Method and apparatus for indicating direction using a screen, and vehicle equipped therewith

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for indicating direction using a screen, wherein a pattern of relatively dark and relatively bright sections is moved over a screen, in a direction in which an observer is to be directed. The invention further relates to an apparatus for indicating information on a screen, comprising at least one screen and image information-generating means, wherein the image information-generating means comprise at least one algorithm for displaying, on said screen, at least one first image in the form of a moving pattern of first and second sections, wherein the first sections are relatively bright compared to the second sections, wherein the screen has longitudinal edges and said image information-generating means are preferably arranged for at least temporarily moving said pattern in the direction of at least one of the longitudinal edges.

1 . A method for indicating direction using a screen, wherein a pattern of relatively dark and relatively bright sections is moved over a screen, in a direction in which an observer is to be directed such that a dynamic first image is generated which provides an impression that said first image at least one of rotates and translates over a substantial width of said screen, said first image varying in at least one of light contrast and structure for suggesting movement. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said pattern is built up from series of alternately relatively dark and relatively bright sections. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said pattern is built up from relatively bright and relatively dark stripes. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said pattern is moved over a screen, on which screen, simultaneously, a second image which is relatively static with respect to said pattern is displayed. 
     
     
         5 . A method for presenting route information in a vehicle, using a method according to  claim 1 , wherein a screen of a route information system such as a navigation system is arranged in a vehicle, preferably in a peripheral visual field of a driver of the vehicle, wherein, on said screen, at least one of a topographical image and graphical representation of a route is presented, wherein, simultaneously, said pattern is moved over said screen in a direction P which is recommended to the driver of the vehicle. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5 , wherein at least one of the structure and the movement speed and direction and composition of said pattern over said screen are directed on the basis of the attention desired from at least one of the driver and an action to be performed by the driver. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 5 , wherein, using said pattern, both by its structure and by its direction of movement, information is presented. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second sections each extend across a substantial portion of said screen. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said first image rotates over said substantial width of said screen. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein said first image translates over said substantial width of said screen. 
     
     
         11 . An apparatus for indicating information on a screen, comprising at least one screen and image information-generating means, wherein the image information-generating means at least comprise an algorithm for displaying, on said screen, at least a first dynamic image in the form of a moving pattern of first and second sections, wherein the first sections are relatively bright compared to the second sections, wherein the screen has longitudinal edges and said image information-generating means are preferably arranged for at least temporarily moving said pattern in the direction of at least one of the longitudinal edges such that said dynamic first image provides an impression that said first image at least one of rotates and translates over a substantial width of said screen, said first image varying in at least one of light contrast and structure for suggesting movement. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the image information-generating means are further arranged for displaying, on said screen, further information in the form of a second image, over said first image. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein said apparatus comprises route information means, supported by said moving pattern. 
     
     
         14 . A vehicle provided with an apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein said screen is provided in a peripheral visual field of a driver of said vehicle. 
     
     
         15 . A vehicle according to  claim 14 , provided with a navigation system, wherein said screen is part of said navigation system and said navigation system provides said impression. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein said first and second sections each extend across a substantial portion of said screen. 
     
     
         17 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein said first image rotates over said substantial width of said screen. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein said first image translates over said substantial width of said screen. 
     
     
         19 . A method for indicating direction using a screen, wherein a dynamic first image is generated, said dynamic first image including a first pattern of relatively dark and relatively bright sections, wherein said first pattern is moved over a screen, in a direction in which an observer is to be directed, and a second image comprising routing imaging is provided on the screen, such that said dynamic first image provides an impression that said first image at least one of rotates and translates over said screen independent from the second image. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19 , wherein each of said relatively dark and relatively bright sections extend across a substantial portion of said screen.