EP2671138A1

EP2671138A1 - Interactive display unit

Info

Publication number: EP2671138A1
Application number: EP11810853.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Yanning Zhao; Andreas Eppinger; Daniel Jendritza
Original assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
Current assignee: Johnson Controls GmbH
Priority date: 2011-02-01
Filing date: 2011-12-29
Publication date: 2013-12-11
Also published as: DE102011078127A1; JP2014511518A; US9182822B2; WO2012103996A1; JP5696232B2; DE102011078127B4; CN103348308B; US20140307179A1; CN103348308A; KR20130121967A; KR101518761B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an interactive display unit (1) for presenting information and for interacting with a user, in particular in a vehicle interior (2). According to the invention, at least one imaging cell (3) comprises a photorefractive polymer material layer (3.3) between two transparent substrate carriers (3.1, 3.2) in a sealing arrangement, each said substrate carrier being provided with a transparent electrode layer that faces the photorefractive polymer material layer (3.3). A writing light source (5) with a propagation oriented in the direction of the photorefractive polymer material layer (3.3) is arranged on one of the substrate carriers (3.1) in a parallel manner with respect to said substrate carrier, a haptic sensor/actuator unit (6) is arranged on the other substrate carrier (3.2), and at least one reading light source (4) with a propagation oriented in the direction of the photorefractive polymer material layer (3.3) is arranged in a lateral manner.

Description

Interactive display unit

description

The invention relates to an interactive display unit for displaying information and / or for interacting with a user, in particular in a vehicle interior.

The human visual perception physiology enables him to view his surroundings in three dimensions. The three-dimensional representation of information is also used, for example, in display units. For example, the currently known three-dimensional (= 3D) technique is based on stereoscopic techniques used on television and / or in movie theaters. In addition, digital image fusion as well as two-dimensional semitransparent screens are known. However, the three-dimensional representation of information in the vehicle area, such as information on a

Instrument panel, barely used.

Another important part of human physiology of perception is haptic perception. By touching, we convey functional signals as effectively as emotions. Although visual perception is usually more diverse than haptic perception, there is an astonishingly wide range of haptic perceptions that are of fundamental importance, especially for physical user interfaces.

Especially with touch-sensitive display units, so-called touch displays, the integration of the haptic perception allows a direct interaction between man and machine, which significantly improves the user-friendliness of these display units.

Currently, a variety of mobile devices with touch-sensitive

Display units on the market that usually support visual and visual, but no haptic feedback for the user.

Are known technical switching elements such. As a micro switch, which is based on a snapping system for changing the line path and thus used as a standard component in many electrical appliances. Furthermore, so-called snap discs made of silicone rubber or metal domes are known, which have a noticeable pressure point, the resulting cracking effect is perceived mainly tactile.

In addition, piezoactuators are known which with the help of

piezoelectric effect transform a voltage into a logical signal.

The development of user interfaces in the vehicle sector places high demands, in particular on user interfaces, which should enable a compact size and at the same time a versatile use.

One way to meet this challenge, for example, is to

To develop user interfaces with touch-sensitive display units, which allow a variable configuration of the keys.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a comparison with the prior art improved display unit, by means of a

Three-dimensional presentation of information and a direct interaction between user and machine is possible. The object is achieved by an interactive display unit with the features of claim 1.

Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

An interactive display unit for displaying information and / or for interacting with a user, in particular in one

Vehicle interior, has at least one imaging cell, which is a photorefractive polymer material layer between two transparent

Substrate carriers, each one the photorefractive material

facing on one of the transparent substrate support parallel to this at least one writing light source with a direction aligned to the photorefractive polymer material layer propagation and on the other substrate support a haptic sensor-actuator unit and the photorefractive polymer material layer laterally with one towards the

Polymer material layer oriented projection at least one

Reading light source are arranged.

The transparent substrate carrier associated with the writing light source is in the viewing direction of the display unit below the photorefractive polymer material layer and the other, opposite and the haptic sensor actuator unit associated transparent substrate carrier is in the viewing direction of the display unit above the photorefractive

Polymer material layer arranged.

The interactive display unit according to the invention enables the polymer material layer by virtue of the photorefractive polymer material

Controlling the transparent electrode layers of the substrate carrier and exposing the photorefractive polymer material layer to light Writing light source and light of a reference light source a photorefractive effect, ie a light-induced refractive index change, by means of which a three-dimensional storage and display of information is possible without a viewer of this display unit special optical aids, such as a color filter glasses needed. By additional control of the haptic sensor-actuator unit in combination with the SD representation by means of the imaging cell is an integrated interactive

Display unit allows.

