JP2009506948A - Vehicle display system having partially transparent elements and method for operating a vehicle display system - Google Patents

Abstract

  The invention relates to a vehicle display system comprising a display device and comprising partially transparent elements and optics, and further to a method for operating a vehicle display system. A virtual image is provided to an observer located on the first side of the partially transparent element by means of a vehicle display system on the second side of the partially transparent element opposite the first side. Can be generated. The light transmitted through the partially transparent element to the first side has a different polarization state with respect to the light reflected to the second side of the partially transparent element.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle display system having a display device, having a partially transparent element and having an optical system, for a user located on a first side of the partially transparent element, On the second side opposite the first side of the partially transparent element, a virtual image can be generated by the vehicle display system.

  Such a vehicle display system is basically known from German Offenlegungsschrift DE 43 27 926 A1. In such known vehicle display systems, a light control film is glued to a half mirror to cover a predetermined area, which extends upward from the line and transmits light obliquely from the side. Is located closest to the surface of the display unit, as controlled by the film.

  The disadvantage of the known vehicle display system is that the efficiency level is relatively low in terms of luminous efficiency of the vehicle display system because most of the generated light is lost due to the partially transparent element. is there.

  The object of the present invention is to reduce the user's visual adaptation work and reduce the required installation space for the vehicle display system, while the cost for manufacturing and mounting the vehicle display system is as low as possible, the current cost or the vehicle display. It is to provide a vehicle display system in which the power consumption by the system is kept low, yet nevertheless the remarkable visibility of the information to be displayed is provided to the user in a clear and easy to incorporate manner.

  This object is achieved by a vehicle display system having a display device, having a partially transparent element and having an optical system, for a user located on a first side of the partially transparent element. In addition, on the second side opposite to the first side of the partially transparent element, a virtual image can be generated by the vehicle display system, in addition, by the partially transparent element , The light transmitted to the first side has a different polarization state and / or a different angle of incidence compared to the light reflected by the partially transparent element and incident on the second side. As a result, the efficiency of the vehicle display system is advantageously increased, so that lower power consumption and therefore lower costs are possible in both manufacture and operation of the vehicle display system. Furthermore, as a result, it is possible to avoid as much as possible interference that can occur due to unused light transmitted through the partially transparent element, which is, for example, in the vehicle of the user of the vehicle display system. Interference affecting other passengers.

  The object according to the invention is also achieved by a vehicle display system having a display device, having a partially transparent element and having an optical system, the first side of the partially transparent element. For the user located in the part, a virtual image can be generated by the vehicle display system on the second side opposite to the first side of the partially transparent element, in addition to the display The device has both an electronic first display unit and a mechanically movable second display unit, in particular a movable pointer. As a result, according to the present invention, the combination of electronic and mechanically movable display units achieves a very high degree of contrast, especially for important information that should be quickly incorporated into the display of a vehicle display system. It is possible. Furthermore, it is also possible to achieve a particularly high resolution, i.e. a sharp edge, by means of the second display unit which is mechanically movable and therefore also easy to read.

  In accordance with the present invention, it is preferred that the vehicle display system has a polarizing element that rotates the polarization direction of the light through approximately 45 ° or approximately 90 °. As a result, particularly with the preferred use of linearly polarized light, partially transparent elements, in particular partially transparent mirrors or translucent mirrors, transmit light to different degrees of polarization of light or in different directions of polarization and In the case of reflection, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the use of partially transparent elements using very simple means. According to the invention, it is particularly preferred that a rotation of the polarization direction of approximately a total of 90 ° occurs with respect to the incidence of light on the partially transparent element. The rotation is either caused by two passes by a polarizing element that rotates through approximately 45 °, or by three passes by a polarizing element that rotates through approximately 30 °, etc. obtain.

  It is also preferred according to the invention that at least two reflections, preferably at least three reflections, are provided between the display device and the light path through the partially transparent element. As a result, the virtual image is placed as far as possible from the user at a relatively low cost, reducing the degree of visual adaptation required by the user of the display device, and despite this requirement, the vehicle It is easy to keep the installation space of the display system very compact.

  According to the invention, the display device has a light guide body on the second side of the partially transparent element or the beam path of the second side of the element with the light guide body partially transparent. It is also suitable to extend over the largest part. As a result, particularly high efficiency levels can be achieved in a particularly easy manner by using the total reflection effect.

  According to the invention, it is also preferred that the light transmitted through the partially transparent element to the first side is incident on the second side of the partially transparent element at Brewster's angle. As a result, particularly for a given corresponding polarization of incident light, it is advantageously possible that the transmitted light is transmitted essentially completely, with the result that losses are also reduced and optical efficiency is significantly improved. Is done.

