WO2015133070A1 - Vehicle display device - Google Patents

Abstract

This vehicle display device is provided with a display unit (13) for displaying an image (32) in a first display region (11) and a virtual image projection unit (60) for displaying a virtual image (35) of a display image in a second display region (111) defined on a projection part (110) that transmits the front view of a vehicle by projecting the display image onto the second display region (111). A first display part (32a, 32c, 32d) drawn on the first display region (11) and a second display part (35c, 35h, 35t, 35j) projected onto the second display region (111) display related information, and the amount of information displayed by the second display part is smaller than the amount of information displayed by the first display part (32a, 32c, 32d).

Description

Vehicle display device Cross-reference of related applications

This application is Japanese Patent Application 2014-41878 filed on March 4, 2014, Japanese Patent Application 2014-41876 filed on March 4, 2014, and filed March 4, 2014. Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-41877, Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-41879 filed on March 4, 2014, Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-41880 filed on March 4, 2014, 2014 Which is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-41881 filed on Mar. 4, 2000, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle display device mounted on a vehicle. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a display device that displays information in a plurality of display areas. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a head-up display device that makes it possible to visually recognize a virtual image of a display image by projecting the display image onto a windshield or the like.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle display device that displays information on a half mirror arranged in an instrument panel and a combiner installed on a front windshield. In this vehicle display device, the half mirror and the combiner function as display areas for displaying information. Therefore, the amount of information that can be provided to the viewer can be increased.

For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a meter unit and a head-up display device (hereinafter referred to as “HUD device”) are combined as a type of display device that displays information. The meter unit is installed in front of the driver's seat and displays vehicle information. On the other hand, the HUD device is installed below the windshield, and emits display light toward the windshield. In the above configuration, the display area where information is displayed by the HUD device is located away from the display area where information is displayed by the meter unit.

For example, Patent Document 3 discloses a head-up display device (hereinafter referred to as “HUD device”) that projects a display image on a combiner that transmits the foreground of a vehicle as a type of vehicle display device. The HUD device allows a viewer in the vehicle interior to visually recognize a virtual image of a display image superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle.

Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration in which a meter unit and a HUD device are combined as a kind of vehicle display device. A meter part is arrange | positioned in the vehicle interior and displays an image on a display screen. On the other hand, the HUD device makes a virtual image of the display image visible from the room by projecting the display image onto the windshield. In the above configuration, for example, when an image indicating the volume of the audio device is displayed in the display screen area, the volume is adjusted by an operation input to the steering switch, and the image indicating the volume in the display screen area is also actually displayed. It is changed according to the volume.

As a kind of vehicle display device, for example, the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 4 has a function of a head-up display that displays a virtual image on a windshield. In addition to the windshield, the display device can also display information on a pointer display unit positioned in the lower direction of the virtual image display and a multi-display screen positioned on the side of the pointer display unit. In this display device, when a virtual image is displayed on the windshield, the display of information on the multi-display screen is interrupted, while the display of information on the pointer display unit is continued.

For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 5, the head-up display device includes a display that emits light of a display image, and a casing that includes a casing and a cover that stores the display and the like. The cover of the container is formed with an opening through which light of a display image emitted from the display device passes. The opening is closed by a dustproof cover made of resin or glass. The anti-vibration cover is colorless and transparent in order to efficiently transmit the light of the display image.

The inventors of the present application have found the following regarding the vehicle display device.

In the form of displaying information in a plurality of display areas as in the vehicle display device of Patent Document 1, various information can be displayed simultaneously. Therefore, the viewer cannot find the desired information at first glance, but seeks the desired information and makes his gaze look. As a result, the movement of the line of sight from the foreground of the vehicle to the half mirror and the combiner and the movement of the line of sight between the half mirror and the combiner are repeated, and the load of the line of sight movement of the viewer can be very large.

Furthermore, in recent display devices, in order to effectively utilize a plurality of display areas and to show information to the viewer in an easy-to-understand manner, information display by each display area is changed in conjunction. For example, when an operation request for operating the display of one display area is acquired by the display device, the display of another display area may be changed based on the operation request. However, in the form in which the two display areas are located apart from each other as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, the viewer's attention is directed to one display area, so the display change that occurs in the other display area is It could be difficult for viewers to grasp.

Recent vehicle display devices can acquire an operation request based on an input to an input unit, and can change a display layout based on the acquired operation request. However, in the case of the HUD device as disclosed in Patent Document 3, when the display layout can be changed by the viewer, the display layout changing process is perceived because the image formation position of the display image is far from the viewer. There was concern that it would be difficult. As a result, it has been difficult for the viewer to grasp whether or not the display layout has been changed to reflect the input to the input unit.

Further, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 3, the change of the display mode based on the operation of the input unit such as the steering switch occurs only in the display screen area among the meter section and the display screen area. Therefore, when the viewer is gazing at the display screen of the meter unit, the viewer may miss a change in the display mode that occurs in the display screen region far from the meter unit. It is difficult for a viewer who missed such a display change to know whether or not an input operation to the input unit has been accepted.

In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 4, it is difficult to display detailed information on the pointer display unit. Therefore, in order to increase the amount of information that can be provided to the driver when the display of information on the multi-display screen is interrupted, it is necessary to be able to grasp detailed information from the virtual image displayed on the windshield. is there. However, if the virtual image displayed at a position that is easily visible to the driver is in a complicated display form, the virtual image may possibly prevent the driver from concentrating on driving.

In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 5, external light that has reached the opening of the cover passes through the dust-proof cover that closes the opening and enters the cover and the casing. Then, a part of the external light incident on the casing is reflected by the configuration of the display or the like, and is emitted again to the outside of the cover through the opening. Since the anti-vibration cover that closes the opening is colorless and transparent as described above, external light can be emitted from the cover with almost no attenuation. The external light emitted from the cover in this manner is reflected toward the viewer side by the front windshield or the like and reaches the viewer. As a result, the configuration inside the casing reflected in the front windshield is visible to the viewer.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-103589 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-218671 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-241035 Japanese Patent Publication No. 06-255398 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-170761

The present disclosure has been made in view of the problems described above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle display device that can reduce the load of visual line movement of a viewer while ensuring the amount of information that can be provided to the viewer. Is to provide.

According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device for a vehicle mounted on a vehicle, the display unit displaying an image in the first display region, and the projection unit defined in the projection unit that transmits the foreground of the vehicle. A projection unit for projecting a display image on the second display region to display a virtual image of the display image on the second display region, a first display unit drawn on the first display region, and a second display region The second display unit displayed on the vehicle displays information related to each other, and the information amount of information displayed on the second display unit is smaller than the information amount of information displayed on the first display unit. An apparatus is provided.

According to the vehicle display device, the information display of the first display area of the first display area and the second display area of the second display area are related to each other, so that the amount of information is smaller than that of the first display area. Even if the second display unit is visually recognized, an outline of the information displayed on the two display units can be grasped. For this reason, the viewer's line of sight is first directed to the second display unit having a small amount of information among the two display units. In this way, the viewer's line of sight is first directed to the second display unit displayed as a virtual image, so that acquisition of desired information can be completed by a small line of sight movement from the foreground to the virtual image under many circumstances.

In addition, only when the desired information cannot be obtained from the second display unit, the viewer only needs to look at the first display unit that displays detailed information as necessary. For this reason, implementation of line-of-sight movement with a heavy load from the foreground to the first display area can be limited to a few situations that require detailed information. Therefore, the vehicular display device can reduce the load of the viewer's line of sight movement while securing the amount of information that can be provided to the viewer.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the attached drawings
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a plurality of display areas formed around a driver's seat by a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; It is a figure which shows each arrangement | positioning and mechanical structure about the combination meter and HUD with which a display apparatus is equipped, It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display device, It is a figure for demonstrating the detail of each display of the multi display area in a fuel consumption display mode, and a virtual image display area, It is a figure for explaining the details of each display of the multi-display area and the virtual image display area in the eco-display mode, In the eco display mode, it is a diagram showing a state where the eco indicator is turned off, It is a diagram for explaining the details of each display of the multi display area and the virtual image display area in the supercharging pressure display mode, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a plurality of display areas formed around a driver's seat by a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; It is a figure which shows each arrangement | positioning and mechanical structure about the combination meter with which a display apparatus is equipped, HUD, and a light emission part, It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display device, FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a mechanical configuration of a linear light emitting unit, and is an enlarged view in which a region XI in FIG. 9 is enlarged; FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. It is a front view of a steering wheel provided with a steering switch, It is a front view showing details of the steering switch, It is a figure for demonstrating the detail of the display of the multi display area | region in a HUD customization mode, a virtual image display area | region, and a light emission part, It is a figure which shows the change of a display in order when operation which adds a digital speedometer is performed in HUD customization mode, It is a flowchart which shows the process implemented by the control part in HUD customization mode, It is a front view of the combination meter by the modification 1, It is a figure showing the change in the display when the operation to move the accelerometer from the multi-display area to the virtual image display area in the display movement mode in order, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a plurality of display areas formed around a driver's seat by a display device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; It is a figure which shows each arrangement | positioning and mechanical structure about the combination meter with which a display apparatus is equipped, HUD, and a light emission part, It is the top view which looked at HUD from the upper direction, It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display device, It is a figure which shows the change of a display in order when operation which adds a digital speedometer is performed in HUD customization mode, It is a figure showing the change in the display when the operation to move the accelerometer from the multi-display area to the virtual image display area in the display movement mode in order, It is a flowchart which shows the process implemented by a control part, It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display device, It is a figure for demonstrating the detail of each display of a multi display area and a virtual image display area, It is a diagram schematically showing a concept of processing used when generating an image displayed in a multi display area and an original image of a virtual image displayed in a virtual image display area as a virtual model, It is a figure which shows a change of a display in order when operation which changes a display item from a fuel consumption meter to an eco gauge is performed, It is a flowchart which shows the process implemented by a control part, It is a figure which shows each arrangement | positioning and mechanical structure about the combination meter with which a display apparatus is equipped, HUD, and a light emission part, It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display device, It is a figure for demonstrating the detail of each display of a multi display area and a virtual image display area, It is a figure which shows operation | movement of a display apparatus in order when operation which switches the virtual image display by HUD to an ON state is input, It is a flowchart which shows the process implemented by a control part, It is a figure which shows the modification 1 of a display apparatus, It is a figure which shows each arrangement | positioning and mechanical structure about the combination meter and HUD with which a display apparatus is equipped, It is a perspective view for demonstrating the structure of HUD, It is a top view of HUD.

(First embodiment)
A display device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle, and is configured by combining a combination meter 10 and a head-up display (hereinafter “HUD”) 60 and the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display device 100 displays various information related to the vehicle, such as travel speed, in each of a plurality of display areas. In the following description, the direction along gravity in a vehicle in a stationary state is referred to as a downward direction DD, and the direction opposite to the downward direction DD is referred to as an upward direction UD.

The combination meter 10 is housed in a space 122 formed in the instrument panel 120 with the front side on which the plurality of display areas are formed facing the driver's seat. The instrument panel 120 is installed in the downward direction DD of the windshield 110 in the vehicle. The instrument panel 120 is formed with a hood 121 protruding in the upward direction UD. The space 122 is partitioned by the hood portion 121 and is formed in the front direction of the driver's seat. The combination meter 10 is positioned in the downward direction DD of the hood 121 and forms a multi display area 11, two pointer display areas 15, and a plurality of indicators 18.

The multi display area 11 is arranged at the center of the combination meter 10. The multi display area 11 displays information using various images 32 displayed on the display screen 12. The two pointer display areas 15 are arranged on both sides of the multi display area 11 in the width direction WD. Each pointer display area 15 displays information by a rotating pointer 16. The plurality of indicators 18 are mainly formed in an area excluding the multi display area 11 and the pointer display area 15 on the front side of the combination meter 10. Each indicator 18 performs various warnings related to the vehicle to the viewer by causing icons such as characters and symbols to emit light.

The HUD 60 includes an optical system 64 configured by a concave mirror or the like, a projector 61 that emits light of a display image displayed as the virtual image 35, and a housing 65 that houses the optical system 64 and the projector 61. The HUD 60 is arranged in front of the vehicle with respect to the combination meter 10 and is accommodated in the instrument panel 120.

The HUD 60 reflects the light of the display image emitted from the projector 61 by the optical system 64 and projects it toward the virtual image display area 111 defined in the windshield 110. The virtual image display area 111 is defined in the upward direction UD of the hood portion 121 in the windshield 110 that transmits the foreground of the vehicle. The virtual image display area 111 and the multi-display area 11 are aligned at the center position in the width direction WD on the appearance of the driver (viewer) sitting in the driver's seat. In addition, the virtual image display area 111, the multi display area 11, the pointer display area 15, and the like are located away from each other. A viewer sitting in the driver's seat can perceive the virtual image 35 superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle through the virtual image display area 111 by perceiving the light reflected toward the vehicle interior side by the virtual image display area 111. In the present embodiment, the virtual image display area 111 and the multi display area 11 are arranged on the same vertical line in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

Next, the electrical configuration of the display device 100 shown in FIG. 3 will be described in order for each of the combination meter 10 and the HUD 60.

The combination meter 10 includes a liquid crystal display 13 and a backlight 14, two stepper motors 17, a plurality of indicator light sources 19, and a control unit 20.

The liquid crystal display 13 is a thin-film-transistor (TFT) type display using thin film transistors, for example. The liquid crystal display 13 has a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally along the display screen 12. The liquid crystal display 13 is connected to the control unit 20 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 20. Various images that are displayed in color in the multi-display area 11 are formed on the display screen 12 of the liquid crystal display 13. The backlight 14 illuminates the image on the display screen 12 with a light source such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs). The backlight 14 is connected to the control unit 20, and the luminance of the illumination is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 20.

Stepper motor 17 is an electric motor that drives pointer 16. The stepper motor 17 is connected to the control unit 20, and forms a pointer display in the pointer display region 15 by rotating the pointer 16 based on a control signal output from the control unit 20. The indicator light source 19 is, for example, an LED. Each indicator light source 19 is connected to the control unit 20 and emits light for causing each indicator 18 to emit light based on a control signal output from the control unit 20.

The control unit 20 includes a microcomputer that operates according to a program, an interface that communicates with an in-vehicle Local Area Network (LAN) 140, and a drive circuit that drives the liquid crystal display 13, the stepper motor 17, each light source, and the like. It is configured. In addition to a plurality of in-vehicle devices 150 mounted on the vehicle, a steering switch 130 and the like are connected to the in-vehicle LAN 140. The control unit 20 acquires vehicle information output to the in-vehicle LAN 140, and outputs a control signal based on the acquired information to the liquid crystal display 13, the stepper motor 17, and each light source.

The projector 61 of the HUD 60 has a liquid crystal display 62 and a projection light source 63. The liquid crystal display 62 is a TFT display, for example. The liquid crystal display 62 is connected to the control unit 20 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 20. Various images that are displayed in color in the virtual image display area 111 (see FIG. 1) are formed on the liquid crystal display 62. The projection light source 63 has, for example, a plurality of high-brightness LEDs. The projection light source 63 is connected to the control unit 20, and emits light formed as a virtual image 35 (see FIG. 1) toward the liquid crystal display 62 based on a control signal output from the control unit 20. .