The photorefractive polymer material is preferably formed from an organic polymer or liquid polymer material cells. The polymer consists, for example, of hole-transporting polymer poly (eg PVK CAAN or PATPDCAAN co-polymer) doped with a non-linear optical (NLO) chromophore (eg PDCST, FDCST, AODCST, TDDCST or 7-DCST), wherein a plastication agent (eg BBP or ECZ) is commonly used as a sensitizer.

By means of the haptic sensor-actuator unit, haptic signals can be detected both by a user (unit operates as an actuator) and generated by it (unit operates as a sensor). For example, a user generates a haptic signal as soon as his finger presses a virtual key on a touchpad of the interactive display unit, which is detectable by means of the sensor-actuator unit. The sensor-actuator unit is also capable of a haptic signal, eg. B. upon application of an electrical voltage shape changes and / or vibrations to generate, which is detectable by the user and, for example, serves as confirmation that the keystroke has been detected by the display unit. Thus, in a particularly advantageous manner, a user interface, in particular a man-machine interface is possible, which is adapted to the needs of a user and thereby significantly improves the user-friendliness of the interactive display unit. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to operate the interactive display unit with a pen or another object, so that although only an indirect interaction between the user and the display unit is possible, this is considerably improved compared to conventional display units in vehicles without haptic feedback.

The haptic sensor-actuator unit is arranged on an outer side of the associated transparent substrate carrier. The outside of this

Substrate carrier is here facing away from the photorefractive polymer material surface and thus facing a user of the interactive display unit, so that a direct interaction between the user and the interactive display unit is possible.

The haptic sensor-actuator unit is formed as a layer arrangement of alternately arranged actuator layers and electrode layers. The actuator layer controllable by means of the electrode layers constitutes a virtual input and / or output field of the interactive display unit with its own electronic switching structure for the haptic detection of a

Actuation of the display unit by a user and for haptic feedback. The act on both sides of an actuator layer

arranged electrode layers as the anode and cathode, wherein by applying an electrical voltage, the actuator layer of a smooth state before applying the electrical voltage in a structured

Condition with elevations and / or depressions according to Annexes of the

electrical voltage is transferred. In this case, the structuring of the actuator layer can be changed and / or repeated by further electrical circuits.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuator layers and the electrode layers are each made of an optically transparent material educated. For this purpose, the electrode layers are analogous to the

Electrode layers of the substrate carrier preferably made of indium-tin oxide (called ITO for short), which is a semiconducting, largely optically transparent material and is characterized by a good, electrical

Conductivity and flexible properties. Alternatively, the electrode may be formed of zinc oxide or other thin metal layer.

The material of the at least one actuator layer is preferably made of a

A polymer having a change in size and shape when excited by an electric field, especially one

electroactive polymer, a metal-polymer composite, an ionic gel or a dielectric elastomer (e.g., silicone and / or

Acrylic elastomer, and / or polyurethanes) or formed from Polyvilidendifluorid, which are particularly suitable as actor materials. These materials are characterized by high elongations, low densities and free formability.

A possible embodiment provides that the haptic sensor actuator unit is divided into fields. With that, virtual are diverse

Keypads a touch and / or sensor unit of the interactive display unit definable. Preferably, the virtual keypads by appropriate pixel or field control by means of the

Electrode layers freely configurable. Thus, by the strength of the applied electric field, the dimensioning, shape and

Structuring of the electrodes and / or the thickness of the actuator layer of electroactive polymer, the expression of the patterning and / or shape change produced are influenced.

For protection against external influences on the outside sensor-actuator unit, a protective coating is applied to an outer surface of the at least one actuator layer, which is preferably made of a polymer formed with nanoparticles, the scratch-resistant and anti-reflective

Features. Depending on the addition of protective particles, the protective layer can be designed to be suitable for self-cleaning.

For background or reading illumination of the interactive display unit, at least one reading light source (first light source) is arranged on the side of the imaging cell. Preferably, a plurality of reading light sources with different emission spectra for generating red, green and / or blue light are provided. Preferably, the reading light sources are designed as laser units and / or light-emitting diodes with predetermined emission spectra for differently colored light whose light is radiated in the direction of the imaging cell. Conveniently, the reading light source (s) generate or generate light at a frequency different from the frequency of the writing light source, whereby the information stored in the photorefractive polymer material layer is externally visible when irradiated by the reading light source to a user.

