DE102007061962A1 - Information e.g. braking system status, displaying system for e.g. car, has laser projection device directing light beam onto coating, where information is displayed on display surface when visible light is emitted by coating - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a display surface (38) constituted by a windscreen (41) and including a coating e.g. light-emitting coating, that emits visible light, when the coating is excited by an ultraviolet (UV) light beam having a predetermined wavelength. A laser projection device (LPD) generates the UV light beam and directs the UV light beam onto the coating, where the information is displayed on the display surface when the visible light is emitted by the coating. An independent claim is also included for a method for displaying information within a vehicle interior.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

These Application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 883,108, filed on January 2, 2007 and its disclosure herein by reference in its entirety is included.

TECHNICAL AREA

The The present invention relates to a display system for use in a vehicle interior, wherein the display system is a laser projection device and a surface having at least one light-emitting layer, wherein a light beam projected by the laser projection device selectively a light-emitting layer or light-emitting layers illuminated to cause the information to be displayed on the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The Dashboard of a motor vehicle contains various indicators, instruments, Warning lights and other warning devices, each useful information for provide a user of the vehicle, such as information with regard to the current status and / or status of an associated vehicle system. Speed indicator, tachometer and fuel gauge are some of the more common and well positioned vehicle indicating devices or Indicators, each providing accurate and instantaneous readings of vehicle speed, the engine speed and the amount of remaining in the fuel tank Provide fuel. Vehicle indicators are usually called analog drum-shaped Facilities with a movable needle and markers or Increments designed that correspond to the Ausigerauslesung.

In addition to analog drum indicators and other analog instruments can display vehicle information displays also digital or LED displays / visual displays and sometimes combine the analog and digital devices, about the aesthetic To change the appearance of a dashboard. In addition, different light projection or -reflexionseinrichtungen be used, such as Head-Up Ads or HUD Facilities Using Cathode ray tubes (CRT), Liquid Crystals, Lasers and / or other devices that are suitable for one To project vehicle information into the driver's field of vision, to reflect an image in a limited area. Such Facilities generally based on a one-dimensional projection limited to a flat, reflective projection surface, but may be more for certain purposes not be ideal.

modern Vehicles can an associated one or related indicator or an associated or include associated information lamp, the one or the Information about one from many different vehicle subsystems provides what again an additional scope may require space on the dashboard. For example, warning lights, the possible Engine or transmission power problems, a battery charge status, open doors, low tire pressure, antilock braking status and / or describe a recovery braking status, all in a limited amount of space in a dashboard fit and often require the use of several indicator lights or Indicator, which in turn can lead to an undesirable overfilling of the dashboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a Device provided for displaying information in a vehicle interior can be used. The display system includes a display area with a coating that emits visible light when passing through an ultraviolet light beam (UV light beam) having a predetermined one wavelength is excited, and a laser projection device (LPD) for generating of the UV light beam and projecting it onto the coating. The information is displayed on the display area, if visible Light is emitted through the coating.

According to one Aspect of the invention, the LPD comprises one or more UV lasers, which serve to generate the UV light beam.

According to one In another aspect of the invention, the LPD includes a plurality of UV laser devices that are each configured to generate another UV laser beam, wherein each UV laser beam has a different predetermined wavelength, and wherein the coating has a plurality of light-emitting layers, each excited by another of the UV laser devices can.

According to one Another aspect of the invention emits each of the light-emitting Layers of a different color of visible light when passing through a UV laser device is energized.

According to one In another aspect of the invention, the surface is a translucent windshield or a translucent one Dashboard lens.

According to one In another aspect of the invention, the display surface is an opaque surface portion of the vehicle interior.

According to one Another aspect of the invention is the information from the group a recovery braking status, a message status, a lighting status, an HVAC system status, a Navigation system status, distance information, road conditions and a climatic state selected.

According to one Another aspect of the invention includes a display system for a Vehicle interior a display area and a coating applied to the display surface. The coating contains light-emitting material for emitting visible light, to display the information when coating through a UV light beam excited at a predetermined wavelength becomes. The display system also includes a laser projection device (LPD) with at least one UV laser for generating the UV light beam, wherein the LPD serves to project the UV light beam onto the coating.

According to one In another aspect of the invention, the LPD has an equal number of UV lasers and light emitting layers and excites any UV laser another of the light-emitting layers.

According to one Another aspect of the invention is a method for displaying a Information provided in a vehicle interior. The procedure comprising a light emitting coating on a surface of the Vehicle interior is applied and then generates the UV light beam and projected onto the coating to cause the coating Information displayed on the display area becomes.

