EP1536409A2 - Self-aligned display device for mobile electric devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Self-aligning display device for mobile electrical units has an arrangement for defining (3, 5, 6) at least a set position for a display image of the display arrangement based on the requirements of at least a selectable external reference point, an interacting arrangement (6, 8, 9) for defining an actual orientation of the display arrangement and an arrangement for aligning the display arrangement according to the defined set position. The invention also relates to a display arrangement for an electronic unit and a display for output of display information.

Description

The invention relates to a self-aligning display for electrical and / or electronic devices, in particular for rigid with an electrical and / or electronic device connected display devices.

Conventional ways are display devices, such as for example, cathode ray tubes or Semiconductor displays in electrical / electronic devices, also mobile devices, such as in measuring devices and in mobile devices rigid with the housing and / or the Frame construction, hereinafter generally as construction designated, connected. Regarding the following Description and the claims will be made noted that vibration and shock absorbing Materials are to be regarded as rigid.

For such electrical / electronic devices determined thus basically the location of the construction the location of Display means. If e.g. due to the location in particular also mobile device to be used on a inclined surface / base must be arranged, then the ad is also wrong to read. In extreme cases this means an imbalance of up to +/- 180 °.

This makes the reading and touch screens in addition the operation of the device considerably more difficult.

A first known from the prior art solution It consists of a remote display to provide, which with the electrical / electronic Device via a wired or wireless connection is coupled. However, such a connection is many Applications susceptible to interference, especially depending on the application Cable breaks or shadowing of the connection occur can.

Another known from the prior art solution is that the display device and the device or a base unit arranged to be movable relative to each other are, so within certain limits a desired Orientation of the display device relative to the device given is. The disadvantage here is that in particular at frequent reorientation of the display relative to the device here used rotary and / or Swivel joints to some heavy use which are subject to high qualitative requirements to the execution or to a significantly reduced Lifespan leads, which consequently in both cases has an effect on the associated costs.

Another known from the prior art solution consist in that the display device such is constructed so that the display image of the Display device rotated in 90 ° increments respectively can be switched.

By way of example, reference may be made to the European patent specification EP 09 45 007 B1, in which a Display or display screen with a Depending on the orientation, rotatable in 90 ° increments Picture is revealed. In detail here is a Base unit for holding a display screen provided, with the display screen between a first position relative to the base unit and a second position is rotatable relative to the base unit. Depending on the arrangement, attachment or positioning of the Base unit is the display screen therefore substantially above, below or laterally, i. left or right, the base unit. To play the Display image in the respective orientation affects a Device for determining the current position of the Base unit with a control circuit for controlling the Display device such that on the Display device displayed image at each current position of the base unit to the appropriate Considering is oriented accordingly. Disadvantage here In particular, that is because of the relative Positioning between display device and base unit based orientation of the image merely as above already noted, a picture orientation many times over guaranteed by 90 °.

An object of the invention is therefore to provide a new and substantially improved display device for to provide electrical / electronic equipment which the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior Technique encountered significantly and consequently in particular at purposefully mobile devices to be used a the Display image self-aligning functionality guaranteed.

The inventive solution of the problem is on Surprisingly, already by devices with the Features of the independent claims given.

Advantageous and / or preferred embodiments of Invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Thus, in particular, according to the invention Display device and an electrical and / or electronic device with a display device provided, which by a with the Display device cooperating device for Alignment of the displayed with the display device Display image according to at least one defined Designate target position and by a device for Defining the at least one desired position of Display image based on the specification of at least one selectable external reference point and one with the Device for defining cooperating device for Determining a current orientation of the Display means.

An essential advantage of the invention is thus that that the ad is independent of the current one Location of the construction of the device or the Display device itself always "right" or how "desired" represents.

Another significant advantage is that a subsequent self - alignment of the Display image, so in particular the on the external Reference point related conversion or conversion of the advertisement is so allowable that the display is always in the "correct", "desired" position is twisted without the To change construction here.

Another advantage is that the display and in Follow the operation, so essentially the use of the Inventive equipped device essential simplified and a condition caused by imbalance Incorrect operation or faulty reading of the display in Is essentially excluded.

Even with rotation about a e.g. essentially to the image plane vertical, virtual axis remains the display thus always readable.

