Patent Description:
The device in question is intended to be used inside a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle during a motoring event, for example a competition, in particular to send communications and information to at least one driver of the vehicle by a defined central unit from the control station.

In the field of motoring events, whether they are motor vehicles or cars, there is a need to have a communication system between the vehicles participating in the event and the control station. This is because it can be important, also for safety reasons, for the control station to be able to communicate a plurality of information with the pilots involved in the competition. In particular, for example, information relating to the state of the route, the visibility along the route itself, or the presence of accidents along the route can be communicated.

In the field of high-level motor racing - such as the world rally, the high-level championships organized by the international automobile federation such as formula <NUM>, formula <NUM> or formula <NUM>, or the world championship - are known of communication systems between vehicles. and the control station which are integrated inside the vehicle and allow a one-to-one communication between the vehicle itself and the control station. These solutions are constructively very complicated and, therefore, very expensive and also require a dedicated and specific infrastructure that the event organizer installs in each place where the event takes place.

Furthermore, with regards to the communications from the control station to the pilots, the known systems provide dedicated displays that allow to view very simple and basic information, such as the mere presence of yellow, red or blue flags (which represent conventional signals of attention or danger during a competition) along the track, without any additional precise information regarding, for example, the position of these flags and / or the entrance to a safety car.

However, these solutions are not fully satisfactory in the case of minor leagues as they have some disadvantages which prevent their use and limit their diffusion. For example, the fact that currently the communication devices with the control station are integrated within the participating vehicles entails high production costs of the vehicles themselves, which, in the event that they have not been specifically built to integrate these devices, must be suitably modified for this purpose. Furthermore, this specificity excludes the modularity of the system and, consequently, limits the transportability of the communication devices themselves from one vehicle to another, consequently also limiting the number of vehicles in which they can be installed.

In the case of lower level competitions, communications from the control station to the drivers are generally carried out through the use of personnel present on the circuit at specific locations on each track and in charge of reporting, through the use of appropriate means such as flags or light signals, any danger to pilots arriving near the point guarded by said personnel.

However, this solution is not fully satisfactory as it is based on the presence of personnel on the sides of the route, who are therefore in the position of having to approach the track to effectively signal the dangers to oncoming pilots, and therefore exposing themselves to the risk of accidents. Furthermore, coverage is only possible in the vicinity of the workstations where staff are present, with a consequent inevitable incomplete coverage of the route, unless intervening with a massive deployment of personnel, and a consequent inevitable increase in costs. Furthermore, the signaling method itself entails drawbacks in that it is not particularly effective in conditions of poor visibility, such as in the presence of fog and / or rain or at night.

In addition, voice communications via radio are sometimes used for communications from the control station to the pilots. This solution may not be fully satisfactory as radio communications can be disturbed, particularly in "rally" type events.

Furthermore, the known solutions are configured only to signal the presence of a generic problem, and therefore the signal is sent to all pilots indiscriminately. This leads to a flow of information that is unwanted and / or useless for some pilots (for example those who have just passed through the sector where the accident occurred, or who in any case are not immediately affected by the accident) and this can therefore result in a distraction for the pilots, with the consequent increase in the risk of further accidents and / or a decrease in the performance of the pilots themselves.

<CIT> discloses an alert device, including a wireless communications receiver for receiving alert files for said device, a positioning unit for providing location data representing the location of said device, a microcontroller system for processing and storing said alert files, and performing an alert application defined by said files and using said location data to provide alert data corresponding to the location of said device.

<CIT> discloses a vehicle safety warning system which enables a warning of a potential or an actual hazard to be transmitted via a signal between two or more vehicles.

The object of the invention is to propose a display device, according to the subject-matter of claim <NUM>, for a motor vehicle, which allows to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the known solutions.

Further optional embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.

The present invention is further clarified hereinafter in a its preferred embodiment shown for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached drawing tables, in which:.