In the display device 100 described above, the display modes of the two display areas 11 and 111 arranged vertically in the viewer's appearance can be switched among a plurality of display modes. Such a display mode switching operation can be performed by an input to the steering switch 130 provided in the steering of the vehicle. Hereinafter, the configuration of each display in the multi display area 11 and the virtual image display area 111 in each display mode will be described in order based on FIGS.

FIG. 4 shows each display of the display areas 11 and 111 in the fuel consumption display mode. In the fuel consumption display mode, the fuel consumption graph 32a drawn in the multi display area 11 and the instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c displayed in the virtual image display area 111 display information related to each other. The amount of information displayed on the instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c is smaller than the amount of information displayed on the fuel consumption graph 32a. Details will be described below.

The image 32 drawn in the multi-display area 11 includes a vehicle model 42 and a background image 32f in addition to the fuel consumption graph 32a described above. The fuel consumption graph 32a displays vehicle information output from the in-vehicle device 150 (see FIG. 3), specifically, past history values of the fuel consumption information. The fuel consumption graph 32a has a plurality of bar elements 32b extending in a strip shape along the width direction WD. The length of each bar element 32b corresponds to the fuel consumption of the vehicle every predetermined time. The plurality of bar elements 32b are arranged in the downward direction DD from the upper edge of the multi display area 11, and move in the downward direction DD with the passage of time. Therefore, the bar element 32b indicating new fuel efficiency information is positioned in the upward direction UD. With such a bar graph-like display, the fuel consumption graph 32a shows a change in fuel consumption every predetermined time.

The vehicle model 42 is created by imitating the appearance of a vehicle on which the display device 100 (see FIG. 1) is mounted. In the multi-display area 11, an image obtained by bird's-eye view of the vehicle model 42 from behind is displayed. The front-rear direction of the vehicle model 42 is defined along the front-rear direction of the actual vehicle. The vehicle model 42 is arranged in the center of the multi display area 11 and is superimposed on the fuel consumption graph 32a and the background image 32f.

The background image 32 f is an image that becomes the background of the fuel consumption graph 32 a and the vehicle model 42 in the multi-display area 11. The background image 32f has a road surface image portion 32w extending in a strip shape along the vertical direction. The road surface image portion 32w is an image portion that imitates a roadway on which the vehicle model 42 travels. A pair of boundary lines 32r is formed on both sides of the road surface image portion 32w in the width direction WD, and the vehicle model 42 is disposed between these two boundary lines 32r.

The virtual image 35 displayed in the virtual image display area 111 includes a shift indicator 35a and a digital speedometer 35b in addition to the instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c. The shift indicator 35a indicates the current position of the shift lever provided in the vehicle. The digital speedometer 35b indicates the current traveling speed of the vehicle. The digital speedometer 35b is arranged with the shift indicator 35a in the width direction WD.

The instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c displays the latest value of the fuel consumption information currently acquired by the control unit 20 (see FIG. 3). The instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c has a bar element 35g substantially the same as the bar element 32b of the fuel consumption graph 32a. The bar element 35g expands and contracts in the width direction WD corresponding to the latest fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and becomes longer in the width direction WD as the fuel efficiency is improved. As a predetermined time elapses, the bar element 35g displayed on the instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c moves to the multi-display area 11 and is used as one of the plurality of bar elements 32b forming the fuel consumption graph 32a. Is displayed in the uppermost direction UD.

5 and 6 show each display of the display areas 11 and 111 in the eco display mode. In the eco display mode, the eco gauge 32 c drawn in the multi display area 11, the eco indicator 35 h and the item display 35 t displayed in the virtual image display area 111 display information related to each other. In addition, the information amount of information displayed on each of the eco indicator 35h and the item display 35t is smaller than the information amount of information displayed on the eco gauge 32c. Details will be described below.

The image 32 drawn in the multi-display area 11 includes a vehicle model 42 and a background image 32f that are substantially the same as those in the fuel consumption display mode, in addition to the above-described eco gauge 32c. The eco gauge 32c displays the vehicle information output from the in-vehicle device 150 (see FIG. 3), specifically, the degree of fuel efficiency in an analog manner. The fuel efficiency is calculated by the control unit 20 (see FIG. 3) or any one of the in-vehicle devices 150 based on the amount of fuel consumed by a traveling engine mounted on the vehicle, the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, and the like. The eco-gauge 32c visualizes the state of eco-driving with a bar-shaped image portion extending around the vehicle model 42 in an annular shape. The better the fuel efficiency, the more the eco gauge 32c extends counterclockwise toward the left rear of the vehicle model 42.

The virtual image 35 displayed in the virtual image display area 111 includes the above-described eco-indicator 35h and item display 35t in addition to the shift indicator 35a and the digital speedometer 35b which are substantially the same as those in the fuel consumption display mode.

The eco indicator 35h is displayed in the virtual image display area 111 when the fuel efficiency currently acquired or currently calculated by the control unit 20 (see FIG. 3) satisfies a predetermined condition. The eco indicator 35h is a display image imitating characters such as “ECO”, for example. The eco indicator 35h is arranged, for example, in the lower right corner of the virtual image display area 111 so as to line up with the item display 35t and the width direction WD. When the fuel efficiency is lower than the predetermined threshold, when the eco gauge 32c is lower than the predetermined threshold, the display of the eco indicator 35h is interrupted as shown in FIG.

The item display 35t shown in FIG.5 and FIG.6 has shown the item currently displayed on the multi display area 11 with the character. In the eco display mode, the characters “ECO Bar” are displayed as the vehicle information displayed on the eco gauge 32c, that is, the item name serving as a headline of fuel efficiency. The item display 35t is arranged in the downward direction DD of the digital speedometer 35b in the virtual image display area 111. The characters displayed as the item display 35t are switched in accordance with the change of the vehicle information displayed in the multi display area 11.

FIG. 7 shows each display of the display areas 11 and 111 in the supercharging pressure display mode. In the supercharging pressure display mode, the boost gauge 32d drawn in the multi-display area 11 and the digital boost meter 35j displayed in the virtual image display area 111 display information related to each other.

The image 32 drawn in the multi display area 11 includes a vehicle model 42 and a background image 32f that are substantially the same as those in the fuel consumption display mode, in addition to the boost gauge 32d described above. The boost gauge 32d displays in analog form the vehicle information output from the in-vehicle device 150 (see FIG. 3), specifically, the degree of gauge pressure in the intake pipe of the traveling engine. The boost gauge 32d visualizes the pressure in the intake pipe by a bar-shaped image portion extending in an annular shape around the vehicle model. When the pressure in the intake pipe is on the positive pressure side higher than the atmospheric pressure, the boost gauge 32d extends clockwise from the zero point position toward the right rear of the vehicle model 42 as the gauge pressure increases. When the pressure in the intake pipe is on the negative pressure side lower than the atmospheric pressure, the boost gauge 32d extends counterclockwise from the zero point position toward the left rear of the vehicle model 42 as the gauge pressure decreases.

The virtual image 35 displayed in the virtual image display area 111 includes the above-described digital boost meter 35j in addition to the shift indicator 35a and the digital speedometer 35b which are substantially the same as those in the fuel consumption display mode. The digital boost meter 35j digitally displays the same vehicle information as the boost gauge 32d, that is, the gauge pressure in the intake pipe by numerical values. The digital boost meter 35j is disposed at the center in the width direction WD of the virtual image display area 111, and is positioned in the downward direction DD of the shift indicator 35a and the digital speedometer 35b.

The above analog display by the boost gauge 32d can indicate the change range of the gauge pressure in the intake pipe together with the current value of the supercharging pressure. On the other hand, the digital display by the digital boost meter 35j merely indicates the current value of the supercharging pressure. Thus, the information amount of information displayed on the digital boost meter 35j is smaller than the information amount of information displayed on the boost gauge 32d.

In each display mode of the present embodiment described so far, the information display by the multi display area 11 and the information display of the virtual image display area 111 are related to each other. Therefore, even if the display of the virtual image display area 111 with a small amount of information is visually recognized, an outline of information displayed in the two display areas 11 and 111 can be grasped. Therefore, the viewer's line of sight first comes to the instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c or the like in the virtual image display area 111 that is easily grasped by reducing the amount of information. Thus, according to the fact that the viewer's line of sight is first directed to the instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c or the like displayed as the virtual image 35, acquisition of desired information can be achieved by a small line of sight movement from the foreground to the virtual image 35 in many situations. Can be done.

In addition, only when the desired information cannot be obtained from the display of the virtual image display area 111, the viewer only needs to look at the display of the multi-display area 11 that displays detailed information as necessary. . For this reason, implementation of line-of-sight movement with a large load from the foreground to the virtual image display area 111 can be limited to a few situations that require detailed information. Therefore, the display device 100 can reduce the load of eye movement of the viewer while ensuring the amount of information that can be provided to the viewer.

In the fuel consumption display mode of this embodiment, the latest fuel consumption information that the viewer wants to check is displayed in the virtual image display area 111 by the instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c. Therefore, the viewer can acquire the fuel consumption information by moving the line of sight to the virtual image 35 little. The past fuel consumption information can be confirmed by moving the line of sight to the fuel consumption graph 32a as necessary. As described above, the display device 100 moves the viewer's line of sight while ensuring the amount of information that can be provided by allocating the latest value and the history value of the fuel efficiency information to the instantaneous fuel efficiency meter 35c and the fuel efficiency graph 32a. Can reduce the load.

In addition, in the eco display mode of the present embodiment, the eco indicator 35h is displayed in the virtual image display area 111 when the fuel efficiency displayed on the eco gauge 32c is good. Although this eco-indicator 35h cannot indicate the current level of fuel efficiency in detail, if an appropriate condition is set for the threshold, the eco-indicator 35h can simply notify the viewer of the current fuel efficiency. According to the above, since the current fuel efficiency can be confirmed by turning the line of sight toward the eco-indicator 35h, it is possible to reduce the load of the viewer's line-of-sight movement.

Further, in the eco display mode of the present embodiment, the item name serving as the heading of the vehicle information displayed on the eco gauge 32c is displayed on the item display 35t. Therefore, the viewer can grasp the contents currently displayed in the multi-display area 11 by directing his / her line of sight to the item display 35t. According to the above, after viewing the item display 35t, the viewer determines whether or not there is desired information in the multi-display area 11, and if not, stops the line-of-sight movement to the eco gauge 32c or the like. be able to. According to the above, since unnecessary line-of-sight movement from the foreground to the multi-display area 11 can be avoided, the load of the line-of-sight movement of the viewer can be surely reduced.

Further, as in the supercharging pressure display mode of the present embodiment, the display of the digital boost meter 35j succinctly shows the gauge pressure numerically, so that it is possible to grasp information in a shorter time than the analog display by the boost gauge 32d. To do. Therefore, the visual line of the viewer is easily directed to the digital boost meter 35j that can quickly perceive the gauge pressure. As described above, in the configuration in which the vehicle information is digitally displayed by the virtual image 35, the load of eye movement can be reduced. In addition, since the analog display coexists with the digital display, the amount of information provided to the viewer is also ensured.

If the multi-display area 11 and the virtual image display area 111 are arranged in the same circular line in a vertical relationship as in the present embodiment, the viewer can instantaneously consume fuel without moving the head left and right. The line of sight can be shifted from the total 35c to the fuel consumption graph 32a. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load on the line of sight movement between the two display areas 11 and 111.

In the present embodiment, the multi-display area 11 corresponds to the “first display area” of the present disclosure, the liquid crystal display 13 corresponds to the “display section” of the present disclosure, and the HUD 60 corresponds to the “virtual image projection section” of the present disclosure. Is equivalent to. The display device 100 corresponds to the “vehicle display device” of the present disclosure, the virtual image display region 111 corresponds to the “second display region” of the present disclosure, and the windshield 110 corresponds to the “projection unit” of the present disclosure. To do. Further, the fuel consumption graph 32a, the eco gauge 32c, and the boost gauge 32d correspond to the “first display unit” of the present disclosure. The instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c, the eco indicator 35h, the digital boost meter 35j, and the item display 35t correspond to the “second display unit” of the present disclosure.

(Other embodiments in the first embodiment)
The first embodiment according to the present disclosure has been described above. However, the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. can do.

In the fuel consumption display mode of the above embodiment, the latest value of fuel consumption information and the past history value are allocated and displayed on the instantaneous fuel consumption meter 35c and the fuel consumption graph 32a, respectively. Thus, the vehicle information in which the latest value and the history value are displayed together is not limited to the fuel efficiency information described above. For example, the traveling speed information of the vehicle, the atmospheric pressure information outside the vehicle, the temperature information, and the like can be allocated to the latest value and the history value and displayed in two display areas in parallel.

In the eco display mode of the above embodiment, the eco indicator 35h is turned on when the level of fuel efficiency is displayed by the eco gauge 32c and exceeds a predetermined fuel efficiency. Thus, the vehicle information in which the detailed contents and the summary are displayed in parallel is not limited to the fuel efficiency described above. For example, the fuel supply indicator may be lit in the virtual image display area 111 when the amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank is displayed in the multi-display area 11 by the first display unit and falls below a predetermined remaining amount.

In the eco display mode of the above embodiment, the eco indicator 35h and the item display 35t correspond to the second display unit, respectively. However, an eco display mode for displaying only one of these may be set in the display device. Furthermore, in the display mode in which a plurality of first display units indicating different vehicle information are displayed in the multi display area, a plurality of item displays may be displayed side by side in the virtual image display area.

In the supercharging pressure display mode of the above embodiment, an analog display indicating the degree of gauge pressure and a digital display coexist. Thus, the vehicle information shown simultaneously by the analog display and the digital display is not limited to the supercharging pressure. For example, in a display device in which the entire surface of the combination meter has a multi-display area, the traveling speed information of the vehicle may be digitally displayed in the virtual image display area and analog-displayed in the multi-display area by a pointer image.

Further, the information amount of information displayed on each of the first display unit and the second display unit may be changed according to the driving state of the vehicle. For example, the information amount of information displayed on each of the first display unit and the second display unit when the vehicle is stopped may be relatively increased as compared with the traveling state of the vehicle. Specifically, when the vehicle is stopped, a large-scale detailed map for destination guidance by the navigation system is displayed on the first display unit, and displayed on the first display unit on the second display unit. A map of destination guidance with a medium scale or a small scale rather than a map is displayed. When the vehicle travels, a large-scale detailed map for destination guidance displayed on the first display unit is maintained, and a turn-by-turn arrow is displayed on the second display unit instead of the map display. May be displayed.

In the multi-display area and the virtual image display area in the above embodiment, the center positions in the vehicle width direction WD are aligned with each other. However, the position of each display area is not limited to the arrangement of the above embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the virtual image display area may be defined near the center in the width direction WD of the windshield. Or the combination meter which forms a multi display area may be accommodated near the center of the width direction WD of the instrument panel.

