Method And Apparatus For Generating Image Effects In The Interior Or Outside Of A Vehicle

Abstract

A method and an illumination arrangement for generating image effects in the interior of a motor vehicle or also outside the motor vehicle. To use existing installation space as efficiently as possible, light is radiated, in the form of at least a first optical reference wave field, onto a irradiation surface that is arranged laterally on an optical image storage device. In the optical image storage, which contains a holographic layer or a diffractive optical layer, the optical reference wave field is transformed into at least a first image wave field and is emitted on an emission side, at a first angular offset with respect to the irradiation surface.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A method of generating image effects in an interior of a vehicle and/or outside the vehicle, the method comprising: generating a first optical reference wave field; directing the first optical reference wave field towards an optical image storage device, and radiating the first optical reference wave field into at least one irradiation surface of the optical image storage device; transforming the first optical reference wave field into a first image wave field via at least one holographic layer or diffractive optical layer of the optical image storage device; emitting the first image wave field from the holographic layer or diffractive optical layer at an emission side; wherein the first irradiation surface that is irradiated by the first optical reference wave field and the emission side that emits the first image wave field are angularly offset from one another by a first angular offset.

17. The method according to claim 16, which comprises: generating the first optical reference wave field and a second optical reference wave field; irradiating the first optical reference wave field into the first irradiation surface and irradiating the second optical reference wave field into a second irradiation surface in the optical image storage device; and transforming the first and second optical reference wave fields simultaneously, or time-shifted, into the first image wave field or into different image wave fields; and emitting the first image wave field or different image wave fields at the emission side forming a shared emission side.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the first irradiation surface and the emission side are offset by a first angular offset, and the method further comprising: generating a second optical reference wave field and irradiating the second optical reference wave filed onto a second irradiation surface, and wherein the second irradiation surface and the emission side, which forms a shared outcoupling side, are angularly offset by a second angular offset.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the first irradiation surface and the emission side are offset by a first angular offset, and the method further comprising: generating a second optical reference wave field and irradiating the second optical reference wave filed onto a second irradiation surface, and wherein the second irradiation surface and the emission side, which forms a shared outcoupling side, are oriented parallel to one another.

20. The method according to claim 19, which comprising influencing a beam path of at least one of the first reference wave field and/or of the second reference wave field by way of at least one device selected from the group consisting of a reflector, a collimating optics unit, and a light guide.

21. The method according to claim 16, wherein the optical image storage device comprises at least a first substrate layer having the first irradiation surface and a second irradiation surface.

22. An illumination arrangement for a vehicle, the illumination arrangement comprising: a first light source for generating a first optical reference wave field; an optical image storage device having a first irradiation surface, at least one holographic layer or diffractive optical layer, and an emission side; said first irradiation surface and said emission side of said optical image storage device being angularly offset from each other by a first angular offset; and a device for directing the first optical reference wave field toward said optical image storage device.

23. The illumination arrangement according to claim 22, further comprising at least a second light source for generating a second optical reference wave field, or said first light source is configured for generating the second optical reference wave field; and said optical image storage device additionally having a second irradiation surface and being configured to transform the first and second optical reference wave fields into the first image wave field or into different image wave fields.

24. The illumination arrangement according to claim 22, wherein: said first angular offset is formed between said first irradiation surface and said emission side; said optical image storage device has a second irradiation surface; a second angular offset is formed between said second irradiation surface and said emission side; and said emission side serves as a shared emission side.

25. The illumination arrangement according to claim 22, wherein: said first angular offset is formed between said first irradiation surface and said emission side; said optical image storage device has a second irradiation surface oriented parallel to said emission side; and said emission side serves as a shared emission side.

26. The illumination arrangement according to claim 25, further comprising a reflector for deflecting the second reference wave field and/or a collimating optics unit for rectifying the second reference wave field.

27. The illumination arrangement according to claim 22, further comprising a light guide for directing the first reference wave field toward said first irradiation surface.

28. The illumination arrangement according to claim 22, wherein said optical image storage device comprises at least a first substrate layer having said first irradiation surface and said second irradiation surface.

29. The illumination arrangement according to claim 22, wherein said optical image storage device comprises at least a first substrate layer formed with said first irradiation surface and a second irradiation surface and a second substrate layer, and wherein said holographic layer or said diffractive optical layer is arranged between said first and second substrate layers.

