Display device and method for operating same, and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a display device (1) in a vehicle (2), wherein the display device (1) has a transparent display unit (3) which is designed to present display content. According to the invention, the display device (1) is operated in a plurality of operating modes, wherein - in a first operating mode, the display content is presented in a private mode, in which the display content is visible to a passenger (BF) of the vehicle (2) and is not visible to a driver (F) of the vehicle (2), and - in a second operating mode, no display content is presented. The invention further relates to a display device (1) for a vehicle (2) and to a vehicle (2).

Description

[0001] Mercedes-Benz Group AG

[0002] Display device and method for its operation as well as vehicle

[0003] The invention relates to a display device for a vehicle according to the features of the preamble of claim 1, a vehicle and a method for operating a display device in a vehicle.

[0004] As described in EP 3 590 751 A1, the prior art includes a method for operating a motor vehicle display device, a control module, a display device, and a motor vehicle. The display device comprises a screen unit with a display surface having several sub-areas. A privacy screen is configured to set a specific degree of transparency for each of the sub-areas. The control module performs the following actions: providing the screen unit in a basic mode in which the privacy screen sets the same degree of transparency for each of the sub-areas; checking whether an unlock signal is present that grants a user authorization to use a predefined sub-area unlock mode; and, if authorization is granted, changing the degree of transparency of only the predefined sub-areas to the unlock value.

[0005] EP 3423 983 B1 describes user-controllable privacy software for a screen. A method for providing user-controllable screen privacy by means of software running on a user device comprises the following steps: monitoring a current context associated with information displayed on a screen of the user device; determining a user-designated area displayed on the screen that is of current interest to authorized users, based on receiving information from sensors on the user device that indicate the user-designated area of ​​current interest to the authorized users; and activating a software-based privacy filter that is configured to reduce the visibility of information displayed on the screen outside the user-designated area of ​​current interest to the authorized users.A windshield display device is known from JP 2005-205 974 A. In this device, images are displayed separately in a combiner section on the driver's side and a combiner section on the passenger's side. The combiner section on the passenger's side consists of a reflective directional control film, and therefore display images generated by a display device on the passenger's side cannot be visually confirmed from the driver's side.

[0006] German patent DE 102020 126403 A1 describes a field-of-view display system for passenger entertainment in a vehicle. The system comprises a passenger viewing angle-dependent area formed in or on the vehicle's windshield and a display surface extending on the upper surface of the vehicle's instrument panel in such a way that an image generated on the display surface is projected into the passenger's field of vision as a virtual image via reflection from the passenger viewing angle-dependent area.The viewing angle-dependent passenger area has a reflective surface located closer to the vehicle interior and a viewing angle-dependent light suppression layer located further outwards, the light transmission of which for the light falling into the vehicle through the windshield is below a predetermined low transmission level in the passenger direction, which largely suppresses the transmission of this light into the virtual display image, and above a predetermined high transmission level in the driver direction, which allows the driver a largely undisturbed view to the outside.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method for operating a display device in a vehicle that is improved compared to the prior art, a display device for a vehicle that is improved compared to the prior art, and a vehicle that is improved compared to the prior art.

[0008] The problem is solved according to the invention by a display device for a vehicle with the features of claim 1, a vehicle with the features of claim 6 and a method for operating a display device in a vehicle with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] In an inventive method for operating a display device in a vehicle as described in more detail below, wherein the display device has a transparent display unit designed to display content, in particular image and / or video content, the display device is operated in several operating modes, i.e., it is operated in one of these several operating modes at a time.

[0010] In the first operating mode, the display content on the display unit is shown in a private mode, also known as Private Mode, in which the display content is visible to a passenger in the vehicle but not to the driver. This prevents driver distraction, especially during ferry operation.

[0011] In this first operating mode, the driver of the vehicle sees a continuous transparent surface of the display unit without any displayed content. The driver can thus see the vehicle's surface behind the transparent display unit. In this first operating mode, the passenger sees a continuous transparent display surface with the displayed content. For example, the passenger can see the vehicle's surface behind the transparent display unit by looking beyond the displayed content.

