GB2594703A - A digital display apparatus - Google Patents

A digital display apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2594703A
GB2594703A GB2005668.5A GB202005668A GB2594703A GB 2594703 A GB2594703 A GB 2594703A GB 202005668 A GB202005668 A GB 202005668A GB 2594703 A GB2594703 A GB 2594703A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
digital display
plate
zone
digital
light
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB2005668.5A
Other versions
GB202005668D0 (en
Inventor
Andreas Schenkewitz Christian
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Continental Automotive GmbH
Original Assignee
Continental Automotive GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Continental Automotive GmbH filed Critical Continental Automotive GmbH
Priority to GB2005668.5A priority Critical patent/GB2594703A/en
Publication of GB202005668D0 publication Critical patent/GB202005668D0/en
Priority to PCT/EP2021/060158 priority patent/WO2021214013A1/en
Priority to CN202180044281.9A priority patent/CN115702089A/en
Publication of GB2594703A publication Critical patent/GB2594703A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/60—Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/20—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
    • B60K35/21—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor using visual output, e.g. blinking lights or matrix displays
    • B60K35/215—Output arrangements, i.e. from vehicle to user, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor using visual output, e.g. blinking lights or matrix displays characterised by the combination of multiple visual outputs, e.g. combined instruments with analogue meters and additional displays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/10—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/23—Optical features of instruments using reflectors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/33—Illumination features
    • B60K2360/332—Light emitting diodes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/33—Illumination features
    • B60K2360/336—Light guides
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/20—Optical features of instruments
    • B60K2360/33—Illumination features
    • B60K2360/341—Illumination of dials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/60—Structural details of dashboards or instruments
    • B60K2360/68—Features of instruments
    • B60K2360/688—Frames or decorative parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/60—Structural details of dashboards or instruments
    • B60K2360/68—Features of instruments
    • B60K2360/691—Housings
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K2360/00—Indexing scheme associated with groups B60K35/00 or B60K37/00 relating to details of instruments or dashboards
    • B60K2360/60—Structural details of dashboards or instruments
    • B60K2360/68—Features of instruments
    • B60K2360/695—Dial features
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/10—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards
    • B60Q3/14—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards lighting through the surface to be illuminated

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Instrument Panels (AREA)

Abstract

A digital display apparatus (100, figure 1) has a plate 202 that allows rays 214 to pass through it. The plate defines a digital display zone 222. A digital display element holder holds a digital display element 204. The holder is spaced apart from the plate such that a light channel 208 is defined between them. The light channel directs light rays from outside the digital display zone into it. The display apparatus is a vehicular component for mounting onto a panel (300, figure 3) of a motor vehicle. The light channel defines a boundary zone (108, figure 1) at least partially surrounding the digital display zone and produces a halo effect viewable by a vehicle occupant within the motor vehicle.

