a first objective of the present invention to provide a window laminate which allows for a reduction of the ghost image, preferably whilst simultaneously providing increased usability of the window. It is a second objective of the present invention to provide for an improved window laminate which is less noticeable to a driver or occupant of the vehicle.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a window laminate which is configured to reduce the ghost image on a simpler, or at least in an alternative, way.

[0009] The present invention thereto provides a vehicle window laminate having an inward surface and an outward surface for displaying or reflecting information towards a receiver, such as a driver or observer, comprising, preferably a window laminate, said window laminate comprising, a first transparent pane, and a second transparent pane, wherein said first transparent pane and second transparent pane are substantially parallel and mutually spaced apart, optionally at least one intermediate structure, arranged between the first transparent pane and second transparent pane, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate structure is tinted or tintable, preferably having a light transmission situated between about 0% and about 70%, at least one reflective structure, arranged on at least a part of a surface of the first transparent pane facing in the inward direction. Yet, instead or in addition to a tinted or tintable portion of the intermediate structure, it is imaginable that a portion of at least one of the first or second pane is tinted or tintable. Hence, at least a portion of the window laminate situated behind the reflective structure is at least partially tinted or tintable. Preferably, wherein a part of said tinted portion of the intermediate structure and / or said tinted portion of at least one of the first or second pane and a part of the at least one reflective structure mutually overlap, such that said overlapping area forms a head-up display (HUD) area of the vehicle window laminate, for reflecting at least a portion of an image projected onto said reflective structure, preferably in a direction facing away from at least one inward facing surface of said first transparent pane, in particular the inward direction. In particular, it is preferred, or even needed that the tinted or tintable portion (of the intermediate structure and / or of at least one of the first or second pane) is situated behind (as seen from an observer or driver) the reflective structure.

[0010] By providing a reflective structure it may be achieved that a projected image is projected towards the receiver more clearly. In particular, it was found that by providing a layer, or a portion of said layer, with a reduced VLT may contribute to the efficiency of the reflected projection. In the present invention at least a part of the intermediate structure may be tinted or tintable such as to achieve this desired effect in combination with the reflective structure, particularly in the area where the tinted or tintable portion and reflective structure overlap. Here, overlapping is to be understood as the portions being at least partially in front of each other, hence physical contact between the layers is not required. It was surprisingly found that not applying either of the reflective structure or the tinted or tintable portion did not yield the desired result. Particularly, not applying the tinted or tintable portion required the reflective structure to be almost entirely reflective, reducing the aesthetical appearance, since this caused the driver to be able to see the projection unit of the head-up display, which is not desired. However, making the reflective structure partially transmissive caused the ghost image to partially re-appear. Hence, the reflective structure and tinted or tintable portion provide a synergistic effect in that the tinted or tintable portion causes part of the light or light of the projected image to be absorbed. Since the light or image requires to travel through the tinted or tintable portion twice, the absorption is achieved twice causing enough reduction of the ghost image. In respect of the present invention, the first and second transparent pane may be particularly glass panes, however it is conceivable that the same effect is achieved when the first and second transparent pane are formed out of a transparent or translucent polymer material. Preferably, at least one, preferably each, of the first transparent pane and second transparent pane are (clear or tinted) transparent glass panes and may optionally be provided with a conductive coating on one side, such with Silver (Ag) ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or the like, for infrared light reflection or heating reasons, for at least part of the window.. The tinted or tintable portion may alternatively be referred to as a dark(er) portion, or a portion having a reduced visible light transmission. The incident light and / or image may be referred to as an incoming light and / or image and are meant to be any source oriented towards the overlapping portion. The area formed by the overlap between the tinted or tintable portion of the intermediate structure and the reflective structure may in particular form a head-up display area, for displaying of the incident or incoming light or image towards the driver. If the present application mentions parallel small deviations, for example in the range of 1 -5, or 1 -2 degrees are not excluded. Such deviations may arise as for example a wedged bonding layer also comprises a certain angle, as the invention comprises a head up display, the window may also have other areas for displaying information. In the latter case, at least one of said head-up display areas is formed according to the invention, additional display areas may be formed with techniques according to the prior art for reducing ghost images or also with techniques of the present invention. The first transparent pane may alternatively be referred to as the inner transparent pane, whereas the second transparent pane may be referred to as the outer transparent pane. Each of the inner and outer transparent panes may comprise an inward surface, facing towards a driver, and an outward surface, facing away from the driver. Hence, both inward surfaces of the inner and outer panes face in the same direction. Similarly, the outward surfaces of the inner and outer panes face in the same direction. Where in this application reference is made to a driver, this may alternatively or additionally be another occupant of the vehicle or an observer in general.

[0011] Within the present invention, reference is made to terms such as reflection, transmission, and optionally absorption. Reflection may in this application be referred to as the process where a light or an image is returned either at the boundary or interface between two media (such as a surface reflection) or somewhere at the interior of the medium. Reflected light or images generally do not enter the medium itself. Transmission may be referred to as the passage of said light or image through the medium it hits, i.e. , entering a second medium through an interface (transition between first and second medium). Within transmission it must be considered that the light or image may be refracted partially due to the refractive indices. Lastly, absorption may be referred to as the tendency of a material to absorb a part of the light or image and to convert it into a different form of energy, such as heat. It is imaginable that within the spectrum of reflection and transmission, this may be regular (i.e., direct), or diffusive. It is also imaginable that a combination of the abovementioned effects apply. Hence, it is conceivable that a surface has both a reflective component and transmission component.