In the above embodiment, the display mode can be switched by operating the steering switch. However, the configuration in which an operation for changing the display mode is input is not limited to the steering switch, and may be, for example, a joystick provided on the center console, a touch panel, or the like.

In the above embodiment, the vehicle windshield is used as the “projection unit” on which the display image is projected. However, the “projection unit” is not limited to the windshield. For example, a combiner that is formed in a plate shape with a translucent resin and attached to the upper surface of the instrument panel or the vehicle interior side of the windshield may be installed as a configuration corresponding to the “projection unit”.

The projector of the above embodiment has a configuration in which a TFT liquid crystal display and a projection light source are combined. However, the configuration for projecting the display image can be changed as appropriate. For example, a liquid crystal display other than the TFT method can be used. Further, a display image may be projected by a DLP (Digital Light Processing: registered trademark) projector, a CRT projector, or the like. Furthermore, a laser scanner using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) may be included in the “projection unit” as a configuration for projecting a display image.

In the above embodiment, the function provided by the control unit 20 that has executed the program may be provided by hardware and software different from the above-described configuration, or a combination thereof. For example, the above-described functions may be provided by cooperation of control units provided in the combination meter and the HUD, respectively. Furthermore, the above-described function for controlling the display of each display area may be provided by a circuit that performs a predetermined function without depending on a program.
(Second embodiment)
A display device 2100 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 8 is mounted on a vehicle, and is configured by combining a combination meter 2010, a head-up display (hereinafter “HUD”) 2060, a light emitting unit 2080, and the like. ing. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the display device 2100 displays various information related to the vehicle such as the traveling speed in each of the plurality of display areas.

The combination meter 2010 is housed in a space 2122 formed in the instrument panel 2120 with the front side on which the plurality of display areas are formed facing the driver's seat. The instrument panel 2120 is installed in the downward direction DD of the windshield 2110 in the vehicle. The instrument panel 2120 is formed with a hood portion 2121 protruding in the upward direction UD. The space 2122 is partitioned by the hood part 2121 and is formed in the front direction of the driver's seat. The combination meter 2010 is positioned in the downward direction DD of the hood portion 2121 and forms a multi display area 2011, two pointer display areas 2015, and a plurality of indicators 2018.

The multi display area 2011 is arranged at the center of the combination meter 2010. The multi display area 2011 displays information by various images displayed on the display screen 2012. The two pointer display areas 2015 are arranged on both sides of the multi display area 2011 in the width direction WD. Each pointer display area 2015 displays information by a rotating pointer 2016. The plurality of indicators 2018 are mainly formed in an area excluding the multi display area 2011 and the pointer display area 2015 on the front side of the combination meter 2010. Each indicator 2018 performs various warnings regarding the vehicle to the viewer by causing icons such as characters and symbols to emit light.

The HUD 2060 includes an optical system 2064 configured by a concave mirror or the like, a projector 2061 that emits light of an image displayed as a virtual image 2035, and a housing 2065 that houses the optical system 2064 and the projector 2061. The HUD 2060 is disposed in front of the vehicle with respect to the combination meter 2010 and is accommodated in the instrument panel 2120.

The HUD 2060 reflects the light of the image emitted from the projector 2061 by the optical system 2064 and projects it toward the virtual image display area 2111 defined in the windshield 2110. The virtual image display area 2111 is defined in the upward direction UD of the hood portion 2121 in the windshield 2110 that transmits the foreground of the vehicle. Therefore, the virtual image display area 2111, the multi display area 2011, the pointer display area 2015, and the like are located away from each other. A viewer seated in the driver's seat can perceive the virtual image 2035 superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle through the virtual image display region 2111 by perceiving the light reflected toward the vehicle interior side by the virtual image display region 2111.

The light emitting unit 2080 has two linear light emitting units 2081. Each linear light emitting unit 2081 is formed in a longitudinal shape extending in a bar shape along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The two linear light emitting units 2081 are attached to the hood portion 2121 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction WD intersecting (orthogonal) with each extending direction. The linear light emitting unit 2081 emits light toward the windshield 2110 and the driver's seat.

Next, the electrical configuration of the display device 2100 illustrated in FIG. 10 will be described in order for each of the combination meter 2010, the HUD 2060, and the light emitting unit 2080.

The combination meter 2010 includes a liquid crystal display 2013 and a backlight 2014, two stepper motors 2017, a plurality of indicator light sources 2019, and a control unit 2020.

The liquid crystal display 2013 is a thin-film-transistor (TFT) type display using thin film transistors, for example. The liquid crystal display 2013 has a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally along the display screen 2012. The liquid crystal display 2013 is connected to the control unit 2020 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 2020. Various images displayed in color in the multi display area 2011 are formed on the display screen 2012 of the liquid crystal display 2013. The backlight 2014 transmits and illuminates the image on the display screen 2012 with a light source such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs). The backlight 2014 is connected to the control unit 2020, and the luminance of the illumination is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 2020.

The stepper motor 2017 is an electric motor that drives the pointer 2016. The stepper motor 2017 is connected to the control unit 2020, and forms a pointer display in the pointer display area 2015 by rotating the pointer 2016 based on a control signal output from the control unit 2020. The indicator light source 2019 is, for example, an LED. Each indicator light source 2019 is connected to the control unit 2020, and emits light for causing each indicator 2018 to emit light based on a control signal output from the control unit 2020.

The control unit 2020 includes a microcomputer that operates according to a program, an interface that communicates with the in-vehicle Local Area Network (LAN) 2140, a liquid crystal display 2013, a stepper motor 2017, and a drive circuit that drives each light source. It is configured. A steering switch 2130 and the like are connected to the in-vehicle LAN 2140 in addition to a plurality of in-vehicle devices 2150 mounted on the vehicle. The control unit 2020 acquires vehicle information output to the in-vehicle LAN 2140 and outputs a control signal based on the acquired information to the liquid crystal display 2013, the stepper motor 2017, and each light source.

The projector 2061 of the HUD 2060 has a liquid crystal display 2062 and a projection light source 2063. The liquid crystal display 2062 is a TFT display, for example. The liquid crystal display 2062 is connected to the control unit 2020 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 2020. Various images displayed in color in the virtual image display area 2111 are formed on the liquid crystal display 2062 (see FIG. 15). The projection light source 2063 has a plurality of high-brightness LEDs, for example. The projection light source 2063 is connected to the control unit 2020, and emits light formed as a virtual image 2035 (see FIG. 9) toward the liquid crystal display 2062 based on a control signal output from the control unit 2020. .

The linear light emitting unit 2081 of the light emitting unit 2080 has a plurality of linked line light sources 2089 as point light sources. The link line light source 2089 is, for example, an LED or the like, and emits light of chromatic color such as blue. Each link line light source 2089 is connected to the control unit 2020 and emits light individually based on a control signal output from the control unit 2020.

The mechanical configuration of the linear light emitting unit 2081 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The two linear light emitting units 2081 are fitted in concave housing grooves 2123 (see FIG. 9) formed in the hood portion 2121 in an arrangement aligned in the vehicle width direction WD (see FIG. 15). The two linear light emitting units 2081 are attached to the hood portion 2121 in a posture slightly inclined with respect to an axis parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle so as to be close to each other toward the front of the vehicle. In addition, in a state where the linear light emitting unit 2081 is accommodated in the accommodating groove 2123, the light emitting surface 2081 a that emits light in the linear light emitting unit 2081 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the hood portion 2121.

The linear light emitting unit 2081 includes a light source substrate 2088, a light guide 2084, and a coating film 2086 in addition to the above-described linkage light source 2089. The light source substrate 2088 is formed in a band plate shape having the extending direction of the linear light emitting unit 2081 as a longitudinal direction. On the mounting surface 2088a of the light source substrate 2088, connectors and the like used for connection to a plurality of linkage light sources 2089 and the control unit 2020 (see FIG. 10) are mounted. The plurality of linkage light sources 2089 are arranged on the mounting surface 2088a while being spaced apart from each other along the extending direction of the linear light emitting unit 2081.

The light guide 2084 is formed in a quadrangular prism shape using a colorless and transparent translucent material such as acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin. The light guide 2084 has a holding surface 2084b, a light source accommodation chamber 2084a, and an emission surface 2085. The holding surface 2084b is a side surface of the light guide 2084 facing the mounting surface 2088a. The holding surface 2084b holds the light source substrate 2088. The light source accommodation chamber 2084a is a space formed by recessing the central portion of the holding surface 2084b in a concave shape. The light source accommodation chamber 2084a extends along the extending direction of the light guide 2084. A plurality of linkage light sources 2089 are accommodated in the light source accommodation chamber 2084a. The exit surface 2085 is a side surface of the light guide 2084 that is located on the opposite side of the holding surface 2084b. The emission surface 2085 is slightly curved according to the shape of the upper surface of the hood portion 2121. The exit surface 2085 emits the light from the link line light source 2089 incident on the light guide 2084 in the upward direction UD.

The coating film 2086 is formed in a film shape and covers the emission surface 2085. The color and surface texture of the coating film 2086 are matched with the texture of the upper surface of the hood 2121 around the accommodation groove 2123. The coating film 2086 is formed with a large number of minute through holes 2087 that penetrate the coating film 2086 in the thickness direction. The size of the through hole 2087 is defined so that it is difficult for the viewer sitting in the driver's seat to visually recognize the through hole 2087. The inner method of the through hole 2087 is, for example, about 1 millimeter or less. The through hole 2087 can pass light emitted from the emission surface 2085.

With the above configuration, when all the link light sources 2089 are off, the light emitting surface 2081a is difficult to distinguish from the top surface of the hood portion 2121. On the other hand, when the link light source 2089 is in a lighting state, the linear light emitting unit 2081 emits light by emitting light from the link light source 2089 that has passed through the through hole 2087 from the light emitting surface 2081a. As described above, the link line light source 2089 is set so that lighting and extinguishing are individually controlled by the control unit 2020. As a result, as will be described later, the light emission position is visually observed on the light emission surface 2081a so as to move on the light emission surface.

Here, a steering switch 2130 used for operating the display of the display device 2100 (see FIG. 8) will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration in which the display operation is input is not limited to the steering switch 2130, and may be, for example, a joystick and a touch panel provided in the center console.

Steering switch 2130 is arranged in a range where a finger that grips the rim part can be easily reached, such as a spoke part, in steering wheel 2130a. The steering switch 2130 is formed in a circular shape as a whole, and includes an enter key 2132 and four direction keys 2131u, 2131d, 2131l, and 2131r.

The determination key 2132 is formed in a circular shape and is arranged at the center of the steering switch 2130. Each of the direction keys 2131u to 2131r is one of the steering switch 2130 that divides the region on the outer periphery of the enter key 2132 into four equal parts in the circumferential direction. Each direction key 2131u to 2131r is assigned with each direction of up, down, left and right. An operator (viewer) who operates the steering switch 2130 can select a desired item from a plurality of items by pressing the direction keys 2131u to 2131r, and can confirm the selection by pressing the enter key 2132. An operation request output from the steering switch 2130 based on such an operation is acquired by the control unit 2020 through the in-vehicle LAN 2140 shown in FIG.

By operating the display of the multi-display area 2011 with the input to the steering switch 2130 as described above, the viewer can select the image displayed in the virtual image display area 2111. Hereinafter, an operation in the HUD customization mode for changing the display of the virtual image display area 2111 and a change in display on the display device 2100 due to the operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16 and with reference to FIG.

First, the display by the light emitting unit 2080 in the HUD customization mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 shows the entirety of a plurality of display areas visually recognized by a driver (viewer) seated in the driver's seat. From the viewpoint of the viewer, the light emitting unit 2080 is located in the range between the multi display area 2011 and the virtual image display area 2111 in the hood 2121. Each linear light emitting unit 2081 extends linearly from the multi display area 2011 toward the virtual image display area 2111 in terms of appearance from the viewer. Of the two ends of each linear light emitting unit 2081 in the extending direction, each one end that is positioned in the rearward direction of the vehicle and is apparently close to the multi display area 2011 is referred to as a rear end 2082. Further, of the two ends of each linear light emitting unit 2081 in the extending direction, each other end that is positioned in the front direction of the vehicle and is apparently close to the virtual image display region 2111 is referred to as a front end 2083. From the viewpoint of the viewer, the interval d1 between the rear end portions 2082 is closer to the length w1 of the multi-display area 2011 in the width direction WD than the length w2 of the virtual image display area 2111 in the width direction WD. Are substantially aligned with the length w1. Similarly, the interval d2 between the front side end portions 2083 is closer to the length w2 of the virtual image display region 2111 in the width direction WD than the length w1 of the multi-display region 2011 in the width direction WD, and substantially. It is aligned with the length w2.

The light emitting unit 2080 causes a part of the light emitting surface 2081a of each linear light emitting unit 2081 to emit light as the light emitting spot 2038. The region of the light emitting surface 2081a excluding the light emitting spot 2038 may emit light with a lower luminance than the light emitting spot 2038 or may not emit light. The light emission spot 2038 is movable on the light emission surface 2081a. In addition, a part of the light emitted from the light emitting surface 2081 a toward the upward direction UD is in the area UD above the virtual image display area 2111 (hereinafter referred to as “reflection display area”) 2112 in the windshield 2110. Reflected on the driver's seat side. Therefore, the reflection image 2036 of the light emission spot 2038 by the light emitting unit 2080 is displayed in the reflective display area 2112.

Next, the display of the multi display area 2011 in the HUD customization mode will be described. A setting menu 2031 is displayed in the multi display area 2011 in the HUD customization mode. In the setting menu 2031, items that can be displayed in the virtual image display area 2111 are arranged in the vertical direction of the display. Specifically, the setting menu 2031 displays items such as “Shift”, “Speed”, “Fuel”, and “TBT (turn-by-turn)”. By operating these items, the display of the virtual image display area 2111 such as the shift indicator 2035a, the digital speedometer 2035b, the fuel gauge 2035k, and the turn-by-turn 2035d can be switched on and off.

Specifically, an operation of adding the digital speedometer 2035b to the virtual image display area 2111 displaying the shift indicator 2035a will be described. The viewer selects an item “Speed” from among a plurality of items displayed on the setting menu 2031 in the column A in FIG. 16 by operating the up and down direction keys 2131u and 2131d, and presses the enter key 2132 to operate the item. Determine the selection. Then, each linear light emitting unit 2081 displays a light emitting spot 2038 on the rear side end portion 2082. As a result, the reflection image 2036 of the light emission spot 2038 is also displayed in the reflection display area 2112.

As shown in column A of FIG. 16 and column B of FIG. 16, each light emitting spot 2038 moves toward the front end 2083 so as to flow on the light emitting surface 2081a. In addition, the reflected image 2036 also moves in the downward direction DD toward the virtual image display area 2111. The movement of the light emission spot 2038 and the reflected image 2036 is perceived by the viewer as a linkage line that is displayed in a light emission manner.

