DISPLAY DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING A PIXEL-BASED GRAPHICAL CONTENT IN TWO DIRECTIONS AND MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING SUCH A DISPLAY DEVICE

Abstract

A display device includes a pixel matrix configured to emit light, a first display screen which faces in a first direction, a second display screen which faces in a second direction, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the pixel matrix to emit light which passes through the first display screen and passes into surroundings of the display device in the first direction so that graphical content is displayed on the first display screen, based on image data that define the graphical content. The controller is also configured to operate in a first display mode in which graphical content as defined by image data is only displayed on the first display screen and the second display screen is deactivated, and a second display mode in which identical graphical content is displayed on both the first display screen and the second display screen.

Claims

1.-10. (canceled)

11. A display device for displaying a pixel-based graphical content, comprising: a pixel matrix configured to emit light; a first display screen which faces in a first direction; a second display screen which faces in a second direction, different from the first direction; and a controller configured to: control the pixel matrix to emit light which passes through the first display screen and passes into surroundings of the display device in the first direction so that graphical content is displayed on the first display screen, based on image data that define the graphical content, and operate in a plurality of display modes including: a first display mode in which graphical content as defined by image data is only displayed on one of the first display screen and the second display screen and the other one of the first display screen and the second display screen is deactivated, and a second display mode in which identical graphical content is displayed on both the first display screen and the second display screen.

12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the pixel matrix is further configured to emit light so that graphical content is displayed on the second display screen.

13. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: a switchable layer, disposed between the pixel matrix and one of the first display screen and the second display screen, wherein the controller is configured to switch the switchable layer into a light-blocking mode to deactivate the one of the first display screen and the second display screen.

14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the switchable layer is based on at least one of a liquid crystal glass, an electrochromic element, and a suspended particle device.

15. The display device according to claim 13, further comprising a second switchable layer disposed between the pixel matrix and the other one of the first display screen and the second display screen, wherein the controller is configured to operate in a third display mode in which the second switchable layer is switched into the light-blocking mode to deactivate the other one of the first display screen and the second display screen.

16. The display device according to claim 11, further comprising: a second pixel matrix configured to emit light through the second display screen; and a light-tight material or a common light source disposed between the pixel matrix and the second pixel matrix.

17. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the controller is not configured with a display mode for displaying different graphical content based on different image data on the first and second display screens at a same time.

18. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the display device is configured as an electronic rear mirror for a motor vehicle, and the controller is configured to receive camera image data from a rear view camera of the motor vehicle as the image data at least in the first display mode.

19. A motor vehicle, comprising: a passenger cabin; and a display device configured to display pixel-based graphical content, the display device including: a pixel matrix configured to emit light, a first display screen which faces in a first direction, a second display screen which faces in a second direction, different from the first direction, and a controller configured to: control the pixel matrix to emit light which passes through the first display screen and passes into surroundings of the display device in the first direction so that graphical content is displayed on the first display screen, based on image data that define the graphical content, and operate in a plurality of display modes including: a first display mode in which graphical content as defined by image data is only displayed on one of the first display screen and the second display screen and the other one of the first display screen and the second display screen is deactivated, and a second display mode in which identical graphical content is displayed on both the first display screen and the second display screen.

20. The motor vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the first display screen faces towards the passenger cabin of the motor vehicle, and the second display screen faces towards a front window of the motor vehicle or is constituted by the front window of the motor vehicle.

21. The motor vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the pixel matrix is further configured to emit light so that graphical content is displayed on the second display screen.

22. The motor vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the display device further includes a switchable layer, disposed between the pixel matrix and one of the first display screen and the second display screen, and the controller is configured to switch the switchable layer into a light-blocking mode to deactivate the one of the first display screen and the second display screen.

23. The motor vehicle according to claim 22, wherein the switchable layer is based on at least one of a liquid crystal glass, an electrochromic element, and a suspended particle device.

24. The motor vehicle according to claim 22, wherein the display device further includes a second switchable layer disposed between the pixel matrix and the other one of the first display screen and the second display screen, and the controller is configured to operate in a third display mode in which the second switchable layer is switched into the light-blocking mode to deactivate the other one of the first display screen and the second display screen.

25. The motor vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the display device further includes: a second pixel matrix configured to emit light through the second display screen, and a light-tight material or a common light source disposed between the pixel matrix and the second pixel matrix.

26. The motor vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the controller is not configured with a display mode for displaying different graphical content based on different image data on the first and second display screens at a same time.

27. The motor vehicle according to claim 19, further comprising: a rear view camera directed toward a rear of the motor vehicle and configured to transmit camera image data of an image captured by the rear view camera to the controller; and an electronic rear mirror to display the camera image data, wherein the electronic rear mirror constitutes the display device, and the first display screen faces toward the passenger cabin.

