E-paper functional unit, vehicle and method

Abstract

The invention relates to an e-paper functional unit (1) on a surface of a vehicle (2), said unit being provided with at least one passive e-paper element (3) and at least one e-paper activation unit (4) which is separate from the passive e-paper element (3), wherein the passive e-paper element (3) has at least one e-paper layer (30) which has e-paper active bodies (32), and the e-paper activation unit (4) is designed to build up at least one electric or electromagnetic or magnetic activation field which is suitable for interaction with the pigments (322, 324) contained in the e-paper active bodies (32), said pigments being electrically or magnetically polarised or polarisable.

Description

[0001] 1 24 - 1110

[0002] E-paper functional unit, vehicle and process

[0003] The invention relates to an e-paper functional unit according to the preamble of claim 1. It further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, according to claim 8 and to a method according to claim 11 for at least locally changing the appearance of a passive e-paper element.

[0004] The automotive industry is experiencing a growing trend toward vehicle customization. Changing the vehicle's color during its lifetime is a particularly popular form of personalization. While previously a complete repaint was a costly and time-consuming option, today vehicle body wrapping offers the possibility of changing the color. This proven technique allows car owners to alter their vehicle's color after production by applying a special colored film to the surface. This method provides a cost-effective and reversible alternative to painting and is frequently used to give vehicles a new look or to protect them from environmental factors.

[0005] Research is exploring innovative approaches to changing a car's color, such as the use of classic e-paper displays. This technology, familiar from e-book readers, allows the vehicle's surface color to be changed at the touch of a button. With the use of sophisticated displays, such as e-paper displays, the possibilities are endless.

[0006] With these displays, it will be possible in the future to actively change the color of a vehicle. This technology also makes it possible to apply monochrome or even color images to the surface of a car.

[0007] Both approaches, the use of e-paper displays and vinyl wrapping, reflect the growing need for personalization and flexibility in the automotive sector. While e-paper displays allow for dynamic, real-time customization, vinyl wrapping offers a durable and versatile solution for those seeking change without a permanent commitment.

[0008] The e-paper displays are attached to the vehicle's body or applied as a film to the vehicle body and powered by a complex system of cables to enable the electronic circuitry required for color changes or even image display. DE 102022 000 005 A1 serves as an example here.

[0009] Integrating such e-paper displays into a vehicle, however, presents significant technical challenges. The necessary electronics and wiring to control the displays are complex, making the application of this technology extremely expensive and costly. Furthermore, the displays must withstand the harsh environmental conditions of a car, which places additional demands on their robustness and durability. A particular problem here is, once again, the wiring of the displays.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to create e-paper displays suitable for mounting on the surfaces of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, without requiring complex electrical wiring and control. 3 24 - 1110

[0011] The task also includes specifying a suitably equipped vehicle and a method for using such an e-paper display, particularly in a vehicle.

[0012] The part of the problem relating to e-paper is solved by an e-paper functional unit with the features of claim 1.

[0013] An e-paper functional unit on a surface, preferably a visible surface, of a vehicle is provided with at least one passive e-paper element and at least one e-paper activation unit separate from the passive e-paper element, wherein the passive e-paper element has at least one e-paper layer comprising e-paper active bodies and wherein the e-paper activation unit is configured to generate at least one electric, electromagnetic or magnetic activation field suitable for interacting with pigments contained in the e-paper active bodies which are electrically or magnetically polarized or polarizable.

[0014] The term “passive e-paper element” refers to an e-paper element that does not have any independent activation functionality, for example by being designed without electrodes or by not having existing electrodes connected to an electrical power supply unit.

[0015] The core idea of ​​this invention is therefore to separate the electronics and control of an e-paper element from the e-paper element itself and thus from the vehicle surface, for example, the vehicle's outer skin. This is achieved by designing the e-paper element attached to or on the vehicle surface as a passive e-paper element within the meaning of this invention, and by activating the e-paper active elements contained in the e-paper element by means of an e-paper activation unit separate from the vehicle. 4 24 - 1110

[0016] This external activation unit handles the reversal of the pigments contained in the e-paper active particles, such as color pigments, i.e., their electrical or magnetic orientation. This reversal can be performed selectively or over a large area, depending on the user's requirements.