  According to the invention, it is also preferred that the vehicle display system is provided as a whole or at least a part of the vehicle display system is adaptable to different viewing positions of the user. As a result, the functions of the vehicle display system can be adapted in the best way to different requirements of different users. In particular, the visibility of information displayed on the vehicle display system is equally good for users of systems of different sizes.

  According to the invention, it is also preferred that detection means for detecting the viewing position of the user is assigned to the vehicle display system. As a result, according to the present invention, it is advantageously possible to determine this viewing position and adapt or adjust the vehicle display system to a different position, for example the user's head. Similarly, as a result of this, according to the present invention, it is advantageously possible to reduce the risk of the user falling asleep, for example during excessive fatigue conditions, but it is possible to detect the location of the user's head. This is because the conclusion of whether the user falls asleep or falls asleep is drawn based on the change of the above. According to the present invention, this results in the user being able to adjust the existing headrest in an optimal manner, for example, by detecting eye movement, eye position and / or eyelid movement. It is possible to reduce the risk of falling asleep.

  According to the invention, it is particularly preferred if a vehicle display system is provided and arranged at the cockpit of the vehicle, or a vehicle display system is provided and arranged at the headrest or backrest of the vehicle. As a result, according to the present invention, the vehicle display system according to the present invention is used to display different information to the driver, for example, speed, engine speed, etc., and is sitting behind the driver. It is advantageously possible to use a vehicle display system to entertain the user, which system is installed on the headrest or backrest of the driver's seat and makes it possible to view eg video film etc. .

  Furthermore, according to the invention it is preferred to arrange the vehicle display system on the roof console and / or on the center console (center information display).

  A further subject matter of the present invention is a method for operating a vehicle display system according to the present invention, using detection means assigned to the vehicle display system to adapt the vehicle display system to different viewing positions of the user. As a result, it is always possible to adapt the vehicle display system optimally to the height or position of the user, in particular the head, in a particularly easy and intuitive manner.

  The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle display system 10 that includes a display device 30, an optical system 40, and a partially transparent element 50. The partially transparent element 50 is provided, in particular, as a partially transparent mirror or translucent mirror 50 in the present invention, but as any other element that is partially transparent to light. It can also be provided. The viewer 60 sees the vehicle display system 10 from, for example, the first side 51 of the partially transparent element 50, although only eyes are illustrated in FIG. The display device 30 is backlit from the light source 20 provided as one or more light emitting diodes (high performance light emitting diodes) or as a diode array. As a result, the light including information for the display device 30 is first irradiated in the first direction 41. Light that irradiates in the first direction 41 or propagates in the first direction 41 is incident on the optical system 40 and, in particular, according to the invention, is repeatedly deflected by the system. In this regard, in the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a first deflecting mirror 45 is provided, which deflects light incident in the first direction 41 in the second direction 42. The deflection occurs in the example of FIG. 1 in the direction of a partially transparent element 50, where light is partially transmitted (and then lost), but there is the maximum possible light A small percentage is also deflected, i.e. reflected, in the third direction 43. The light propagating in the third direction 43 is now reflected by the second deflection mirror 47, which is provided in particular as a spherical mirror, and the light is deflected in the fourth direction 44. In this connection, the fourth direction 44 is now oriented towards the partially transparent element 50, in which case the highest possible percentage of light is now transmitted by the partially transparent element 50. It is reported and enters the viewer's 60 eyes.

  The light source 20 can be either part of the vehicle display system 10 or can be provided separately. In order to increase the efficiency of the vehicle display system 10 according to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the polarizing element 46 is part of the optical system 40 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The polarizing element 46 changes the polarization state of the light traveling or propagating in the second direction 42 as compared to the light propagating in the fourth direction 44. As a result, light leaving the light source 20 can be delivered to the user 60 or viewer with a relatively high level of efficiency. This is possible, for example, by the fact that light traveling or propagating in the first direction 41 is provided by a polarization state that is labeled 41 'and in particular linearly polarized. This polarization state 41 'is propagated or obtained after being reflected by the first deflecting mirror 45 (reference number 42' for the polarization state of light propagating in the second direction 42). This polarization state is selected according to the invention so that the degree of reflection of the partially transparent element 50 is as large as possible at this point, so that the minimum possible proportion of the energy of the light source 20 is partially transparent. Passed through element 50. In the example of FIG. 1, when light propagating in the third direction 43 travels through the polarizing element 46, a rotation of the polarization direction of the linearly polarized light passing through, for example, about 45 ° is brought about, in which case the second direction After reflecting off the deflecting mirror 47, the light travels again through the polarizing element 46, so that a further rotation is now provided through a further 45 ° of the polarization direction of the light propagating in the fourth direction 44. Overall, there is a rotation of the polarization direction of the light of approximately 90 ° between the light propagating in the second direction 42 and the light propagating in the fourth direction 44. This context of the change in the polarization direction of the light is indicated by reference numeral 43 'or 44'. Of course, according to the present invention, it is also possible to select the beam path of the vehicle display system 10 so that only a single path through the polarizing element 46 is provided (not shown), through approximately 90 °. A polarizing element 46 that rotates the polarization direction of the light should preferably be used. The polarizing element 46 is introduced according to the invention, in particular as a lambda / 4-phase that shifts the components in the beam path, so that the loss of linear polarization is minimized by adapting the direction of vibration with a beam splitter. Can be limited.