When each light-emitting spot 2038 reaches the front end 2083, the shift indicator 2035a displays the left outer edge from the center of the virtual image display area 2111 in order to secure an area for displaying the digital speedometer 2035b (see column C in FIG. 16). Move towards Then, the light emission spot 2038 of each light emitting surface 2081a disappears, and a digital speedometer 2035b is displayed in the virtual image display area 2111 as shown in the column C of FIG.

As described above, in the display device 2100 (see FIG. 8), the light emitting unit 2080 emits light in accordance with the change in the display of the virtual image display area 2111 based on the operation request for operating the display of the multi display area 2011. . In order to realize such a display change of the display device 2100, processing executed by the control unit 2020 will be described based on FIG. 17 and with reference to FIG. The processing shown in FIG. 17 is started by the control unit 2020 based on activation of the HUD customization mode by operating the steering switch 2130 or the like. This process is repeatedly performed by the control unit 2020 until the viewer ends the HUD customization mode.

In S2101, an operation request output process to the in-vehicle LAN 2140 is performed, and the process proceeds to S2102. In step S <b> 2102, it is determined whether the determination key 2132 has been operated based on whether the operation request acquired in step S <b> 2101 is due to the pressing operation of the determination key 2132. If it is determined in S2102 that the enter key 2132 has not been operated, the process returns to S2101. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2102 that the enter key 2132 has been operated, the process proceeds to S2103.

In S2103, the light emission processing for causing the light emitting unit 2080 to emit light is started based on the operation request accompanied by the display change of the virtual image display area 2111 acquired in S2101. Specifically, the light emission spot 2038 shown in FIG. 15 flows from one side to the other side of the multi display area 2011 and the virtual image display area 2111 (see also column A in FIG. 16 and column B in FIG. 16). ), The plurality of linked line light sources 2089 of each linear light emitting unit 2081 shown in FIG. 10 are turned on in order for a certain time. In this way, the light emitting unit 2080 starts light emission in a period from when the operation request is acquired by the control unit 2020 to when the display change of the virtual image display area 2111 (see FIG. 15) based on the operation request is started.

In S2104 shown in FIG. 17, a change process for changing the display of the HUD 2060 is started. Specifically, the layout of the image drawn on the liquid crystal display 2062 is changed so that the image of the item for which the enter key 2132 has been operated in S2101 is displayed. As described above, images displayed as virtual images in the virtual image display area 2111 are added or reduced (see column C in FIG. 16). Here, the HUD display change process in S2104 may be started after the light emission process started in S2103, or may be performed in parallel with the process after the light emission process is started.

According to the present embodiment described so far, when the display of the virtual image display area 2111 is changed based on the operation request for operating the display of the multi-display area 2011, the two display areas 2011 are based on the operation request. , 2111 emits light. As described above, if the light emitting unit 2080 emits light in association with the display change of the virtual image display area 2111, the display device 2100 is as if an operation request has been transmitted from the multi display area 2011 to the virtual image display area 2111. Remind the viewer of the image. As a result, the viewer's attention can be directed to the virtual image display area 2111 without a sense of incongruity. For this reason, the viewer can accurately grasp the display change in which the two display areas 2011 and 211 that are located apart from each other are linked.

In addition, as in the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 2080 disposed in the hood unit 2121 easily attracts the eyes of the viewer, and thus can reliably exert a function of inducing the viewer's attention. Therefore, a change in display in which the two display areas 2011 and 211 are linked is more easily recognized by a viewer.

Further, in the configuration in which the virtual image display area 2111 is linked to the multi display area 2011 as in the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 2080 is positioned between the two display areas 2011 and 1111, by being positioned in the hood part 2121. Can do. Therefore, the upper surface of the hood part 2121 is suitable as a place for forming the light emitting part 2080 in the display device 2100 that performs virtual image display.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the viewer can visually recognize the light emission of the light emitting unit 2080 itself and the reflected image 2036 of the light emitting unit 2080 together. Therefore, when changing the display layout of the virtual image display area 2111 in the HUD customization mode, the virtual image display area 2111 can be further emphasized to guide the viewer's line of sight to the virtual image display area 2111. Therefore, the viewer can grasp the display change in which the two display areas 2011 and 211 are linked without omission.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the light emission spot 2038 moves on the light emission surface 2081a from the multi display area 2011 toward the virtual image display area 2111. Such a display in which the light emission spot 2038 is flowed easily attracts the eyes of the viewer, and can guide the viewer's attention to the virtual image display area 2111 without a sense of incongruity. Therefore, the change in display in which the two display areas 20111 and 21111 are linked to each other is further easily grasped.

In this embodiment, the linear light emitting unit 2081 extends linearly from the multi display area 2011 to the virtual image display area 2111 in terms of the viewer's appearance. Therefore, the movement of the light emitting spot 2038 flowing through the elongated light emitting surface 2081a formed in the linear light emitting unit 2081 can remind the viewer of an image as if an operation request is transmitted through the signal line. As a result, the viewer's attention is guided to the virtual image display area 2111 without a more uncomfortable feeling. Therefore, a change in display in which the two display areas 20111 and 21111 are linked becomes easier for the viewer to grasp.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the two linear light emitting units 2081 arranged in the vehicle width direction WD, the distance d1 between the rear end portions 2082 is aligned with the length w1 of the multi display region 2011 in the width direction WD. . In addition, the distance d2 between the front end portions 2083 is aligned with the length w2 of the virtual image display region 2111 in the width direction WD. According to the above, the two light emitting surfaces 2081a form a link line shape that links the two display areas 20111, 2111. Therefore, the light emitting spot 2038 flowing through each light emitting surface 2081a makes it easier for the viewer to associate the movement of information between the two display areas 20111, 2111.

In addition, the light emitting unit 2080 of the present embodiment clearly shows an image of information transmitted from the multi display area 2011 to the virtual image display area 2111 by starting light emission before the display change of the virtual image display area 2111 is started. obtain. Therefore, the effect of the light emitting unit 2080 that makes it easy to grasp the change in the display in which the two display areas 20111 and 21111 are linked to each other is more certain.

Then, as in this embodiment, if the coating film 2086 having a texture similar to that of the upper surface of the hood portion 2121 covers the emission surface 2085, the light emitting surface 2081a in the extinguished state can be made inconspicuous for the viewer. . Therefore, the appearance deterioration around the driver's seat due to the provision of the linear light emitting unit 2081 in the hood portion 2121 can be prevented. On the other hand, when the connection line light source 2089 is in a light emission state, light emitted from the emission surface 2085 passes through a large number of through holes 2087 and is emitted to the outside of the coating film 2086. Therefore, the light emitting surface 2081a can emit light reliably. As described above, the light emitting unit 2080 can exhibit the effect of easily grasping the change in display without adversely affecting the appearance from the viewer.

In the present embodiment, the multi display area 2011 corresponds to the “first display area” and the “operation display area”, and the virtual image display area 2111 corresponds to the “second display area” and the “linked display area”. The control unit 2020 corresponds to a “display control unit”, and the light emission spot 2038 corresponds to a “light emission region”. Further, the combination meter 2010 corresponds to a “display unit”, the HUD 2060 corresponds to a “projection unit”, and the windshield 2110 corresponds to a “projection unit”. The light emitting unit 2080 corresponds to a “light emitting unit”, the linear light emitting unit 2081 corresponds to a “linear light emitter”, and the coating film 2086 corresponds to a “coating layer”. The right display area 2211a corresponds to the first display area and the operation display area, the left display area 2211b corresponds to the second display area and the linked display area, the liquid crystal display 2013 corresponds to the display section, and the control section 2020 includes This corresponds to the display control unit. The rear side end portion 2082 corresponds to one end portion, and the front side end portion 2083 corresponds to the other end portion.

(Other embodiments in the second embodiment)
As mentioned above, although 2nd embodiment by this indication was described, this indication is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and is applied to various embodiments and combinations within the range which does not deviate from the gist of this indication. can do.

In the first modification of the above embodiment, the combination meter 2210 shown in FIG. 18 forms a pointer display area 2215, a right display area 2211a, and a left display area 2211b. The right display area 2211a and the left display area 2211b are located apart from each other. The viewer of the combination meter 2210 can change the image displayed in the left display area 2211b by operating the setting menu 2231 displayed in the right display area 2211a. Therefore, the control unit of the combination meter 2210 performs control to change the display of the left display area 2211b based on an operation request for operating the display of the right display area 2211a.

In the first modification, the light emitting unit 2280 has two linear light emitting surfaces 2281a extending in the width direction WD in the pointer display region 2215. The distance between the two light emitting surfaces 2281a in the vertical direction is substantially aligned with the height in the vertical direction of the two display areas 2211a and 2211b. In addition, the texture of the light emitting surface 2281a is matched with the texture of the ground portion of the pointer display area 2215. The light emitting unit 2280 moves the light emitting spot 2038 from the right display region 2211a toward the left display region 2211b under the control of the control unit.

Also in the first modification described above, the light emitting unit 2280 emits light based on the operation request accompanied by the display change of the left display area 2211b. Therefore, the viewer can recall an image as if an operation request was transmitted from the right display area 2211a to the left display area 2211b. Then, if the viewer's attention is directed to the left display area 2211b by the light emitting unit 2280, the change in display in which the two display areas 2211a and 2211b are linked can be accurately grasped by the viewer. .

Further, the formation position of the light emitting part may be on the upper surface of the hood part as in the above-described embodiment, or may be in the combination meter as in Modification 1 above. In addition, as in Modification 1 above, a light emitting unit that facilitates grasping the linked display of the display areas 2211a and 2211b in the combination meter 2210 is provided in the hood unit 2221 located in the upward direction UD of the meter 2210. It may be. Furthermore, in the form in which the combination meter is placed on the instrument panel, a light emitting unit can be formed on the upper surface of the meter.

In the above embodiment, the HUD customization mode has been described in detail. However, in other operation modes, the display in which the two display areas 2011 and 211 are linked is performed. For example, in the display movement mode shown in FIG. 19, the display image displayed in the multi display area 2011 can be moved to the virtual image display area 2111.

Specifically, the display in the case of moving the accelerometer displayed in the multi display area 2011 to the virtual image display area 2111 is shown in the A column of FIG. 19 to the C column of FIG. The accelerometer visualizes the magnitude of the acceleration generated in the vehicle by acceleration / deceleration and steering by the eccentric amount of the spherical spot displayed in the annular image. For convenience, in the following description, an image displayed in the multi-display area 2011 is referred to as “accelerometer 2031a”, and a virtual image displayed in the virtual image display area 2111 is referred to as “accelerometer 2035f”. In addition, the information display which can move between two display areas is not limited to an accelerometer. In addition, the information display can be moved bidirectionally between the two display areas.

The viewer determines the movement of the accelerometer 2031a shown in the column A of FIG. 19 to the virtual image display region 2111 by pressing the up and down direction keys 2131u and 2131d (see FIG. 14) and the enter key 2132 (see FIG. 14). To do. Then, the light emission spot 2038 and its reflection image 2036 are displayed. The light emission spot 2038 and its reflection image 2036 move toward the virtual image display area 2111 as shown in the A column of FIG. 19 and the B column of FIG.

In the multi-display area 2011, each display is toned down, and the accelerometer 2031a moves in the upward direction UD to match the movement of the light emission spot 2038. The accelerometer 2031a disappears from the upper direction UD to the outside of the range of the multi display area 2011. On the other hand, in the virtual image display area 2111, the shift indicator 2035a and the digital speedometer 2035b move from the center toward the left and right outer edges. In addition, the accelerometer 2035f is inserted into the virtual image display area 2111 from the downward direction DD as the accelerometer 2031a moves out of the range of the multi display area 2011.

Accelerometer 2035f moves to the center of virtual image display area 2111 and is positioned between shift indicator 2035a and digital speedometer 2035b, as shown in column C of FIG. Thus, the movement of the accelerometers 2031a and 2035f across the two display areas is completed. As described above, even when the information display is moved from one of the two display areas 2011 and 1111, the light-emitting display that causes the light-emitting spot to flow can make it easy for the viewer to recognize the change in the linked display.

In the embodiment described above, the display of the virtual image display area 2111 has been changed by operating the multi display area 2011. However, the display of the multi-display area 2011 can be changed by operating the virtual image display area 2111. In this case, the virtual image display area 2111 corresponds to the “operation display area”, and the multi display area 2011 corresponds to the “linked display area”. Similarly, in the first modification, it is also possible to change the display of the right display area 2211a corresponding to the “link display area” by operating the left display area 2211b corresponding to the “operation display area”.

In the above embodiment, light emission of the light emitting unit is started during a period from when the operation request is acquired by the control unit to when the display change of the virtual image display area is started. However, if the display change that moves the shift indicator 2035a (see column B in FIG. 16) is first performed in the virtual image display area, the light emission start of the light emitting unit is the display change of the virtual image display area. It can be later than the start. As described above, if the transmission of the operation request can be expressed by the light emission of the light emitting unit, the context between the light emission start timing of the light emitting unit and the timing of starting the display change of the virtual image display region can be adjusted as appropriate. .

Further, when a new image is added to the virtual image display area, the added image is slid in or faded in from the outer edge of the lower direction DD adjacent to the virtual image display area and the light emitting part in synchronization with the light emission of the light emitting part. It's okay. Thus, by combining the movement of the image with the light emission of the light emitting unit, the viewer can more easily recall the image in which the operation request is transmitted to the virtual image display area.

In the above embodiment, the reflected image of the light emitting unit is projected in the reflective display area located in the upward direction UD of the virtual image display area (see FIG. 15). Such display of the reflected image may be omitted. Moreover, the area | region except a light emission spot in the light emission surface may emit light slightly with a brightness | luminance lower than a light emission spot, or it may not emit light substantially by extinction of a link light source.

Furthermore, although each linear light emitting unit has performed display such that a light emitting spot flows, the light emission mode of each linear light emitting unit can be changed as appropriate. For example, instead of the light emission spot, control that the band of light continuously proceeds from the multi-display area toward the virtual image display area, or from the virtual image display area toward the multi-display area, May be implemented. Alternatively, a light emitting mode may be employed in which all of the light emitting surfaces emit light linearly by simultaneously emitting light from a plurality of cooperative line light sources so as to connect two display regions. In addition, the dot-like or band-like light emitting areas projected on the two light emitting surfaces may move differently.

In the above embodiment, a linear light emitting unit that forms a linear light emitting surface that displays a link line connecting two display areas is employed as the light emitting unit. However, the shape of the light emitting surface is not limited to a linear shape. For example, the entire range sandwiched between two display areas on the top surface of the hood portion can be formed as a light emitting surface capable of emitting light. Moreover, also in the form which employ | adopts a linear light emission unit, the number, arrangement | positioning, etc. of the said unit can be changed suitably.

In the above embodiment, the light emitting surface is formed so as to be melted into the surrounding structure by covering the emission surface with a coating film. However, the formation of such a coating film may be omitted. Furthermore, a light-emitting surface that is made to stand out from the periphery may be formed by forming a coating film on the emission surface that is greatly different in texture from the surrounding structure.