The device object of the present invention has been identified as a whole with the reference <NUM> in the attached figures. The display device <NUM> according to the invention for a motor vehicle, preferably for displaying information or the like.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> is configured to propose to the driver and / or any other person inside the motor vehicle information, alarms, or the like, during a motoring event. In particular, "motoring event" means, in general, any event in which at least one vehicle moves / competes in a circuit, track or road, for example, during a race or qualifying or a free practice, or even a driving course, a test-drive or a day of testing. Preferably, said race and / or motoring event is of the type held in a circuit that must be covered a plurality of times and / or in a circuit in which the finish corresponds to the start and / or, in general, in a circuit closed having a circumscribed and limited extension.

"Motor vehicle" or "vehicle" hereinafter means any motorized vehicle that can be used in motoring events, for example but not limited to wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles and cars of different categories or power, trucks, or other vehicles, or alternatively also to tracked vehicles such as snow cats, or even boats. Preferably, a "vehicle" means a car.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> is configured to be installed in a corresponding motor vehicle.

Preferably, said device <NUM> can be installed on all vehicles taking part in the motoring event in question.

Conveniently, the device <NUM> comprises a support structure <NUM>, which preferably carries mounted and / or contains inside it the various components of the device <NUM> itself. Advantageously, said support structure <NUM> is configured to be removably installable in said vehicle, preferably inside the passenger compartment of the latter, preferably on the dashboard and / or in a position easily visible to the driver.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> is configured to be installed in an easily removable manner in the motor vehicle, and in particular it can be connected to the latter by means of a limited number of cables (preferably of the standard type) and in such a way that its removal does not compromise the general functions (ie those not in direct correlation with the presence of the device itself) of said vehicle.

The device <NUM> comprises an electronic control apparatus <NUM>, mechanically mounted on the support structure <NUM>.

The electronic control apparatus <NUM> can for example comprise a microcontroller and / or an electronic board, as described in detail below. Preferably said electronic control apparatus <NUM> comprises a processor and, in particular, can be implemented by a printed circuit (PCB) in which a high performance microprocessor is mounted.

Advantageously, said electronic control apparatus <NUM> can comprise and / or be connected to a device (for example a "real-time clock", also called "RTC") with a clock function, preferably a high precision clock.

Conveniently, the device <NUM> is intended to be positioned inside the motor vehicle, preferably in correspondence with the dashboard of the latter and / or in a position suitable for being easily visible by the driver and / or second driver.

The display device <NUM> for a motor vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one support structure <NUM>.

Conveniently, the support structure <NUM> comprises at least one box-like body internally defining a housing volume <NUM>.

More in detail, the support structure <NUM> comprises an internally hollow shell <NUM>' and at least one front plate <NUM>" mechanically fixed to said shell <NUM>' defining together the aforementioned housing volume <NUM>.

Advantageously, the support structure <NUM> is made of metallic material, for example anodized aluminum or steel or similar.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the shell <NUM>' comprises a rear plate <NUM>, arranged opposite to the front plate <NUM>" and delimiting the housing volume <NUM> at the rear, and a frame <NUM> arranged perimetrically to connect the front plate <NUM>" and the rear plate <NUM>.

Advantageously, between the shell <NUM>' and the front plate <NUM>" of the support structure <NUM>, the device <NUM> provides at least one gasket <NUM>, preferably annular, configured to limit any ingress of water and / or humidity inside the housing volume <NUM>.

Preferably, the shell <NUM>' and the front plate <NUM>" are mechanically constrained to each other by means of removable fixing means <NUM>.

In accordance with the preferential embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the removable fixing means <NUM> comprise screws <NUM>.

The device <NUM> according to the invention also comprises at least one electronic control apparatus <NUM> mechanically mounted on said support structure <NUM>.

The electronic control apparatus <NUM> comprises a computing unit <NUM>, at least a memory unit <NUM> electrically connected to at least said computing unit <NUM> and at least one receiver module <NUM> electrically connected to at least said computing unit <NUM>.