Although the invention is consequently preferred for Display devices rigidly connected to a device is suitable, as in particular for mobile devices, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant), MDAs (Mobile Digital Wizard), WDAs (Wireless Digital Assistant), one Variety of gauges or scopes, the invention provides even with a movably connected to the device or at wired or wirelessly remote from the device Display device application or environment specific ease of use for the user.

Depending on the application or used technology see special embodiments of this invention one Memory in front of an external reference point referenced, specifiable coordination system in the form of a Axis coordinate system, with the alignment to at least one of the three axes takes place, stores or in Shape of a spherical or cylindrical coordinate system stores.

To determine a current orientation is further expediently at least one sensor for detecting the relative angular position of the display device in functional dependence on the at least one selectable external reference point related coordinate system provided, preferred sensors application-specific on a mechanical, electric, gravitational, optical, magnetic, velocity-based, acceleration-based and / or heat-sensitive How it works based on orientation detection. Also the combination of different sensors is thus given.

According to preferred embodiments, the device for Define to store a relative angular position of the Display device in functional dependence to a to the at least one selectable external reference point formed coordinate system, where appropriate technically easy to implement developments for this purpose comprise a potentiometer, with which for a Target position of the image to be displayed corresponding Image deflection signals are adjustable.

Further developments provide that the device for Define and the means for determining a current orientation via a desired-actual comparison device interact with each other, whose Output difference information the basis for readjustment forms to be applied image deflection signals.

For converting an angle difference value into at least an orientation of an image to be displayed influencing signal value sees the invention in particular a computing device, since this application specific is preconfigurable in a simple manner accordingly. Especially if these are common as with most today technical solutions are at least partially software-based is also easy to retrofit or subsequent application-specific adaptation takes place.

The invention thus does not guarantee only one Orientation of the display image relative to Display device in 90 ° steps, but rather a essentially continuous readjustment or Tracking a user-based alignment of a to be displayed image. To avoid shaking and to Suppression of environmental shocks include preferred developments of the Sensor device downstream time and / or Location sensitive filter means, e.g. based on pre-implemented and / or adjustable threshold and / or Hysteresis.

In a further preferred embodiment is further the display device provided a memory for Store at least two predefined external ones Assign reference points and a switching device for User-based switching between the at least two defined target positions, so in particular several users, e.g. arranged around a device Users viewing each one by retrieving the according to saved presetting individually display "correctly" without the device or the Align display device itself accordingly to have to.

An embodiment of the invention thus embodies in a display for displaying display information, such as e.g. Computer animated games, with a base unit, a display screen associated with the base unit, a control circuit connected to the display screen connected to the operation of the display screen control, and for receiving an input signal which is the one on the display screen reproduces display information, one Device for determining the orientation of the Display screens connected to the control circuit is to a current position of the display screen determine and this position to the control circuit transferred so that the control circuit to appropriate Way controls the operation of the display screen to the reproduced display information to the appropriate Consider orienting in the current position, and one cooperating with the determining device Device for specifying at least one selectable external reference point with respect to which at least one Target position of the display information is definable.

The invention will now be described with reference to some preferred, however, exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

ein schematisches Blockschaltbild eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Prinzipskizze eines einfachen einachsigen, nach dem Pendelprinzip wirkenden Lagesensors zur Orientierungserfassung,

Fig. 3

eine Prinzipskizze zur Veranschaulichung der Ausrichtungsumrechnung einer in dem Anwendungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 1 verwendeten Recheneinheit, und

Fig. 4 - 6

schematische Abbildungen beispielhafter Geräte, welche erfindungsgemäße Anzeigeeinrichtungen umfassen.

In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a schematic block diagram of a preferred embodiment,

Fig. 2

a schematic schematic diagram of a simple uniaxial, acting on the pendulum principle position sensor for orientation detection,

Fig. 3

a schematic diagram for illustrating the orientation conversion of a computing unit used in the application example of FIG. 1, and

Fig. 4-6

schematic illustrations of exemplary devices comprising display devices according to the invention.

Hereinafter, first with reference to FIG. 1 a described electrical device, which is a simple Position sensor includes and with an inventive self-aligning display device.

It should be noted that the embodiment selected according to FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity has been, in particular to the technical principle of a to describe the simplest possible example.

For this reason, this includes the embodiment arbitrary device used as a display device a device with a cathode ray tube.

However, it should be noted at this point, that depending on the choice of the device and / or the Display device, such as a TFT display screen may be essential higher effort for conversion and distortion-free Display is necessary, and this already with today common processors, without significantly increasing costs caused by a person skilled in the art Appreciation of the description in a simple way technically is feasible.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is sketched Block diagram of the inventive solution in strong Simplified way, which is not for the invention essential information from the block diagram not are included.