Description

I
A Digital Display Apparatus
Technical Field
This disclosure relates to an information display apparatus, in particular digital display apparatus for use in motor vehicles. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a digital dashboard suitable for displaying vehicular information to a driver.
Background
Motor vehicle commonly uses instrument clusters for displaying vehicle operating parameters such as vehicle speed, distance 15 travelled, fuel gauge, engine rpm and direction indicators to driver.
In recent years, operational functions of vehicular systems have evolved, and an increasing amount of information has become available that maybe conveyed to a driver. Some examples include navigation maps, warning systems and tire pressure monitoring information which maybe integrated and analysed by control units within the vehicle. Accordingly, additional instrument clusters and/or displays maybe used to show such information. Displays, moreover, can be configurable to show different sets of information. This leads to production of hybrid clusters (using both analogue and digital displays to convey information to drivers, as well as full digital clusters using digital displays to convey vehicular information to driver. The basic design configuration of an electronic instrument cluster may be modified accordingly to achieve a desired visual appearance.
One of the main challenges of hybrid and full digital cluster is visibility of information displayed on the digital cluster. The term "visibility" used in the context of information display refers to the degree in the information showing on the display has general prominence, to be clearly seen or read by a viewer. In the field of optical transmission, the use of light guides is 5 a common solution for directing light rays towards a specific area, for example a display area to increase illumination. Alight guide is apiece of hardware or equipment used for directing light rays from one place to another. An example of a light guide is fibre optics. However, designing a digital dashboard with an 10 additional light guide is often a challenge due to space constrains within an instrument cluster.
In addition, hybrid and full digital clusters are typically available in higher-end motor vehicle models due to the use of relatively expensive electronic components such as a digital display element. The placement of such products in higher-end motor vehicle modules calls for improved user experience due to demand from end-users. Consequently, there is a demand for visually appealing digital clusters within the automotive industry.
Summary
A purpose of this disclosure is to ameliorate the problem of visibility of information displayed on a digital display apparatus, by providing the subject-matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.
According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a digital display apparatus is provided. The digital display apparatus comprises a plate and a digital display holder. The plate may be configured to allow light rays to pass through. The plate may define a digital display zone. The digital display element holder may be configured for holding a digital display element. The digital display element holder may be configured to be spaced apart from the plate such that a light channel may be defined between the digital display element holder and the plate. The light channel may be configured to direct light rays from outside the digital display zone into the digital display zone. Advantageously, the aforesaid configuration defines a light channel between the digital display element holder and the plate, thus directing light rays transmitting through the light channel, between the display module holder and the plate to increase brightness of the digital display apparatus when viewed. This achieves the purpose of increasing brightness of a digital display apparatus.
Optionally, the light channel may be configured to define a boundary zone at least partially surrounding the digital display zone. Optionally, light rays maybe allowed to pass through the plate in the boundary zone. Advantageously, due to light rays transmitting thought the light channel or gap between the digital display holder and plate, a boundary zone surrounding the digital display zone is illuminated. In addition, since the plate is configured to allow light rays to pass through, this boundary zone is viewable from a surface of the digital display apparatus. This achieves the purpose of improving visibility of information displayed on a digital display apparatus, by providing an illuminated boundary zone to provide emphasis on the display zone on a digital display apparatus. In addition, visual perception of information displayed is improved.
Optionally, the light channel may comprises an axis along a length of the light channel, and a width of the light channel perpendicular to the axis is 2mm to 4mm. Advantageously, keeping the light channel to an optimum dimension prevents parallax error without compromising the amount of light rays transmitting between the display module holder and the plate (i.e. the light channel), thereby maintaining the increase in brightness of the digital display apparatus when viewed.
Optionally, the plate may comprise one or more markings disposed 5 on one side of the plate. The one or more markings may be text or graphics. The one or more markings may be dial graphics. Advantageously, the concept disclosed herein may be applied to hybrid digital display apparatus This achieves the purpose of increasing brightness of a hybrid digital display apparatus. 10 Optionally, the plate may comprise of at least one cavity. The at least one cavity may be aligned with the digital display zone. Advantageously, providing the plate with one or more cavities aligned with the digital display zone achieves a hybrid dashboard, at least a part of the digital display element showing through the cavity.
Optionally, the digital display holder may be a reflective digital display holder. Thereflectivedigitaldisplayholdermay be made of a reflective material such as metal, or the reflective digital display holder may be integrally formed with a reflective film -like material. Advantageously, a reflective digital display holder allows more light rays transmitting through the light channel to be reflected and pass through the plate. This increases the uniformity of illumination of the boundary zone, thereby increasing the halo effect when viewed by a viewer and improving visual perception.
Optionally, the digital display apparatus may further comprises an auxiliary structure. The auxiliary structure may be configured to reflect light into the light channel. Advantageously, this configuration increases the amount of light rays from outside the digital display zone to be re-directed towards the digital display zone through the light channel.