28. The motor vehicle according to claim 27, wherein: in the first display mode, graphical content as defined by the camera image data is only displayed on the first display screen and the second display screen is deactivated, and in the second display mode, graphical content as defined by the camera image data is displayed on the first display screen and is viewable from the passenger cabin and the graphical content as defined by the camera image data is displayed on the second display screen and is viewable from outside of the motor vehicle through a front window of the motor vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In the following, aspects and advantages will become more apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of various examples, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the motor vehicle described herein, according to examples of the disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a cross section of a display device of the motor vehicle described herein, according to examples of the disclosure; and

[0030] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a cross section of a different embodiment of the display device described herein, according to examples of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The embodiments explained herein are example embodiments. However, in the embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of which are to be considered independently of each other and which each develop the disclosure also independently of each other and thereby are also to be regarded as a component in an individual manner or in another manner than the shown combination. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features already described.

[0032] In the drawings identical reference signs indicate elements that provide the same function.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a motor vehicle 10, which may be a passenger vehicle or a truck, for example. The view illustrated in FIG. 1 may be the view as seen from a driver's seat. What is shown is a dashboard 11, a front window 12, an A-column 13 supporting a roof of the vehicle, an infotainment system 14, and a display device 15 which may be designed as an electronic rear view mirror 16. Through the front window 12, an engine bonnet or engine hood may be seen.

[0034] The display device 15 may include a control unit 17 and a first display screen 18. The control unit 17 may present or display image data 19 on the display screen 18. Display screen 18 may be facing towards a passenger cabin 20. Thus, a driver on a driver's seat may see the display screen 18 and may view pixel-based graphical content 21 as is defined by the image data 19. In the case that display device 15 is an electronic rear mirror 16, the image data 19 may be camera image data 22 which may be generated by or which may be received out of a rear view camera 23. The rear view camera 23 may be orientated towards a rear direction 24 with regard to vehicle 10. For example, an optical axis 25 of camera 23 may face towards a rearward half-space of vehicle 10.

[0035] In the vehicle 10, the display device 15 may also include a second display screen 26 which may face towards a front 27 of vehicle 10 such that if the graphical content 21 is displayed on the second display screen 26 the graphical content 21 may be seen from outside vehicle 10 through the front window 12.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates how display device 15 with its two display screens 18, 26 may be designed.

[0037] The cross section shown in FIG. 2 illustrates how between the two display screens 18, 26 a common pixel matrix 28 may be arranged. Each display screen 18, 26 may have a normal vector 29, 30. The respective normal vector 29, 30 also represents a main direction in which the respective display screen 18, 26 displays the graphical content 21 when activated. Normal vector 29 of the first display screen 18 may face towards or into the passenger cabin 20. Normal vector 30 of the second display screen 26 may face towards the front 27 of the vehicle 10 or through the front window 12. An angle 31 between the two normal vectors 29, 30 may be at least 90 degrees. FIG. 2 shows an angle 31 of 180 degrees. Accordingly, the two display screens 18, 26 may face in two opposite directions as defined by their respective normal vector 29, 30.

[0038] The pixel matrix 28 may be a light-emitting pixel matrix which may be based on OLED-technology. Light 32 emitted by pixel matrix 28 may pass through the display screens 18, 26 such that the graphical content 21 may be seen on both screens 18, 26. Single pixel elements of pixel matrix 28 may be controlled by control unit 17 in a way as is known. For each pixel element, a color and/or brightness may be set by control unit 17 in dependence on or as a function of the image data 19.

[0039] Control unit 17 may include at least two display modes 33, 34. In the first display mode 33, the graphical content 21 may only be displayed towards one direction, i.e. only by one display screen, for example the first display screen 18. The other display screen, for example the second display screen 26, is deactivated in the first display mode 33. To this end, a switchable layer 35 may be arranged between pixel matrix 28 and the display screen that is to be deactivated, for example the second display screen 26. In the first display mode 33, the switchable layer 35 may be switched into a light-blocking mode by the control unit 17. Light 32 emitted by the pixel matrix 28 into the direction of the second display screen 26 may then be blocked by the switchable layer 35.

[0040] In the second display mode 34, the graphical content 21 may be displayed on both display screens 18, 26. Control unit 17 may switch switchable layer 35 into a transparent mode or light-passing mode for the second display mode 34.