  A second embodiment of the vehicle display system 10 is schematically illustrated in FIG. In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the vehicle display system 10 includes a display device 30, an optical system 40, and a partially transparent element 50. The partially transparent element 50, according to the second embodiment, is essentially free from this light when incident from the second side 52 is referred to as the Brewster angle. It is embodied to be completely transparent, but to be essentially completely opaque or reflective when light is incident on the partially transparent element 50 in the total reflection angle range. Such total reflection is performed particularly efficiently due to the fact that the medium in which a larger part of the beam path of the optical system 40 is located has a higher refractive index than that of the cover material of the reflective surface of the medium. The The medium is also referred to as light guide 80 in the following. The viewer 60 now stares at the vehicle display system 10 from the first side 51 of the partially transparent element 50. The display device 30 is backlit from the light source 20. As a result, the light is first irradiated in the first direction 41. Light that irradiates in the first direction 41 or propagates in the first direction 41 enters the optical system 40 and, according to the invention, is repeatedly deflected, in particular, by the latter. In this regard, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a first deflection mirror 45 is provided, and light incident in the first direction 41 is deflected in the second direction 42 by the deflection mirror 45, If so, the total reflection effect is used as much as possible. The first deflecting mirror 45 may here be a separate mirror element, or alternatively the mirrored end face (or interface) of the light guide 80. In the example of FIG. 4, the deflection occurs in the direction of the partially transparent element 50, where the maximum possible percentage of light is deflected, i.e. reflected, in the third direction 43, and in that case as much as possible. A reflection effect is used. The light propagating in the third direction 43 is reflected by the second deflection mirror 47, which is provided as a spherical mirror in particular, and is deflected in the fourth direction 44. In this context, the fourth direction 44 is now directed to the partially transparent element 50, in which case the maximum possible percentage of light is conveyed by the partially transparent element 50, which According to this embodiment, this is caused by the fact that light propagating in the fourth direction 44 is incident on the partially transparent element 50 at the Brewster angle. This is implemented, for example, by the fact that the second deflection mirror 47, which can also be embodied as a mirror-like interface, is provided at a slightly inclined position. As a result of this tilt, the beam reflected by the second deflecting mirror 47 is now incident at a different angle on the partially transparent element 50, ie on the front interface of the light guide 80. This effect of Brewster's angle is particularly noticeable or only present when the light is in a particular polarization state when incident on the partially transparent element 50. This polarization state is also referred to as p-polarized light below. According to the present invention, it is also preferred if the light is in a defined polarization state as much as possible throughout the path, in particular p-polarized. This is because, for example, components such as the first deflection mirror 45, the second deflection mirror 47 and / or the partially transparent element 50, and the display device 30, if appropriate, are at least partly. This can be achieved by the fact that they are positioned parallel to each other. In addition, it is particularly suitable when the polarization vector of light (particularly linearly polarized light) leaving the display device 30 is parallel to the plane of incidence (the plane of incidence here is the incident light beam and (display device 30). )) Defined by the surface normal of the front interface). This can be brought about by the selection of the last polarizer at (or near) the surface of the display device 30. The light leaving the display device 30 is first input into the light guide 80. In this connection, a certain percentage is reflected and lost. In an alternative arrangement (not shown), this loss can be avoided if a Brewster angle condition is achieved at this junction between the interfaces.