According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a digital dashboard is provided. The digital dashboard may comprises a plate configured to allow light rays to pass through, the plate maybe for defining a digital display zone and a digital display element holder for holding a digital display element. The digital display element holder may be configured to be spaced apart from the plate such that a light channel may be defined between the digital display element holder and the plate. The light channel may be configured to direct light rays from outside the digital display zone into the digital display zone. Advantageously, the aforesaid configuration defines a light channel between the digital display element holder and the plate, thus directing light rays transmitting through the light channel, between the display module holder and the plate to increase brightness of the digital display apparatus when viewed. This achieves the purpose of increasing visibility of information displayed on a digital dashboard.
Optionally, the light channel may be configured to define a boundary zone at least partially surrounding the digital display zone when the light rays passes through. Advantageously, due to light rays transmitting thought the light channel or gap between the digital display holder and plate, a boundary zone surrounding the digital display zone is illuminated. In addition, since the plate is configured to allow light rays to pass through, this boundary zone is viewable from a surface of the digital display apparatus. This achieves the purpose of improving visibility of information displayed on a digital display apparatus, by providing an illuminated boundary zone to provide emphasis on the display zone on a digital dashboard, thus improving visual perception.
Optionally, the light channel may be 2mm to 4mm. Advantageously, keeping the light channel to an optimum dimension prevents parallax error without compromising the amount of light rays transmitting between the display module holder and the plate (i.e. the light channel), thereby maintaining the increase in brightness of the digital display apparatus when viewed.
Optionally, the plate may comprises one or more markings disposed on one side of the plate. The one or more markings may be dial graphics. Advantageously, this achieves the purpose of increasing brightness of a hybrid dashboard applying the concept disclosed herein.
Optionally, the digital dashboard may further comprises a light source configured to emit light rays from outside the digital display zone. Advantageously, this configuration provides additional light rays to the digital display zone, from outside the digital display zone. In a conventional digital dashboard, a backlight is required to provide light rays to the digital display element, such that text and/or graphics shows on the digital display element when the backlight is light up. Depending on design specification, an additional light source may or may not be available within a digital dashboard. Nonetheless, additional light rays emitting from a light source other than the backlight of the digital display element allows increased amount of light rays to be re-directed into the light channel, thereby increasing brightness in the digital display zone. With the increase in brightness of the digital display zone, an increased amount maybe reflected from the digital display element holder through the plate, thus achieving the halo effect surrounding at least a part of the digital display zone, thereby improving visibility.
According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a vehicular component for mounting onto a panel of a motor vehicle is provided herein. The vehicular component may comprise, a plate, and a digital display element holder. The plate may be configured to allow light rays to pass through and the plate may define a digital display zone. The digital display element holder may be for holding a digital module display. The digital display element holder may be configured to be spaced apart from the plate such that a light channel may be defined between the digital display element holder and the plate. The light channel may be configured to direct light rays from outside the digital display zone into the digital display zone. The light channel may be configured to define a boundary zone at least partially surrounding the digital display zone when the light rays passes through, thereby having a halo effect at least partially surrounding the digital display zone viewable by a vehicle occupant within the motor vehicle when the light rays is directed from outside the digital display zone into the digital display zone. Advantageously, this achieves the purpose of increasing brightness of a digital dashboard mounted within a motor vehicle by applying the concept disclosed herein.
Other aspects and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail below.
Description of Drawings
Other objects and aspects will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying 30 drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a digital apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
B
Fig. 2a shows a front view of a digital dispLay apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.
Fig. 2b shows a side view of a digital apparatus according to an 5 alternative embodiment Fig. 3 shows a digital display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment for use within a motor vehicle.
Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments
Hereinafter, an explanation of a digital display apparatus the same will be discussed in detail.
The term "digital display" used herein shall refer to electronic output device for presenting information in visual form. In the context of digital display within a motor vehicle, an example of a digital display includes a full digital dashboard (also known as digital cluster), and a hybrid digital dashboard. When used in the context herein, the term "digital dashboard" shall encompass both full digital dashboard and hybrid digital dashboard unless otherwise specified. The term "digital dashboard" shall refer to full digital instrument clusters which utilises digital display as an output apparatus for displaying vehicular Information. The term "hybrid dashboard-shall encompass digital clusters which utilises a combination of analogue and digital electronic components, as a display apparatus for presenting vehicular information. The term "digital display element" used herein shall refer to display module or display layers fabricated in relation to suitable digital display technologies. Example of digital display elements may include liquid crystal displays (LCD) organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays and thin film transistors (TFT) displays. The term "digital display element holder" shall refer to a structure for holding the digital display element in a fixed position. An example of suitable digital display element maybe a TFT display glass.