According to one In another aspect of the invention, the method comprises the coating is applied in two light-emitting layers, respectively are designed to be a different color of visible light When energized, emit two UV light rays of different wavelengths and the two UV light rays at different light emitting Layers are projected. A first set of information will be displayed on a light-emitting layer in a first color, and a second set of information is sent to the other light emitting Layer displayed in a second color.

According to one In another aspect of the invention, the method comprises the first Set of information equal to the second set of information set is superimposed and the sentences which are the two sentences of information displayed simultaneously in a third color become.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of The present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of most suitable embodiments to run of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings seen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 is a schematic representation of a vehicle with a display system according to the invention;

2 is a schematic representation of the display system of the invention; and

3 is a perspective view of a dashboard of the vehicle of 1 , which is configured according to various embodiments of the display system of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to 1 and while like reference numerals designate like components throughout the several figures, a vehicle includes 10 a passenger compartment or vehicle interior 11 with a roof section or sky 15 and a dashboard or dashboard 13 , The dashboard 13 is adjacent to a windshield 41 and contains or contains a number of openings, indicators, controls, panels or other such devices or surfaces, as described below 2 is described in detail.

In the vehicle interior 11 is a display system 12 (please refer 2 ) of the invention is configured to provide various data or information regarding a status or condition of the vehicle 10 and / or other information relevant to an occupant of the vehicle 10 may be of interest, display or display, as set forth below

3 is described. The display system 12 (please refer 2 ) includes a laser projection device or LPD 14 behind the dashboard 13 is positioned and serves a light beam 25 to create and this exactly to the dashboard 13 to project or direct.

The display system 12 (please refer 2 ) may also or alternatively be a substantially similar LPD 14A include directly or indirectly to the headlining 15 attached or housed in, and which is sufficiently shielded and / or positioned to directly see one through the LPD 14A generated light beam 25A to minimize or prevent. The LPD 14A serves to create a ray of light 25A and precisely on any suitable display surface, such as the windshield 41 and / or an opaque surface portion of the instrument panel 13 to guide how it relates to 3 will be described in more detail.

In relation to 2 represents the display system 12 for an operator or user of the vehicle 10 (please refer 1 ) represent various information in a particular color and format that may be layered and / or reconfigured as desired, as described in detail hereinafter. As used herein, the term "information" refers to any measurable or detectable status or condition of a system or subsystem of the vehicle 10 (please refer 1 ), which includes, but is not limited to, a battery, a fuel tank, a regenerative braking system, wheels / tires, a transmission, an engine, a navigation system, entertainment systems, and / or a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The term "information" may also refer to any measurable or detectable environmental conditions, e.g. As an outdoor temperature, climate and / or road condition, as well as any externally generated information, such as wireless transmissions, electronic messages or other such information transmitted.

To the information for an occupant of the vehicle 10 (please refer 1 ) includes the display system 12 the LPD 14 and / or the LPD 14A and an illuminated display 31 , The LPD 14 . 14A includes a lighting device 17 that is a light source 20 which is configured to receive a light beam 25 . 25A to create. The lighting device 17 can also include any number of additional light sources in 2 as the light sources 21 and 22 are shown by dashed lines. Within the scope of the invention, the term "light beam" refers to a concentrated beam of electromagnetic energy, such as one or more ultraviolet (UV) lasers, as explained below, having a predetermined wavelength.

The illuminated display 31 comprises at least one light-emitting layer 32 but may also include additional light-emitting layers that are used in 2 as light-emitting layers 33 and 34 are shown. While herein three light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and 34 may be within the scope of the invention depending on the design of the vehicle 10 (please refer 1 ) Each number of light-emitting layers may be provided. The light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and 34 be on one of both sides of a display area 38 applied as a coating, such as a single-layer or a multi-layer film.

Within the scope of the invention, the display area 38 any suitable translucent surface in the vehicle interior 11 (please refer 1 ) if the coating is the illuminable indicator 31 forms, is applied to a side of the display surface or placed on this, which is opposite to that of an occupant with the perspective of arrow A. Alternatively, the display area 38 as shown in dashed lines, also any suitable opaque surface of the vehicle interior 11 be, for example, when the illuminated display 31A on the same side of the display area 38 applied or attached to it is like an occupant with the perspective of arrow A, as related to 3 is explained. For the sake of simplicity, unless otherwise indicated, only the non-dashed elements of 2 the explanation also concerns the dashed elements, unless otherwise indicated.