[0017] A key advantage of this technology is its cost-efficiency. Since the passive e-paper element requires no embedded electrodes or electronics, complex wiring is eliminated, simplifying manufacturing and application to or on a vehicle surface and reducing costs. Furthermore, reliability is increased because fewer components are subject to potential malfunction.

[0018] Further preferred and advantageous design features of the e-paper functional unit according to the invention are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 7.

[0019] Preferably, the e-paper activation unit comprises at least one transmission device controllable by a control unit, which is equipped with at least one emission element configured to emit the electric, electromagnetic, or magnetic field, preferably in a directed manner. By means of this emission element, which is controlled by the control unit and comprises, for example, at least one electrical coil, one magnetic coil, or one directional antenna, the signals supplied by the control unit are emitted in the direction of the e-paper active elements to be triggered.If the e-paper activation unit, specifically its at least one transmission device, has several emission elements oriented transversely to a direction of movement of the e-paper activation unit, for example, the transmission device, then, when signals from the control device are emitted in a manner synchronized with the movement and changing over time (5:24–11:10), a planar, pixel-like triggering of the e-paper active elements can occur, thereby enabling image display with the passive e-paper element. Preferably, the transmission device is linear with its longitudinal extension along the transverse direction, but it can also be curved or otherwise shaped.

[0020] It is advantageous if the transmission device or emission element is interchangeably connected or connectable to the e-paper activation unit. Such interchangeability allows the use of transmission devices or emission elements of varying widths or shapes to adapt to the surface area of ​​the vehicle being processed.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous if the transmission device has a plurality of emission elements arranged next to each other, preferably along its longitudinal extent.

[0022] A particularly preferred embodiment of the e-paper functional unit, which can be combined with other embodiments, is one in which the e-paper layer is provided with navigation information that is preferably invisible to the viewer, and in which the e-paper activation unit is equipped with a sensor device with at least one sensor for sensing this navigation information. This embodiment allows the e-paper functional unit to orient itself as it moves across the e-paper layer, thus enabling precise and localized activation of the individual e-paper active elements.

[0023] It is particularly advantageous if the navigation information includes a large number of individual information elements distributed across the surface of the e-paper layer, and if the sensor device of the e-paper 6 24 - 1110

[0024] The activation unit is designed to determine positional data representing the position and preferably also the spatial orientation of the e-paper activation unit, in particular the transmission device, on or above the e-paper layer.

[0025] Preferably, the e-paper activation unit has a control device that receives the position data and, depending on the position data, sets up at least one activation field.

[0026] For precise changes to the visual appearance of the passive e-paper element, such as a precise color change, it is very helpful if the e-paper activation unit knows its exact location on the surface of the e-paper element, i.e., the vehicle surface. The vehicle can use its own positioning system, such as ultra-wideband (UWB), or optical tracking via the vehicle's cameras for this purpose. Another option is the integration of special optical codes into the surface of the e-paper element or into the vehicle surface. These codes are invisible to the human eye but can be used by the e-paper activation unit for precise localization.

[0027] The part of the problem relating to the vehicle is solved by a vehicle having the features of claim 8.

[0028] A vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which is provided on at least one inner and / or at least one outer visible surface with a passive e-paper element, preferably a passive e-paper film, wherein the passive e-paper element forms an e-paper functional unit according to one of the preceding claims together with an e-paper activation unit separate from the vehicle. 7 24 - 1110

[0029] It is advantageous if the vehicle is equipped with at least one object detection device, in particular an image detection device, directed at the at least one surface provided with the passive e-paper element, and configured to determine positional data representing the position and preferably also the spatial orientation of the e-paper activation unit, in particular the transmission unit, on or above the e-paper layer, and if the e-paper activation unit and the object detection device are configured to wirelessly transmit the determined positional data to the e-paper activation unit. This embodiment allows for precise coordination of the control commands sent to the e-paper activation unit for local, preferably pinpoint-accurate, activation of the e-paper layer with the current position of the e-paper activation unit.