[0041] In order to provide a third display mode 36, a second switchable layer 37 may be provided between the pixel matrix 28 and the other display screen, for example the first display screen 18. In the third display mode 36, graphical content 21 displayed on the second display screen 26 may therefore be blocked or may not be displayed on the first display screen 18, i.e. the display screen 18 may be deactivated in the third display mode 36. Alternatively, display mode 36 may include that both display screens 18, 26 are deactivated.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the display device 15. In this embodiment, in addition to the pixel matrix 28, a second display matrix 38 may be provided such that for each display screen 18, 26 a separate or dedicated pixel matrix 28, 38 is provided. Between the two pixel matrixes 28, 38, a light-blocking or light-tight material 39 or a common light source 40 may be arranged. If a light-tight material 39 is provided, both pixel matrixes 28, 29 may be operated independently either as OLED or as LCD with separate own light sources. As a light-light material, a polymer or a metal may be provided. If pixel matrixes 28, 38 are based on LCD-technology, the common light source 40 may be used for both pixel matrixes 28, 38 for providing white light as is needed for operating LCDs.

[0043] FIG. 3 also shows possible positions for the switchable layer 35 and/or the switchable layer 37, if either one or both shall be provided.

[0044] The embodiment shown is based on the concept of a rear mirror based on an electronic display (electronic rear mirror). The display screen 18 in connection with a camera facing rearwards of vehicle 10 may be a replacement for a rear mirror that is based on reflecting light.

[0045] The image content or graphical content displayed on the display screen 18 of an electronic rear mirror 16 may only be seen from inside the car, i.e. from the passenger cabin 20.

[0046] In the case of display device 15, the rear mirror 16 of vehicle 10 includes display screens 18 and 26 such that the image content 21 may be displayed in the passenger cabin 20 and towards the front 27 of vehicle 10.

[0047] In a first display mode, the display device 15 may present the image content 21 only in passenger cabin 20 as is known from a common electronic rear mirror. In the second display mode, the image content can also be seen from outside the vehicle 10. It can be seen through the front window 12.

[0048] That is, the display device can be switched between at least two display modes, wherein, in the first display mode, the graphical content 21 can only be seen from inside vehicle 10 (or through other windows from outside), wherein, in the second display mode, the graphical content 21 may be seen from two opposite directions from inside and from outside vehicle 10.

[0049] In the first display mode, when the graphical content is only displayed on the display screen 18 facing towards the passenger cabin 20, the camera image data 22 may be displayed. Additional information may also be displayed, e.g. current time, driving direction, warning when a parking maneuver is performed. The first display mode is especially useful when a driver is driving vehicle 10 (in contrast to an autopilot).

[0050] In the second display mode, when the graphical content 21 is displayed on both display screens 18, 20 and may thus be seen through the front window 12, information can be displayed regarding a person outside vehicle 10. In the case that vehicle 10 is standing still or is parking, what can be displayed includes for example: the current state of charge of a battery of vehicle 10, the state of the central locking system, a greeting message for an approaching person, e.g. a driver which is recognized by the radio signal of a wireless key, information for car sharing or for car renting or for a taxi/Uber (R), and the like.

[0051] When the vehicle is driven by an autopilot (autonomous driving and/or stopping), the following can be displayed, for example: a detection signal for a pedestrian, e.g. at a crosswalk, a sign for another vehicle or in general another road user or traffic participant, a current state of a driver assistant system (e.g., activity of autopilot or manual driving mode).

[0052] The display device may also be designed in such a way that only parts of the display screen 18 and/or display screen 26 may be switched between the display modes. In other words, only a part of the pixel matrix may be visible through the second display screen 26.

[0053] It is also possible to provide a third display mode which includes that the graphical content 21 is only visible on the second display screen 26.

[0054] As an electronic rear mirror 16 is arranged in a central position inside the car, it can thus be used advantageously for communicating or displaying graphical content both inside passenger cabin 20 and to the outside of the vehicle 10.

[0055] The pixel matrix may be based on OLED-technology or in general on the basis of a transparent display. The switchable layer may be a sheet or foil, e.g. based on liquid crystal glass or SPD or an electrochromic material. In the light-blocking mode, the switchable layer is non-transparent or opaque. In the transparent mode, light may pass through the switchable layer.

[0056] The control unit may control therefore the direction in which the graphical content is visible and the graphical content may be changed or set on the basis of image data.

[0057] In another embodiment, two pixel matrixes may be provided, one for each display screen.

[0058] Overall, the example shows how a double-sided virtual rear mirror is provided by the display device described herein.

[0059] A description has been provided with reference to various examples, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the claims which may include the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” as an alternative expression that means one or more of A, B, and C may be used, contrary to the holding in Superguide v. DIRECTV, 358 F3d 870, 69 USPQ2d 1865 (Fed. Cir. 2004). As an example, the scope of the expression “at least one of A, B, and C” is intended to include: (1) at least one of A, (2) at least one of B, (3) at least one of C, (4) at least one of A and at least one of B, (5) at least one of A and at least one of C, (6) at least one of B and at least one of C, and (7) at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.