[0012] The reflective structure may be configured for reflecting between about 10% and about 70% of an incident light and / or image, in particular visible light, more preferably between about 20% and about 50%. Moreover, it is preferred that between about 90% and 30% of the visible light is transmitted, more preferably between about 80% and 50%. This has proven to provide a significant improvement of the visibility of the reflected light or image by a driver. However, the reflectivity was not too high, causing the projection unit to be visible. Also, since the reflective property is below 100% this reflective structure is not considered to be a full mirror, and hence also light from the outside of the vehicle can pass through. This may provide that the head-up display area is not particularly obtrusive to a user when not in use, since still some of the light from an exterior side of the vehicle is allowed to pass through the window laminate towards the driver. In addition, since no s- or p-polarized layers or projection is needed, the driver is not hindered in using the preferred type of sunglasses. Preferably, the window laminate is an automotive window laminate, wherein the inward surface of the window laminate is facing towards a cabin interior. Preferably, the head-up display area is located in an exclusion zone of the window laminate. The exclusion zone is typically indicated as zone C or extended B zone. This zone is not bound by the visible light transmission of more than 70%.

[0013] The tinted or tintable portion may have a light transmission, in particular visible light transmission, situated between about 0% and about 80% of visible light, more preferably between about 0% and about 60%, in particular between about 0% and about 40%, alternatively 70% transmission is imaginable. Moreover, the tinted or tintable portion may have an absorption between about 100% and about 20%, preferably variable between any values between about 100% and 20%. This significantly contributes to the overall effect to increase the visibility of the display area. Particularly by reducing the amount of visible light that is transmitted through said portion of the intermediate structure it may be achieved that less light is able to pass through this layer. As the intermediate structure is situated between the first and second transparent pane, light passing through the first transparent pane has to travel through this tinted portion twice (once in outward direction, and once in inward direction after being reflected on a part of the inward facing surface of the outer pane), before being able to pass through the first pane. Hence, by passing through the tinted portion twice, and optionally three, four or five times, the amount of residual light left to potentially form a ghost image is significantly reduced. The tinted portion does not have to be, or form, a colour neutral tint, therefore the colours of the ghost image also may differ from that of the image source (incident light or image). Hence, this deviation of the colours may further reduce the way the ghost can be noticed. It is imaginable that the reflective structure is further configured for reflecting a portion of incident light in an inward and an outward direction. Preferably, the inward reflection, towards the observer or driver, is preferably between about 10% and about 70% of an incident light and / or image, in particular visible light, more preferably between about 20% and about 50%. The outward reflection, in a direction away from the observer or driver, is preferably between about 5% and about 70% of an incident light and / or image, in particular visible light, more preferably between about 10% or 20% and about 50%. The outward reflective property increases the reduction of the ghost-image even further since the reflective structure has a higher outward reflection property compared to the outward surface of the inner glass sheet. Hence, part of the ghost image travelling towards the eye of the driver is again partially reflected, away from the observer or driver.

[0014] As a non-limitative example if the reflective structure is configured for reflective 50% of the visible light, and a remaining 50% to pass through, having a tinted or tintable portion having a light transmission of 50%, only 25% of the incident light or image reaches the second pane (the outer pane). When the panes are formed out of transparent glass, it is imaginable that typically a reflection back into the window laminate of about 4% is achieved. Of said 4% reflection 50% is able to pass through the intermediate structure, leaving about 0.5% of the original incident light or image to potentially arrive at the driver. It may be even less than 0.5% since the reflective structure may again reflect a portion back into the laminate. However, a percentage of about 0.5% is generally not detectable by human eyes. The value which a human eye can detect depends on the power of the image source in combination with the ambient light conditions, but in general a ghost image with a power of 1% compared to the image source remains undetected. This example is only for illustrative purposes and does not entail to limit the scope and is merely a guidance as to how the present invention reduces the presence of a ghost image in a single embodiment.

[0015] Optionally, the reflective structure is at least partially formed by a dielectric mirror layer. This may provide for the required reflective properties to increase the reflectance. However, it may additionally allow for some transmission of the light which may allow to prevent the projection unit to be visible by the driver. Preferably, the dielectric mirror is applied directly to the glass surface. In particular to a part of the first pane facing towards a vehicle cabin, at least during use thereof. The dielectric mirror may be magnetron sputtered onto the glass pane. Alternatively or additionally printing, digitally or silkscreen may be used. The dielectric mirror layer may be formed as a coating, for example Guardian DM 30 / 70 or DM 60 / 40, however also the reflective structure as commercially sold by Schott under ‘’Beam splitter” may provide the desired reflective and transmissive properties, without inducing any polarization. The at least one reflective structure and / or the tinted or tintable portion of the intermediate structure may be substantially unpolarized. Preferably, the entire head-up display area is substantially free of polarization. This prevents any hindering of the head-up display area when looking at the area while wearing polarized sunglasses for example.