Shown in Fig. 1 is first an analog Image signal source 1, all for generating a Picture required signals to an A / D converter. 2 passes.

The A / D converter 2 digitizes all analog supplied Image signals in a suitable for a computing unit 3 digital waveform. The arithmetic unit 3 processes the from the received from the A / D converter 2 digital Picture signals and by a comparator 6, which a Target / actual value comparison is carried out, as described in more detail below described, obtained information on a new digital Picture information and gives this to one Application-specific adapted D / A converter 4 on.

The D / A converter 4 converts those in the arithmetic unit 3 calculated new digital image information as luminescence information and as vertical and horizontal stresses around. The resulting voltage values become one Electron beam tube 11 fed as a luminescence signal and via X and Y amplifiers 12 and 13 to the Passed electron beam tube 11.

Traditionally, this is one from the manufacturer provided normal position of the device as a standard position of Ad predefined.

A setpoint adjuster 5 shown as a potentiometer serves to set an individual user position of the image to be displayed relative to an external one Reference point, so one of the user adjustable selectable always right or desired orientation of the image regardless of the current orientation of the Establishment itself. It should be noted, however, that the setpoint adjuster, for example, by means of a Pulse generator, via a scroll wheel and / or using a corresponding acting software can be operated. In addition, the standard position can be controlled by a button 7 be set or set again at any time, which thus a reset function of the setpoint adjuster 5 the default position causes. The setpoint adjuster 5 and the (reset) button 7 can be structurally summarized be.

In the comparator 6, the setpoints, so the right or the desired position of the image with the by a Sensor 9 detected actual value compared. The deviation is sent as an input to the arithmetic unit 3 transfer. The actual values of the sensor 9 are further by a special delay and noise filter module 8 smoothed to to prevent that detected by the sensor 9 small Shakes or only small changes of location already as modified actual information to the arithmetic unit 3 and processed there. Thus, a Trembling of the image largely suppressed.

A power supply 10 provides all for the operation of Electron beam tube 11 and the modules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 12 and 13 required voltages. The Electron beam tube 11 thus ultimately serves the Presentation of the picture. This reinforces the X-amplifier 12, the horizontal signals supplied by the D / A converter 4 of the Display screen for the image and the Y-amplifier 13 amplifies the supplied from the D / A converter 4 vertical signals of the display screen for the image.

In a particularly simple embodiment of the Position sensor 9 is this one on the gravitational force responsive sensor formed.

Application specific are here in the constructive Sensor version single or multi-axis mounted Pendulum, fluid-based constructions and magnetic acting sensors can be used. These sensors are in Essentially all commercially available, so it ultimately is a cost and / or construction dependent question, which type to use.

The structure of such a sensor basically allows the measurement of gravity in three axes, ie in present case in the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis one Coordinate system related to the external reference point.

In the example of FIG. 1 and when using a uniaxial stored sensor pendulum according to FIG. 2, the Z-axis is e.g. aligned perpendicular to the image to be displayed and the X- and Y-axis components are evaluated. Of the Sensor is part of the display device, however, if the display device rigid with the construction of the electrical / electronic device is connected, too Part of the construction of the electrical / electronic Be device.

Under this assumption, when panning or Inclination of the display device about the Z-axis the Deviation of the sensor from the vertical position due to the Y component and / or from the horizontal position through the X component measured and determined. The angular deviation is the comparator via the delay and noise filter module 8 6 supplied, so that the module 8 acts as a damping. Such a position sensor is shown schematically in FIG. 2 shown, with the gray colored circle shown Part of the display or the rigid construction is. The position sensor shown on the left in Fig. 2 shows Thus, the normal position and the right in Fig. 2 shown Position sensor, the rotation of the display device or rigid Construction by the rotation angle α.

Upon rotation of the structure by the rotation angle α, therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, this rotation is compensated by the rotation of the pendulum by the same angle with the opposite sign. Accordingly, the dashed line in FIG. 3 comprises the pixels of a rotated image. If, for example, a pixel P _{1 set} with respect to the standard position as "correct" with the coordinates (X ₁ , Y ₁ ) based on the external reference point and the resulting angle β around the additional rotation angle α to the position P ₂ with the coordinates (X ₂ , Y ₂ ), the respective X and Y values thus indicate the respective required deflection voltages to the horizontal or to the vertical with respect to the display screen.