A schematic circuit view of the electronic control apparatus <NUM> is visible in the attached <FIG>.

The device <NUM> further comprises at least one display <NUM> mechanically mounted on said support structure <NUM> and electrically connected to said electronic control apparatus <NUM> and visible from the outside of the device itself by a user. Conveniently, the device <NUM> can be installed and / or installed inside the vehicle so as to be easily visible by the pilot and / or the co-pilot.

Advantageously, the display <NUM> is in color and, preferably, in high resolution. Conveniently, the display <NUM> is configured to show images <NUM> and / or alphanumeric symbols <NUM> and / or contents processed by the device <NUM>. In particular, the images <NUM> can in turn contain alphanumeric symbols, but these, unlike the alphanumeric symbols <NUM> are fixed and not changeable. In one embodiment the display <NUM> is configured to show a screen which also comprises a plurality of images <NUM>, configured to clarify and / or complete and / or expand the information sent by each of them.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in which the illustrated image <NUM> is the same, but the alphanumeric symbols <NUM> vary (+<NUM> in <FIG>. <NUM> in <FIG>). In particular, therefore, the alphanumeric symbols <NUM> can be variable independently with respect to image <NUM>.

Advantageously therefore, preferably, the alphanumeric symbols <NUM> can represent and / or indicate different information with respect to the alphanumeric symbols possibly contained within the images <NUM> In particular, moreover, the alphanumeric symbols <NUM> can be displayed in a spatially dedicated space which can be positioned inside the images <NUM> and / or outside them.

Conveniently, an algorithm can be stored inside the memory unit <NUM> which allows to select the color and / or the font and / or the size with which to represent said alphanumeric symbols <NUM>. In this way it is possible to vary the color of the symbols represented, said color variation consisting itself of information that is sent in a simple, rapid and effective manner to the pilot and / or co-driver.

Alternatively, a plurality of alphanumeric symbols having the same shape (ie being substantially the same letter, the same number, or the same symbol) but of different colors and / or fonts and / or sizes can be stored in the memory unit <NUM>.

Advantageously, moreover, the display <NUM> is configured to display exclusively data and / or warnings coming from / generated by the electronic control apparatus <NUM> of said device <NUM>. Furthermore, preferably, the display <NUM> is not interactive, i.e. it is not possible for the user select the contents and / or images <NUM> which are displayed on the display <NUM> itself, thus reducing the risk of distraction for the pilots.

Advantageously, the display <NUM> can also display the map, information on the navigation and / or the status of the track along which the motoring event in which the vehicle is engaged is taking place.

Advantageously, the display <NUM> can display suitable warnings which may have been processed / generated by the device <NUM> on the basis of data received and / or information received from the control station.

For example, said warnings may include information relating to the state of the motor vehicle and / or the state of other vehicles involved in the motoring event, such as for example failures occurred to other vehicles along the track, or information on the state of the track and / or the motoring event in which the vehicle is taking part, such as the application of a "Full Course Yellow" or "Code60" or "Virtual Safety Car" regime or relating to dangerous situations along the track, which may be localized or disseminated, and which are for example marked with a yellow flag with a red flag, as will be clarified further below.

Preferably, the display <NUM> is configured to show the warnings according to a color code and / or by means of suitable symbols which are easy to interpret by the pilot and / or his navigator and / or his second pilot. Preferably, they can use the symbols and / or colors selected by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) or the International Motorcycle Federation (FIM).

Conveniently, said warnings can be shown in such a way that they are easily referable to the section of the circuit concerned, for example they can be represented in correspondence with the portion of the trace which is displayed with a corresponding image <NUM> on the display <NUM>.

Conveniently, the display <NUM> of the device <NUM> it is additional and separate / independent from an integrated / own display normally provided in the vehicle.

Advantageously, the display <NUM> can have adjustable brightness.