30. A motor vehicle, comprising at least one illumination arrangement for a vehicle according to claim 22.

Description

[0055] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the associated drawings. The drawings show the following:

[0056] FIGS. 1-3: Schematic depictions of various preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention;

[0057] FIG. 4: A schematic depiction of various preferred embodiments of the illumination arrangement according to the invention;

[0058] FIG. 5: An exemplary depiction of an image effect created by means of the illumination arrangement from FIG. 4, according to a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention;

[0059] FIG. 6: A schematic depiction of a motor vehicle according to the invention with an illumination arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

[0060] FIGS. 7-12: Various preferred examples of applications of the illumination arrangement according to the invention in a motor vehicle according to the invention in order to carry out a method according to the invention.

[0061] Identical reference signs in the drawings denote identical technical characteristics. In addition, any statement about a reference sign in the following description applies to all drawings in which that reference sign is used, at least as a supplement, unless otherwise stated for individual drawings.

[0062] FIG. 1a shows a first preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention for generating image effects 10 in an interior 12 (not otherwise shown) of a vehicle 14 (not shown). Because the image effects 10 may also be generated outside the vehicle 14, an environmental system 16 surrounding the vehicle 14 (not shown) is also merely implied (compare FIG. 1b).

[0063] FIG. 1a shows an optical image storage device 18. The optical image storage device 18 may comprise a holographic layer 20 or a diffractive optical element 22. In the present example, purely by way of example, a holographic layer 20 is assumed. The holographic layer 20 in this case takes the form of a foil 24. The foil 24 is applied on a first substrate layer 26. A first irradiation surface 28 is furnished to the side of the first substrate layer 26.

[0064] In a first step, a first optical reference wave field 32 is generated using a light source 30 not shown here (compare, for example, FIG. 2); in a second step, it is directed toward the optical image storage device 18. In a third step, the first optical reference wave field 32 is radiated onto the first irradiation surface 28. The first optical reference wave field 28 thus passes through the first irradiation surface 28 and then propagates inside the first substrate layer 26. Propagation takes place as a result of the first reference wave field 32 being reflected at inner boundary surfaces 34 of the first substrate layer 26. An inner boundary surface 36 that is oriented toward the foil 24 has partially light-transmissive properties and thus always allows a part of the optical reference wave field 32 to pass through it. The optical reference wave field 32 thus reaches the foil 24 or holographic layer 20.

[0065] In a fourth step, the first optical reference wave field 32 is transformed into a first image wave field 38 in the holographic layer 20.

[0066] In a fifth step, the first image wave field 38 is then outcoupled from the holographic layer 20 or the foil 24 on an emission side 40. The first image wave field 38 is then perceptible as an image effect 42.

[0067] It is apparent from FIG. 1a that there is a first angular offset 44 between the first irradiation surface 28 and the emission side 40. This is illustrated in the drawing by dotted extensions of the first irradiation surface 28 and the emission side 40.

[0068] The light source 30, not shown, may for example be arranged in front of the first irradiation surface 28, and the first image wave field 38 may be outcoupled substantially orthogonally (corresponding to the first angular offset 44) from the optical image storage device 18 without the need for additional technical means for deflecting the first optical reference wave field 32 outside the optical image storage device 18. Consequently, the available installation space may be used particularly efficiently.

[0069] FIG. 1b shows another embodiment of the method according to the invention. A second optical reference wave field 46 is additionally generated in this case. The first substrate layer 26 has a second irradiation surface 48 that is arranged opposite the first irradiation surface 28. The first optical reference wave field 32 and the second optical reference wave field 46 are then radiated, simultaneously or time-shifted, into the optical image storage device 18 respectively via the first irradiation surface 28 and the second irradiation surface 48. Correspondingly, the first optical reference wave field 32 is transformed into the first image wave field 38 and the second optical reference wave field 46 is transformed into the second image wave field 50 either simultaneously or time-shifted. The image effects 10 are thus realized via different image wave fields 52.

[0070] The transformations of different image wave fields 52 in this case purely by way of example, take place as a result of using different wavelengths for the first optical reference wave field 32 and second optical reference wave field 46, in conjunction with a holographic layer 20 designed to transform different wavelengths into different image wave fields 52. Thus, for example, the effects described in greater detail in FIG. 3 may also be achieved. Analogously to what is shown in FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b shows a second angular offset 54 between the emission side 40, which serves as a shared emission side, and the second irradiation surface 48.