  According to the present invention, preferably in accordance with both the first and second embodiments, the entire vehicle display system 10 or the vehicle display so that the vehicle display system 10 can be adapted to different viewing positions of the user. Any of at least part of the system 10, for example the second deflection mirror 47 or the entire optical system 40, can be adjusted. In particular, according to the present invention, it is provided to adjust the height of the vehicle display system 10 to, for example, different user sizes. It is also particularly advantageous that, optionally, it automatically occurs that the vehicle display system 10 is so adjusted or adapted to different viewing positions. For this purpose, in a particularly preferred embodiment, in particular the detection means 70 is assigned to the vehicle display system 10, for example in the form of a small camera, or the vehicle display system 10 comprises such a detection means 70. Thus, it is possible to adapt the field of view to the size of the driver or to the size of the user manually and / or automatically, for example by a rotating mechanism. The detection means 70 can determine which position or which viewing position the user has assumed, especially when it is in the form of a small camera, without being seen from within the vehicle display system 10. Further functionality is possible with such a position detection system, for example, a sleep detection process or an automatic head height setting process can be performed, for example, when the user's head moves. As an alternative to mechanical settings of the vehicle display system 10 or mechanical adjustments of a part of the vehicle display system 10, according to the present invention, all of the vehicle display system 10 can be It is also possible that the part remains mechanically fixed and only the displacement of the image displayed on the display device 30 can be adapted. Here, it is necessary not to use that part of the display device 30. However, according to the present invention, the entire active display surface of the display device 30 can be used in this manner, so that subsequent mechanical adjustment of the entire vehicle display system 10 or a part thereof is preferably performed. Furthermore, it is thus possible to reduce the requirements made from the light source 20 because the field of view can be made smaller, and thus the vehicle display system 10 can be made smaller overall.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating various installation positions of the vehicle display system 10 according to the present invention. In a first variant of the installation position of the vehicle display system 10, the latter can be seen at the cockpit position 3 of the vehicle 1 in the viewing direction 2 by a user located in the front seat or driver seat 4 of the vehicle 1. In the second variant 6 of the installation position of the vehicle display system 10, the latter can be viewed by the user of the rear seat 7 in the viewing direction 5. In the third and fourth modified examples 8 and 9 of the installation position, the vehicle display system 10 is disposed on the center console 8 or the roof console 9. Different installation positions 3, 6, 8 and 9 have different requirements made from the vehicle display system 10. In particular, a vehicle display system that uses the first installation variant 3 to display safety-related information to the driver of the vehicle 1 while being displayed at the second installation position 6 to the passenger located in the rear seat 7. The ten pieces of information are especially for such occupant entertainment.

  FIG. 3 illustrates a further embodiment of the display device 30 of the vehicle display system 10 according to the invention, the embodiment of FIG. 3 being particularly installed at the first installation position 3 (FIG. 2). . In the embodiment of the display device 30 illustrated in FIG. 3, the display device 30 comprises a first electronic display unit 31 and a second mechanically movable display unit 32. The second mechanically movable display unit 32 is in particular a movable pointer 32, for example a pointer instrument, according to the invention, in which context the illustration of FIG. 3 is understood only as being schematic. The rotation axis of the pointer 32 and the like are not illustrated. The first display unit 31 is in particular an LCD display or a TFT display according to the invention, whose color or position can be configured in particular according to the end customer's adaptations and preferences. Such a TFT display as the first display unit 31 is particularly advantageous because good contrast and full color capability are possible. Furthermore, the first electronic display unit 31 is used for advanced driver assistance systems such as night vision functionality, rear vision for cameras, side mirrors, navigation, multimedia applications in stationary state, and non-driving state of the vehicle. Enable new applications. According to the invention, a second mechanically movable display unit 32 to be provided, in particular as a mechanically illuminated pointer, is provided, which has a freely selectable color, in particular the first It is arranged at a distance of several millimeters along the optical axis from the display unit 31 and moves there. This appears to be self-illuminated and three-dimensional in the virtual image. This has the advantage that no cost is required to eliminate the aliasing effect of the pointer in real time and the display device 30 comprises a first display unit 31 only and a mechanically movable second display unit 32. This is the case with no. According to the present invention, the mechanically movable second display unit 32 can be moved away, i.e. removed from the first display unit 31, so that the entire first display unit 31 is, for example, a multi-display. It is also advantageous if the media application or the like is accessible. In the combination of the mechanical pointer 32 and the digital scale pointer in the first display unit 31, for example, different instruments, for example even simultaneous displays with mechanical pointers for speed and rotational speed, are above the speed scale. It is possible to practice by the fact that the rotation speed scale is adapted or dynamically displayed on the display of the first display unit 31.