Advantageously, the display <NUM> can be connected to a plurality of light sources <NUM>, preferably a plurality of front LED lights <NUM>. Conveniently said plurality of LED lights can be of the RGB type, in order to send signals corresponding to a corresponding color code.

Preferably, the light sources <NUM> can be positioned substantially around the display <NUM>. For example, they can be positioned on the frame of the display <NUM> itself and in particular they can be placed across the front plate <NUM>".

Conveniently, the display <NUM> and / or the light sources <NUM> are connected to the electronic control apparatus <NUM>, by means of a communication bus and / or by means of a wireless communication module and / or by means of a serial port.

Advantageously, the light sources <NUM> can be controlled by the electronic control apparatus <NUM> of the device <NUM>. For example, they can be activated when a warning is projected on the display <NUM>. Preferably, they are activated only when there is a change in the image <NUM> represented / implemented on the display <NUM>, for example they can be activated alternately and / or flashing, to attract the attention of the pilot or driver or of another subject ( for example with the role of co-driver) on board the vehicle. Preferably, when there are no changes in the image <NUM> implemented on the display <NUM>, the light sources <NUM> can be deactivated. Advantageously, the light sources <NUM> can be activated in order to emit a light which substantially corresponds to the color of the image <NUM> which is displayed on the display <NUM>.

Preferably, the electronic control apparatus <NUM> of said device <NUM> is also configured to control the display on said display <NUM> of information contained in and / or derived from a signal which has been received by said device <NUM> and which has been sent by the central unit by means of communication described in detail below.

Conveniently, the electronic control apparatus <NUM> of the device <NUM> is configured to process and / or use the received signal in order to:.

Preferably, the electronic control apparatus <NUM> of the device <NUM> is configured to process and / or use the information contained in the received signal.

Advantageously, the electronic control apparatus <NUM> of each device <NUM> is configured to control the display on the display <NUM> of a notice that relates to the content of / derived from said received signal and / or whose display is controlled by the latter. Preferably, the warning can be displayed in a symbolic and synthetic way, so as to be quickly understood by the pilot or his navigator / second pilot. Advantageously, a corresponding activation of the light sources <NUM> can be associated with the display of the warning, for example a flashing of the same with a color which substantially corresponds to the color of the image <NUM> displayed on said dedicated display.

Conveniently, the electronic control apparatus <NUM> of the device <NUM> mounted in a first motor vehicle is configured in such a way that - in the event that the signal received concerns an episode / situation (for example another stationary car or an accident) that could / should influence the conduct of the driver of said first motor vehicle - a corresponding warning is shown on display <NUM>.

Advantageously, in fact, the driver and / or the second driver / navigator are in no way able to remove the warning from display <NUM> as the latter is not interactive. Conveniently, in fact, the electronic control apparatus <NUM> of said device <NUM> is also configured so that the removal of the display of a warning displayed on said display <NUM> occurs automatically after a certain time interval has elapsed and / or subsequently the display of a further signal which is sent to the electronic control apparatus <NUM> of said device <NUM> by the central unit.

Conveniently, the warning shown on display <NUM>, which is associated with the device <NUM> installed in each vehicle, can also include information relating to the position in which the incident / situation and / or the track sector concerned occurred. from said episode / situation.

In accordance with the preferential embodiment of the present invention, the memory unit <NUM> contains a plurality of images <NUM>, in which each image <NUM> has associated at least one identifier.

More in detail, each image <NUM> saved inside the memory unit <NUM> has associated a numerical code, for example a tag or is named in the memory with this numerical code, which defines the aforementioned identifier.

Conveniently, said receiver module <NUM> is configured to receive at least one command signal <NUM> (which corresponds to said received signal) containing at least said identifier of at least one said image <NUM> contained in said memory unit <NUM>.

Conveniently, in memory unit <NUM> can be present a plurality of alphanumeric symbols <NUM>, preferably identified by a corresponding identifier, more preferably identified by the respective ASCII code, can also be stored.

Preferably, the command signal contains a plurality of information, among which the numerical code defining the aforementioned identifier is advantageously present.