[0071] FIG. 1c shows another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, based on the embodiment from FIG. 1a. FIG. 1c shows an additional second substrate layer 56. The holographic layer 20 shown in this drawing is arranged between the first substrate layer 26 and the second substrate layer 56. These layers thus function as the base layer 58 and top layer 60.

[0072] FIG. 2a shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the second optical reference wave field 46 is radiated onto the second irradiation surface 48 and the second irradiation surface 48 is oriented parallel to the emission side 40, which serves as a shared emission side. As in FIG. 1b, different image effects 10 are also created. Purely by way of example, the same wavelength is used here for the first optical reference wave field 32 and the second optical reference wave field 46. The optical image storage device 18 transforms these into different image wave fields 52 by using the different directions from which the radiation into the respective first and second irradiation surfaces 28, 48 takes place.

[0073] FIG. 2b, on the other hand, shows an embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the first and second optical reference wave fields 32, 46 and additionally a third optical reference wave field 62 are generated. This embodiment is essentially a combination of the embodiments depicted in FIG. 2a and those depicted in FIG. 1a. The image effects 10 are realized here in the form of three different image wave fields 52. Of course, these may also be generated simultaneously or time-shifted. Expediently, the same wavelength may be used for the first and second optical reference wave fields 32, 46. A different wavelength is suitable for the third optical reference wave field 62.

[0074] The effects described in greater detail in FIG. 3, for example, may also be achieved with the embodiments shown in FIG. 2.

[0075] The technical means 64 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b are optional and are illustrated purely for example purposes. In addition to the fasteners not otherwise shown, these means comprise, in FIG. 2a, a purely exemplary reflector 66, and in FIG. 2b also a purely exemplary collimating optics unit 68.

[0076] Based on the foregoing description, FIG. 3 shows two other preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention. FIG. 3a shows the possibility of switching back and forth between different image effects 10. FIG. 3b shows the possibility of integrating different image effects 10 into each other and/or to switch back and forth between them.

[0077] The right-hand portion of FIG. 3a shows an example of how the first optical reference wave field 32 generates the first image wave field 38. This is perceptible as an image effect in the form of a substantially vertically arranged rectangle. In contrast, the left-hand portion of FIG. 3a shows how the second optical reference wave field 46 generates the second image wave field 50. This field may be perceived as an image effect in the form of a substantially horizontally arranged rectangle. Both image effects 10 are generated with the same optical image storage device 18. For this purpose, the optical image storage device 18 may, for example, have structures for transforming the optical reference wave fields 32, 46 into the respective image wave field 38, 50, which function selectively depending on the respective radiation direction. By switching the optical reference wave fields 32, 46 on and off at a time offset, it possible to switch back and forth between the image effects 10.

[0078] FIG. 3b shows another possibility of switching back and forth between image effects 10; two image effects 10 are realized in the right-hand portion of FIG. 3b using the first and second image wave fields 38, 50. In contrast to FIG. 3a, in FIG. 3b image effects 10 are built into each other. In this case, for example, different wavelengths may be used for the first and second optical reference fields 38, 46 in order to distinguish the colors of the image effects 10, for example, from each other.

[0079] FIG. 4 shows two different embodiments of an illumination arrangement 70 according to the invention.

[0080] FIG. 4a shows a rear lamp 72 of a vehicle 14 not otherwise shown. Inside the rear lamp 72, a first light source 30 is arranged that is designed to generate the first optical reference wave field 32. The first light source 30 is arranged on the side of the only indicated optical image storage device 18 in front of the first irradiation surface 28. This results in a first angular offset 44 between the first irradiation surface 28 and the emission side 40. This angular offset is 90. The illumination arrangement 70 also comprises a second light source 74. This light source is designed to generate the second optical reference wave field 46. The second irradiation surface 48 for the second optical reference wave field 46 is arranged parallel to the emission side 40, which serves as a shared emission side.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4b, the optical image storage device 18 is arranged directly behind a lens 76 of the rear lamp 72. The lateral radiation of the first optical reference wave field 32 may be realized here, starting from the first light source 30, via a light guide 78.