The term "zone" shall refer to any continuous area that differs in some respect, or is distinguished for some purpose, from adjoining areas, or within which certain distinctive circumstances exist or are established. A zone shall therefore encompass areas in x---y--z direction, i.e. a three-dimensionsl area in contrast to an area which shall be construed to be a measurement of a surface. Consequently, in the context used herein, for example the term "digital display zone" shall therefore refer to a continuous area which presents informationona digital display apparatus In most of the exemplary embodiments described below, the "digital display zone" may refer to an area for presenting an output of a visual information containing vehicular information received from various vehicular systems within a motor vehicle. In some embodiments, in particular digital cluster, the digital display zone may be partially covered by analogue element(s). An example of an analogue element is a dial. Plate or a motor driven pointer.
The term "plate" used herein may refer to a flat piece of material 25 on which printing may be done, such that markings such as text and/or graphics are disposed on one side of the plate. Suitable types of materials may include plastic, glass or resin.
The term "channel" shall be construed to refer to a passage for 30 directing or transporting an object towards a particular end. In the context used herein, a "light channel" shall be construed as a passage for transmitting or directing light rays.
The term "align", and its grammatical variation thereof shall be construed to refer to placement of elements in a relative relationship to each other. In the context used herein, in particular alignment of one or more cavity to a digital display 5 element shall refer to the placement of a transparent plate with a cut-out portion adjacent to a digital display element, such that at least a part of an active region of the digital display element is viewable through the one or more cavity. The term "active region" shall refer to a portion of a display element which is 10 meant for actively displaying a visual output.
The terms such as "above", "below ", "underneath ", "behind ", etc., are used descriptively for the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the 15 appended claims.
Turning now to the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 shows a front view of a type of digital dashboard 100. With reference to the digital dashboard 100 shown in Fig. 1, there is a digital display zone 102 presenting vehicular information, for example, speed, tyre pressure, temperature, etc. The digital displaying zone 102 may also present graphics representative of speedometer, which is presented as an output information on the digital display element 102. digital display element This is applicable for digital display apparatus, including a full digital cluster. In embodiments which include analogue components, such as a plate 202 with markings disposed, then the digital display zone 102 shall encompass the markings disposed on the plate 202. As shown in Fig. 1 herein, non-digital display zones may show some standard tell-tale warning icons. Tell-tale signs are typically graphics printed on a plate, also known as dial plate in a traditional instrument cluster. In contrast, the plate in the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein is configured to allow light rays to pass through. The plate may be use for defining a digital display zone 102. Depending on the design specification, the plate may include cut-out portion showing part of the display underneath or behind the plate, i.e. showing digital display zone 102 such as the exemplary embodiment shown here in Fig. 1. The cut-out portion of the plate creates a cavity within the digital display apparatus when viewed from a cross-section perspective (Fig. 2b referred). The digital display element 204 may be arranged such that the cut-out portion of plate is aligned with at least a portion of the digital display element 206 such that information presented on the digital display element 206 is viewable through the cut-out portion when viewed from 'A' of the digital display apparatus (Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b referred). In this embodiment, a boundary zone 108, 108' and 108" is viewable from the front of the digital dashboard 100. This boundary zone 108, 108' and 108" may be presented as an illuminated boundary zone viewable from the front or top of the digital dashboard 100 when light rays are emitted through the plate. The boundary zone 108, 108' and 108" achieves a halo effect surrounding the information presented on the digital dashboard 100. For clarity, the information presented on digital dashboard includes any graphical content and/or text presented on the digital display zone 102 that is viewable by a user, including any markings disposed on a plate 202 that is presented within digital display zone 102 (Fig. 1 referred) Therefore, visibility of the information presented on the digital display apparatus is increased. Details of the technical features that creates the boundary zone 108, 108' and 108" are set forth in details below.
Fig. 2 shows a cross-section view of a digital display apparatus 200 in accordance to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. With reference to Fig. 2, the digital display apparatus 200 includes a plate 202. The plate 202 may be made of opaque, transparent or semi-transparent material which allows light rays to pass through, so that objects behind or adjacent to the plate 202 can be distinctively viewed. Suitable materials may include, plastic or resin. In certain embodiments, the plate 202 includes one or more markings disposed on one side of the plate 202. These markings maybe dial graphics, which are printed onto the plate using for example, diffusor printing technique. When implemented in a digital display apparatus such as a digital dashboard, the one or more markings is presented as analogue features, such as the tell-tale warning icons shown in Fig. 1.
The digital display apparatus 200 includes a digital display element 204 and a digital display element holder 206. The digital display element holder 206 is use for holding the digital display element 204 and the digital display element holder 206 shown in Fig. 2 is spaced apart from the plate 202 such that a gap or light channel 208 is defined between the digital display holder 206 and the plate 202. The digital display apparatus 200 includes a support structure or housing 218, which supports the plate 202 in a desired position. As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 218 may include slots, to accommodate a distal end of the plate 202. The housing 218 is for enclosing electronic components within the digital display apparatus 200.