In addition, the interactive display unit includes a second light source as a writing light source, which is below the associated transparent substrate support, d. H. on a side facing away from the photorefractive polymer material layer side of the transparent substrate support is arranged. This second light source is preferred as a diode laser or as a

Solid-state laser formed. For storing and erasing information by means of the photorefractive polymer material by exciting them in addition to the writing light source, the reference light source and a

Löschlichtquelle with a likewise towards the photorefractive

Polymer material layer aligned propagation provided. The holographic information is generated and stored by interference of the light beam of the writing light source and the light beam of the reference light source. Between the writing light source and the associated transparent

Substrate carrier is a field of microlenses arranged, which in particular comprises a plurality of identical dimensions having microlenses, which are arranged in a grid in mutually perpendicular rows and columns next to each other or in a hexagonal grid. The microlenses mix the colored light of the laser to a desired color temperature and regulate a uniform distribution of light in the interactive display unit.

The microlens array is preceded by an optical diffuser and an optical modulator in the radiation direction of the writing light source. The optical modulator is arranged in the radiation direction of the writing light source between the writing light source and the optical diffuser and is

preferably formed from a plurality of micromirrors, which are arranged in a hexagonal grid. The screening of the micromirrors corresponds largely to the screening of the image to be generated. By means of the optical modulator is preferably a dynamic modulation of the laser beam of the writing light source possible. The optical diffuser is arranged in the radiation direction of the writing light source between the optical modulator and the microlens array and is expediently used for homogenizing the laser beam of the writing light source.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Showing:

Figure 1 schematically an exploded perspective view of an interactive display unit according to the invention and

Figure 2 schematically shows a perspective side view of a

Vehicle in semitransparent representation. Corresponding parts are the same in all figures

Provided with reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows an interactive display unit 1 in accordance with the invention

shown in perspective exploded view.

The interactive display unit 1 is as a touch-sensitive

Display unit 1 is formed and preferably provided in a vehicle interior 2 shown in more detail in Figure 2 as a functional interactive central unit for instrument panel 2.1, interior console 2.2, center console 2.3 and / or door panels 2.4.

In the present embodiment, the interactive display unit 1 comprises an imaging cell 3, a first light source 4 (hereinafter

Called reading light source 4) and a second light source 5 (hereinafter called writing light source 5) and a haptic sensor-actuator unit 6.

Alternatively, the display unit 1 may also comprise a plurality of imaging cells 3.

The imaging cell 3 comprises a photorefractive polymer material layer 3.3 made of a photorefractive polymer material which is between a first transparent substrate support 3.1 and a second transparent

Substrate carrier 3.2 is arranged.

The substrate carriers 3.1, 3.2 are plate-shaped in the present embodiment and consist for example of glass. At one of the photorefractive polymer material layer facing 3.3

Surface, the substrate carrier 3.1, 3.2 each have an electrode layer, which preferably consists of a semiconductive, optically transparent Material, such as indium tin oxide, are formed. This is a high voltage and thus an electric field to the photorefractive

Polymer material layer 3.3 applicable or applicable.

The photorefractive polymer material layer 3.3 is preferably formed of an organic polymer or liquid polymer material cells. The polymer consists, for example, of hole-transporting polymer poly (eg PVK CAAN or PATPDCAAN co-polymer) doped with a non-linear optical (NLO) chromophore (eg PDCST, FDCST, AODCST, TDDCST or 7-DCST), wherein a plastication agent (eg BBP or ECZ) is commonly used as a sensitizer.

By means of the photorefractive polymer material of the polymer material layer 3.3, a so-called photorefractive effect is possible, which generally causes a change in an optical refractive index of a material via electro-optical effects. That By illuminating the photorefractive polymer by means of the writing light source 5 and a reference light source, not shown, whose light beams interfere with each other, electric space charges in the photorefractive polymer material of

Polymer material layer 3.3 generates, which migrate to an active surface of the photorefractive polymer material of the polymer material layer 3.3 and there act locally on the electric field, whereby this is changed. The space charges thus cause a modulation of the

Refractive index of the photorefractive polymer material of

Polymer material layer 3.3, creating a hologram. Thus, information which is formed, for example, from a bit matrix can be stored as a hologram in the display unit 1.

The writing light source 5 is arranged underneath the first substrate carrier 3.1, ie, on a side of the first substrate carrier 3.1 facing away from the photorefractive polymer material, and preferably as a diode laser or solid state laser formed. Alternatively, a helium-neon laser can be used. The corresponding frequency of the laser, for example 532 nm, is dependent on the photorefractive polymer material used

Polymer material layer 3.3.

In the radiation direction of the writing light source 5, a non-illustrated optical modulator, also not shown in detail optical diffuser and a microlens array 8 is arranged at the output.