[0012] In a second operating mode, no display content is shown on the display unit, particularly if no display content signal, especially no image and / or video signal, is provided to the display unit, for example, if the display unit is switched off. In this second operating mode, the driver and passenger of the vehicle can see the continuous transparent surface of the display unit without any display content. The driver and passenger can thus see the vehicle's surface behind the transparent display unit, particularly through it. In a third operating mode, the display content is shown on the display unit in a public mode, also referred to as Public Mode, in which the display content is visible to the passenger and the driver of the vehicle.In this third operating mode, the driver and passenger have a clear, continuous view of the transparent display area with its content. For example, the driver and passenger can see the vehicle's surface behind the transparent display unit, even as the content is displayed.

[0013] The display device according to the invention for a vehicle or in a vehicle, mentioned above and which can be operated in particular using the described method, has a transparent display unit designed to display the content at least in private mode. The display device, and in particular its display unit, can thus be operated at least in the first and second operating modes described above.

[0014] In one embodiment, the display unit is also designed to display the content in public mode. This embodiment of the display device, in particular the display unit, can therefore also be operated in the third operating mode described above.

[0015] According to the invention, a display area of ​​the display unit is divided into two functional areas: a passive area with transparent subpixels without any display content signal transmission, and an active area with non-transparent subpixels configured to display the content. The non-transparent subpixels are, in particular, opaque and / or translucent subpixels, especially with a predetermined, and in particular a predetermined high, opacity and / or translucency.

[0016] For example, the transparent subpixels and the non-transparent subpixels are arranged alternately in the width and / or height direction of the display area.

[0017] It is specifically intended that the non-transparent subpixels are configured to enable image and / or video playback, particularly in color and / or monochrome. Color image and / or video playback means, in particular, that different colors can be represented by the non-transparent subpixels, especially RGB (red, green, and blue), whereby only one of these colors can be represented by each non-transparent subpixel. The active area thus includes, in particular, red, green, and blue non-transparent subpixels.

[0018] According to the invention, the display unit has privacy mode elements that block the driver's view of the non-transparent subpixels. In particular, the display unit is designed such that the privacy mode elements block the view of the non-transparent subpixels from a predetermined viewing direction. This viewing direction, when the display device is installed in the vehicle, corresponds to the driver's viewing direction of the vehicle's display unit or to an assumed viewing direction of a presumed driver. The presumed driver, to whose viewing direction the display unit and its arrangement in the vehicle are adapted, is, for example, a person of average height for adults or of a height corresponding to the majority, and in particular the vast majority, of adults.

[0019] These private mode elements and their training thus enable at least the execution of the first and second operating modes.

[0020] In one embodiment, the privacy mode elements are switchable such that they allow the driver to see the opaque subpixels. Specifically, the display unit is designed and its privacy mode elements are switchable in such a way that the privacy mode elements allow the view of the opaque subpixels from the specified viewing direction. The display content is thus shown on the display unit in public mode. In this embodiment, the privacy mode elements are therefore designed as switchable privacy mode elements, allowing switching between displaying the content in private mode and in public mode. This design also enables the implementation of a third operating mode.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, the switchable privacy mode element consists of two electrodes between which an electric field is generated, with microcapsules located between the electrodes. Electrically charged black and white spheres / particles move within the microcapsules, controlled by electric fields. Since the particles have different charges, they react differently to the voltage, causing them to migrate either to the upper or lower electrode. This makes the visibility of the image content, i.e., the displayed content, switchable / controllable, meaning it is either visible or not visible to the driver.

[0022] A vehicle according to the invention has such a display device. The display unit of this display device is, for example, a passenger display unit or a central display unit of the vehicle.

[0023] The described solution thus enables, in particular, the hiding of display content for the driver on the vehicle's transparent display unit. The transparency of the display unit is achieved by dividing its display area into two functional zones: the passive zone with transparent subpixels that do not transmit any display content signal, and the active zone with non-transparent subpixels that enable the display content to be reproduced, especially images and / or videos, particularly in color and / or monochrome.

[0024] The described solution is based in particular on the problem that if the passenger operates the display unit, for example as a passenger display unit or central display unit, the driver may be distracted if the driver is interested in doing so, especially regardless of the displayed content on the display unit, for example when operating the climate control, adjusting the seat and / or operating an audio system.