[0016] Preferably, the reflective structure comprises at least two stacked layers, wherein a refractive index of at least one first layer is higher than a refractive index of at least one second layer. Preferably, the refractive index of at least one first layer is at least two times the refractive index of at least one second layer. The refractive index of at least one first layer may be situated between 2.0-4.0, preferably between 2.5-3.5, more preferably between 2.6-3.2. The refractive index of at least one second layer may be situated between 0.5-2.0, preferably between 1 .0-1 .8, more preferably between 1.45-1.55. In particular, the reflective structure comprises a plurality of, preferably alternatingly, stacked first layers and second layers. Preferably, at least one first layer and / or at least one second layer is substantially transparent and / or translucent. Substantially transparent particularly means at least 50% transparent in the visible light spectrum, more in particular at least 70%, even more in particular 90%. This embodiment is in particular configured to reflect p- polarized light and / or s-polarized light to the observer or the driver. At least one first layer may comprise or may be composed of Niobium oxide Nbo(x). At least one second layer may comprise or may be composed of Silicon oxide Sio(x). In case the reflective structure comprises a first layer having a non-metal composition, the reflective structure preferably comprises at least two of such non-metal first layers, preferably at least three non-metal first layers. Preferably, the refractive index of the first layer and the refractive index of the second layer significantly deviate from each other, such that a bandwidth of the spectrum of the reflected light is between 380-700 nm. It was found that a combination of one or more layers of Niobium oxide and one or more layers of Silicon oxide (preferably three of each, arranged in an alternating pattern) was able to reflect the colours red, green, and blue. To this point; an observer who is wearing polarized sunglasses cannot see the full visible light spectrum as sunglasses for their function filter out part of the spectrum. Therefor it is not mandatory to reflect the entire spectrum in P polarized waves. Here the colours which are typically filtered out by a sunglass are not needed to be reflected and for this reason it could be beneficial to reduce the amount of layers accordingly. The alternating high and low refractive index layers may be repeated, each for a different part of the light spectrum which is desired to reflect. Here the choice of materials has an important role, the bigger the difference in refractive indices between the high and the low refractive index layers, the wider the bandwidth of the reflected spectrum. The reflective structure is configured such that the light travels only through a quarter (1 / 4th) of the (Lambda) thickness of the high refractive index layer. This causes a rotation of 90 degrees of the P-waves and transforms them into S-waves. The S-waves are reflected by the second refractive index surface and return through the first (high) refractive index layer, again being rotated 90 degrees to be reflected towards the user as P-waves. Where a quarter (1 / 4th) is mentioned, similar effects are achieved, with three quarters (3 / 4th).. This structure was found to be beneficial as it allows to change a polarisation state of the incident light of the light traveling through (part of) the respective first (i.e. high refractive index layer) and / or second (i.e., low refractive index) layer. In particular, an orientation of the light wave may be changed with 90 degrees when traveling through the respective first and / or second layer. More in particular, a p-polarised light wave may be transformed into a s-polarised light wave when traveling through the (quarter or three quarter of) respective first and / or second layer. For example, a light wave is partially reflected by a first layer. Another part of the light wave is transmitted through said first layer. The reflected part of the light wave may be s- polarised and the transmitted light wave may be p-polarised. The transmitted p- polarised light wave travels through the first layer and is subsequently rotated by 90 degrees (since it travels through (in thickness direction) the layer for more than a quarter or three quarters of the wavelength) and thereby transformed into a s- polarised light wave. This s-polarised light wave may subsequently be at least partially reflected by, in particular on a surface of, at least one subsequent layer (i.e., the low refractive index layer) of the reflective structure, for example at least one second layer. The reflected s-polarised light wave consequently travels back to the first layer from which it originates. The reflected s-polarised light wave travels (again) through this first layer (from which it originates), where it is again rotated by 90 degrees (again, since it travels through (in thickness direction) the layer for more than a quarter or three quarters of the wavelength) and thus transformed back into a p-polarised light wave. The s-polarised light reflected on the surface of the first layer and the p-polarised light transmitted through the first layer are directed to the driver, and are preferably substantially parallel to each other. The thickness of at least two stacked layers may mutually differ, wherein a first thickness is equal to at least a quarter of a first wavelength and a second thickness is equal to at least a quarter of a second wavelength, and wherein the first wavelength is larger than the second wavelength. Therewith, the reflective structure allows to reflect both polarisation states of different wavelengths. The thickness of at least one first or second layer may be between 30 - 300 nm. Preferable at least one of the first or second layer, preferably both, may have a thickness of a quarter lambda of the desired or so called designed reflected wavelength. This embodiment significantly contributes in improving the readability of the projected information when a driver wears polarized sunglasses. The aforementioned Guardian DM 30 / 70 or DM 60 / 40 exhibit these one quarter values. The value of the light wave travelling through a quarter of the thickness may be referred to as a % Lambda layer. Similarly the value of the light wave travelling through three quarters of the thickness may be referred to as a % Lambda layer.

[0017] The thickness of the layers of the reflective structure therefore have a so called designed thickness, wherein the thickness of the layer is adjusted according to the wavelengths desired to reflect, such that the wave is able to travel at least a quarter of its length through said layer.

[0018] It is also conceivable that at least a portion of the reflective structure is at least partially formed by a Titanium oxide (TIO) or Titanium dioxide (TIO2) coating, preferably a sputtered coating. This is due to the fact that every layer added to the laminate absorbs part of the light and therefore reduces the light transmission. Additionally or alternatively, a Titanium oxide (TIO) coating or a Titanium dioxide (TIO2) coating is a digitally printed coating or silkscreen printed coating. To this end, it may be preferred that during sputtering or printing only the area where the reflective structure is located is sputtered or printed, for example by covering the remaining area of the inward surface. Optionally, the reflective structure is formed by at least one layer of Titanium oxide (TIO) coating or Titanium dioxide (TIO2) coating, preferably a single layer of TIO coating or TIO2 coating. A single layer of Titanium dioxide (TIO2) is able to reflect significantly more p-polarised light waves than glass at an incidence angle between 45-55 degrees. Reflection of p-polarized light on (a single layer of) TIO2 coating for incident light at an incidence angle situated between 45-55 degrees is about 5-10%. On the contrary, reflection of p- polarized light on (pure) glass for incident light at an incidence angle situated between 45-55 degrees is about 0,03-0,9%. Therefore, the application of at least one layer of TIO2 results in a for human eyes clearly visible reflection of P- polarized light, even when wearing polarised sunglasses. In particular, a (single layer of) TIO2 coating is configured for reflecting at least 20% of incident light. It may be explained by the 56.6 degrees Brewster’s angle for Glass that is on, or close to, the incidence angle of commonly positioned head up display units. Or the other way around that Brewster’s angle for Titanium dioxide deviating from this value with 69.3 degrees. Therefor if it is the main goal to only fulfil mandatory safety requirements by reflecting visible p- polarized waves, a single high refractive index layer such as TIO2 may be sufficient, even without a second 90 degrees rotated reflection at the TIO21 Glass surface, as it would be the case if a thicker than % Lambda layer would be applied on the glass. If it is desired to apply multiple TIO and / or TIO2 coatings, at least one intermediate layer may be arranged between the TIO and / or TIO2 coatings. Said intermediate layer may be a printed layer, such as a digitally printed layer or a silkscreen printed layer. Preferably, for printing said intermediate layer a transparent or translucent ceramic ink may be used. The intermediate layer preferably has a lower refractive index than the TIO coating and / or the TIO2 coating. The intermediate layer preferably has a thickness between 25-150 nm. Optionally, the reflective structure, or at least a layer thereof, is an active reflective layer, wherein the reflectivity is controllable. This allows for adjusting the head-up display according to the needs over time.