In the above embodiment, a light emitting diode is employed as each light source. However, the configuration that can be employed as the light source is not limited to the light emitting diode. For example, a fluorescent tube and an organic EL panel can be used as the light source.

In the above embodiment, the vehicle windshield is used as the projection unit on which each display image is projected. However, the projection unit is not limited to the windshield. For example, a combiner that is formed in a plate shape with a translucent resin and attached to the upper surface of the instrument panel or the vehicle interior side of the windshield may be installed as a configuration corresponding to the projection unit.

The projector of the above embodiment has a configuration in which a TFT liquid crystal display and a projection light source are combined. However, the configuration for projecting the display image can be changed as appropriate. For example, a liquid crystal display other than the TFT method can be used. Further, a display image may be projected by a DLP (Digital Light Processing: registered trademark) projector, a CRT projector, or the like. Furthermore, a laser scanner using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) may be included in the “projection unit” as a configuration for projecting a display image.

In the above embodiment, the function of the “display control unit” provided by the control unit 2020 that has executed the program may be provided by hardware and software different from the above configuration, or a combination thereof. For example, the above-described function of controlling the display of each display area and the light emission of the light emitting unit may be provided by a circuit that performs a predetermined function without depending on a program.

As described above, the example in which the present disclosure is applied to a display device mounted on a vehicle and combined with a combination meter, a HUD, and the like has been described. However, the present disclosure is applicable not only to vehicles but also to display devices that are used in various consumer devices, various transport devices, and the like.

Note that the amount of information displayed on the HUD may be smaller than the amount of information displayed on the combination meter.

According to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device capable of showing a change in display in which two display areas located apart from each other are linked so that a viewer can easily understand.

According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device that displays information in each of a plurality of display areas including a first display area and a second display area that are located apart from each other. The display device is based on an operation request for operating the display of the operation display area that is one of the first display area and the second display area, and the linkage display that is the other of the first display area and the second display area. A display control unit that performs control to change display of the region, and a light emitting unit that emits light between the first display region and the second display region, and the display control unit accompanies a change in display of the linked display region Based on the operation request, the light emitting unit emits light.

According to this disclosure, when the display of the other linked display area is changed based on an operation request for operating the display of the operation display area that is one of the first display area and the second display area, Based on the operation request, the light emitting unit located between the two display areas emits light. As described above, if the light emitting unit is caused to emit light in association with the display change of the linkage display area, the display device displays the image as if the operation request was transmitted from the operation display area to the linkage display area. Can remind you. As a result, the viewer's attention can be directed to the linked display area without a sense of incongruity. Accordingly, the viewer can accurately grasp the change in display in which two display areas located apart from each other are linked.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a display device that displays information on each of a plurality of display areas including a first display area that is located apart from each other, and the first display area and the first display area Control to change the display of the linked display area, which is the other of the first display area and the second display area, based on an operation request for operating the display of the operation display area which is one of the two display areas. A display control unit to perform, and a light emitting unit that emits light between the first display region and the second display region, and the display control unit responds to the operation request accompanied by a change in display of the linkage display region. Based on this, a display device for emitting light from the light emitting unit is provided.

In addition, the display device includes a display unit that forms the first display region, and is a display device that is mounted on a vehicle including a hood unit that divides a space for housing the display unit. The hood portion may be located.

In addition, the display device is a display device mounted on a vehicle in which a projection unit is formed in an upper direction of the hood unit, and the display unit is defined in the upper direction of the hood unit among the projection units. A projection unit configured to project a light toward the second display region so that a virtual image is visible through the second display region, and the light emitting unit includes the first display region and the hood unit. You may locate in the range between said 2nd display area.

In addition, in the display device, the light emitting unit emits light toward the projecting unit, so that the reflective display region positioned above the second display region in the projecting unit, You may form the reflected image of the said light emission part.

In addition, in the display device, the display control unit may move a light emitting region that is light-emitting displayed on the light emitting unit between the first display region and the second display region based on the operation request. Good.

In addition, in the display device, the light emitting area may move from the operation display area toward the linkage display area.

In addition, in the display device, the light emitting unit may include a linear light emitter that extends linearly from the operation display area toward the linked display area.

In addition, in the display device, the light emitting unit includes the two linear light emitters, and the two linear light emitters are arranged in a width direction intersecting with an extending direction of the linear light emitter and visually recognized. From the viewpoint of a person, the distance between each one end adjacent to the first display area for each linear light emitter is greater than the length in the width direction of the second display area. The distance between the other ends close to the second display area for each of the linear light emitters is close to the length in the width direction of the display area and viewed from the viewer. It may be closer to the width direction of the second display area than the length of the area in the width direction.

In addition, in the display device, the light emitting unit emits light during a period from when the operation request is acquired by the display control unit to when the display change of the linked display area based on the operation request is started. May be.

In addition, in the display device, the light emitting unit includes an emission surface that emits light, and a coating layer that covers the emission surface and forms a large number of through holes that allow light emitted from the emission surface to pass therethrough. , May be formed.
(Third embodiment)
A display device 3100 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 20 is mounted on a vehicle, and is configured by combining a combination meter 3010, a head-up display (hereinafter “HUD”) 3060, a light emitting unit 3080, and the like. ing. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the display device 3100 displays various information related to the vehicle such as the traveling speed in each of the plurality of display areas.

The combination meter 3010 is accommodated in a space 3122 formed in the instrument panel 3120 in a posture in which the front side on which a plurality of display areas are formed faces the driver's seat. The instrument panel 3120 is installed in the downward direction DD of the windshield 3110 in the vehicle. The instrument panel 3120 is formed with a hood portion 3121 protruding in the upward direction UD. The space 3122 is partitioned by the hood portion 3121 and is formed in the front direction of the driver's seat. The combination meter 3010 is located in the downward direction DD of the hood portion 3121 and forms a multi display area 3011, two pointer display areas 3015, and a plurality of indicators 3018.

The multi display area 3011 is arranged at the center of the combination meter 3010. The multi display area 3011 displays information by various images displayed on the display screen 3012. The two pointer display areas 3015 are arranged on both sides of the multi display area 3011 in the width direction WD. Each pointer display area 3015 displays information by a rotating pointer 3016. The plurality of indicators 3018 are mainly formed in an area excluding the multi display area 3011 and the pointer display area 3015 on the front side of the combination meter 3010. Each indicator 3018 emits and displays icons such as characters and symbols to give various warnings related to the vehicle to the viewer.

The HUD 3060 includes an optical system 3064 configured by a concave mirror or the like, a projector 3061 that emits light of a display image displayed as a virtual image 3035, and a housing 3065 that houses the optical system 3064 and the projector 3061. The HUD 3060 is arranged in front of the vehicle with respect to the combination meter 3010 and is accommodated in the instrument panel 3120.

The HUD 3060 reflects the light of the display image emitted from the projector 3061 by the optical system 3064 and projects it toward the virtual image display area 3111 defined in the windshield 3110. The virtual image display area 3111 is defined in the upward direction UD of the hood portion 3121 in the windshield 3110 that transmits the foreground of the vehicle. Therefore, the virtual image display area 3111, the multi display area 3011, the pointer display area 3015, and the like are located away from each other. A viewer seated in the driver's seat can perceive the virtual image 3035 superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle through the virtual image display region 3111 by perceiving the light reflected toward the vehicle interior side by the virtual image display region 3111.

The HUD 3060 further includes a frame indicator 3066 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The frame indicator 3066 is provided around an opening 3065 a formed in the housing 3065. The opening 3065a is formed in a rectangular shape and is closed by a colorless and transparent dustproof cover 3070. The light of the display image directed from the optical system 3064 toward the windshield 3110 passes through the opening 3065a by passing through the dust cover 3070.

The frame display unit 3066 includes a plurality of (four) light guide units 3067, a frame display light source 3069, and the like. The light guide unit 3067 is made of a colorless and transparent translucent material such as acrylic resin and polycarbonate resin. The light guide unit 3067 is disposed so as to surround the four corners of the opening 3065a. The light guide portion 3067 is erected from the outer peripheral portion of the opening 3065a in the upward direction UD. The light guide 3067 extends in an L shape along the corner of the opening 3065a. The light guide 3067 is formed separately from the dust cover 3070 and is held by the housing 3065. The side surface of the light guide unit 3067 is covered with a light-shielding paint or the like. The top surface of the light guide portion 3067 forms an emission surface 3067 a that faces the windshield 3110. A frame-shaped second display image 3034 is formed by the four L-shaped exit surfaces 3067a (see also FIG. 24). In “appearance of the viewer” visually recognized by the driver (viewer) seated in the driver's seat, the second display image 3034 is a virtual image 3035 of the first display image 3033 projected by the projector 3061 (see FIG. 20). A frame-shaped display surrounding the image is displayed.

The frame display light source 3069 is held by the housing 3065 so as to be aligned with the light guide unit 3067. The frame display light source 3069 causes light to enter the light guide unit 3067 by emitting light toward both ends of the light guide unit 3067 extending in an L shape. Light emitted from the frame display light source 3069 and incident on the light guide unit 3067 is emitted in the upward direction UD from the emission surface 3067a toward the windshield 3110.

In the above HUD 3060, a display image displayed by the projector 3061, projected through the optical system 3064 and projected onto the windshield 3110 is a first display image 3033. A display image displayed on a frame display 3066 having a configuration different from that of the projector 3061 and projected on the windshield 3110 without passing through the optical system 3064 is a second display image 3034. Vehicle information related to the vehicle is mainly displayed by a first display image 3033. In the virtual image 3035 of the first display image 3033, the distance from the windshield 3110 to the imaging position is enlarged by the optical system 3064 in order to reduce the viewpoint movement of the viewer. On the other hand, the virtual image 3035 of the second display image 3034 that does not pass through the optical system 3064 is shifted from the virtual image 3035 of the first display image 3033 and is closer to the windshield 3110 than the virtual image 3035 of the first display image 3033. The image is formed at the position.

The light emitting unit 3080 shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 has two linear light emitting units 3081. Each linear light emitting unit 3081 is formed in a longitudinal shape extending in a rod shape along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The two linear light emitting units 3081 are attached to the hood portion 3121 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction WD intersecting (orthogonal) with each extending direction. The linear light emitting unit 3081 emits light from the light emitting surface 3081a toward the windshield 3110 and the driver's seat. A part of the light emitted in the upward direction UD in this manner is placed on the driver's seat side in a region 3112 of the windshield 3110 that is higher in the upward direction UD than the virtual image display region 3111 (hereinafter, “reflection display region”). Reflected. Therefore, the reflected images 3036 of the two linear light emitting units 3081 are displayed in the reflective display area 3112 (see also column B in FIG. 24, column B in FIG. 25, and the like).

Next, the electrical configuration of the display device 3100 shown in FIG. 23 will be described in order for each of the combination meter 3010, the HUD 3060, and the light emitting unit 3080.

The combination meter 3010 includes a liquid crystal display 3013 and a backlight 3014, two stepper motors 3017, a plurality of indicator light sources 3019, and a control unit 3020.

The liquid crystal display 3013 is a thin-film-transistor (TFT) type display using thin film transistors, for example. The liquid crystal display 3013 has a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally along the display screen 3012. The liquid crystal display 3013 is connected to the control unit 3020 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 3020. On the display screen 3012 of the liquid crystal display 3013, various images that are displayed in color in the multi-display area 3011 are formed. The backlight 3014 transmits and illuminates the image on the display screen 3012 with a light source such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs). The backlight 3014 is connected to the control unit 3020, and the luminance of the illumination is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 3020.

The stepper motor 3017 is an electric motor that drives the pointer 3016. The stepper motor 3017 is connected to the control unit 3020, and forms a pointer display in the pointer display area 3015 by rotating the pointer 3016 based on a control signal output from the control unit 3020. The indicator light source 3019 is, for example, an LED. Each indicator light source 30319 is connected to the control unit 3020, and emits light for causing each indicator 3018 to emit light based on a control signal output from the control unit 3020.

The control unit 3020 includes a microcomputer that operates according to a program, an interface that communicates with the in-vehicle Local Area Network (LAN) 3140, a liquid crystal display 3013, a stepper motor 3017, a drive circuit that drives each light source, and the like. It is configured. In addition to a plurality of in-vehicle devices 3150 mounted on the vehicle, a steering switch 3130 and the like are connected to the in-vehicle LAN 3140. The control unit 3020 acquires vehicle information output to the in-vehicle LAN 3140 and outputs a control signal based on the acquired information to the liquid crystal display 3013, the stepper motor 3017, and each light source.

The projector 3061 of the HUD 3060 has a liquid crystal display 3062 and a projection light source 3063. The liquid crystal display 3062 is, for example, a TFT display. The liquid crystal display 3062 is connected to the control unit 3020 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 3020. Various images displayed in color in the virtual image display area 3111 (see FIGS. 24 and 25) are formed on the liquid crystal display 3062. The projection light source 3063 has a plurality of high-brightness LEDs, for example. The projection light source 3063 is connected to the control unit 3020, and the light of the first display image 3033 (see FIG. 21) formed as a virtual image 3035 (see FIG. 21) based on a control signal output from the control unit 3020. Are emitted toward the liquid crystal display 3062.

The frame indicator 3066 of the HUD 3060 has a plurality of frame display light sources 3069. The frame display light source 3069 is, for example, an LED or the like, and emits chromatic light such as blue. Each frame display light source 3069 is connected to the control unit 3020 and emits light based on a control signal output from the control unit 3020. The light emission timings of the frame display light sources 3069 are synchronized with each other.

The linear light emitting unit 3081 of the light emitting unit 3080 has a plurality of linked line light sources 3089 as point light sources. The link line light source 3089 is, for example, an LED or the like, and emits chromatic light such as blue. In the present embodiment, the emission color of the link line light source 3089 is matched with the emission color of the frame display light source 3069. Each link line light source 3089 is connected to the control unit 3020 and emits light individually based on a control signal output from the control unit 3020.

Here, the steering switch 3130 used for operating the display of the display device 3100 (see FIG. 20) will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration in which the display operation is input in the vehicle interior is not limited to the steering switch 3130, and may be, for example, a joystick and a touch panel provided in the center console.

Steering switch 3130 is arranged in the steering wheel 3130a in a range where fingers that grip the rim portion can be easily reached, such as a spoke portion. The steering switch 3130 is formed in a circular shape as a whole, and includes an enter key 3132 and four direction keys 3131u, 3131d, 3131l, and 3131r.

The decision key 3132 is formed in a circular shape and is arranged at the center of the steering switch 3130. Each of the direction keys 3131u to 3131r is one of the steering switch 3130 and the region on the outer peripheral side of the enter key 3132 is divided into four equal parts in the circumferential direction. Each direction key 3131u to 3131r is assigned with each direction of up, down, left and right. An operator (viewer) who operates the steering switch 3130 can select a desired item from among a plurality of items by pressing the direction keys 3131u to 3131r, and can confirm the selection by pressing the enter key 3132. An operation request output from the steering switch 3130 based on such an operation is acquired by the control unit 3020 through the in-vehicle LAN 3140 shown in FIG.