[0025] The embodiment with switchable privacy mode elements is particularly advantageous for solving this problem. This allows the driver to switch to privacy mode, especially when distracted, rendering the displayed content, particularly in the area of ​​the display unit operated by the passenger, invisible to the driver. In other words, it is hidden from the driver, thus reducing distraction. While the driver can see that the passenger is operating something, they cannot see exactly what the passenger is doing. Over time, this will create a learning effect, causing the driver to no longer notice the passenger operating the display unit and thus avoid being distracted by it.

[0026] In the described solution, the privacy mode function is advantageously integrated exclusively in the area containing the non-transparent subpixels. This can be achieved, for example, using techniques known from the prior art, such as lenses, particularly microlenses, dual backlighting, electrophoresis, optical switching elements, and / or split pixels for privacy and public mode. The privacy mode elements allow for viewing angle-dependent visibility of the subpixels located behind them.

[0027] Therefore, the area with transparent subpixels enables a transparent surface and / or display area, despite continuous image and / or video playback through the opaque subpixels. Transparency is defined in particular by the ratio between opaque and transparent subpixels.

[0028] The transparent display unit is implemented, for example, using pLED (MicroLED) or OLED (Organic Light-emitting diode) technology. As described above, the transparency of the display unit is achieved by dividing its display area into two functional zones: a passive zone with transparent subpixels that do not transmit any display content signal, and an active zone with opaque subpixels that enable display content reproduction, particularly image and / or video playback, especially in color and / or monochrome. The RGB structure can be implemented in various ways, for example, using RGB strips (also known as RGB LED strips), RGB Pentiles, or other pixel structures. The implementation of the transparent privacy mode function is advantageously independent of the underlying pixel structure.

[0029] The described solution, through the transparent display unit in private mode, allows for a transparent surface from the driver's perspective. The surface of the vehicle's cockpit behind the display unit is visible to the driver, even though the display content is continuously shown to the passenger. In the second operating mode, i.e., when no content is displayed, the vehicle's cockpit behind the display unit is visible to both the driver and passenger through the transparent display unit.

[0030] The described solution thus enables a novel interior design and new forms of integration for the display unit and the visibility of the cockpit area behind the transparent display unit. In particular, it allows for greater design freedom, especially with fewer restrictions, for functional integration within the vehicle. Specifically, it enables more flexibility in the vehicle's space allocation plan. Because the display unit is transparent, a "black hole" effect is avoided, particularly in the first operating mode (i.e., when the display content is shown in private mode for the driver) and in the second operating mode (i.e., when no content is displayed) for both the driver and front passenger, as the cockpit and its design, for example, a high-quality and / or luxurious design, are then visible through the transparent display unit.

[0031] If only operation in the first and second operating modes is intended, i.e., the display content is shown only in private mode and thus only for the passenger, or no display content is shown at all, i.e., the private mode elements are not switchable and therefore no public mode is possible, then the transparency of the display unit can be maximized, since in the active area no subpixel structure with non-transparent subpixels is required to display the content in public mode for the driver as well, but only the subpixel structure with non-transparent subpixels is required to display the content in private mode for the passenger.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0033] This shows:

[0034] Fig. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a vehicle with an embodiment of a display device,

[0035] Fig. 2 schematically shows a driver's view of an embodiment of a display unit of the display device operating in a first operating mode; Fig. 3 schematically shows a passenger's view of the display unit of the display device operating in the first operating mode.

[0036] Fig. 4 schematically shows the view of the driver and passenger of the display unit of the display device operated in a second operating mode,

[0037] Fig. 5 schematically shows the view of the driver and passenger of the display unit of the display device operated in a third operating mode,

[0038] Fig. 6 schematically shows a display area of ​​an embodiment of the display unit,

[0039] Fig. 7 schematically shows a close-up of section VII in Figure 6,

[0040] Fig. 8 schematically shows an embodiment of the display unit with switchable

[0041] Privacy mode elements,

[0042] Fig. 9 schematically shows a switchable privacy mode element of the display unit from Figure 8,

[0043] Fig. 10 schematically shows an embodiment of the display device, and

[0044] Fig. 11 schematically shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for operating an embodiment of the display device.