The computing unit <NUM> is programmed to receive said command signal from said receiver module <NUM>, to select said image <NUM> equipped with said identifier contained in said command signal and to send a display signal to said display <NUM> comprising at least said image <NUM> contained in said memory unit <NUM>.

Furthermore, the computing unit <NUM> can be configured to receive said command signal from said receiver module <NUM>, to select said alphanumeric symbols <NUM> equipped with the corresponding selected identifiers, and to send a display signal to said display <NUM> comprising at least said alphanumeric symbol.

Conveniently, moreover, the computing unit <NUM> can be configured to receive said command signal from said receiver module <NUM>, process it in order to identify at least one suitable alphanumeric symbol <NUM> to be displayed, preferably by means of said corresponding identifier, and subsequently display it on said display <NUM>.

In this way, the device object of the invention allows an image <NUM> selected externally to the motor vehicle to be displayed on the display <NUM> quickly and safely, thus being able to send information and / or warnings to the driver quickly and minimizing the risk of errors in sending the command signal.

Furthermore, in this way, the device object of the invention allows to display on the display <NUM> a combination of an image <NUM> and of at least one alphanumeric symbol <NUM>.

Advantageously, as anticipated above, the device <NUM> object of the invention comprises at least one front LED <NUM> mechanically mounted on said support structure <NUM> next to said display <NUM>, electrically connected to and activated by said electronic control apparatus <NUM>.

In accordance with the preferential embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the electronic control apparatus <NUM> comprises at least one LED control module <NUM> electrically connected to said computing unit <NUM> and to said at least one front LED <NUM> and configured to control the lighting of said front LED <NUM>.

Conveniently, the memory unit <NUM> contains a plurality of data packets, each packet comprises at least one different image <NUM>, preferably at least one corresponding alphanumeric symbol <NUM> and / or at least a corresponding lighting configuration of said at least one front LED <NUM> and / or a different brightness setting for the front LEDs <NUM> and / or for the display <NUM>.

Advantageously, each data packet contained in the memory unit <NUM> is identified with a corresponding identifier and preferably comprises at least one image file <NUM>, in particular in RAW format, and / or a corresponding identifier (for example a corresponding ASCII code) relating to said alphanumeric symbol <NUM> and / or a text file containing the illumination configuration of the at least one front LED <NUM>.

Conveniently, the file containing the illumination configuration of the front LEDs <NUM> also comprises the configuration of an illumination of the rear LED <NUM>, described in detail below.

Likewise, advantageously, the file containing the lighting configuration of the front LEDs <NUM> also includes the configuration of an illumination of the display <NUM>.

Advantageously, upon receipt of the command signal <NUM> by the receiver module <NUM> of the electronic control apparatus <NUM>, the computing unit <NUM> interrogates the memory unit <NUM> to trace the data packet to which the identifier contained in the command signal <NUM> itself corresponds.

Preferably, the device <NUM> according to the invention comprises a plurality of said front LEDs <NUM> arranged laterally with respect to said display <NUM> electrically connected to said LED control module <NUM>.

Advantageously, in accordance with the preferential embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the device <NUM> comprises six front LEDs, divided into two groups of three front LEDs arranged laterally to the display <NUM>.

Conveniently, the aforementioned lighting configuration contained in each data packet contained in said memory unit <NUM> includes instructions for illuminating with a different color and / or to flash said plurality of front LEDs <NUM> and / or to vary the brightness of at least one front LED <NUM> of said plurality of front LEDs <NUM> and / or to vary the brightness of said display <NUM>.

For example, a configuration can provide for illuminating continuously four front LEDs of the six total, causing the other two to flash, including different colors. The different lighting configurations vary on the basis of the different signal and / or warning to be given to the pilot and are preferably more invasive in correspondence with more important signals and / or warnings.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> comprises at least one rear LED <NUM> mechanically mounted on said support structure <NUM> and electrically connected to said electronic control apparatus <NUM> and configured to be activated in a different way on the basis of a different status of the device <NUM> or on the status of additional devices connected to it (not described in detail below).