The optical modulator is arranged in the radiation direction of the writing light source 5 between this and the optical diffuser. Preferably, the optical modulator is formed from a plurality of micromirrors, which are arranged in a hexagonal grid. The screening of the

Micromirror corresponds largely to the screening of the

generating image. By means of the optical modulator, a dynamic modulation of the laser beam of the writing light source 5 is preferably possible.

The optical diffuser is arranged in the radiation direction of the writing light source 5 between the optical modulator and the microlens array 8 and expediently serves to homogenize the laser beam of the writing light source 5.

The microlens array 8 comprises a plurality of identical dimensions having microlenses 8.1, which are arranged in a grid in mutually perpendicular rows and columns next to each other or in a hexagonal grid and serve to the colored light of the writing light source 5 to a

mix desired color temperature and to regulate a uniform distribution of light in the interactive display unit 1.

Furthermore, for storing and erasing information by means of the photorefractive polymer material of the polymer material layer 3.3 by Excitation this in addition to the writing light source 5, the reference light source and an unillustrated Löschlichtquelle provided with a likewise oriented toward the photorefractive polymer material layer 3.3 spread. The frequencies of the reference light source and the

Erase light source generated light are equivalent or nearly equivalent to the frequency of the light generated by the writing light source 5. In particular, by means of interference of the light beams of

Writing light source 5 and the reference light source, the hologram can be generated and stored. For erasing the hologram, use of only the erasure light source emitting homogeneous light is sufficient.

To illustrate the in the photorefractive material of

Polymer material layer 3.3 stored hologram is the side of

Image cell 3, the reading light source 4 is arranged, which provided from a plurality of light sources with different emission spectra for generating red, green and / or blue light.

The light sources of the reading light source 4 are designed as laser units and / or light emitting diodes with predetermined emission spectra for differently colored, non-coherent light whose light is in the direction of

Imaging cell 3 is emitted.

In addition, the light generated by the reading light source 4 has a frequency which is different from the frequency of the light generated by the writing light source 5, so that in the photorefractive

Polymer material of the polymer material layer 3.3 stored information when irradiated by the reading light source 4 is visible to a user from the outside, without this additional optical aids, such. As a color glasses needed. To realize a direct interaction between a user and the interactive display unit 1, this comprises the haptic sensor-actuator unit 6, which is arranged on an outer side of the second substrate carrier 3.2. The outside of the second substrate carrier 3.2 is here the surface facing away from the photorefractive polymer material layer 3.3 and thus facing a user of the interactive display unit 1.

The haptic sensor-actuator unit 6 comprises an actuator layer 6.2, which is arranged between two electrode layers 6.1. Alternatively, the haptic sensor-actuator unit 6 comprises several alternately

arranged Aktorschichten 6.2 and electrode layers 6.1.

The actuator layer 6.2 controllable by means of the electrode layers 6.1 represents a virtual input and / or output field of the interactive display unit 1 with its own electronic switching structure for the haptic detection of an actuation of the interactive display unit 1 by a user and for haptic feedback.

In this case, they act on both sides of an actuator layer 6.2

Electrode layers 6.1 as the anode and cathode, wherein by applying an electrical voltage, the actuator layer 6.2 is transferred from a smooth state before applying the electrical voltage in a structured state with elevations and / or depressions for systems of electrical voltage. It can by further electrical circuits, the

Structuring the actuator layer 6.2 changed and / or repeated.

The actuator layer 6.2 and the electrode layers 6.1 are preferably each formed from an optically transparent material.

For this purpose, the electrode layers 6.1 are preferably formed from indium tin oxide. Alternatively, the electrode layers 6.1 of zinc oxide or be formed of another thin metal layer. The single ones

Electrodes 6.1 .1 of the electrode layers 6.1 are arranged in an array, which can be seen in particular in the enlarged detail view of the haptic sensor-actuator unit 6. For a uniform distribution of the electrodes 6.1 .1 over an entire surface of the electrode layer 6.1 is possible.

The material of the actuator layer 6.2 is preferably made of a polymer having a change in size and shape when excited by an electric field, particularly an electroactive polymer, a metal-polymer composite, an ionic gel or a dielectric elastomer (e.g. B. silicone and / or acrylic elastomer and / or polyurethanes) or formed from Polyvilidendifluorid, which are particularly suitable as actor materials. These materials are characterized by high elongations, low densities and free formability.