[0030] It is advantageous if the e-paper activation unit has a control device that receives the position data and, depending on the position data, sets up at least one activation field.

[0031] The part of the problem relating to the method is solved by the features of claim 11.

[0032] A method for at least locally modifying the appearance of a passive e-paper element by means of an e-paper activation unit separate from the passive e-paper element, wherein the passive e-paper element has at least one e-paper layer comprising e-paper active bodies, and wherein the e-paper activation unit is configured to generate at least one electric, electromagnetic, or magnetic activation field suitable for interacting with pigments contained in the e-paper active bodies that are electrically or magnetically polarized or polarizable, is characterized by the steps: 8 24 - 1110 a) providing a pattern plan containing local activation information for a plurality of locations of the passive e-paper element, b) moving the e-paper activation unit along the passive e-paper element,wherein the e-paper activation unit, depending on received or determined positional information relative to the passive e-paper element, locally establishes at least one activation field at the respective location.

[0033] These procedural steps enable precise local activation of the passive e-paper element intended for use on or near the visible surface of a vehicle.

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention with additional design details and further advantages are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0035] It shows:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a vertical sectional view through an e-paper functional unit according to the invention and

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a vehicle with an e-paper functional unit from Fig. 1.

[0038] PRESENTATION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0039] Fig. 1 shows an example of a vertically cut view of the structure of an e-paper functional unit 1 with a passive e-paper element 3 mounted on a surface 20 of a vehicle 2 and an e-paper activation unit 4 positioned above it at a short distance or touching the surface, which is freely movable relative to the e-paper element 3. 9 24 - 1110

[0040] The passive e-paper element 3, designed here as an e-paper film, has an e-paper layer 30 whose appearance can be influenced and which is provided with a plurality of e-paper active elements 32. In principle, the structure of the e-paper element 3 corresponds to the layered structure of a known e-paper display element of an e-paper display device, except that no electrode layers are provided. Therefore, this e-paper element 3 of the e-paper functional unit 1 according to the invention is also referred to as passive.

[0041] The e-paper layer 30 is arranged between a transparent or translucent display window 34 and a rear carrier 36, which is mounted on the surface 20 of a body panel 22 of the vehicle 2. The e-paper layer 30 is provided with a plurality of display spheres 320 designed as microcapsules, each forming an e-paper active body 32. Each of the display spheres 320 has a transparent housing wall 321 that encloses an interior 326 of the display sphere 320. The interior 326 contains a plurality of first pigments.

[0042] 322 of a first color (here white) and a plurality of second pigments 324 of a second color (here black), which are separated by a transparent fluid

[0043] 323 are surrounded, with the black pigments 324 usually being positively charged and the white pigments 322 being negatively charged.

[0044] The e-paper activation unit 4 is configured in the manner described below by way of example in order to generate at least one electric, electromagnetic or magnetic activation field suitable for use with pigments 322 contained in the e-paper active bodies 32,

[0045] 324 interact with substances that are electrically or magnetically polarized or polarizable. As already mentioned, in the example shown, the pigments are positively or negatively charged and therefore react to an externally applied electric field. 10 24 - 1110

[0046] The e-paper activation unit 4, positioned above or on the passive e-paper element 3, has at least one transmission device 40 equipped with at least one emission element 42 facing the e-paper element 3, which is configured to emit the electric, electromagnetic, or magnetic field towards the e-paper layer 30. In the illustrated example, the transmission device 40 has a plurality of emission elements 42 arranged side by side, each with a width approximately corresponding to the diameter of an e-paper active body 32. This allows an emission element 42 to impinge its emitted field on an e-paper active body 32.

[0047] The individual emission elements 42 are each individually controlled by a control device 44 of the activation unit 4, which is shown only schematically here, and receive control commands that trigger the emission of the field from the respective emission element 42 for a specified period and in a specified intensity, which is sufficient to produce an intended optical effect in the affected e-paper active body 32, i.e. in a respective affected display sphere 320.