More clearly, the rear LED <NUM> is configured to be visible by operators who check the state of the motor vehicles before departure. In fact, the rear LED <NUM> is a high-brightness LED and lights up differently (in particular in terms of color and / or flashing) if the device <NUM> (or other devices present on board and advantageously connected to it) present anomalies or faults.

In this way, before departure, the operators can visually check the status of the device <NUM> quickly and easily.

Advantageously, the rear LED <NUM> is configured to show, preferably when the vehicle is stationary and with the engine off, the general state of one of the device <NUM> or of other devices.

Operationally, the operator looking at the rear LED <NUM> of the device <NUM> is interested in quickly understanding if the device <NUM> is active, if it receives data, if it is powered, if there is an active connection with a vehicle canbus, etc..

Advantageously, the text file containing the lighting configuration of the at least one front LED <NUM> and the rear LED <NUM>, by means of the LED control module, allows the brightness of the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> to be varied even within the same configuration. associated with a corresponding identifier.

Conveniently, the text file allows, with the aid of the electronic board <NUM>, to vary the brightness of the display <NUM> within the same configuration associated with a corresponding identifier, together with the brightness variation of the aforementioned front LEDs <NUM> and rear LEDs <NUM>.

Operationally, remotely, it is then possible to determine a percentage to be applied to the brightness contained in the aforementioned text file for both the display <NUM> and the front LEDs <NUM>.

In this way, the device <NUM> according to the invention advantageously allows to reduce the brightness of the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> and of the display <NUM> remotely in relation, for example, to the weather conditions (sun or rain) and / or the time of use (day / night).

For example, if the remote station sends the identifier to communicate a red flag status to the pilot, the electronic control apparatus <NUM> obtains from the text file the commands to activate the front LEDs with a series of red flashes , in particular of four front LEDs <NUM> (in particular the four front LEDs placed at the corners), with a light intensity of <NUM>% to attract the attention of the pilot, and then derive from the same text file to switch to hold the four LEDs fronts on fixed in red but with a brightness of <NUM>%.

In this way, if the operator sets, from the remote station, a brightness of <NUM>% of the front LEDs, the electronic control apparatus <NUM> and in particular the LED control module, activates the aforementioned front LEDs <NUM> with the amount of brightness set in the text file.

Otherwise, if for example the operator sets the brightness of the front LEDs to <NUM>%, the LED control module <NUM> sets a brightness of the LEDs equal to <NUM>% of the text file: in particular for the red flag it will be <NUM> % in flashes and <NUM>% when they remain on steady.

The same goes for the brightness of the display backlighting: if the operator sets <NUM>%, the display backlighting will be at <NUM>% of what is foreseen in the instruction file for each specific scenario.

Preferably, said electronic control apparatus <NUM> comprises at least one sending module <NUM> electrically connected to said computing unit <NUM> configured to send at least one output signal <NUM>.

The device <NUM> advantageously comprises at least one brightness sensor <NUM> mechanically mounted on said control support structure <NUM>, electrically connected to said electronic control apparatus <NUM> and configured to detect an external brightness value of the external environment and send to said computing unit <NUM> an electrical signal containing the measurement of said external brightness.

Advantageously, the brightness sensor is mounted on the front plate <NUM>" of the support structure <NUM>, as clearly visible in the attached <FIG>.

Advantageously, said computing unit <NUM> of said electronic control apparatus <NUM> is configured to receive said electrical signal sent by said brightness sensor and to modify an illumination brightness of said display <NUM> on the basis of the value of said external brightness.

Conveniently, in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the sending module <NUM> is configured to send said output signal <NUM> containing at least said external brightness value to an external receiving apparatus.

In particular, the external receiving device can be a match control station.