According to the invention, each of the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 . 34 designed to respond in response to an excitation by the respective light beam 25 to illuminate or to emit visible light of a particular wavelength or color. In this way, information may be presented as a text and / or a picture, as shown in FIG 2 through the arrows 37 (or the arrows 37A ), and is information on or through the display surface 38 easily visible from the perspective of arrow A. The illustration (arrows 37 ) may have a variable property such as brightness, intensity, color, and / or a flowing or changing position in response to changes in an application position and wavelength of the light beam 25 as a function of the combined applied wavelengths of the selected light sources 20 . 21 and 22 can be varied if more than one light source 20 . 21 . 22 is used to the light beam 25 to build.

For optimal performance and clarity, the display area should be 38 be essentially seamless and can the display area 38 be made of acrylic, plastic, vinyl, leather, glass or other suitable Mate rial, which is shaped to form an area that is suitable for the application. For example, the display areas 38 or 38B , as in 3 shown as translucent as described above and designed to be an indicator 30 or an advertisement 130 to protect against dust and / or damage, while at any time from the perspective of the perspective of arrow A (see 2 ) the full visibility of the scoreboard 30 or the ad 130 provided. Similarly, the display area 38A in another embodiment, a portion of the windshield 41 (please refer 1 and 3 ) and / or an opaque surface portion or portion of the instrument panel 13 be, as for example in the display area 38C the case is.

Continue on 2 Referring to Figure 2, the projected image (arrows 37 ) provide information derived from any information displayed on the indicator 30 or other indicators in the dashboard 13 is included or represented by them, is separate or supplements without affecting the visibility or use thereof. For an observer with the perspective of arrow A, the information shown as the illustration (arrows 37 ) in one or more of the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 . 34 is generated or excited than above the indicator 30 or in the different light-emitting layers 32 . 33 . 34 the display area 38 appear "fluent", this "layering effect" providing a reconfigurable or customizable information display capability.

The light transmission capability or accuracy of the LPD 14 can using a controllable light pipe device 26 be optimized, which is a pair of mirrors 28A . 28B may include. The mirror 28A . 28B may be micromirrors of the type known in the art which operate in response to a control signal from an integrated control unit or controller 45 are orthogonally movable in an accurate manner. For example, the mirrors 28A . 28B configured and / or shaped to the light beam 25 to accurately scan or guide in different directions as needed. When the light beam 25 through the mirror 28A . 28B is redirected, the light beam begins 25 to diverge or spread out. One in the scoreboard 30 trained hole 40 allows the diverging light beam 25 passes therethrough and further diverges, as shown by arrow B. The light beam 25 excites, illuminates or "colors" one or more selected layers of the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and 34 so as to be on or on each light-emitting layer 32 . 33 and or 34 to form and project a very detailed, visible image as indicated by the dashed arrows 37 is shown.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the electromagnetic spectrum is a continuous range of electromagnetic wavelengths and associated frequencies, with the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from extremely low frequency / long wavelength radio waves to ultra high frequency / short wavelength gamma waves. Visible light, ie the band of electromagnetic energy that can be perceived by the human retina, generally comprises electromagnetic waves of 400 to 700 nanometers (nm), with narrower wavelength bands within this larger band representing a specific perceptible color. While the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular band or portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the electromagnetic bandwidth comprising the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum may provide optimum benefit when used to form a visual image (arrows 37 ) in the illuminated display 31 to excite. Therefore, the light sources 20 . 21 and 22 in 2 shown as UV laser 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

The light sources 20 . 21 and 22 can each generate a light beam with unique or sufficiently separated wavelengths. If several light-emitting layers 32 . 33 . 34 used, has each of the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and 34 a corresponding light source 20 . 21 or 22 on. That is, each of the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and 34 can only by one of the available light sources 20 . 21 and 22 be energized and can not by any of the remaining available light sources 20 . 21 and 22 be excited. The wavelengths of each of the light sources 20 . 21 and 22 Therefore, they differ sufficiently to excite a particular light-emitting layer 32 . 33 and or 34 through more than one of the light sources 20 . 21 or 22 sufficiently minimize. For example, each of the light sources 20 . 21 and 22 a UV laser selected from another of the known UVA, UVB, and UVC ranges to produce sufficient wavelength separation, or alternatively can be selected from a common UV classification with sufficient wavelength separation.