[0048] When a positive or negative electric field is activated, the black pigments 324 and the white pigments 322 move in opposite directions. The amount of pigment particles that migrate towards the upper transparent or translucent display window 34, i.e., towards the emission element 42 that emits the field, becomes visible to the viewer as a black or white dot in the display window 34. Further developments of this e-paper element 3 shown, with a plurality of different display spheres containing colored pigments instead of the 1124-1110 white pigments 322, are capable of displaying colors.

[0049] In the example shown, the e-paper layer 30 is provided with navigation information 38, which can be detected by a sensor 47 of a sensor device 46 of the e-paper activation unit 4, which is effectively connected to the control device 44. The navigation information 38 comprises a multitude of individual information elements 39 distributed over the surface of the e-paper layer 30, each of which consists, for example, of a pixel code invisible to the human eye.

[0050] The sensor device 46 of the e-paper activation unit 4 is thus designed to determine positional data representing the position and preferably also the spatial orientation of the e-paper activation unit 4, in particular of its transmission device 40, on or above the e-paper layer 30. This positional data (positional and orientation data) is transmitted by the sensor device 46 to the control device 44, which can then precisely control the respective emission elements 42.

[0051] Instead of the navigation information 38 provided in or on the e-paper layer 30 – or in addition to it – the vehicle 2 can be equipped with at least one object detection device 28, in particular an image detection device, directed towards the at least one surface provided with the passive e-paper element 3, which is configured to determine position data representing the position and preferably also the spatial orientation of the e-paper activation unit 4, in particular the transmission device 40, on or above the e-paper layer 30, and then to transmit this position data to the control device 44. 12 24 - 1110

[0052] The individual e-paper active elements 32 are thus switched when the e-paper activation unit 4 is moved over the surface of the vehicle which is provided with an e-paper element, whereby electrical signals are sent specifically to certain areas of the e-paper element in order to change the color there, for example.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows such an application. A surface 20 of the vehicle 2 has, in the area of ​​the front hood 24 and the side fenders 25, a surface area 26 provided with a passive e-paper element 26 designed as an e-paper film, as symbolized by the dashed boundary line 23.

[0054] A vehicle owner who wants to give their vehicle 2 a personal touch might, for example, choose to apply a black stripe 21 to the hood 24. To do this, they can select the design directly via a display integrated into the vehicle 2 or a specially developed mobile app. Once they have found the desired design, the application can begin. They take the e-paper activation unit 4 and carefully move it across the hood 24 in the direction of the movement arrow 27. The passive e-paper element 3, applied to the hood 24 as an e-paper film, reacts automatically to the movements of the e-paper activation unit 4 and switches the surface to black at the points of contact. This technology ensures that the black stripes appear on the hood precisely and exactly according to the owner's wishes.Of course, in the industrial sector it is also possible to arrange the e-paper activation unit 4 on a manipulator arm of an industrial robot and to have it perform the corresponding movements in a program-controlled manner.

[0055] The invention is not limited to the above embodiment, which merely serves to generally explain the core concept of invention 13 24 - 1110. Within the scope of protection, the device according to the invention can also assume other embodiments than those described above. In particular, the device can have features that represent a combination of the respective individual features of the claims.

[0056] Reference numerals in the claims, description and drawings serve only to improve understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