Preferably, said receiver module <NUM> of the device <NUM> according to the invention is configured to receive from said external apparatus a correction value for modifying an illumination brightness of said display <NUM> on the basis of said correction value.

More in detail, the external apparatus receives a plurality of signals <NUM> each containing the external brightness value detected by a corresponding motor vehicle in the race.

Conveniently, the external apparatus processes the aforementioned plurality of signals <NUM> by calculating the average of the external brightness values. Furthermore, the external apparatus from the average calculated in this way processes a correction value for each display <NUM> of each corresponding motor vehicle, in order to provide all the participants with the correct brightness value as the external brightness varies.

Conveniently, the sending module <NUM> is configured to send a confirmation signal, ie an "Acknowledge" signal (known as the "ack" signal). The confirmation signal is programmed to be emitted in response to a command signal received by the receiver module <NUM>.

Advantageously, the confirmation signal comprises information on which identifier has been received and / or which image <NUM> is visible on the display <NUM> at the time of reception and / or what brightness is set for the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> by the LED control module <NUM>.

For example, the receiver module <NUM> receives a signal containing an identifier to display a corresponding image <NUM> and / or an alphanumeric symbol <NUM>. Conveniently, the sending module <NUM> outputs a reprocessed signal which indicates which image <NUM> is displayed on the display <NUM> and / or which brightness is set on the LEDs <NUM>, <NUM> at that exact moment, so as to understand whether the device <NUM> actually has received and executed the request to show the desired image <NUM>.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> object of the present invention comprises at least one magnetic sensor electrically connected to said computing unit <NUM> of said electronic control apparatus <NUM> and configured to detect a magnetic signal from the outside to command said computing unit <NUM> to send on said display <NUM> a settings screen of said device.

More in detail, the magnetic sensor (not shown in the attached figures) is configured to detect the presence of a magnetic field, for example the magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet.

In this way, the operators can operatively bring a permanent magnet close to the support structure <NUM> of the device <NUM> to make the magnetic sensor receive the aforementioned magnetic signal and activate the device settings screen, for the purpose, for example, of viewing any error messages or similar.

Conveniently, the magnetic sensor (which advantageously comprises a switch that can be activated by a magnet) allows you to show the above settings screen, and / or allows you to show a screen with some operating parameters (for example, firmware version, internal operating data or other values received from the outside which are used for software debugging or which in any case must not be shown to the pilot).

In accordance with a different embodiment, the magnetic sensor can advantageously be replaced with or combined with an RFID sensor (ie a sensor for radiofrequency identification) configured to be activated only upon receipt of a precise command signal with a corresponding identification. In this way, access to the aforementioned software information could be protected from intrusion from the outside or tampering or the like.

Advantageously, the device <NUM> according to the invention comprises at least one connector <NUM> mechanically linked to the support structure <NUM> and electrically connected to the electronic control apparatus <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> can be for example a pogo-pin or a USB connector or the like. The connector <NUM> is configured to receive a communication cable through which an operator can program and / or update the computing unit <NUM>.

Preferably, the data packets saved inside the memory unit <NUM> are transferred by means of the aforementioned connector <NUM>.

Advantageously, the electronic control apparatus <NUM> comprises an electronic board <NUM>, for example a pre-printed card, on which are advantageously mounted the computing unit <NUM>, the memory unit <NUM>, the display <NUM> and the front LEDs <NUM>.

The electronic board <NUM> is suitably housed to size inside the housing compartment <NUM> defined by the support structure <NUM>.

Advantageously, moreover, in order to limit any relative movement of the electronic board <NUM> with respect to the support structure <NUM>, the device <NUM> comprises further removable fixing means <NUM>, for example screws or the like, which are placed through the electronic board <NUM> and engage screwing the shell <NUM>' of the support structure <NUM>.

Obviously, the removable fixing means <NUM> may be of any type known per se to the skilled in the art without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present patent.

Preferably, the command signal <NUM> is received by the electronic control apparatus <NUM> in a communication BUS, which preferably comprises at least four channels.