Next, details of an operation for changing the display layout of each of the display areas 3011 and 3111 (see FIG. 20) will be described. In the following description, an operation request output from the steering switch 3130 based on input to the direction keys 3131u to 3131r is referred to as a “change operation request”. The operation request output from the steering switch 3130 based on the input to the determination key 3132 is referred to as a “decision operation request”. Based on the change operation request, the control unit 3020 controls the liquid crystal displays 3013 and 3062 so that the display layouts of the two display areas 3011 and 3111 are changed in cooperation. In this way, the HUD customization mode, which is one of the operation modes in which the display of the two display areas 3011 and 3111 is linked, will be described based on FIG. 24 with reference to FIG.

In the HUD customization mode, information displayed in the virtual image display area 3111 can be changed by operating the setting menu 3031 displayed in the multi display area 3011. In the setting menu 3031, items that can be displayed in the virtual image display area 3111 are arranged in the vertical direction of the display. The setting menu 3031 specifically displays items such as “Shift”, “Speed”, “Fuel”, and “TBT (turn-by-turn)”. By operating the item “Shift”, the display of the shift indicator 3035a in the virtual image display area 3111 is switched on and off. Further, by operating the item “Speed”, the display of the shift indicator 3035a is switched on and off.

24. A column in FIG. 24 to C column in FIG. 24 show the process of changing the display layout when the digital speedometer 3035b is added to the virtual image display area 3111 displaying the shift indicator 3035a. The viewer selects the item “Speed” from among a plurality of items displayed on the setting menu 3031 in the column A of FIG. 24 by operating the up and down direction keys 3131u and 3131d. Then, the viewer confirms the “Speed” selection by pressing the enter key 3132. Then, the light emitting spot 3038 is displayed on the two linear light emitting units 3081. In addition, a reflection image 3036 of the light emission spot 3038 is displayed in the reflection display area 3112.

As shown in the A column of FIG. 24 and the B column of FIG. 24, each light emission spot 3038 moves from the multi-display region 3011 to the virtual image display region 3111 in the appearance of the viewer. In addition, each reflected image 3036 moves in the downward direction DD so as to approach the virtual image display region 3111 in the appearance of the viewer. The movement of the light emission spot 3038 and the reflected image 3036 is perceived by the viewer as a linkage line that is displayed in a light emission manner. Each light emitting spot 3038 disappears by reaching the end of the light emitting surface 3081a close to the virtual image display region 3111.

The shift indicator 3035a moves from the center of the virtual image display area 3111 toward the left outer edge so as to match the movement of the light emission spot 3038. Thereby, an area for displaying the digital speedometer 3035b (see column C in FIG. 24) is secured in the virtual image display area 3111. Then, as shown in column C of FIG. 24, a digital speedometer 3035b is displayed at a position adjacent to the shift indicator 3035a in the virtual image display area 3111.

When the display layout reflecting the viewer's input operation is confirmed by the display of the digital speedometer 3035b, a confirmation notification frame 3035e which is a virtual image 3035 of the second display image 3034 (see FIG. 21) is displayed. The confirmation notification frame 3035e is formed on the outer peripheral side of the shift indicator 3035a and the digital speedometer 3035b, which are virtual images 3035 of the first display image 3033 (see FIG. 21), as viewed from the viewer. The confirmation notification frame 3035e is turned off after being turned on for about 1 second, for example. Note that the lighting time of the confirmation notification frame 3035e can be changed as appropriate.

Next, a display movement mode, which is another operation mode in which the displays of the display areas 3011 and 3111 are linked, will be described with reference to FIG. 22 based on FIG. In the display movement mode, the display image displayed in the multi display area 3011 can be moved to the virtual image display area 3111. As a specific example, the display in the case where the accelerometer displayed in the multi display area 3011 is moved to the virtual image display area 3111 is shown in the A column in FIG. 25 to the C column in FIG. The accelerometer visualizes the magnitude of acceleration generated in the vehicle by acceleration / deceleration and steering by the amount of eccentricity of a spherical spot displayed in a disk-shaped image. For convenience, in the following description, an image displayed in the multi display area 3011 is referred to as “accelerometer 3031a”, and a virtual image displayed in the virtual image display area 3111 is referred to as “accelerometer 3035f”.

The viewer confirms the movement of the accelerometer 3031a shown in the column A of FIG. 25 to the virtual image display area 3111 by pressing the up / down direction keys 3131u and 3131d and the enter key 3132. Then, the light emission spot 3038 and its reflection image 3036 are displayed. The light emission spot 3038 and its reflection image 3036 move toward the virtual image display region 3111 as shown in the column A of FIG. 25 and the column B of FIG.

In the multi-display area 3011, each display is toned down, and the accelerometer 3031a moves upward UD so as to match the movement of the light emission spot 3038. The accelerometer 3031a disappears from the upward direction UD to the outside of the range of the multi display area 3011. On the other hand, in the virtual image display area 3111, the shift indicator 3035a and the digital speedometer 3035b move from the center toward the left and right outer edges. In addition, the accelerometer 3035f is inserted into the virtual image display area 3111 from the downward direction DD as the accelerometer 3031a moves out of the range of the multi display area 3011.

Accelerometer 3035f moves to the center of virtual image display area 3111 and is positioned between shift indicator 3035a and digital speedometer 3035b, as shown in column C of FIG. When the movement of the accelerometer 3035f is thus completed, a confirmation notification frame 3035e is temporarily displayed on the outer peripheral side of the accelerometer 3035f, the shift indicator 3035a, and the digital speedometer 3035b.

The processing performed by the control unit 3020 in order to realize the display change of the display device 3100 described above will be described based on FIG. 26 with reference to FIG. The processing shown in FIG. 26 is started by the control unit 3020 based on the operation mode such as the HUD customization mode and the display movement mode being activated by the operation of the steering switch 3130 or the like. This process is repeatedly performed by the control unit 3020 until the viewer ends these operation modes.

In S3101, an operation request output process is performed on the in-vehicle LAN 3140, and the process proceeds to S3102. In S3102, it is determined whether or not there is a decision operation request among the operation requests acquired in S3101. If it is determined in S3102 that a determination operation request has not been acquired, the process returns to S3101. On the other hand, if it is determined in S3102 that the determination operation request has been acquired, the process proceeds to S3103.

In S3103 when the determination operation request is acquired, a light emission process for causing the light emitting unit 3080 to emit light is started based on the determination operation request acquired in S3101. By the processing in S3103, the light emission spot 3038 flows from one side to the other side of the multi display area 3011 and the virtual image display area 3111 (see the column A in FIG. 24, the column A in FIG. 25, and the like).

In S3104, based on the change operation request acquired together with the determination operation request in the acquisition process of S3101, a change process for controlling the liquid crystal display 3062 is started so that the display mode of the first display image 3033 is changed. move on. Through the processing in S3104, a digital speedometer 3035b, an acceleration meter 3035f, and the like are added to the virtual image display area 3111 (see column C in FIG. 24, column C in FIG. 25, and the like).

In S3105, it is determined whether or not the changing process of the first display image 3033 started in S3104 has been completed. If a negative determination is made in S3105, the determination in S3105 is repeated to wait for the completion of the change process. Then, upon completion of the change process, the process proceeds to S3106 on condition that an affirmative determination is made in S3105.

In S3106, the lighting process of the confirmation notification frame 3035e is performed, and the process returns to S3101. By the processing of S3106, a confirmation notification frame 3035e is temporarily displayed around the virtual image 3035 of the first display image 3033 in the virtual image display area 3111 as a display change for notifying the confirmation and completion of the change of the first display image 3033. A virtual image is displayed (see column C in FIG. 24, column C in FIG. 25, etc.).

In the present embodiment described so far, when an operation for changing the display layout of the virtual image display area 3111 is input to the steering switch 3130, the control unit 3020 acquires an operation request based on the input, and moves to the corresponding display layout. The display mode of the virtual image display area 3111 is changed. Then, the control unit 3020 temporarily lights the confirmation notification frame 3035e as a display change for notifying the confirmation of the change to the display layout corresponding to the acquired operation request. The specific display change by the confirmation notification frame 3035e is performed separately from the display layout change, so that the viewer changes the display layout of the virtual image display area 3111 to the display mode reflecting the input operation. , You will be able to grasp easily.

In addition, in this embodiment, notification of change confirmation to the viewer is performed by the display change of the second display image 3034 among the first display image 3033 and the second display image 3034. In this way, by displaying the second display image 3034 for notifying the confirmation of the change separately from the first display image 3033 whose display layout is changed, the confirmation of the change of the display layout can be further understood by the viewer. It can be easily notified.

In this embodiment, the virtual image 3035 of the first display image 3033 and the virtual image 3035 of the second display image 3034 are formed at positions shifted in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Therefore, a stereoscopic effect is imparted to the display of the virtual image display area 3111 in which these virtual images 3035 are combined. In this way, the three-dimensional virtual image display can strongly exert an action that attracts the eyes of the viewer. As a result, the display change of the confirmation notification frame 3035e in the virtual image display area 3111 is more easily grasped by the viewer.

Furthermore, the confirmation notification frame 3035e used for the confirmation notification in the present embodiment is a virtual image 3035 of the second display image 3034 that is projected directly onto the windshield 3110 without passing through the optical system 3064. Therefore, both the enlargement of the optical system 3064 and the reduction of the display size of the digital speedometer 3035b and the like can be avoided in order to add the display of the confirmation notification frame 3035e. Therefore, it is possible to add a function of notifying the viewer of the confirmation of the layout change while maintaining the high information providing function of the HUD 3060 that presents the vehicle information to the viewer.

In addition, in the present embodiment, since the frame display 3066 is provided around the opening 3065a, a large optical path difference may be generated between the light of the first display image 3033 and the light of the second display image 3034. Therefore, the distance between the digital speedometer 3035b and the like and the confirmation notification frame 3035e is more easily secured. As described above, the virtual image display in which the stereoscopic effect is emphasized further attracts the viewer's eyes, so that the display change for performing the notification of confirmation is further easily grasped by the viewer.

In this embodiment, since the confirmation notification frame 3035e has a frame shape surrounding the digital speedometer 3035b and the like, even if the viewer is watching the digital speedometer 3035b and the like, the confirmation notification frame 3035e misses the confirmation notification. hard. Therefore, the above-described display change in which the frame-shaped confirmation notification frame 3035e is turned on is suitable as the display change for performing the confirmation notification.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the confirmation notification by turning on the confirmation notification frame 3035e is performed after the change of the display layout based on the operation request is completed. Therefore, the lighting of the confirmation notification frame 3035e can clearly notify the viewer that the layout change of the first display image 3033 has been completed.

As in the present embodiment, in the display device 3100 in which the display of the multi-display area 3011 is changed in association with the first display image 3033 projected on the virtual image display area 3111, the viewer's attention is the multi-display area. 3011 can also be directed to the virtual image display area 3111. As a result, the process of changing the display layout becomes more difficult to perceive. Therefore, in the display device 3100 in which the two display areas 3011 and 3111 are linked, the configuration in which the display layout change confirmation is notified by turning on the confirmation notification frame 3035e is particularly effective for improving the usability of the viewer.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display 3013 corresponds to a “display unit”, and the control unit 3020 corresponds to a “display control unit”. The HUD 3060 corresponds to a “projector”, the projector 3061 corresponds to a “first projector”, and the frame display 3066 corresponds to a “second projector”. The display device 3100 corresponds to a “vehicle display device”, the windshield 3110 corresponds to a “projection unit”, and the steering switch 3130 corresponds to an “input unit”.

(Other embodiments in the third embodiment)
The third embodiment according to the present disclosure has been described above. However, the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to the above embodiment, and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. can do.

In the first modification of the above embodiment, when the change of the display layout based on the change operation request is confirmed, all virtual images displayed in the virtual image display area are temporarily deleted (for example, 1 second or less). The display layout change confirmation can be notified even by such a display change. According to the first modification described above, it is possible to notify the confirmation of the layout change without newly adding a display such as the above-described confirmation notification frame 3035e.

In addition, the display temporarily turned off in the first modification may not be all that is being displayed in the virtual image display area. For example, virtual images other than digital speedometers that are required to be displayed by laws and regulations may be temporarily deleted. Furthermore, confirmation of layout change may be notified to the viewer by a display change that causes the background of the virtual image to emit light in a specific color temporarily.

The HUD 3060 according to the above embodiment has the frame display 3066 separately from the projector 3061, thereby forming the virtual image 3035 of the second display image 3034 at a position away from the virtual image 3035 of the first display image 3033. However, the second display image for performing the confirmation notification can be projected by the same projector as the first display image that mainly displays vehicle information.

In addition, the formation position of the frame display is not limited to the periphery of the opening of the housing. For example, when the frame display is configured integrally with the projector, each light of the first display image and the second display image may pass through the optical system. The frame indicator may be arranged in the housing as a projector separate from the projector. Furthermore, the HUD that projects the first display image and the HUD that projects the second display image may be provided separately. And according to the structure of HUD as mentioned above, the distance between each virtual image of a 1st display image and a 2nd display image may be changed suitably.

In the above-described embodiment, the shape and display color of the confirmation notification frame that is a discontinuous frame shape surrounding other display images by L-shaped display images arranged at the four corners of the virtual image display region 3111 can be changed as appropriate. . For example, the confirmation notification frame may have a continuous frame shape surrounding the virtual image of the first display image over the entire circumference. Furthermore, the virtual image of the second display image may not be a frame shape. For example, instead of the confirmation notification frame, a confirmation notification bar that extends in a strip shape in the width direction WD of the vehicle may be displayed above or below the virtual image of the first display image. Or the character which notifies the confirmation of layout change may be displayed on a virtual image display area.

In the above embodiment, the confirmation notification frame 3035e is turned on after the layout change is completed. However, the lighting of the confirmation notification frame may be started before the layout change is completed and may continue until after the completion. Alternatively, the confirmation notification frame may be continuously lit while the layout change is continued. In this case, the viewer can surely grasp the completion of the layout change by the display change in which the confirmation notification frame disappears.

In the above embodiment, when the display layout of the virtual image display area 3111 is changed, the lighting of the confirmation notification frame 3035e is combined with the movement of the light emission spot 3038. However, the light emitting unit for displaying the light emitting spot can be omitted.

In the description of the display movement mode in the above embodiment, the case where the accelerometer 3031a is moved is shown, but the display moved in the display movement mode is not limited to the accelerometer. Information displays such as shift indicators, speedometers, and fuel gauges are movable. Further, the movement of the information display is not limited to the movement from the multi display area to the virtual image display area. It is also possible to move the information display from the virtual image display area to the multi display area. In this case, the movement direction of the light emission spot corresponds to the movement direction of the information display, and is a downward direction DD from the virtual image display area to the multi display area.

In the above embodiment, a light emitting diode is employed as each light source. However, the configuration that can be employed as the light source is not limited to the light emitting diode. For example, a fluorescent tube and an organic EL panel can be used as the light source.