[0019] It is imaginable that at least one reflective structure comprises at least one carrier layer and a reflective layer, attached onto said carrier layer. Preferably, wherein at least one carrier layer is at least partially formed by a thermoplastic layer, in particular a Polyethylene terephthalate film. Said carrier layer may be attached or attachable to the inward surface of the laminate. In particular such that at least one reflective structure, in particular a carrier layer thereof is attached to the first transparent pane via an adhesive layer and / or a heat activated adhesive. This may be an easy way to achieve the reflective properties, which may be done even after the window laminate has been produced. Also, it allows for proper alignment with the tinted or tintable portion of the intermediate structure should that be needed. The adhesive may be a self-adhesive, or pressure activated adhesive, or even a heat activated adhesive such that the reflective structure is attached rigidly during the lamination process.

[0020] At least one reflective structure may at least partially be formed by a ceramic enamel, preferably a printed ceramic enamel. Optionally, said ceramic enamel has a thickness situated between about 1 micron and about 15 micron, preferably about 5 micron, preferably at most 5 micron. By printing a ceramic enamel with a maximum thickness of 5 micron the reflective property may be increased. Said thickness was particularly found to be suitable in case of a metal, in particular platinum, coloured ceramic enamel. This surprisingly increased the reflective property whereas some transmission was maintained. An example of such a ceramic enamel may be the one commercially sold by Tecglass as Jetver Platinum. Alternatively, a high reflective ceramic enamel such as commercially sold by Ferro as "Lust Reflex semi-mirror coating” was suitable for application as a reflective structure. Said latter example may be provided on the inward surface of the window laminate by means of silkscreen printing. The benefit of using a (reflective) ceramic is that application of ceramic can be performed on flat glass, in particular before curving, and curved glass and forms a durable surface, in particular after bending thereof. It is to be noted that in order to form a reflective structure, the ceramic material needs to have reflective properties in line with the present invention. The ceramic enamel is preferably arrange on the inward surface of the first transparent pane and / or the inward surface of the window laminate. The ceramic enamel may be (digitally) printed onto the inward surface of the first transparent pane. This provides for ease of application and flexibility in the manufacturing process.

[0021] Optionally, at least one intermediate structure is a layered structure, wherein at least a portion of at least one layer is tinted or tintable. It is imaginable that the intermediate structure comprises at least one, preferably two, bonding layer(s), and optionally one or more layers situated between the bonding layers. It is conceivable that at least a portion of at least one of the layers is tinted or tintable such as to achieve the desired effect of the present invention. In general, it is conceivable that intermediate structure comprises at least one layer having an opening therein, such as a through hole, wherein a tinted or tintable inserted layer is provided into said opening such that said inserted layer may form the tinted or tinted portion.

[0022] At least one intermediate structure may comprise at least one switchable film, wherein said switchable film is at least switchable between: o a first state, wherein a light transmission is in a base level, and o a second state, wherein the light transmission, in particular VLT, of the film is increased or decreased compared to the first state.

[0023] The switchable film may alternatively be referred to as a switchable layer or functional layer. The first and second state may respectively be an inactive state and an active state, wherein in the inactive state no power (i.e. , a current) is applied and in the in active state a power is applied causing the switchable film to become (more) translucent. However, the alternative is also imaginable, i.e., that applying a power causes the switchable film to become opaque. A significant advantage of providing a switchable film, at least as forming the tinted or tintable portion of the intermediate structure, allows for selectively activating the head-up display area of the window laminate. In particular, in the first state or inactive state, where the VLT is lower and hence the switchable film may be more opaque, a reduced VLT causes the ghost image to be suppressed. Whereas, in the second or active state the window laminate, in particular the tinted or tintable portion may be more translucent allowing for clear vision through the laminate when desired. Hence, by providing a switchable film it is possible to switch the window laminate between a display mode, wherein the switchable film is in a first state which allows for clear projection and reflection of an image towards a driver, in this state the switchable film is tinted such as to suppress the ghost image, and a translucent mode, wherein the switchable film is in a second stage in which it is substantially translucent such that the view of the driver is not obstructed or limited by the switchable film. This effect may further allow for allocating the display areas in regions which were previously non imaginable, for example in the straight line of sight of the driver. During normal operation of the vehicle, during driving in particular, the switchable film may be translucent preventing sight to be obstructed, but during parking the film may allow to display information and / or infotainment. Also, it may become possible that, e.g., during parking, a local bottom area of the windscreen, in particular the switchable film, may switch to a more transparent stage providing more sight on the car’s front bumper to allow for precise manoeuvring. The switchable film may, for example in autonomous vehicles, cover a more substantial area of the windscreen, optionally the entire windscreen. The switchable film may for example be formed by a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) device, or an suspended particle device (SPD), or an Electro Chrome film, or an Photo-Chrome layer. These examples may be used as alternatives or in addition to each other in the window laminate. It is also conceivable that a pure liquid crystal, without polymer dispersion is used as switchable film. Preferably, the PDLC is a coloured or tinted or dyed PDLC. This has proven to provide outstanding results for displaying information without a ghost image and allowing the driver to see through respectively. This may be caused by the increased contrast ratio of a dyed or tinted or coloured PDLC between the first and second, or the active and inactive states. The dyed PDLC may perform better since it allows for a larger absorbance of light in the active / opaque state compared to a non-dyed PDLC, which tends to scatter light in the active / opaque state. SPD and Electro Chrome allow to control the light transmittance, while respecting the direction of the light rays. As such an SPD or Electro Chrome device remains transparent in both active and inactive stage, but will be lighter or darker. As such, the tinted or tintable portion of at least one intermediate structure may be at least partially formed by at least one switchable film. It is imaginable that the head-up display area is formed by a sub-segmented portion of the switchable film. It is known that switchable films may be separated into a plurality of switchable segments, each segment being independently switchable. This may allow to control the display area independent of the remaining area of the window laminate, which may particularly be useful if the display area is in a roof window.