More in detail, the communication BUS of the electronic control apparatus <NUM> comprises a first channel dedicated to receiving the identifier and in particular the numerical code that defines the identifier.

Preferably, moreover, the communication BUS of the electronic control apparatus <NUM> comprises a second channel dedicated to an activation signal of the rear LED <NUM>.

Preferably, furthermore, the communication BUS of the electronic control apparatus <NUM> comprises a third dedicated channel to the brightness signal to vary the luminous intensity of the display <NUM>.

Preferably, furthermore, the communication BUS of the electronic control apparatus <NUM> comprises a fourth channel dedicated to the luminous intensity signal of the front LEDs <NUM>.

Advantageously, the luminous intensity of the front LEDs <NUM> is substantially equal to the brightness of the display <NUM>.

As shown in the examples illustrated in <FIG> the device <NUM> is configured to display an image <NUM> on the screen, possibly accompanied by a further image <NUM> and / or by a plurality of alphanumeric symbols <NUM> which are modified according to requirements.

For example, in the case represented in <FIG>, the device is configured to display on the screen an image <NUM> relating to information to be sent to the pilot and / or co-pilot.

For example, in the case represented in <FIG>, the device is configured to display on the screen a plurality of images <NUM>, one of which comprises letters (but could also include numbers), in which one of the two, or both images <NUM> are designed to clarify and / or complete and / or expand information to be sent to the pilot and / or co-pilot.

For example, in the case represented in <FIG>, <FIG> the image <NUM> can represent an indication of the virtual safety car (Virtual Safety Car, VSC), and furthermore the display can include the alphanumeric symbols <NUM> can represent the difference between the lap time (or on the lap portion ) allowed by the VSC regime, and the lap time (or lap portion) actually achieved, changing color from green if the lap time is higher than allowed, and therefore does not involve penalties, to red in the case in which the lap time is less than that allowed, and therefore may lead to penalties. In other applications not shown, an image <NUM> with the speed limit could be shown to the pilot / co-driver, and then a constantly updated numerical data representing the deviation of the vehicle, in km / h, from said limit can be added to a window and displayed with alphanumeric symbols <NUM>. In circuit events, the alphanumeric symbols <NUM> could be used to provide information about the progress of the competition or event. For example: a rolling-time that shows the remaining time of the track session, an indication about the number of laps left or completed, the display of the last lap time obtained or other useful information such as, for example, the currently active driver's number ID, through which all systems are notified which driver is driving the vehicle in case of events with multiple drivers involved. As shown in the examples illustrated in <FIG> the device <NUM> is configured to display on the screen an image <NUM> accompanied by a plurality of alphanumeric symbols <NUM> which complete and / or integrate and / or expand the meaning of the image <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Display device (<NUM>) for a motor vehicle, which comprises:
- at least one support structure (<NUM>);
- at least one electronic control apparatus (<NUM>) mechanically mounted on said support structure (<NUM>), which comprises:
- a computing unit (<NUM>);
- at least one memory unit (<NUM>) electrically connected to at least said computing unit (<NUM>);
- at least one receiver module (<NUM>) electrically connected at least to said computing unit (<NUM>);
- at least one display (<NUM>) mechanically mounted on said support structure (<NUM>) and electrically connected to said electronic control apparatus (<NUM>) and visible from the outside by a user;
- said memory unit (<NUM>) contains a plurality of images (<NUM>), in which each image (<NUM>) has associated at least one identifier;
characterized by the fact that
- said receiver module (<NUM>) is configured to receive at least one command signal (<NUM>) containing at least said identifier of at least one said image (<NUM>) contained in said memory unit (<NUM>);
- said computing unit (<NUM>) is programmed to receive said command signal from said receiver module (<NUM>), to select said image (<NUM>) equipped with said identifier contained in said command signal and to send a display signal to said display (<NUM>) comprising at least said image (<NUM>) contained in said memory unit (<NUM>).