In the above embodiment, the vehicle windshield is used as the projection unit on which each display image is projected. However, the projection unit is not limited to the windshield. For example, a combiner that is formed in a plate shape with a translucent resin and attached to the upper surface of the instrument panel or the vehicle interior side of the windshield may be installed as a configuration corresponding to the projection unit.

The projector of the above embodiment has a configuration in which a TFT liquid crystal display and a projection light source are combined. However, the configuration for projecting the display image can be changed as appropriate. For example, a liquid crystal display other than the TFT method can be used. Further, a display image may be projected by a DLP (Digital Light Processing: registered trademark) projector, a CRT projector, or the like. Furthermore, a laser scanner using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) may be included in the “projection unit” as a configuration for projecting a display image.

In the above embodiment, the function of the “display control unit” provided by the control unit 3020 that executes the program may be provided by hardware and software different from the above-described configuration, or a combination thereof. For example, the function of the “display control unit” may be provided by linking a control unit provided in each of the combination meter and the HUD. Furthermore, the above-described function for controlling the display of each display area may be provided by a circuit that performs a predetermined function without depending on a program.

As described above, the example in which the present disclosure is applied to a display device for a vehicle mounted on a vehicle and combined with a combination meter, a HUD and the like has been described. However, the present disclosure can also be applied to a display device for a vehicle that includes only a HUD.

Note that the amount of information displayed on the HUD may be smaller than the amount of information displayed on the combination meter.

According to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle display device that allows a viewer to easily confirm the layout change of a display image displayed as a virtual image.

According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle display device that is mounted on a vehicle and acquires an operation request based on an input to an input unit provided in a vehicle interior. The vehicular display device projects a display image onto a projection unit that transmits the foreground of the vehicle, thereby making it possible to visually recognize a virtual image of the display image from the room and an operation request for changing the display layout of the display image. A display control unit that controls the projection unit so that the display mode of the display image is changed, and the display control unit displays a display change that notifies the display layout change confirmation based on the operation request in the display image. Cause it to occur.

According to the vehicle display device, when an operation for changing the display layout of the display image is input to the input unit provided in the vehicle interior, the display control unit that has acquired the operation request based on the input receives the operation request. A display change for notifying the confirmation of the change to the display layout based on is generated in the display image. By performing these specific display changes separately from the display layout change, the viewer can easily change the display image displayed in the virtual image to a display layout that reflects the operation input to the input unit. You will be able to grasp.

That is, according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle display device that is mounted on a vehicle and obtains an operation request based on an input to an input unit provided in the interior of the vehicle. And projecting the display image onto a projection unit that transmits the display image, so that the virtual image of the display image can be viewed from the room, and the display image based on the operation request for changing the display layout of the display image. A display control unit that controls the projection unit so that the display mode is changed, and the display control unit generates a display change in the display image for notifying a change in display layout based on the operation request. A vehicle display device is provided.

In addition, in the vehicle display device, the projection unit projects a first display image and a second display image onto the projection unit, and the display control unit is configured to display the first display image based on the operation request. The display layout may be changed, and a display change that notifies the change confirmation of the first display image may be caused in the second display image.

In addition, in the vehicle display device, the virtual image of the second display image may be formed at a position shifted from the virtual image of the first display image.

In addition, in the above vehicle display device, the projection unit emits the light of the first display image, and the optical system projects the light from the first projector toward the projection unit. And a second projector that is positioned between the optical system and the projection unit and projects the light of the second display image toward the projection unit.

In addition, in the vehicle display device, the projection unit further includes a housing that houses the optical system and forms an opening through which the light of the first display image traveling from the optical system toward the projection unit is passed. And the second projector may be provided around the opening.

In addition, in the vehicle display device, the virtual image of the second display image may have a frame shape surrounding the virtual image of the first display image in view of a viewer.

In addition, in the vehicle display device, the display control unit may cause a display change of the display image for notifying the confirmation of the change after the change of the display layout based on the operation request is completed.

In addition, in the vehicular display device, the display control unit may notify the change confirmation of the display layout by causing a display change that temporarily erases the virtual image of the display image being displayed.

In addition, the vehicular display device further includes a display unit disposed in the room and controlled in display by the display control unit, wherein the display control unit is configured to display the display image based on the operation request. The display layout may be changed while being linked with the display by the display unit.
(Fourth embodiment)
A display device 4100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on a vehicle, and is configured by combining a combination meter 4010, a head-up display (hereinafter “HUD”) 4060, and the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display device 4100 displays various information related to the vehicle such as the traveling speed in each of the plurality of display areas.

The combination meter 4010 is housed in a space 4122 formed in the instrument panel 4120 with the front side on which a plurality of display areas are formed facing the driver's seat. The instrument panel 4120 is installed in the downward direction DD of the windshield 4110 in the vehicle. The instrument panel 4120 is formed with a hood portion 4121 protruding in the upward direction UD. The space 4122 is partitioned by the hood portion 4121 and is formed in the front direction of the driver's seat. The combination meter 4010 is positioned in the downward direction DD of the hood portion 4121 and forms a multi display area 4011, two pointer display areas 4015, and a plurality of indicators 4018.

The multi display area 4011 is arranged at the center of the combination meter 4010. The multi display area 4011 displays information by various images 4032 displayed on the display screen 4012. The two pointer display areas 4015 are arranged on both sides of the multi display area 4011 in the width direction WD. Each pointer display area 4015 displays information by a rotating pointer 4016. The plurality of indicators 4018 are mainly formed in an area excluding the multi display area 4011 and the pointer display area 4015 on the front side of the combination meter 4010. Each indicator 4018 performs various warnings related to the vehicle to the viewer by causing icons such as characters and symbols to emit light.

The HUD 4060 includes an optical system 4064 configured by a concave mirror or the like, a projector 4061 that emits light of a display image displayed as a virtual image 4035, and a housing 4065 that houses the optical system 4064 and the projector 4061. The HUD 4060 is arranged in front of the vehicle with respect to the combination meter 4010 and is accommodated in the instrument panel 4120.

The HUD 4060 reflects the light of the display image emitted from the projector 4061 by the optical system 4064 and projects it toward the virtual image display area 4111 defined in the windshield 4110. The virtual image display area 4111 is defined in the upward direction UD of the hood portion 4121 in the windshield 4110 that transmits the foreground of the vehicle. The virtual image display area 4111 and the multi-display area 4011 are aligned at the center position in the width direction WD on the appearance of the driver (viewer) sitting in the driver's seat. Further, the virtual image display area 4111, the multi display area 4011, the pointer display area 4015, and the like are located apart from each other. A viewer seated in the driver's seat can perceive the virtual image 4035 superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle through the virtual image display region 4111 by perceiving the light reflected toward the vehicle interior side by the virtual image display region 4111.

Next, the electrical configuration of the display device 4100 shown in FIG. 27 will be described in order for each of the combination meter 4010 and the HUD 4060.

The combination meter 4010 includes a liquid crystal display 4013 and a backlight 4014, two stepper motors 4017, a plurality of indicator light sources 4019, and a control unit 4020.

The liquid crystal display 4013 is a thin-film-transistor (TFT) type display using thin film transistors, for example. The liquid crystal display 4013 has a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally along the display screen 4012. The liquid crystal display 4013 is connected to the control unit 4020 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 4020. On the display screen 4012 of the liquid crystal display 4013, various images displayed in color in the multi display area 4011 are formed. The backlight 4014 transmits and illuminates the image on the display screen 4012 with a light source such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as LEDs). The backlight 4014 is connected to the control unit 4020, and the luminance of the illumination is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 4020.

The stepper motor 4017 is an electric motor that drives the pointer 4016. The stepper motor 4017 is connected to the control unit 4020, and forms a pointer display in the pointer display area 4015 by rotating the pointer 4016 based on a control signal output from the control unit 4020. The indicator light source 4019 is, for example, an LED. Each indicator light source 4019 is connected to the control unit 4020, and emits light for causing each indicator 4018 to emit light based on a control signal output from the control unit 4020.

The control unit 4020 includes a microcomputer that operates according to a program, an interface that communicates with an in-vehicle Local Area Network (LAN) 4140, a liquid crystal display 4013, a stepper motor 4017, a drive circuit that drives each light source, and the like. It is configured. In addition to a plurality of in-vehicle devices 4150 mounted on the vehicle, a steering switch 4130 and the like are connected to the in-vehicle LAN 4140. The control unit 4020 acquires vehicle information output to the in-vehicle LAN 4140, and outputs a control signal based on the acquired information to the liquid crystal display 4013, the stepper motor 4017, each light source, and the like.

The projector 4061 of the HUD 4060 has a liquid crystal display 4062 and a projection light source 4063. The liquid crystal display 4062 is, for example, a TFT display. The liquid crystal display 4062 is connected to the control unit 4020 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 4020. Various images displayed in color in the virtual image display region 4111 (see FIG. 1) are formed on the liquid crystal display 4062. The projection light source 4063 has, for example, a plurality of high-brightness LEDs. The projection light source 4063 is connected to the control unit 4020, and emits light formed as a virtual image 4035 (see FIG. 1) toward the liquid crystal display 4062 based on a control signal output from the control unit 4020. .

Here, the steering switch 4130 used for operating the display of the display device 4100 will be described with reference to FIGS. The configuration in which the display operation is input in the vehicle interior is not limited to the steering switch 4130, and may be, for example, a joystick and a touch panel provided in the center console.

Steering switch 4130 is arranged in a range where a finger that grips the rim part can be easily reached in steering wheel 4130a, for example, a spoke part. The steering switch 4130 is formed in a circular shape as a whole, and includes an enter key 4132 and four direction keys 4131u, 4131d, 4131l, 4131r.

The determination key 4132 is formed in a circular shape and is arranged at the center of the steering switch 4130. Each of the direction keys 4131u to 4131r is one of the steering switch 4130 and the region on the outer peripheral side of the enter key 4132 is divided into four equal parts in the circumferential direction. Each direction key 4131u to 4131r is assigned with each direction of up, down, left and right. An operator (viewer) who operates the steering switch 4130 can select a desired item from among a plurality of items by pressing the direction keys 4131u to 4131r, and can confirm the selection by pressing the enter key 4132. An operation request output from the steering switch 4130 based on such an operation is acquired by the control unit 4020 through the in-vehicle LAN 4140 shown in FIG.

Next, the display configuration of the multi display area 4011 and the virtual image display area 4111 will be described with reference to FIG.

The image 4032 drawn in the multi-display area 4011 includes a fuel consumption graph 4032a, a vehicle model 4042, and a columnar image 4037a. The fuel consumption graph 4032a has a plurality of bar elements 4032b extending in a band shape along the width direction WD. The length of each bar element 4032b corresponds to the fuel consumption of the vehicle every predetermined time. The plurality of bar elements 4032b are arranged in the downward direction DD from the upper edge of the multi display area 4011, and move in the downward direction DD as time passes. Therefore, the bar element 4032b indicating new fuel efficiency information is positioned in the upward direction UD. With such a bar graph-like display, the fuel consumption graph 4032a shows a change in fuel consumption per predetermined time.

The vehicle model 4042 is created by imitating the appearance of a vehicle on which the display device 4100 (see FIG. 1) is mounted. In the multi display area 4011, an image obtained by bird's-eye view of the vehicle model 4042 is displayed. The front-rear direction of the vehicle model 4042 is along the front-rear direction of the actual vehicle. The vehicle model 4042 is superimposed on the fuel consumption graph 4032a and the columnar image 4037a. The vehicle model 4042 is arranged at the center of the multi display area 4011.

The columnar image 4037a is an image serving as a background of the fuel consumption graph 4032a and the vehicle model 4042 in the multi-display area 4011. The columnar image 4037a has a road surface image portion 4037w extending in a strip shape along the vertical direction. The road surface image portion 4037w is an image portion that imitates a roadway on which the vehicle model 4042 travels. A pair of boundary lines 4037r is formed on both sides of the road surface image portion 4037w in the width direction WD. The vehicle model 4042 is located between the two boundary lines 4037r.

The virtual image 4035 displayed in the virtual image display area 4111 includes a shift indicator 4035a, a digital speedometer 4035b, a columnar virtual image 4037b, and an item display 4037t. The shift indicator 4035a indicates the current position of the shift lever provided in the vehicle. The digital speedometer 4035b indicates the current traveling speed of the vehicle. The digital speedometer 4035b is arranged with the shift indicator 4035a in the width direction WD.

The columnar virtual image 4037b is a trapezoidal display image, and is arranged in the downward direction DD of the shift indicator 4035a and the digital speedometer 4035b. The respective center positions in the width direction WD of the columnar virtual image 4037b and the columnar image 4037a are aligned with each other in terms of appearance from the viewer. The item display 4037t indicates the items displayed in the multi display area 4011 by characters. A plurality of characters such as “Fuel” and “ECO Bar” are arranged as the item display 4037t along the outline of the columnar virtual image 4037b in the upward direction UD.

Each display of the two display areas 4011 and 4111 described above is created by rendering a three-dimensional model and a two-dimensional image arranged in a virtual space, as shown in FIG. Such rendering processing is performed by the control unit 4020 (see FIG. 27). The control unit 4020 can generate an image of a plurality of frames by sequentially performing rendering while moving the three-dimensional model, and can output an animation at the time of display switching described later.

In the virtual space, the columnar model 4041, the above-described vehicle model 4042, the fuel consumption graph 4032a, the item display 4037t, and the like are arranged. The columnar model 4041 is defined as an octagonal prism shape having a regular octagonal top surface 4041a and a bottom surface 4041b, and forms a plurality of rectangular side surfaces 4041c. The number of side surfaces 4041c of the columnar model 4041 corresponds to the number of items that can be displayed in the multi display area 4011 (see FIG. 28). The columnar model 4041 can rotate together with the fuel consumption graph 4032a and the item display 4037t with the central axis as a virtual rotation axis RA.

The vehicle model 4042 is placed on one side surface 4041c formed in the columnar model 4041. The vehicle model 4042 is disposed at a position closer to the bottom surface 4041b than to the top surface 4041a. The fuel consumption graph 4032a and the item display 4037t are both arranged in a virtual space as an image defined in a planar shape. The fuel consumption graph 4032a is arranged on the side surface 4041c on which the vehicle model 4042 is placed. The item display 4037t is lined up at equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the top surface 4041a. The number of item displays 4037t corresponds to the number of side surfaces 4041c.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the image 4032 displayed in the multi-display area 4011 renders the models 4041, 4042, the fuel consumption graph 4032a, and the like from the virtual viewpoint VP1 defined behind and above the vehicle model 4042. To be generated. The positional relationship between the vehicle model 4042 and the virtual viewpoint VP1 corresponds to the positional relationship between the multi-display area 4011 and the viewpoint position of the viewer seated in the driver's seat. As a result, an image 4032 as if the vehicle is viewed from above is drawn. In the drawn image 4032, a portion near the bottom surface 4041 b from the center in the columnar model 41 becomes a columnar image 4037 a. Further, the side surface 4041c on which the vehicle model 4042 is placed serves as a road surface image portion 4037w.