[0045] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0046] With reference to Figures 1 to 11, a method for operating a display device 1 in a vehicle 2, a display device 1 for a vehicle 2 or in a vehicle 2 which can be operated in particular with this method and a vehicle 2 with such a display device 1 are described below.

[0047] Vehicle 2 is shown schematically in simplified form in Figure 1. The schematic representation includes, in particular, a display unit 3 of the display device 1, a driver F of vehicle 2 behind a steering wheel 4 of vehicle 2, and a passenger BF of vehicle 2. Also schematically represented are the driver's view FB and the passenger's view BFB of the display unit 3. The display unit 3 is, for example, a passenger display unit or a central display unit of vehicle 2. The display unit 3 is designed as a transparent display unit 3. Furthermore, the display unit 3 is designed to display content, in particular image and / or video content.

[0048] In the method for operating the display device 1 in the vehicle 2, the display device 1 is operated in several operating modes, i.e., it is operated in one of these several operating modes at a time.

[0049] In a first operating mode, the display content on the display unit 3 is shown in a private mode, also known as Private Mode. In this mode, the display content is visible to the passenger BF of vehicle 2, as schematically shown in Figure 3, and not visible to the driver F of vehicle 2, as schematically shown in Figure 2. This prevents distraction of the driver F, particularly during ferry operation of vehicle 2.

[0050] In this first operating mode, the driver F of vehicle 2 sees a continuous transparent surface of the display unit 3 without any displayed content. The driver F can thus see, in particular through the transparent display unit 3, a surface of vehicle 2 located behind it. In this first operating mode, the passenger BF sees, in particular, a continuous transparent display area with the displayed content. For example, the passenger BF can see, past the displayed content, the surface of vehicle 2 located behind the transparent display unit 3.

[0051] In a second operating mode, no display content is shown on the display unit 3, particularly if no display content signal, especially no image and / or video signal VS, is provided to the display unit 3, for example, if the display unit 3 is switched off. This is shown schematically in Figure 4.

[0052] In this second operating mode, the driver F and the passenger BF of vehicle 2 can see the continuous transparent surface of the display unit 3 without any displayed content. The driver F and the passenger BF can thus see the surface of vehicle 2, located behind the transparent display unit 3, through it. In a schematic embodiment of the method shown in Figure 5, a third operating mode displays the content on the display unit 3 in a public mode, also referred to as Public Mode, in which the content is visible to the passenger BF and the driver F of vehicle 2.

[0053] In this third operating mode, the driver F and the passenger BF can see the continuous transparent display area with its displayed content. For example, the driver F and the passenger BF can see the surface of the vehicle 2, which is located behind the transparent display unit 3, by looking beyond the displayed content.

[0054] The display device 1, which can be operated in particular using the described method, has the transparent display unit 3, which is designed to display the content at least in private mode. The display device 1, and in particular its display unit 3, can therefore be operated at least in the first and second operating modes described above.

[0055] In one embodiment, the display unit 3 is also configured to display the content in public mode. This embodiment of the display device 1, in particular the display unit 3, can therefore also be operated in the third operating mode described above.

[0056] It is specifically provided that a display area of ​​the display unit 3 is divided into two functional areas: a passive area 5 with transparent subpixels 6 without any display content signal transmission, and an active area 7 with non-transparent subpixels 8 configured to display the content. The active area 7 comprises, in particular, red subpixels R, green subpixels G, and blue subpixels B as non-transparent subpixels 8.

[0057] For example, the transparent subpixels 6 and the non-transparent subpixels 8 are arranged alternately in the width and / or height direction of the display area, as shown by way of example in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 7 shows a close-up of Figure 6. In the example shown here, non-transparent subpixels 8 and transparent subpixels 6 are arranged alternately in the width direction of the display area of ​​the display unit 3. The width direction of the display area corresponds in particular, at least substantially, to a transverse axis direction of the vehicle 2.