To provide sufficient light-emitting capability for the illuminable display 31 can provide each of the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and 34 the illuminated display 31 contain light-emitting nanoparticles, ie particles smaller than the lower wavelength limit of about 400 nanometers (nm) of the visible light spectrum. Various protected light emitting coatings, such as those disclosed by Superimaging, Inc. of Fremont, California, or similar light emitting coatings, may be used as the film or coating from which the light emitting layers 32 . 33 and or 34 consist. Each of the light sources 20 . 21 and 22 is therefore designed to produce a unique electro-magnetic wavelength, which, when appropriate to a corresponding the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and 34 which excites the nanoparticles contained therein to produce a unique imaging color, brightness and / or imaging intensity.

In addition, by changing or selecting the specific light-emitting layer 32 . 33 and 34 which is to be energized or illuminated to represent a particular set of information, or alternatively, by providing a sufficient amount of separation or sufficient distance between each of the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 . 34 , such as by interposing a layer of transparent material (not shown) between each light-emitting layer 32 . 33 and 34 , get an effect of a "stacked" or stacked display. For example, vehicle status information may have a higher or more urgent assigned information priority at a light-emitting layer 32 . 33 or 34 with a certain color, such as red. Less urgent information can be displayed in a different color, such as blue.

Similarly, if two or more light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and 34 a number of colors greater than the number of light-emitting layers used 32 . 33 and 34 is possible by making pictures on the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and or 34 superimposed or generated simultaneously. For example, the information may be obtained by simultaneously exciting a blue layer with a light source 20 . 21 or 22 and a red layer with another light source 20 . 21 or 22 in a purple color without requiring an associated purple emitting layer.

The combination of the selected light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and or 34 and the light sources 20 . 21 and 22 can be done using the controller 45 (please refer 2 ) can also be controllably varied to produce a dynamic or "streaming" display that can provide a visually pleasing, informative, and / or attention-grabbing display. The display system 12 can by reprogramming the controller 45 In order to achieve a desired visual effect, it can be easily reconfigured using the display system 12 can be used or included in various vehicle designs.

In the embodiment of 2 and 3 are all light sources 20 . 21 and 22 UV laser, but within the scope of the invention, other light sources may be used, such as mercury vapor tubes or laser diodes. Time sequential addressing may be used to identify each respective light source 20 . 21 and 22 to activate sequentially as needed, resulting in the desired mapping in response to signals or commands from the controller 45 at one or more of the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and 34 is lit or "painted".

Referring now to 3 is the scoreboard 30 in a vehicle dashboard 13 adjacent to the windshield 41 shown positioned, with the steering wheel has been omitted for clarity. The scoreboard 30 As shown, an exemplary analog or digital speed indicator 46 with speed increments 43 , which are arranged in the conventional manner in ascending order, wherein an additional and similarly designed vehicle battery charge indicator 52 and fuel gauge 50 to the speed indicator 46 adjoin. Although for explanatory purposes a speed indicator 46 As will be shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that other indicators may be used within the scope of the invention.

The illuminated display 31 (see also 2 ) may be relative to an operator or occupant of the vehicle adjacent to / above the indicator 30 be positioned and project various data or information regarding vehicle status or other information that may be of interest to an occupant of the vehicle. For example, the illuminable display 31 simultaneously or intermittently a recovery braking system status 58 , an HVAC / radio / navigation system and / or headlight status 57 and / or an e-mail or other message status 59 represent. The area 38 serves in this embodiment as a translucent lens in the dashboard 13 is housed, as described above.

The illuminated display 31 may also contain information about the remaining distance up to an empty tank / discharge information 65 , an accessory charging status 55 , an indoor lighting status 63 , detected road conditions 61 , a kilometer or mileage meter reading 54 and / or any other selected desired vehicle status information that a user may present on the illuminable display 31 the display area 38 would like to have projected (see 2 ). As shown, the indicator is located 30 in a fixed or static position, the illuminable display 31 on the display surface 38 projected or displayed on it so that certain information, such as the email status 59 and the interior lighting status 63 , may appear as a superimposed or superimposed image simultaneously with the on the scoreboard 30 shown information is shown.

It can also be an additional ad 130 may be provided at a separate location that both a driver and a passenger sitting in a passenger seat (not shown) may see, such as at a position on the vehicle dashboard 13 approximately in the middle between the driver and the front passenger. The ad 130 may also include various fixed and / or static information, such as a vehicle silhouette or sketch 69 and / or associated status messages 70 , Another ad 131 may in terms of the additional ad 130 be positioned and configured to convey or display information related to vehicle or ambient status information that may be of interest to both a passenger and a driver of a vehicle.