The light channel 208 shown is Fig. 2 is configured to direct light rays from outside the digital display zone into the digital display zone. When light rays 214 is directed into the light channel 208, due to the transparent or semi-transparent characteristics of plate 202, light rays 214 are reflected from display module holder 206 and transmit through the plate 202. It shall be understood by a person skilled in the art of optics, the behaviour of light may be waveform (travelling in a substantially straight line) or particles like (scattered). Therefore, although representation of reflected 214 is shown as straight lines in Fig. 2, it shall be understood the actual behaviour of light is not restricted to a straight line, When viewed by a viewer from 'A' side of the digital display apparatus 200, the light rays 214 that are reflected off the display module holder 206 show a boundary zone 108, 108', 108" (reference made to Fig. 1), defining a digital display zone 102.
An advantage of defining the light channel 208 between the plate 202 and the digital display holder 206 is to direct light from outside the digital display zone 102 into the digital display zone 102, 222, to increase brightness of the digital display zone 102, 222. Another advantage of the light channel 208 is that the light rays that are directed into the light channel 208 may be reflected off the display module holder 206, to create a uniformly illuminated boundary zone 108, 108' and 108" at least partially surrounding the digital display zone 102, thereby achieving a halo effect at least partially framing the surrounding of the digital display zone 102, 222. The digital display element holder 206 shall be spaced 2mm to 4mm apart from plate 202, defining the light channel 208. With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, it can be seen the light channel 208 has an axis along a length (L) of the light channel 208 and a width (W)of the light channel 208 perpendicular to the axis is between 2mm to 4mm in dimension. Although it is possible to use a different range of dimension, from a visual perspective, increasing the light channel 208 to a larger dimension may cause parallax error due to excessive light rays passing through the light channel 208 causing parallax error, for example graphical contenT. or text appears to be floating or leaping towards viewer when viewed by a viewer. This may result in safety issues, in particular for vehicular applications. Therefore, by keeping width of the light channel 208 perpendicular to the axis between 2mm to 4mm achieves the objective of maintaining an increase in brightness of the digital dashboard 100 or digital display apparatus 200, yet at the same time achieve a boundary 108, 108', 108" at least partially surrounding the digital display zone 102, thereby achieving the purpose of providing visibility of information presented on a digital display apparatus 200.
To further increase brightness and to reflect more light rays 5 transmitting through the plate 202, the display module holder 206 maybe made of a reflective material. An example of a reflective material is metal. Alternatively, the display module holder 206 maybe treated or integrally formed with a reflective film-light material to increase the reflective properties. An example of 10 such film-like material maybe brightness enhancing film which are readily available off-the-shelf.
To increase the aesthetic effects of the boundary zone 108, 108' and 108", additional light strips (not shown in figures) maybe included around the digital display holder 206 or block out certain portions of the light channel 208, such that there is geometrical visual effect when a viewer views the boundary zone 108, 108' and 108".
As shown in Fig. 2, a light source 210 is electrically connected to a circuit 216, for supplying electricity to the light source 210. The circuit 216 may be printed circuit or flexible circuit. The light source 210 may be an additional light source or a light source that is being used for lighting up analogue features in a hybrid digital dashboard. In this exemplary embodiment, an auxiliary structure 220 may be used to direct light rays 214 emitting from the light source 210 towards the light channel 208, to optimise directing light rays from outside the digital display zone 102, 222 into the digital display zone 102, 222. The additional structure maybe a part of the housing 218, as shown in Fig. 2a.
In another embodiment as shown in Fig. 2b of the accompanying drawings, the arrangement of the electronic components follows the configuration as shown in Fig. 2a. However, an auxiliary support structure 220 is used to direct light rays 214 emitting from light source 210 towards the light channel 208. The auxiliary structure 220 may be straight or angled.
Turning now to Fig. 3, a digital dashboard 100 or digital display apparatus 200 maybe mounted on a panel of a motor vehicle. When light rays emitting from a light source (as shown in Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b) within the digital dashboard 100 is directed into the light channel 208, an occupant within the motor vehicle viewing the digital dashboard 100 will see a boundary zone 108, 108' and 108" having a halo effect surrounding the digital display zone 102, as show in Fig. 1.
The detailed description above serves the purpose of explaining the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the disclosure for various exemplary embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. The detailed description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise embodiments herein. Modifications and equivalents will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art and are encompassed within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.
List of Refence Signs in Figures Fig. 1 100 -digital dashboard 102 -digital display zone 104 -cut -out portion 106, 106' -markings 108, 108', 108" -boundary zone Fig. 2a 200a -cross-section of digital display apparatus 202 -plate 204 -digital display element 206 -display module holder 208 -light channel 210 -light source 214 -light rays 216 -circuit 218 -housing 222 -digital display zone Fig. 2b 200b -cross-section of digital display apparatus 202 -plate 204 -digital display element 206 -display module holder 208 -light channel 210 -light source 212 -auxiliary structure 214 -light rays 216 -circuit 218 -housing 220 -auxiliary structure 222 -digital display zone Fig. 3 300 -panel of motor vehicle