[0057] 14 24 - 1110

[0058] List of reference signs

[0059] 1 E-paper functional unit

[0060] 2 vehicles

[0061] 3 passive e-paper elements

[0062] 4 E-paper activation units

[0063] 20 Vehicle surface

[0064] 22 Body sheet

[0065] 23 Boundary line

[0066] 24 Front hood

[0067] 25 fenders

[0068] 26 surface area equipped with passive e-paper element

[0069] 27 Movement arrow

[0070] 28 Object detection device

[0071] 30 e-paper layers

[0072] 32 E-Paper active bodies

[0073] 34 translucent display windows

[0074] 36 rear carrier

[0075] 38 Navigation information

[0076] 39 individual information elements

[0077] 40 Transmission device

[0078] 42 Emission element

[0079] 44 Control unit

[0080] 46 Sensor device

[0081] 47 Sensor

[0082] 320 indicator balls

[0083] 321 transparent housing wall of the indicator sphere 320

[0084] 322 first pigments of a first color

[0085] 323 transparent fluid

[0086] 324 second pigments of a second color

[0087] 326 Interior of the indicator sphere 320

Claims

15 24 - 1110 Title of the patent application Patent claims 1. E-paper functional unit (1) on a surface of a vehicle (2) comprising at least one passive e-paper element (3) and at least one e-paper activation unit (4) separate from the passive e-paper element (3), wherein the passive e-paper element (3) comprises at least one e-paper layer (30) having e-paper active bodies (32) and wherein the e-paper activation unit (4) is configured to generate at least one electric, electromagnetic or magnetic activation field suitable for interacting with pigments (322, 324) contained in the e-paper active bodies (32) which are electrically or magnetically polarized or polarizable.

2. E-paper functional unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the e-paper activation unit (4) has at least one transmission device (40) controllable by a control device (44), which is equipped with at least one emission element (42) configured to transmit the electrical or 16 24 - 1110 to emit an electromagnetic or magnetic field, preferably directed.

3. E-paper functional unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the transmission device (40) or the emission element (42) are interchangeably connected or connectable to the e-paper activation unit (4).

4. E-paper functional unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the transmission device (40) has a plurality of emission elements (42) arranged side by side 5. E-paper functional unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the e-paper layer (30) is provided with navigation information (38) and that the e-paper activation unit (4) is equipped with a sensor device (46) with at least one sensor (47) for sensing this navigation information (38).

6. E-paper functional unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the navigation information (38) comprises a plurality of individual information elements (39) distributed over the surface of the e-paper layer (30) and that the sensor device (46) of the e-paper activation unit (4) is configured to receive position data which determines the position and preferably also the spatial orientation of the e-paper activation unit (4), 17 24 - 1110 in particular the transmission device (40), on or above the e-paper layer (30), to be able to determine.

7. E-paper functional unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the e-paper activation unit (4) has a control device (44) which receives the position data and, depending on the position data, sets up the at least one activation field.

8. Vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, which is provided on at least one inner and / or at least one outer visible surface (20) with a passive e-paper element (3), preferably a passive e-paper film, wherein the passive e-paper element (3) forms an e-paper functional unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims with an e-paper activation unit (4) separate from the vehicle (2).

9. Vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the vehicle (2) is provided with at least one object detection device (28), in particular an image detection device, directed towards the at least one surface (20) provided with the passive e-paper element (3), which is configured to be able to determine position data representing the position and preferably also the spatial orientation of the e-paper activation unit (4), in particular the transmission device (40), on or above the e-paper layer (30), and that the e-paper activation unit (4) and the object detection device (28) are configured to be able to wirelessly transmit determined position data to the e-paper activation unit (4). 18 24 - 1110 10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that the e-paper activation unit (4) has a control device (44) which receives the position data and, depending on the position data, sets up at least one activation field.

11. Method for at least locally changing the appearance of a passive e-paper element (3) by means of an e-paper activation unit (4) separate from the passive e-paper element (3), wherein the passive e-paper element (3) has at least one e-paper layer (30) comprising e-paper active bodies (32) and wherein the e-paper activation unit (4) is configured to generate at least one electric, electromagnetic, or magnetic activation field suitable for interacting with pigments (322, 324) contained in the e-paper active bodies (32) which are electrically or magnetically polarized or polarizable, characterized by the steps a) providing a pattern plan containing local activation information for a plurality of locations of the passive e-paper element (3), b) moving the e-paper activation unit (4) along the passive e-paper element (3).wherein the e-paper activation unit (4) locally establishes at least one activation field at the respective location depending on received or determined positional information relative to the passive e-paper element (3).

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