[0024] Optionally, said tinted or tintable portion is formed by at least one dark, in particular a substantially black, ceramic enamel. The ceramic enamel may be provided onto an inward facing surface of the second transparent pane. Alternatively, the ceramic enamel, in particular in a predefined pattern such as a dot-matrix pattern may be provided onto at least one bonding layer, in particular PVB or onto at least one switchable film, such as a thermoplastic (outer) layer thereof. Optionally, the ceramic enamel is provided in a predefined pattern, preferably a matrix-pattern such as a dot-matrix pattern or a striped pattern or a shaped dot pattern. Said predefined pattern of ceramic enamel may cover about 60% of the tinted or tintable portion. It was found that, such patterns may reduce the visible light transmittance (VLT) by the same amount as the percentage of their coverage. Hence, if 60% of the projection area of the glass is covered with a pattern of opaque ink, the VLT will be 40% minus reflectance and minus further absorption. As such, the patterned ceramic enamel may be used as the tinted or tintable portion of the intermediate structure. An advantage of a pattern is that the non-printed areas in between the patterned dots of ceramic enable or shapes of ceramic enamel, may reflect thousands of divided small ghost images, however as these small ghost images are reflected, in and around the same pattern, an optical illusion between ghost images and matrix pattern is achieved causing the human brain to be unable to detect the ghost image(s). As such an optical illusion helps to rise the acceptable reflected power of the indecent light an non limited example of such a pattern is a dot matrix with a coverage of 30% and each dot having a diameter of 0,3mm. By changing the coverage of the pattern the VLT may be adapted. A ceramic layer, or obscuration band, may be a solid to fade edge and is typically applied all around a perimeter of a windscreen. Since the pattern is provided preferably on the inward surface of the second or outer pane, the ceramic is situated between the inner and outer pane and hence forms part of the intermediate structure. Said intermediate structure may be interpreted as the layers situated between, and / or attached to, the first and second pane. It is imaginable that the area of the ceramic enamel exceeds the area of the reflective structure, such that the ceramic enamel extends beyond the perimeter of said reflective structure. Hence, the reflective structure forms an overlapping sub-area of the ceramic enamel pattern area. This was proven beneficial to allow the head-up display area to be less obtrusive to a user.

[0025] Optionally, at least one intermediate structure comprises at least one bonding layer, wherein said bonding layer comprises at least one substantially transparent portion, and at least one tinted or tintable portion, wherein said tinted or tintable portion forms the tinted or tintable portion of the intermediate structure. Optionally, both transparent and tinted or tintable portion are formed out of PVB and / or Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This provides for a Relatively simple and cost- effective design for the display area.

[0026] The present invention is further related to a vehicle comprising a vehicle window laminate according to the present invention, wherein at least one head-up display (HUD) area of the vehicle window laminate is provided in zone A and / or zone B of the vehicle window laminate. Zone A may be defined as an area of the vehicle window laminate directly in front of a driver. Zone A is an area of the vehicle window laminate centred around the steering wheel in both horizontal and vertical direction. Zone A covers the driver's primary line of sight. Zone B may be defined as an area of the vehicle window laminate extending from zone A. Zone B may extend between zone A and the centre of the vehicle window laminate and between zone A and a side edge of the vehicle window laminate. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle comprises at least one head-up display (HUD) area in at least part of zone C or in an exclusion zone of the vehicle window laminate. This zone may alternatively be referred to as the extended B zone. Zone C may be defined as an area of the vehicle window laminate in front of a passenger. In particular, zone C describes the remainder of the window laminate. Zone C or the exclusion zone may extend from a side edge of the vehicle window laminate to the centre of the window laminate or to an edge of zone B. Not only that, this area of the window laminate is typically not restricted to the homologation requirement of a visual light transmission of more than 70%. Herewith, the present invention is capable to provide specific information to a driver and / or a passenger. Optionally, the information of the passenger and the driver may deviate from each other.

[0027] The present invention is further related to a head-up display system, for projecting an image onto a vehicle window, comprising: o at least one vehicle window laminate according to the present invention, and o at least one projection unit, for projecting at least one light, in particular an image towards onto at least a part of the inward surface of the vehicle window laminate, in particular at least a part of a surface of the first transparent pane facing in the inward direction.

[0028] With respect to the head-up display system the same benefits apply as elaborated with respect to the window laminate.

[0029] In another aspect the present invention is related to a method for producing an vehicle window laminate, in particular the vehicle window laminate according to the present invention, comprising the steps:

[0030] A) Providing a first transparent pane and a second transparent pane, B) Providing at least one reflective structure on a side of the first transparent pane facing away from the second transparent pane,

[0031] C) Providing at least one intermediate structure between the first transparent pane and second transparent pane, wherein at least one portion of the intermediate structure is tinted or tintable,

[0032] D) Forming a head-up display (HUD), by at least partially overlapping a part of the reflective structure and the portion of the intermediate structure that is tinted or tintable.