[0058] It is specifically intended that the non-transparent subpixels 8 are configured to enable image and / or video playback, particularly in color and / or monochrome. Color image and / or video playback means, in particular, that different colors can be represented by the non-transparent subpixels 8, especially RGB, i.e., red, green, and blue, whereby, in particular, only one of these colors can be represented by each non-transparent subpixel 8, as already described above and schematically illustrated in Figures 2 to 8. The active area 7 thus has, in particular, red non-transparent subpixels R, green non-transparent subpixels G, and blue non-transparent subpixels B.

[0059] To enable the execution of the privacy mode described above, in which the display content is visible to the passenger BF of vehicle 2 but not to the driver F of vehicle 2, the display unit 3 has privacy mode elements 9. These privacy mode elements 9 are designed and arranged such that they block the driver F's view of the non-transparent subpixels 8, as schematically shown in Figure 2, and do not block the passenger BF's view of the non-transparent subpixels 8, i.e., they allow it, as schematically shown in Figure 3. In particular, the display unit 3 is designed such that the privacy mode elements 9 block the view of the non-transparent subpixels 8 from a predetermined viewing direction, this viewing direction, in a state where the display device 1 is installed in vehicle 2, corresponds in particular to the viewing direction of the driver F's gaze FB on the display unit 3.

[0060] These privacy mode elements 9 have no influence, or at least no perceptible influence for the passenger BF, on the passenger's view of the non-transparent subpixels 8; i.e., the display unit 3 is designed in such a way that the privacy mode elements 9 do not block, i.e., allow, the view of the non-transparent subpixels 8 from at least one other predetermined viewing direction, wherein this viewing direction, in a state of the display device 1 installed in the vehicle 2, corresponds in particular to the viewing direction of the passenger's view BFB of the passenger BF of the vehicle 2 towards the display unit 3.

[0061] These private mode elements 9 and their configuration thus enable at least the execution of the first operating mode schematically depicted in Figures 2 and 3, i.e., the execution of the private mode in which the display content is visible to the passenger BF of the vehicle 2 and not visible to the driver F of the vehicle 2, and the execution of the second operating mode shown in Figure 4 in which no display content is shown on the display unit 3, in particular when no display content signal, in particular no image and / or video signal VS, is provided to the display unit 3, for example when the display unit 3 is switched off.

[0062] In one embodiment, the privacy mode elements 9 are switchable such that they allow the driver F to see the non-transparent subpixels 8, as schematically shown in Figure 5. That is, the display unit 3 is specifically designed and its privacy mode elements 9 are switchable such that the privacy mode elements 9 allow the view of the non-transparent subpixels 8 from the predetermined viewing direction corresponding to the driver's gaze FB of the driver F of the vehicle 2 onto the display unit 3.

[0063] Even in this case, the privacy mode elements 9 have no effect, or at least no perceptible effect for the passenger BF, on the non-transparent subpixels 8 of the passenger BF's view; that is, they do not block the passenger BF's view of the non-transparent subpixels 8 even after this switch. The display content is therefore shown on the display unit 3 in public mode, in which it is visible to the driver F and the passenger BF.

[0064] In this embodiment, the privacy mode elements 9 are thus designed as switchable privacy mode elements 9, allowing switching between displaying the content in private mode and public mode. This design also enables the execution of a third operating mode, i.e., public mode. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of the display unit 3 with one possible embodiment of these switchable privacy mode elements 9. Figure 9 shows a schematic detail view of one of these switchable privacy mode elements 9. In this embodiment, each switchable privacy mode element 9 has two electrodes 10, 11, i.e., in particular, a transparent upper electrode 10 and a lower electrode 11. An electric field is generated between the electrodes 10, 11, with microcapsules 12 located between the electrodes 10, 11.Electrically charged black and white spheres / particles 13 move within the microcapsules 12, controlled by electric fields.

[0065] Since the particles 13 have different charges, they react differently to the voltage, migrating either to the upper electrode 10 or to the lower electrode 11, thus making the visibility of the image content, i.e., the displayed content, switchable / controllable, i.e., making it either visible or not visible to the driver F. This technology for designing the switchable privacy mode elements 9 is also referred to, for example, as E-Ink, electronic ink, or E-Paper.

[0066] The described solution thus makes it possible in particular to hide display content for the driver F of vehicle 2 on the transparent display unit 3 in vehicle 2.