Claims (20)

  1. Patent claims 1.A digital display apparatus (100, 200) comprising: a plate (202) configured to allow light rays (214) to pass through, the plate (202) for defining a digital display zone (102, 222); and a digital display element holder (206) for holding a digital display element (204), wherein the digital display element holder apparatus (100, 200) (206) is configured to be spaced apart from the plate (202) such that a light channel (208) is defined between the digital display element holder (206) and the plate (202), and the light channel (208) is configured to direct light rays (214) from outside the digital display zone (102, 222) into the digital display zone (102, 222).
  2. 2. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claim 1, wherein the light channel (208) is configured to define a boundary zone (108, 108', 108") at least partially surrounding the digital display zone (102, 222).
  3. 3. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of any one of claims 1 -2, wherein the light rays (214) are allowed to pass through the plate (202) in the boundary zone (108, 108', 108").
  4. 4. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the light channel (208) comprises an axis along a length (L) of the light channel, and a wiath (W) of the light channel (208) perpendicular to the axis is 2mm to 4 mm.
  5. 5. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the plate (202) comprises one or more markings (106, 106') disposed on one side of the plate (202).
  6. 6. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claim 5, wherein the one or more markings (106) are dial graphics.
  7. 7. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claim 1 -6, wherein the plate (202) comprises at least one cavity.
  8. 8. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claim 7, wherein the at least one cavity is aligned with at least a part of the digital display zone (102, 222).
  9. 9. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claim 1 to 8, wherein the digital display holder (206) is a reflective digital display holder (206).
  10. 10. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claim 9, wherein the reflective digital display holder (206) comprises a reflective material or is integrally formed with a reflective film-like material.
  11. 11. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claims 1 -10, further comprising an auxiliary structure (220) configured to reflect light into the light channel (208).
  12. 12. A digital dashboard (100, 200) comprising: a plate (202) configured to allow light rays (214) to pass through, the plate (202) for defining a digital display zone (102, 222); and a digital display element holder (202) for holding a digital display element (204), wherein the digital display element holder (206) is configured to be spaced apart from the plate (202) such that alight channel (208) is defined between the digital display element holder (206) and the plate (202), and the light channel (208) is configured to direct light rays (214) from outside the digital display zone (102, 222) into the digital display zone (102, 222).
  13. 13. The digital dashboard (100, 200) of claim 12, wherein the light channel (208) is configured to define a boundary zone (108, 108', 108") at least partially surrounding the digital display zone.
  14. 14. The digital dashboard (100, 200) of claim 12-13, wherein the light channel (208) comprises an axis along a length (L) of the light channel, and a width (W) of the light channel (208) perpendicular to the axis is 2mm to 4 mm.
  15. 15. The digital dashboard (100, 200) of claim 12 -14, wherein the plate (202) comprises one or more markings (106, 106') disposed on one side of the plate (202).
  16. 16. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claim 15, wherein the one or more markings (106, 106') are dial graphics.
  17. 17. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claim 12-16, wherein the plate (202) further comprises at least one cavity is aligned with at least a part of the digital display zone (102, 222).
  18. 18. The digital display apparatus (100, 200) of claim 12 to 17, wherein the digital display holder (206) is a reflective digital display holder (206).
  19. 19. The digital dashboard (100, 200) of claim 12 -17, further comprising a light source (210) configured to emit light rays from outside the digital display zone (102, 222) into the digital display zone (102, 222).
  20. 20. A vehicular component (100) for mounting onto a panel (300) of a motor vehicle comprising: a plate (202) configured to allow light rays (214) to pass through, the plate (202) for defining a digital display zone (102, 222) ; and a digital display element holder (206) for holding a digital display element (204), wherein the digital display element holder (206) is configured to be spaced apart from the plate (202) such that alight channel (208) is defined between the digital display element holder (206) and the plate (202), and the light channel (208) is configured to direct light rays (214) from outside the digitaL display zone (102, 222) into the digital display zone (102, 222), and wherein the light channel (208) is configured to define a boundary zone (108, 108', 108") at least partially surrounding the digital display zone (102, 222) thereby having a halo effect at least partially surrounding the digital display zone (102, 222) viewable by a vehicle occupant within the motor vehicle when the light rays (214) from outside the digital display zone (102, 222) are transmitted or directed into the digital display zone (102, 222).
GB2005668.5A 2020-04-20 2020-04-20 A digital display apparatus Withdrawn GB2594703A (en)