Fig. 4 shows an example, the above-described Invention embodying a setpoint adjuster, a set reset button and a Self-aligning display device comprises, in one not pivoted about the Z-axis position and in one around the Z-axis pivoted position.

Similarly, Fig. 5 shows schematically, the measuring device embodying the invention described above, also with a setpoint adjuster, a set reset button and a self-aligning display.

6 shows in a further corresponding embodiment a, the mobile device embodying the invention described above digital communication terminal, ie in particular a mobile phone or a so-called MDA (Mobile Digital Assistant), WDA (Wireless Digital Assistant) or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), in undocked and pivoted position.

For a professional, it is in appreciation of above Description readily apparent that the invention within the scope of the appended claims various ways can be modified or adapted.

Thus, the invention also includes in particular Embodiments in which multiple target positions are adjustable, between which can be switched.

For example, in a game under Using a display screen, several people each a personalized display image define.

Should also be an inventive orientation of the Display image when rotated about the vertical causes So according to the above description essentially to the Y axis, a preferred sensor comprises alternatively or in addition to the described position sensor, e.g. one Gyro sensor (gyro-sensor, gyrocompass).

Claims (19)

An electrical and / or electronic device comprising a display device, characterized by means for defining (3, 5, 6) at least one target position of the display image of the display device based on the specification of at least one selectable external reference point, means for defining cooperating with the means for defining (6, 8, 9) of a current orientation of the display device and means (3, 4, 5, 12, 13) for aligning the displayed with the display device display image according to the defined target position. Device according to the preceding claim, further characterized in that the display device is rigidly or movably connected to the device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the display device is wired or wirelessly remote from the device. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the device is a mobile device. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is a mobile device, a PDA, an MDA, a WDA, a gauge or a scope is Display device for an electrical and / or electronic device, in particular for a electrical and / or electronic device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a Device for defining (3, 5, 6) at least a target position of the display image of the Display device based on the specification at least one selectable external reference point, one with the device for defining cooperative means for determining (6, 8, 9) a current orientation of the display device and alignment means (3, 4, 5, 12, 13) of the displayed with the display device Display image according to the defined Target position. Device or display device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the means for determining a current orientation comprises at least one sensor (9) for detecting the relative angular position of the display device in functional dependence on a related to the at least one selectable external reference point coordinate system. Device or display device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the sensor operates mechanically, electrically, gravity-based, optical, magnetic, acceleration-based and / or heat-sensitive. Device or display device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the means for defining for storing a relative angular position of the display device is formed in functional dependence on a relative to the at least one selectable external reference point coordinate system. Device or display device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the means for defining comprises a potentiometer (5), a scroll wheel and / or a correspondingly acting software, with which for a desired position of the image to be displayed image deflection signals are adjustable. Device or display device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the means for defining and the means for determining a current orientation via a desired-actual comparison means (6) cooperate with each other, whose output difference information forms the basis for readjustment of image deflection signals to be applied. Device or display device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the means for aligning comprises a computing device (3) which converts an angle difference value into at least one signal value influencing the orientation of an image to be displayed. Apparatus or display device according to any one of the preceding claims, further characterized by a substantially continuous readjustment of the orientation of an image to be displayed. Device or display device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that the means for determining (8, 9) has a temporally and / or spatially acting filter device (8). Device or display device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized by a switching device for user-based switching between at least two defined nominal positions. Device or display device according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized by a memory for storing a referenced coordination system related to an external reference point. Apparatus or display device according to the preceding claim, further characterized in that the coordinate system in the form of an axis coordinate system can be stored and the alignment is carried out to at least one of the three axes. Device or display device according to one of the two preceding claims, further characterized in that the coordinate system in the form of a spherical or cylindrical coordinate system can be stored. A display for playing back display information, with
a base unit,
a display screen associated with the base unit,
a control circuit (2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 13) connected to the display screen for controlling the operation of the display screen and adapted to receive an input signal representing the display information to be displayed on the display screen Means for determining the orientation (6, 8, 9) of the display screen connected to the control circuit to determine a current position of the display screen and
to transmit this position to the control circuit so that the control circuit appropriately controls the operation of the display screen to orient the reproduced display information for proper viewing in the current position, and
a cooperating with the determining means for presetting (3, 5, 6) of at least one selectable external reference point in relation to which at least one desired position of the display information is definable.

Images