  According to the present invention with the vehicle display system 10, it is possible that the user's 60 eyes have little need for visual adaptation work, but that the virtual image is at a distance of approximately 2 m from the user's 60 eyes. This is because it can be generated. Of course, other larger or smaller distances are also possible. In this connection, the miniaturization of the vehicle display system 10 or its associated installation space depends on different degrees of cost involved in configuring the beam path of the vehicle display system 10 or of the optical system 40. The present invention can therefore reduce demands in terms of possible brightness compared to a head-up display and can produce significantly larger and clearer images because the optical state can be controlled. Is possible. Furthermore, the vehicle display system 10 according to the present invention is inherently protected against glare from sunlight, which means that solar radiation occurs only in the field of view covered by the driver's head. Because you can. Thus, conventional sunshades known from the prior art can be minimized. The use of additional optical elements (not shown) that transmit light vertically, mainly at the output of the vehicle display system 10, can eliminate the so-called sunshade completely, so that new design possibilities are developed. Furthermore, according to the invention, it is advantageous that a three-dimensional display is possible with the vehicle display system 10 according to the invention.

  According to the present invention, it is preferable that the virtual image is provided in an enlarged form as compared with the size of the display device 30, and furthermore, the virtual image appears with a viewing angle as large as possible. As a result, a small and cost effective display device 30 can be used. Furthermore, it is therefore possible to display a virtual image larger than the space available in the corresponding area of the vehicle.

  According to the present invention, it is advantageous if the display device 30 can be configured by software. This can be done by the vehicle manufacturer as a function of the vehicle model, for example. However, this can also be done by the end customer / user of the vehicle within certain ergonomic limits. Furthermore, according to the present invention, other applications can be executed in terms of situations such as night vision functionality, rear view cameras, side mirrors, or multimedia applications in a stationary state.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle display system according to the present invention according to a first embodiment; 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating different arrangements of a vehicle display system in a vehicle. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a display device. It is a figure which shows 2nd Embodiment of a display apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle 2, 5 Viewing direction 3, 6 Installation position 4, 7 Vehicle seat 10 Vehicle display system 20 Light source 30 Display device 31 First display unit 32 Second display unit / pointer 40 Optical systems 41, 42, 43, 44 Light propagation direction 41 ', 42', 43 ', 44' Light polarization state 45 First deflection mirror 46 Polarization element 47 Second deflection mirror 50 Partially transparent element 51 Partially transparent element first 1 side 52 second side of partially transparent element 60 user / user's eye 70 detection means / camera 80 light guide

Claims (14)

  A vehicle display system (10) having a display device (30), having a partially transparent element (50) and having an optical system (40), said partially transparent element (50) ) For the user (60) located on the first side (51) of the second side (52) opposite the first side of the partially transparent element (50). A virtual image can be generated by the vehicle display system (10), and the light (44) transmitted to the first side (51) by the partially transparent element (50), Compared to the light (42, 43) reflected by the partially transparent element (50) and incident on the second side (52), it has a different polarization state or a different angle of incidence. A vehicle display system (10).   The display device (10) has both an electronic first display unit (31) and a mechanically movable second display unit (32), in particular a movable pointer (32). A vehicle display system (10) according to claim 1 or according to the preamble of claim 1.   The vehicle display device (10) comprises a polarizing element (46) for rotating the polarization direction of light through approximately 45 ° or through approximately 90 °. Vehicle display system (10).   The at least two reflections, preferably at least three reflections, are provided between the display device (30) and a light path through the partially transparent element (50). The vehicle display system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The display device (30) has a light guide body (80) on the second side (52) of the partially transparent element (50). A vehicle display system (10) according to claim 1.   The light guide body (80) extends over the largest part of the beam path of the second side (52) of the partially transparent element (50). A vehicle display system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.   The light (44) transmitted through the partially transparent element (50) to the first side (51) is a Brewster angle on the second side of the partially transparent element (50). The vehicle display system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by being incident on the part (52).   The vehicle display system (10) as a whole or at least a part of the vehicle display system (10) is provided to be adaptable to different viewing positions of a user (60). The vehicle display system (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.   9. A vehicle display system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a detection means (70) for detecting a viewing position of a user (60) is assigned to the vehicle display system.   The vehicle display system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle display system (10) is arranged and provided in a cockpit (3) of the vehicle (1).   The vehicle display system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle display system (10) is arranged on a headrest (6) or a backrest of the vehicle (1). 10).   12. The virtual image is provided in an enlarged form compared to the size of the display device (30) and / or the virtual image appears at the maximum possible viewing angle. A vehicle display system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.   13. The vehicle display system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the vehicle display system (10) is provided so as to be protected against glare from sunlight.   The detection means (70) assigned to the vehicle display system (10) to adapt the vehicle display system (10) to different viewing positions of a user (60). A method for operating a vehicle display system (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 14.

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