[0082] FIG. 5 shows an example of an image effect 80, which is generated with the illumination arrangement 70 from FIG. 4b. Here it is apparent how in the area of the actually clear lens 76, a pattern of luminous stripes running horizontally 82 is generated while the first optical reference wave field 32 is generated and transformed into the first image wave field 38. In this example, the optical image storage device 18 comprises, purely by way of example, a diffractive optical layer. Likewise, purely by way of example, a light-emitting diode with a coherence length of 10 m is also used as the first light source 30.

[0083] FIG. 6 shows a vehicle 14 that is a motor vehicle 84 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 84 comprises at least one illumination arrangement 70 according to the invention, which is shown in different installation positions, purely as an example. For example, the illumination arrangement 70 may be integrated into the rear lamp 72 of the motor vehicle 84. However, it may also be integrated into a brake light 86 of the motor vehicle 84. In addition, the illumination arrangement 70 may be integrated into the window area 88 of the motor vehicle 84. If, for example, a volume hologram is used as optical image storage device 18, this hologram may be manufactured directly embedded in a window pane. The illumination arrangement 70 may also be arranged in the area of an automotive body part, such as a sill 90 of the motor vehicle 84. In his case, for example, the use of a diffractive optical layer 22 is recommended.

[0084] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary application, in which a volume hologram is used to generate additional symbols 92 or illuminators 94 in a windshield 96 of the motor vehicle 84. For example, the windshield 96 may be used as an inexpensive head-up display. FIG. 8 shows the generation of symbols 92 with a volume hologram in a rear window 98 of the motor vehicle 84. Purely by way of example, the drawing depicts an electrically driven motor vehicle 84. The symbols 92 show the charging status of a battery of the motor vehicle 84.

[0085] FIG. 9 shows the motor vehicle 84 from FIG. 8, with an additional third brake light 100 generated in the rear window 98.

[0086] FIG. 10 shows the motor vehicle 84 from FIGS. 8 and 9, with the rear window 98 being used in this case to display entire lighting function groups, such as a combination of taillight 102 and brake light 104. Using structures for transforming reference wave fields into image wave fields as a function of radiation directions and/or wavelengths, it is also possible to switch back and forth, for example, between the effects obtained in FIGS. 8 to 10. The rear window 98 thus acquires the function of a kind of flexible display.

[0087] FIG. 11 shows a top view of another motor vehicle 84 according to the invention. The windshield 96 and rear window 98 of the motor vehicle 84 are used here to indicate an extended hazard light 106.

[0088] Finally, FIG. 12 shows a use case in which symbols 92 are projected onto a road surface 108, which is merely suggested in the drawing, using the optical image storage device 18, which in this case comprises a diffractive optical layer 22. The symbols 92 may, for example, represent a carpet of light 110. The carpet of light 110 may also be displayed as an animation by quickly switching between image effects. The same applies to the symbols 92, which are again depicted by way of example, in the form of spacing lines 112 to warn of following vehicles.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0089] 10 Image effects [0090] 12 Interior [0091] 14 Vehicle [0092] 16 Environmental system [0093] 18 Optical image storage device [0094] 20 Holographic layer [0095] 22 Diffractive optical layer [0096] 24 Foil [0097] 26 First substrate layer [0098] 28 First irradiation surface [0099] 30 First light source [0100] 32 First optical reference wave field [0101] 34 Inner boundary surfaces [0102] 36 Inner boundary surface [0103] 38 First image wave field [0104] 40 Emission side [0105] 42 Image effect [0106] 44 First angular offset [0107] 46 Second optical reference wave field [0108] 48 Second irradiation surface [0109] 50 Second image wave field [0110] 52 Different image wave fields [0111] 54 Second angular offset [0112] 56 Second substrate layer [0113] 58 Base layer [0114] 60 Top layer [0115] 62 Third optical reference wave field [0116] 64 Technical means [0117] 66 Reflector [0118] 68 Collimating optics unit [0119] 70 Illumination arrangement [0120] 72 Rear lamp [0121] 74 Second light source [0122] 76 Lens [0123] 78 Light guide [0124] 80 Image effect [0125] 82 Stripe pattern [0126] 84 Motor vehicle [0127] 86 Brake light [0128] 88 Window area [0129] 90 Sill [0130] 92 Symbols [0131] 94 Illuminators [0132] 96 Windshield [0133] 98 Rear window [0134] 100 Third brake light [0135] 102 Taillight [0136] 104 Brake light [0137] 106 Extended hazard light [0138] 108 Road surface [0139] 110 Carpet of light [0140] 112 Spacing lines