For example, an example engine sketch or an example engine scheme 76 and a sketch or a scheme 75 of the left front tire on a translucent substrate 38B above the vehicle scheme or vehicle sketch 69 be projected to graphically represent a "check engine" or "low tire pressure" warning, typically represented by static or fixed warning lights or lamps, during climatic conditions 78 graphically represent the status of the vehicle's air conditioning system and / or indoor / outdoor temperatures. Optionally, on / off status indicators can also be provided 68 at one or both of Anzeiger 30 and display 130 be included to a driver or passenger of the vehicle 10 (please refer 1 ) to quickly determine if the associated vehicle system is active.

There may be other ads 230 and or 330 on the windshield 41 or a display area 38C of the dashboard 13 projected onto the one or more of the light-emitting layers 32 . 33 and or 34 (please refer 2 ) can be applied. The ads 230 and or 330 are for both a driver and a passenger of the vehicle 10 (please refer 1 ) visible, noticeable. When projecting on the windshield 41 and / or the dashboard 13 can instead of the LPD 14 the LPD 14A (please refer 1 and 2 ) used to light the beam 25A (please refer 1 and 2 ) and to project to physically affect or interfere with the path of the light beam 25A by occupant of the vehicle to minimize.

While the most suitable embodiments to run the invention in detail will be described to those skilled in the art, different alternative designs and embodiments to run of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (15)

Device for displaying information in a Vehicle interior, the device comprising: a display area with a coating suitable for emitting visible light, if the coating is caused by an ultraviolet light beam (UV light beam) with a predetermined wavelength is excited; and a laser projection device (LPD), the this is done by the UV light beam to generate and direct the UV light beam to the coating; in which the information on the display area is displayed when the visible light through the coating is emitted. The device of claim 1, wherein the LPD is at least a UV laser device, which serves to the UV light beam to create. The device of claim 2, wherein the LPD comprises a plurality of Includes UV laser devices, which are each designed to another UV laser beam, each with a different predetermined wavelength and wherein the coating has multiple light-emitting Has layers, each through another of the multiple UV laser devices can be excited. The device of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of light-emitting layers a different color of visible light emitted when passing through one of several UV laser devices is excited. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface is translucent and is selected from the group of a windshield and a dashboard lens. The device of claim 1, wherein the surface is a opaque surface section of the vehicle interior. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information from the group of a recovery braking status, a message status, a lighting status, an HVAC system status, a navigation system status, a distance information, from Road conditions and a climatic state selected becomes. A vehicle interior display system comprising: a display area; a coating applied to the display surface and adapted to emit visible light when excited by an ultraviolet (UV) light beam having a predetermined wavelength, the coating comprising at least one light emitting layer comprising a light emitting material contains; and a laser projection device (LPD) having at least one UV laser operable to generate the UV light beam and to project the UV light beam onto the coating; wherein the visible light emitted from the coating indicates information on the display surface. Display system according to claim 8, where the LPD with an equal number of UV lasers and the light emitting Layers is designed; where each of the UV lasers is designed is to excite another of the light-emitting layers. A display system according to claim 8, wherein the display area is a translucent Which is suitable for covering an instrument display, housed in a dashboard of the vehicle interior is. A display system according to claim 8, wherein the display area is a Windshield is. A display system according to claim 8, wherein the display area is a opaque surface section a dashboard of the vehicle interior is. Method for displaying information in a Vehicle interior, the method comprising a coating on a display surface the vehicle interior is applied, wherein the coating is designed to emit visible light when passing through an ultraviolet light beam (UV light beam) having a predetermined one wavelength is excited; the UV light beam is generated; and of the UV light beam is projected onto the coating to access this Way to excite the coating to emit the visible, causing the information to be displayed on the display surface Use of visible light is displayed. The method of claim 13, further comprising that generates a first UV light beam having a first UV wavelength becomes; generates a second UV light beam having a second UV wavelength which is different from the first UV wavelength; the Coating with a first light-emitting layer designed is to emit a first color of visible light when It is excited by the first UV light beam, and with a second is provided to light-emitting layer, which designed is to emit a second color of visible light when it is excited by the second UV light beam; the first UV light beam projected onto the first light-emitting layer is to cause a first sentence of information of the first light-emitting layer in the first color becomes; and the second UV light beam at the second light emitting Layer is projected to cause a second set of Information on the second light-emitting layer in the second Color is displayed. The method of claim 14, further comprising that the first set of information equals the second sentence of information is set; and the first set of information and the second set of information will be superimposed in this way at the same time the first and the second set of information in to represent a third color.