Preferably, the haptic sensor-actuator unit 6 is divided into fields. Thus, various virtual keypads of a touch and / or sensor unit of the interactive display unit 1 can be defined. Preferably, the virtual keypads are by respective pixel or field by field

Control by means of the electrode layers 6.1 of the haptic sensor-actuator unit 5 freely configurable. Thus, by the strength of the applied electric field, the dimensioning, shape and structuring of the individual electrodes 6.1 .1 and / or the thickness of the actuator layer 6.2 made of electroactive polymer, the expression of the structuring and / or shape change produced.

For protection against external influences on the outside sensor-actuator unit 6 is on an outer surface of the actuator layer 6.2 a

Protective layer 7 with, for example, a thickness of 30μιη to Ι ΟΟμιη, applied, which preferably consists of a polymer with nanoparticles is formed, which has scratch-resistant and anti-reflective properties. Depending on the addition of protective particles, the protective layer 7 can be designed to be suitable for self-cleaning.

The integration of the haptic perception and feedback into the interactive display unit 1 greatly improves the user-friendliness over conventional display units. In addition, completely new effect modes for user-machine interaction can be created without physical buttons.

Figure 2 shows application examples of the interactive display unit 1 according to the invention in a vehicle interior 2, which is shown semitransparent.

For example, the interactive display unit 1 may find use for displaying information in an instrument panel 2.1.

Furthermore, the interactive display unit 1 in an interior console, center console and door panels for displaying various

vehicle technical information and / or for the maintenance of

Vehicle occupants usable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 interactive display unit

2 vehicle interior

2.1 Instrument panel

2.2 Interior console

2.3 Center console

2.4 Door trim

3 imaging cell

3.1 first substrate carrier

3.2 second substrate carrier

3.3 photorefractive polymer material layer

4 reading light source

5 writing light source

6 haptic sensor-actuator unit

6.1 electrode layers

6.1 .1 Electrodes

6.2 Actuator layer

7 protective layer

8 microlens field

8.1 microlenses

Claims

claims

1 . Interactive display unit (1) for displaying information

and / or for interaction with a user, in particular in a vehicle interior (2),

characterized by at least one imaging cell (3) which comprises a photorefractive polymer material layer (3.3) between two

transparent substrate carriers (3.1, 3.2), each facing one of the photorefractive polymer material layer (3.3)

transparent electrode layer are provided, in sealing

Arrangement, wherein on one of the substrate carrier (3.1) parallel to this at least one writing light source (5) with a direction of the photorefractive polymer material layer (3.3) aligned propagation and on the other substrate carrier (3.2) a haptic sensor-actuator unit (6) and laterally with one in the direction of the photorefractive polymer material layer (3.3) aligned

Spread at least one reading light source (4) are arranged.

2. Interactive display unit (1) according to claim 1,

characterized in that the haptic sensor-actuator unit (6) on one of the writing light source (5) and the photorefractive polymer material layer (3.3) facing away from the outside

associated transparent substrate carrier (3.2) is arranged.

3. Interactive display unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that the haptic sensor-actuator unit (6) consists of a plurality of alternately arranged actuator layers (6.2) and electrode layers (6.1) is formed.

4. interactive display unit (1) according to claim 3,

characterized in that the actuator layers (6.2) and the Electrode layers (6.1) are each formed from an optically transparent material.

5. interactive display unit (1) according to claim 4,

characterized in that the optically transparent material of the actuator layer (6.2) is a conductive polymer, in particular a

electroactive, in particular ferroelectric or piezoelectric polymer, a metal-polymer composite, and / or a dielectric elastomer and / or Polyvilidendifluorid is.

6. interactive display unit (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5,

characterized in that the haptic sensor-actuator unit (6) is subdivided into fields which can be controlled individually and / or in groups by means of the electrode layers (6.1).

7. Interactive display unit (1) according to one of the preceding

Claims,

characterized in that an outer, of the photorefractive polymer material (3.3) facing away from the surface of the haptic sensor actuator unit (6) has a protective layer (7).

8. Interactive display unit (1) according to one of the preceding

Claims,

characterized in that the reading light source (4) has a plurality

Comprising light sources having different emission spectra, the reading light source (4) generating light at a frequency suitable for

Frequency of the writing light source (5) is different.

9. Interactive display unit (1) according to one of the preceding

Claims,

characterized in that between the writing light source (5) and the associated transparent substrate carrier (3.1)

Micro lens array (8) is arranged, which in particular comprises a plurality of identical dimensions having microlenses (8.1), which are arranged in a grid in mutually perpendicular rows and columns next to each other or in a hexagonal grid.

10. Interactive display unit (1) according to claim 9,

characterized in that the microlens array (8) in

Radiation direction of the writing light source (5) an optical diffuser and an optical modulator are connected upstream.