[0067] The described solution is based in particular on the problem that operation of the display unit 3 by the passenger BF can distract the driver F if the driver F is interested in it, especially regardless of the displayed content on the display unit 3, for example also when operating the climate control, adjusting the seat and / or operating an audio system.

[0068] The embodiment with the switchable privacy mode elements 9 is particularly advantageous for solving this problem. This allows the driver F to switch to privacy mode, especially if the driver is distracted. This makes the displayed content, particularly in the area of ​​the display unit 3 operated by the passenger BF, invisible to the driver F, i.e., it is hidden from the driver F, thus reducing their distraction. The driver F sees that the passenger BF is operating something, but cannot see exactly what the passenger BF is doing. In the long run, this will create a learning effect, whereby the driver F will no longer notice the passenger BF operating the display unit 3 and will therefore no longer be distracted by it.

[0069] In the described solution, the privacy mode function is advantageously integrated exclusively in the active area 7 with the non-transparent subpixels 8. This can be achieved, for example, using techniques known from the prior art, such as lenses, in particular microlenses, dual backlighting, electrophoresis, optical switching elements, and / or split pixels for privacy mode and public mode. The privacy mode elements 9 allow viewing angle-dependent visibility of the non-transparent subpixels 8 located behind them. In this respect, the passive area 5 with the transparent subpixels 6 enables a transparent surface and / or display area, despite continuous image and / or video playback through the non-transparent subpixels 8.Transparency is defined in particular by the ratio between non-transparent subpixels 8 and transparent subpixels 6.

[0070] The transparent display unit 3 is implemented, for example, using pLED (MicroLED) or OLED (Organic Light-emitting diode) technology. As described above, the transparency of the display unit 3 is achieved by dividing its display area into two functional areas: the passive area 5 with transparent subpixels 6 that do not transmit any display content signal, and the active area 7 with non-transparent subpixels 8 that enable the display content reproduction, particularly image and / or video reproduction, especially in color and / or monochrome. The RGB structure can be implemented in various ways, for example, using RGB strips, RGB Pentiles, or other pixel structures. The implementation of the transparent privacy mode function is advantageously independent of the underlying pixel structure.

[0071] The described solution, through the transparent display unit 3 in private mode, enables a transparent surface from the driver's perspective. The surface of the vehicle 2's cockpit behind the display unit 3 is visible to the driver F, despite continuous display content being shown to the passenger BF. In the second operating mode, i.e., when no display content is shown, the cockpit of the vehicle 2 behind the display unit 3 is visible to both the driver F and the passenger BF through the transparent display unit 3.

[0072] The described solution thus enables a novel interior design and new forms of integration for display unit 3 and the visibility of the cockpit area behind the transparent display unit 3. In particular, it allows for greater design freedom, especially with fewer restrictions, for functional integration in vehicle 2. Specifically, it enables more degrees of freedom in the space allocation plan for vehicle 2. Since display unit 3 is transparent, a "black hole" effect of display unit 3 is avoided, particularly in the first operating mode, i.e., when displaying the content in private mode for the driver F, and in the second operating mode, i.e.,when no display content is shown, both for the driver F and for the passenger BF, as the cockpit and its design, for example a high-quality and / or luxurious design, is then visible through the transparent display unit 3.

[0073] If only operation in the first and second operating modes is intended, i.e., the display of the content is only in private mode and thus only for the passenger BF, or no display of any content is possible, i.e., the private mode elements 9 are not switchable and thus no public mode is possible, then the transparency of the display unit 3 can be maximized, since in the active area 7 no subpixel structure with non-transparent subpixels 8 is required to display the content in public mode also for the driver F, but only the subpixel structure with non-transparent subpixels 8 is required to display the content in private mode for the passenger BF.

[0074] Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the display device 1. The display device 1 includes the display unit 3. In the illustrated example, the display unit 3 is a touch-sensitive display unit 3, also referred to as a touch display. Touch-sensitive operation is performed by a touch controller 14, i.e., a corresponding touch control unit, which receives signals from the display unit 3 and outputs them to the display unit 3. A video signal VS is provided to the display unit 3 via a video source 15 for displaying the content on the display unit 3.