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GB2005668.5A GB2594703A (en) 2020-04-20 2020-04-20 A digital display apparatus
PCT/EP2021/060158 WO2021214013A1 (en) 2020-04-20 2021-04-20 A digital display apparatus
CN202180044281.9A CN115702089A (en) 2020-04-20 2021-04-20 Digital display device

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GB2005668.5A GB2594703A (en) 2020-04-20 2020-04-20 A digital display apparatus

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EP1724556B1 (en) * 2004-03-09 2011-07-06 Denso Corporation Display device for vehicle
JP4600234B2 (en) * 2005-09-28 2010-12-15 株式会社デンソー Vehicle instrument
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US4555694A (en) * 1981-06-03 1985-11-26 Nissan Motor Company, Limited Display device for a vehicle
US5578985A (en) * 1994-01-18 1996-11-26 Valeo Borg Instruments Verwaltung Gmbh Hybrid display instrument, particularly for use in an automobile instrument panel
US20090078191A1 (en) * 2005-03-31 2009-03-26 Hideki Ikarashi Indicating Instrument
US20070279243A1 (en) * 2006-06-06 2007-12-06 Denso Corporation Needle meter and method for manufacturing the same

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WO2021214013A1 (en) 2021-10-28
GB202005668D0 (en) 2020-06-03

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