[0033] With respect to the method according to the present invention the same benefits apply as elaborated with respect to the window laminate.

[0034] Step B) may be performed by printing, in particular digitally printing or silkscreen printing. Preferably, silkscreen printing is done by using a silkscreen printable ceramic ink with a sufficient, in particular high, content of Titanium oxide, such as titanium dioxide, and a sufficient, in particular high, content of additives, such as solvents and / or binders, are used. Preferably, for silkscreen printing commercially sold by Ferro “lust reflex” is used. After printing, the method may comprise a step of curing. Curing may be performed by means of firing, for example in a furnace. Preferably, curing of a ceramic ink is performed at a temperature within a temperature range for bending glass and / or within a temperature range for tempering glass. In particular, curing of said ceramic ink is performed at a temperature in a temperature range between 550 - 670 degrees Celsius. In case the ceramic ink comprises a high content of Titanium oxides, the oxygen of firing may catalyse Titanium oxide (TiO) into Titanium dioxide (TiO2). Furthermore, during curing, in particular firing, additives of the ceramic ink are vaporized, which drastically reduces the thickness of the applied structure. This method is beneficial as it allows for a very precise control of thicknesses, in particular in the nanometre range. After firing, the ceramic ink typically forms a hard and smooth reflective structure which is fused with transparent pane onto which it is printed. Curing by firing contributes to, or even causes, alignment of reflected light in a parallel direction to each other, resulting in a chrome surface. Chrome surfaces are beneficial over white surfaces, as white surfaces reflect in a scattered manner, whereas chrome surfaces reflect light in a specific direction, whilst the magnitude of reflection is the same for both surfaces. The melting process as explained above thus causes for a parallel orientation of the light reflection which is beneficial for the observer. A further benefit of curing by firing is that at least some minerals may darken the reflective surface, in particular to a substantially grey or black colour. The grey or black colour may contribute to more contrast.

[0035] The method may further comprise a step of printing a transparent or translucent ceramic ink on at least one TIO or TIO2 coating. After application, the transparent or translucent ceramic ink may be cured, for example by means of firing. After curing, in particular after firing, the intermediate layer is preferably transparent and / or translucent. Optionally, the intermediate layer is tintable by similar materials as for glass, such as iron and / or copper. The printing steps of the TIO coating and / or TIO2 coating and the intermediate layer may be repeated for creating a laminated reflective structure.

[0036] The present invention will hereinafter be further elucidated based on the following non-limitative figures, wherein:

[0037] - Figure 1 shows an embodiment according to the prior art;

[0038] - Figure 2a shows a cross section of an embodiment according to the present invention;

[0039] - Figure 2b shows a cross section the embodiment of figure 2a having a reflective structure comprising two layers according to the present invention;

[0040] - Figure 3a and 3b show different embodiments of the display area according to the present invention; and

[0041] - Figure 4 shows a cross section of an embodiment according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a window laminate 100 according to the prior art. The window laminate comprises a first glass pane 101 and a second glass pane 102, mutually bonded by a transparent intermediate structure 103. The intermediate structure 103 according to the prior art is typically formed by a transparent bonding layer, such as PVB, which during lamination may cause the glass panes 101 , 102 to be mutually bonded. An incident light and / or image 104, which incident light or image 104 may be in the form of an image to be projected 105 to a user or observer 2. This figure clearly depicts how, due to the refraction and reflection in the circled portion, both the original image 106 as well as a ghost-image 107 are projected. When the incident light hits the inward surface (F4) of the inner glass sheet 102 first, a part of the light or image is refracted 109 into the laminate 100. Said refracted portion 109 is at least partially reflected 110 upon reaching the outer glass sheet 101 , in particular a outward surface (F1 ) thereof. Said portion 110 travels towards the user, and upon reaching the inward surface (F4) of the inner glass sheet 102 is refracted 111 to the user or observer 2. The observer 2 receives both a reflected portion 108 of the incident light or image 104, as well as a secondary portion 111 which is a result of the incident light or image 104 which travelled through the laminate 100. Since both the direct reflection 108 and the indirect received light 111 are received at a different angle, the user may observe a direct projection 106 as a result of the direct reflection 108 and a ghost 107 as a result of the indirect received light 111. Particularly since the entire window laminate where the projection 104 is initially projected is transparent, a substantial portion of the incident light or image 104 is projected 111 towards the observer 2 at a different angle causing the ghost image 107. Normally, this may be resolved by making the intermediate structure 103 in a wedge shaped form, which correct the internal reflection 110 and refraction 109 such that the direct 108 and indirect 111 reflection are coincident. However, the wedged intermediate structure 103 may be not beneficial in other aspects and thus not a preferred solution.