[0075] In this embodiment, the display unit 3 advantageously has the switchable privacy mode elements 9, so that it is possible to switch between private mode and public mode. The privacy mode is activated or deactivated, in particular, depending on the driver's viewing direction BR and the driver's viewing area BB. That is, the privacy mode is activated, in particular, when the driver's gaze FB is directed at the display unit 3.

[0076] To capture this, a driver observation system 16 is provided, for example comprising a driver observation camera which can detect the driver's gaze FB and thus the driver's gaze direction BR and the driver's view area BB.

[0077] Furthermore, the example shown includes user recognition 17, which can, for example, recognize and identify the driver F and / or the passenger BF. This is, for example, an optional feature. In particular, the identification of the driver F allows for the implementation of the strategy mentioned above to achieve a learning effect for the driver F, specifically by always switching to private mode whenever the passenger BF operates the display unit 3, if the driver F is distracted and directs their gaze FB towards the display unit 3.

[0078] The display device 1 also includes a control unit 18, which is configured to control the display unit 3, in particular to activate and deactivate the privacy mode. In the illustrated example, the control unit 18 receives signals from the touch controller 14, in particular touch coordinates TK of a respective operating operation, signals from the driver observation 16, in particular also with regard to the driver's gaze direction BR and the driver's view area BB, optionally signals from the user recognition 17, if the user recognition 17 is present, in particular signals with regard to user identification NI, and signals from the display unit 3.

[0079] The control unit 18 controls the display unit 3 via signals to the display unit 3. In particular, it controls the activation and deactivation of privacy mode via a privacy mode switching signal PS and, for example, the size of a display area for privacy mode, especially via a corresponding area size signal BS. Furthermore, the control unit 18 signals to the video source 15 via a privacy mode signal PMS whether privacy mode is switched on or off.

[0080] Figure 11 schematically shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method for operating an embodiment of the display device 1.

[0081] After the procedure is started (S), the first step (VS1) involves detecting the driver's gaze direction (BR) and field of view (BB), and / or the display content. In a second step (VS2), display content relevant to private mode is detected, if present. This includes, in particular, dynamic display content that could excessively distract the driver (F) during ferry operations.

[0082] In a third process step, VS3, it is checked whether private mode needs to be activated. If so, indicated by the reference symbol j, a necessary adjustment for private mode is defined and / or calculated in a fourth process step, VS4. In a fifth process step, VS5, this adjustment is initiated and private mode is activated. Afterward, the adjustment process reaches its end (E), and the process returns to the first process step, VS1.

[0083] If, in the third procedure step VS3, it is recognized that the private mode does not need to be activated, indicated by the reference sign n for no, the procedure immediately jumps to the end E and then to the first procedure step VS1.

Claims

Mercedes-Benz Group AG Patent claims 1. Display device (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising a transparent display unit (3) configured to display content at least in a privacy mode in which the display content is visible to a passenger (BF) of the vehicle (2) and not visible to a driver (F) of the vehicle (2), characterized in that a display area of ​​the display unit (3) is divided into two functional areas, a passive area (5) with transparent subpixels (6) without a display content signal transmission and an active area (7) with non-transparent subpixels (8) configured to display the display content, wherein the display unit (3) has privacy mode elements (9) that block the driver's (F) view of the non-transparent subpixels (8).

2. Display device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the display unit (3) is designed to display the display content in a public mode.

3. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transparent subpixels (6) and the non-transparent subpixels (8) are arranged alternately in the width direction and / or height direction of the display area.

4. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-transparent subpixels (8) are configured such that they enable image reproduction and / or video reproduction in color and / or monochrome. make possible.

5. Display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the privacy mode elements (9) are switchable in such a way that they allow the driver (F) to see the non-transparent subpixels (8).

6. Vehicle (2) comprising a display device (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

7. Method for operating a display device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 in a vehicle (2), wherein the display device (1) is operated in several operating modes, wherein - in a first operating mode, the display content is shown in private mode, in which the display content is visible to the passenger (BF) of the vehicle (2) and not visible to the driver (F) of the vehicle (2), and - no display content is shown in a second operating mode.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that in a third operating mode the display content is shown in public mode, in which the display content is visible to the passenger (BF) and to the driver (F) of the vehicle (2).

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