[0043] Figure 2a shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention. The window laminate 100 shown in this figure is different from the previous shown embodiment according to the prior art. The present invention differs in that the intermediate structure 103 comprises a tinted or tintable portion 113, and at least one reflective structure 117, wherein said tinted or tintable portion 113 and reflective structure 117 at least partially overlap such that they mutually for a head up display area. As shown in the detailed view, the incident light or image 104 initially hits the reflective structure 117, which causes approximately 10% to 70%, preferably approximately 20% to 50% of the visible light to be reflected 108 towards the observer 2. Compared to the prior art, the reflective structure may allow for an increased portion of the incident light or image 104 to be reflected to the observer 2, which already allows for a deeper projection 106 of the image 105. In addition, the reflective structure 117 is arranged to have a light transmission between about 90% and 30% preferably between about 80% and 50%. The refracted light 109 entering the laminate runs into the tinted or tinted portion 113 of the intermediate structure 103. Due to the reduce visible light transmission of this portion 113, only between approximately 0% and 60%, preferably between 0% and 40% of the visible light is transmitted, whereas at least part of the remainder is absorbed, causing the light passing through the tinted portion 113 to be reduced in intensity 109a. Due to the reduced intensity 109a, only a lower fraction of the original incident light 104 is reflected 110 by the outer glass pane 101 . Said backwardly refracted light 110 again passes through the tinted portion 113, causing a further reduction in intensity. Part of the refracted light 110 is again reflected 1 12 by the reflective structure 117, and another part is transmitted 111. However, typically, only about approximately 0.5% passes through 111 , which is not noticeable to the observer 2. It is therefore the combination of the reflective structure 117 and the tinted portion 113 which causes a synergistic effect to reduce the ghost image. The tinted portion 113 may be formed by a tinted part of the bonding layer, or may be formed by a switchable film 113 such as a PDLC, preferably a tinted PDLC, such that the head up display area can be switched on and off by activating the PDLC.

[0044] Figure 2b shows a cross sectional view of the embodiment of figure 2a, wherein the reflective structure 117 comprises two stacked layers 117a, 117b. The incident light or image 104 is composed of unpolarised light U. This incident light or image 104 initially hits the reflective structure 117. The refractive index of the two layers 117a, 117b mutually differs. In particular, the refractive index of a first layer 117a is higher than a refractive index of the second layer 117b. Further, the first layer 117a has a first thickness D1 and the second layer 1 17b has a second thickness D2. The first thickness D1 and the second thickness D2 may be equal. Alternatively, the first thickness D1 and the second thickness D2 mutually differ. Preferably, the thickness D1 of the first layer 117a is equal to a quarter of a wavelength of incident light or image 104. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness D2 of the second layer 117b may be equal to a quarter of a wavelength of incident light or image 104. The unpolarised U incident light 104 is partially reflected 108 by the first layer 117a of the reflective structure 117 and a part of the incident light 104 is transmitted 120 through said first layer 117a. The part of the light 104 that is reflected 108 is (in this example) s-polarised S. The part of the light that is transmitted 120 may be p- polarised. The transmitted p-polarised light 120 travels through the first layer 117a. The first layer 117a of the shown embodiment has a thickness equal to a quarter of at least one wavelength of the incident light 104 or the transmitted light 120, the orientation of the light is rotated by 90 degrees. Consequently, this light is transformed into a s-polarised light. In particular, at least for the wavelength for which the thickness is equal to a quarter. This s-polarised light wave 120 may subsequently be at least partially reflected by, in particular on a surface of, the second layer 117a. The reflected s-polarised light wave 121 consequently travels back to the first layer from which it originates. The reflected s-polarised light wave 121 travels (again) through this first layer 117a. In this first layer 117a, the light wave 121 is again rotated by 90 degrees. Hence, the light wave 121 is transformed back into a p-polarised light wave 122 which is transmitted to the driver 2. The s- polarised light 108 reflected on the surface of the first layer 117a and the p- polarised light 122 transmitted through the first layer 117a are directed to the driver, and are preferably substantially parallel to each other.

[0045] Figures 3a and 3b show two different embodiments of the window laminate 100 according to the present invention. Figure 3a indicates an embodiment where the window laminate comprises an obscuration band 114 which extends along the perimeter of the window laminate 100. Along a bottom area a patterned ceramic print 115 is provided, which in this instance is formed by mutually distanced lines of ceramic ink 115. Said ceramic enamel pattern 115 may be provided on an inward surface of the outer glass sheet, or an outward surface of the inner glass sheet, such as to form the tinted or tintable portion 113. Preferably, the pattern 115 covers approximately 60% of the area, such that a transmission of approximately 40% may of the visible light may be achieved. This provides the surface suitable for projecting an image. In particular if this area overlaps with a reflective structure on the inward surface of the window laminate. Figure 3b shows a different embodiment of the window laminate 100. This embodiment comprises two head-up display areas 119. One formed in the bottom left corner, as seen by the observer. The display area 119 in the bottom left corner comprises a reflective structure 117 and a tinted portion 113, which is formed by a dot-matrix pattern 115 of ceramic ink. The area where the tinted portion 1 13 and the reflective structure 117 overlap forms the display area 119. The display area 1 19 shown on the right side is larger, and this reflective structure 117 is directly in front of a switchable film, which allows for selectively using or not using this display area 119. Figure 4 shows a detail of a different embodiment of the window laminate 100 according to the present invention. Here, the outer pane 101 and inner pane 102 are provided, an intermediate structure 103 situated in between said panes 101 ,

[0046] 102. A portion of the intermediate structure 103 is tinted or tintable 113. In the embodiment depicted in this figure, the tinted or tintable portion 113 is formed by a dot-matrix pattern 116 formed out of ceramic enamel 116. Preferably, the ceramic matrix pattern 116 covers approximately 40%-60% of the area of the tinted portion 113, which causes a light transmission of the tinted portion to be situated between approximately 40% and 60%. Hence, in this embodiment, the tinted portion is formed by a local layer of ceramic material, in addition to the local bonding layer

[0047] 103. Additionally, a portion of the obscuration band 118 on the inward surface (F4) of the inner pane 102 is depicted, as well as the obscuration band 119 on the inward surface (F3) of the outer pane 101 . A layer of reflective material 117, such as a layer of 5 micron or less of ceramic material is provided on the inward surface (F4) of the inward surface of the inner pane 102. The overlapping area of the reflective structure 117 and the tinted portion 113 forms the improved head-up display area according to the present invention.

[0048] The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts, including inventive details, may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application and / or alternative embodiment.

[0049] The ordinal numbers used in this document, like “first”, “second”, and “third” are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of expressions like a “second” component, does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a “first” component. By "complementary" or “co-acting” components is meant that these components are configured to co-act with each other. However, to this end, these components do not necessarily have to have complementary forms. The verb “comprise” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only “comprise”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof.

Claims

Claims1 . Vehicle window laminate for displaying information towards a receiver, such as a driver, comprising:- a window laminate having an inward surface and an outward surface, said window laminate comprising a first transparent pane, and a second transparent pane, wherein said first transparent pane and second transparent pane are substantially parallel and mutually spaced apart,- at least one intermediate structure, arranged between the first transparent pane and second transparent pane, wherein at least a portion of the intermediate structure and / or a portion of at least one pane is tinted or tintable, preferably having a light transmission situated between about 0% and about 70%,- at least one reflective structure, arranged on at least a part of a surface of the first transparent pane facing in the inward direction, wherein a part of said tinted portion of the intermediate structure and / or said tinted portion of at least one of the first or second pane and a part of the at least one reflective structure mutually overlap, such that said overlapping area forms a head-up display (HUD) area of the vehicle window laminate, for reflecting at least a portion of an image projected onto said reflective structure.

2. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 1 , wherein the reflective structure is configured for reflecting between about 10% and about 70% of an incident light and / or image, in particular visible light, more preferably between about 20% and about 50%.

3. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tinted or tintable portion has a light transmission situated between about 0% and about 70% of visible light, more preferably between about 0% and about 60%, in particular between about 0% and about 40%.

4. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective structure is at least partially formed by a dielectric mirror layer.

5. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reflective structure comprises at least two stacked layers, wherein a refractive index of at least one first layer is higher than a refractive index of at least one second layer.

6. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 5, wherein a thickness of at least one first layer is equal to at least a quarter or three quarters of a wavelength of incident light and / or wherein a thickness of at least one second layer is equal to at least a quarter or three quarters of a wavelength of incident light.

7. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reflective structure is at least partially formed by a Titanium oxide or dioxide coating, preferably a sputtered coating.

8. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reflective structure comprises at least one carrier layer and a reflective layer, attached onto said carrier layer.

9. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 8, wherein at least one carrier layer is at least partially formed by a thermoplastic layer, in particular a Polyethylene terephthalate film.

10. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one reflective structure, in particular a carrier layer thereof is attached to the first transparent pane via an adhesive layer and / or a heat activated adhesive.11 . Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reflective structure is at least partially formed by a ceramic enamel.

12. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 1 1 , wherein said ceramic enamel has a thickness situated between about 1 micron and about 15 micron, preferably about 5 micron.

13. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the ceramic enamel is digitally printed onto the inward surface of the first transparent pane.

14. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one intermediate structure is a layered structure, wherein at least a portion of at least one layer is tinted or tintable.

15. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one intermediate structure comprises at least one switchable film, wherein said switchable film is at least switchable between: o a first state, wherein a light transmission is in a base level, and o a second state, wherein the light transmission of the film is reduced or increased compared to the first state.

16. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 15, wherein the switchable film is a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) device, in particular a tinted or tintable PDLC device, or an suspended particle device (SPD), or an Electro Chrome film.

17. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the tinted or tintable portion of at least one intermediate structure is at least partially formed by at least one switchable film.

18. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said tinted or tintable portion is formed by at least one dark, in particular a substantially black, ceramic enamel.

19. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 18, wherein the ceramic enamel is provided onto an inward facing surface of the second transparent pane.

20. Vehicle window laminate according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the ceramic enamel is provided in a predefined pattern, preferably a matrix-pattern such as a dot-matrix pattern or a striped pattern or a shaped dot pattern.21 . Vehicle window laminate according to claim 20, wherein the predefined pattern of ceramic enamel covers about 60% of the tinted or tintable portion.

22. Vehicle window laminate according to any of claims 18-21 , wherein the area of the ceramic enamel exceeds the area of the reflective structure, such that the ceramic enamel extends beyond the perimeter of said reflective structure.

23. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reflective structure is substantially unpolarized.

24. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one intermediate structure comprises at least one bonding layer, wherein said bonding layer comprises at least one substantially transparent portion, and at least one tinted or tintable portion, wherein said tinted or tintable portion forms the tinted or tintable portion of the intermediate structure.

25. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the window laminate is an automotive window laminate, wherein the inward surface of the window laminate is facing towards a cabin interior.

26. Vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably each, of the first transparent pane and second transparent pane is a glass pane.

27. Vehicle comprising a vehicle window laminate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one head-up display (HUD) area of the vehicle window laminate is provided in zone A and / or zone B of the vehicle window laminate.

28. Vehicle according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one head- up display (HUD) area of the vehicle window laminate is provided in at least part of an extended B zone, or zone C or in an exclusion zone of the vehicle window laminate.

29. Head-up display system, for projecting an image onto a vehicle window, comprising: o At least one vehicle window laminate according to any of the claims 1 -26, and o At least one projection unit, for projecting at least one light, in particular an image towards onto at least a part of the inward surface of the vehicle window laminate, in particular at least a part of a surface of the first transparent pane facing in the inward direction.

30. Method for producing an vehicle window laminate, in particular the vehicle window laminate according to any of the claims 1-26, comprising the steps:A) Providing a first transparent pane and a second transparent pane,B) Providing at least one reflective structure on a side of the first transparent pane facing away from the second transparent pane,C) Providing at least one intermediate structure between the first transparent pane and second transparent pane, wherein at least one portion of the intermediate structure is tinted or tintable,D) Forming a head-up display (HUD), by at least partially overlapping a part of the reflective structure and the portion of the intermediate structure that is tinted or tintable.

Images