The original image of the virtual image 4035 projected on the virtual image display area 4111 is generated by rendering the columnar model 4041, the item display 4037t, and the like from the virtual viewpoint VP2 defined in front of the vehicle model 4042. The depression angle set for the virtual viewpoint VP2 is smaller than the depression angle set for the virtual viewpoint VP1. In the drawn original image, the portion on the top surface 4041a side of the columnar model 4041 is a columnar virtual image 4037b.

The columnar model 4041 is drawn as a display extending over the two display areas 4011 and 4111 by the columnar image 4037a and the columnar virtual image 4037b described above. In addition, changes in the columnar image 4037a and the columnar virtual image 4037b when the columnar model 4041 and the like are rotated are linked to each other. Therefore, the movement of the columnar model 4041 is reproduced on the facial expression due to each change in the columnar image 4037a and the columnar virtual image 4037b. In the columnar model 4041 rotated and displayed in this way, the axis direction of the virtual rotation axis RA is along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

The animation for moving the columnar model 4041 in this way is used when, for example, the display items displayed in the multi display area 4011 are changed. Specifically, columns A to C in FIG. 30 show displays when the fuel consumption graph 4032a displayed in the multi-display area 4011 is switched to the eco gauge 4032c. The eco gauge 4032c visualizes the amount of fuel consumed by the traveling engine mounted on the vehicle by a bar-shaped image portion extending around the vehicle model 4042 in a partial annular shape. Hereinafter, details of display switching for switching the fuel consumption graph 4032a to the eco gauge 4032c will be described with reference to FIG. 27 based on FIG.

The viewer gives an instruction to switch to another display item from the fuel consumption graph 4032a shown in the column A of FIG. 30 by inputting a moving operation in the left-right direction to the direction keys 4131l and 4131r. Then, the columnar image 4037a and the columnar virtual image 4037b change so that the columnar model 4041 appears to rotate in the circumferential direction. In the column A in FIG. 30 and the column B in FIG. 30 when an operation is input to the left direction key 4131l, the columnar model 4041 rotates counterclockwise. Thus, the moving direction of the columnar model 4041 corresponds to the specific direction (left direction) in which the operation is input.

Specifically, in the virtual image display area 4111, the counterclockwise rotation of the columnar model 4041 is projected by a change in the columnar virtual image 4037b. The item display 4037t such as “Fuel” and “ECO Bar” moves to the left so as to synchronize with the rotation of the columnar model 4041 displayed in the columnar virtual image 4037b.

In the multi-display area 4011, the counterclockwise rotation of the columnar model 4041 is drawn by a change in the columnar image 4037a. The side surface 4041c and the fuel consumption graph 4032a, which are the road surface image portion 4037w, move from the center of the multi display area 4011 to the left edge so as to synchronize with the rotation of the columnar model 4041 drawn on the columnar image 4037a. In addition, the right side surface 4041c and the eco gauge 4032c of the road surface image portion 4037w move from the right edge of the multi display area 4011 to the center. On the other hand, the vehicle model 4042 maintains the display position defined in the center of the multi display area 4011 without moving together with the columnar model 4041 and the like.

In the column C of FIG. 30 showing a state where the rotational displacement of the columnar model 4041 is completed, the item display 4037t of “ECO Bar” is located in the center of the virtual image display area 4111 in the width direction WD. Further, the side surface 4041c that reaches the center of the multi-display region 4011 in the width direction WD becomes a new road surface image portion 4037w. Thus, the vehicle model 4042 is positioned again at the center of the two boundary lines 4037r. Further, an eco gauge 4032c is arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the vehicle model 4042.

The processing performed by the control unit 4020 to realize the above display change will be described based on FIG. 31 and with reference to FIG. 27 and FIG. The processing shown in FIG. 31 is started by the control unit 4020 based on the fact that the display items in the multi-display area 4011 can be switched by operating the steering switch 4130 or the like. This process is repeatedly performed by the control unit 4020 until, for example, the switching of display items is confirmed by pressing the enter key 4132.

In S4101, an operation request output process is performed on the in-vehicle LAN 4140, and the process proceeds to S4102. In S4102, it is determined whether or not the left and right direction keys 4131l and 4131r have been operated. If there is no operation request based on the operation of the direction keys 4131l and 4131r in the operation request acquired in S4101, the process proceeds to S4104. On the other hand, if an operation request based on the operation of the direction keys 4131l and 4131r has been acquired, the process proceeds to S4103.

In S4103, a rotation process of the three-dimensional model is performed, and the process proceeds to S4104. As a result, by rotating the columnar model 4041 (see FIG. 29) or the like, the columnar image 4037a and the columnar virtual image 4037b displayed in the display areas 4011 and 4111 change in conjunction with each other. Thereby, an animation for rotating the columnar model 4041 is displayed.

In S4104, it is determined whether or not the enter key 4132 has been operated. If there is no operation request based on the operation of the enter key 4132 in the operation request acquired in S4101, the process returns to S4101. On the other hand, if an operation request based on the operation of the enter key 4132 has been acquired, the processing for display switching is terminated.

In the present embodiment described so far, when the viewer inputs an operation to the steering switch 4130, the columnar model 4041 displayed across the two display areas 4011 and 4111 appears to move. Therefore, even when the viewer is gazing at only one of the two display areas 4011 and 4111, the viewer can visually recognize any change in the columnar image 4037a and the columnar virtual image 4037b. Further, even when the viewer looks at both of the two display areas 4011 and 4111, the viewer can visually recognize each change in the columnar image 4037 a and the columnar virtual image 4037 b as one movement by the columnar model 4041. it can. Therefore, even if the display device 4100 includes a plurality of display areas, the viewer can easily be notified that the input operation to the steering switch 4130 has been accepted.

In addition, since the columnar model 4041 in the present embodiment is displayed so as to look like a three-dimensional shape, it is easy to attract the eyes of the viewer. In addition, in the display in which the columnar model 4041 is rotated, the movement toward the far side of the display areas 4011 and 4111 is expressed by changes in the columnar image 4037a and the columnar virtual image 4037b. As a result, the sense of depth of the columnar model 4041 is emphasized, so that the eyes of the viewer are more attracted to the columnar model 4041. Therefore, by adopting a display that rotates the columnar model 4041, the notification that the input operation has been accepted is more easily transmitted to the viewer.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the axial direction of the virtual rotation axis RA is along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the columnar image 4037a and the columnar virtual image 4037b move in the vehicle width direction WD, that is, the display horizontal direction. Such changes are shown. Such horizontal movement is more easily perceived by the viewer than vertical movement. Therefore, the above-described display in which the axial direction of the virtual rotation axis RA is along the front-rear direction of the vehicle can improve the reliability of notification.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the animation when switching the display, the pair of boundary lines 4037r extending in the vertical direction moves in the horizontal direction of the display. Such movement of the boundary line 4037r is easily perceivable by the viewer. Therefore, if the horizontal movement is emphasized using the boundary line 4037r, the certainty of notification is further improved.

In addition, in this embodiment, the vehicle model 4042 arranged in the center of the road surface image portion 4037w maintains the display position in the multi-display area 4011 even when the display item is switched. Therefore, by comparing the vehicle model 4042 and the columnar image 4037a, the viewer can easily perceive the movement of the columnar model 4041. Furthermore, after the rotational displacement of the columnar model 4041 is started, the viewer can grasp the end of the rotational displacement because the vehicle model 4042 is again positioned at the center of the road surface image portion 4037w. Based on the above, the notification by the columnar model 4041 becomes easier to understand.

Further, as in the present embodiment, by using the vehicle model 4042 simulating the appearance of the vehicle, the side surface 4041c of the columnar model 4041 can be regarded as a road on which the vehicle travels as the road surface image portion 4037w. In this way, the display combining the vehicle model 4042 and the columnar model 4041 is an aspect that recalls a vehicle traveling on a road, and thus is particularly suitable as a display of the display device 4100 mounted on the vehicle.

In this embodiment, the direction assigned to each of the direction keys 4131l and 4131r corresponds to the moving direction of the columnar model 4041. Therefore, the viewer can easily associate the input operation input by himself / herself with the movement of the columnar model 4041 based on the input operation. As described above, the viewer can easily grasp that the input operation has been accepted from the movement of the columnar model 4041.

In the present embodiment, the multi display area 4011 corresponds to the “first display area”, the liquid crystal display 4013 corresponds to the “display section”, and the control section 4020 corresponds to the “display control section”. Further, the columnar model 4041 corresponds to a “link display”, the vehicle model 4042 corresponds to a “fixed display”, and the column image 4037a corresponds to a “link image”. Further, the columnar virtual image 4037b corresponds to a “linked virtual image”, the HUD 4060 corresponds to a “projection unit”, and the windshield 4110 corresponds to a “projection unit”. The virtual image display area 4111 corresponds to a “second display area”, the steering switch 4130 corresponds to an “input unit”, and the display device 4100 corresponds to a “vehicle display device”.

(Other embodiments in the fourth embodiment)
The fourth embodiment according to the present disclosure has been described above. However, the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. can do.

In the above embodiment, an animation for switching display items is generated by real-time rendering of a three-dimensional model. However, if the display part image data required for the animation can be stored in the storage of the control unit, the display item is switched by continuously displaying an image obtained by combining a plurality of display parts instead of the above-described rendering processing. An animation may be played.

In the above embodiment, the case where the fuel consumption graph 4032a is switched to the eco gauge 4032c has been described, but display items that can be switched are not limited to these instrument images. For example, an accelerometer that visualizes acceleration acting on the vehicle, a boost meter that indicates supercharging pressure, and the like can be switched as other instrument images. Further, the digital speedometer 4035b displayed in the virtual image display area 4111 may be movable to the multi display area 4011 based on the operation of the down direction key 4131d. In this case, the columnar image 4037a and the columnar virtual image 4037b change so that the columnar model 4041 appears to move backward in the vehicle model 4042 along the axial direction of the rotation axis RA.

In the above embodiment, the columnar model 4041 rotating in the circumferential direction corresponds to the “linkage display body”. However, the form and movement of the “link display” can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the first modification of the above-described embodiment, the background image drawn in a lattice shape is displayed as “linked display” as “linked image” and “linked virtual image”. These “linked image” and “linked virtual image” change to move the grid line up, down, left, and right in response to the operation of the direction keys 4131u to 4131r. In another modified example 2, a spherical model defined in a spherical shape is displayed as a “link display” as “link image” and “link virtual image”. This spherical model rotates in a direction corresponding to the operation of the viewer. In still another modified example, a plurality of columnar models and the like are displayed as “linkage display bodies” as “linkage images” and “linkage virtual images”.

As described above, the movement of the “linkage display body” is not limited to rotational displacement, and may be parallel movement or a combination of rotational displacement and parallel movement. Furthermore, the “linkage display” may move so as to be enlarged or reduced.

Further, in the form employing the polygonal columnar columnar model, the axis direction of the rotation axis RA may be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In addition, the number of side surfaces of the columnar model may be increased or decreased according to the number of display items that can be displayed in the multi-display area 4011. Furthermore, the direction in which the “link display” moves may not match the direction assigned to the direction key.

In the above embodiment, the vehicle model 4042 is displayed as an image that does not move, but the shape and arrangement of such a “fixed display” can be changed as appropriate. For example, an instrument image such as a digital speedometer may be displayed near the lower edge of the multi display area 4011 as a “fixed display”. The display of “fixed display body” may be omitted.

In the above embodiment, the vehicle windshield is used as the “projection unit” on which the display image is projected. However, the “projection unit” is not limited to the windshield. For example, a combiner that is formed in a plate shape with a translucent resin and attached to the upper surface of the instrument panel or the vehicle interior side of the windshield may be installed as a configuration corresponding to the “projection unit”.

The projector of the above embodiment has a configuration in which a TFT liquid crystal display and a projection light source are combined. However, the configuration for projecting the display image can be changed as appropriate. For example, a liquid crystal display other than the TFT method can be used. Further, a display image may be projected by a DLP (Digital Light Processing: registered trademark) projector, a CRT projector, or the like. Furthermore, a laser scanner using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) may be included in the “projection unit” as a configuration for projecting a display image.

In the above embodiment, the function of the “display control unit” provided by the control unit 4020 that executes the program may be provided by hardware and software different from the above-described configuration, or a combination thereof. For example, the function of the “display control unit” may be provided by linking a control unit provided in each of the combination meter and the HUD. Furthermore, the above-described function for controlling the display of each display area may be provided by a circuit that performs a predetermined function without depending on a program.

Note that the amount of information displayed on the HUD may be smaller than the amount of information displayed on the combination meter.

According to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicular display device that can easily notify a viewer that an input operation to the input unit has been accepted even though the display area is provided with a plurality of distant display regions. Provided.

According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicular display device that is mounted on a vehicle and changes the display of a plurality of display areas in response to an operation request based on an operation to an input unit provided in a vehicle interior. . The vehicle display device projects a display image on a second display region defined by a display unit that displays an image in a first display region arranged indoors and a projection unit that transmits the foreground of the vehicle. A projection unit that allows a virtual image of a display image to be visually recognized from the room, and a display unit that acquires an operation request and changes the image of the first display region and the virtual image of the second display region based on the acquired operation request. And a display control unit that controls the projection unit, and the display control unit is a linked display body that spans two display areas by a linked image drawn in the first display area and a linked virtual image projected in the second display area. Is displayed, and each change of the linked image and the linked virtual image is linked so that the linked display body appears to move based on the operation request.

According to the vehicle display device, when the viewer inputs an operation to change the display area display to the input unit, the linked image drawn in the first display area and the linked virtual image projected in the second display area are linked. And change. By such a change in the display mode in each display area, the linked display body displayed by the linked image and the linked virtual image, which is displayed across the two display areas, appears to move.

With the above display, even when the viewer is gazing at only one of the first display area and the second display area, the viewer can visually recognize a change in either the linked image or the linked virtual image. it can. Further, even when the viewer looks at both of the two display areas, the viewer can visually recognize each change of the linked image and the linked virtual image as a single movement by the linked display body. Therefore, even if it is a form provided with the several display area located away, the display apparatus for vehicles can notify a viewer easily that the input operation to an input part was received.

That is, according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle display device that is mounted on a vehicle and changes the display of a plurality of display areas in response to an operation request based on an operation to an input unit provided in the vehicle interior. A display unit configured to display an image on a first display region disposed in the room and a display image projected onto a second display region defined by a projection unit that transmits the foreground of the vehicle. A projection unit that makes a virtual image of an image visible from inside the room, the operation request is acquired, and the image of the first display area and the virtual image of the second display area are changed based on the acquired operation request. A display control unit that controls the display unit and the projection unit, and the display control unit is configured to display two images by a linked image drawn in the first display area and a linked virtual image projected in the second display area. In the two display areas And want to display the associated display element, based on the operation request, to appear to move said linkage display body, the association image and the vehicle display device that links the changes in the association virtual image is provided.

In addition, in the vehicle display device, the display control unit may change the linked image and the linked virtual image so that the linked display body defined in a three-dimensional shape appears to rotate.

In addition, in the vehicular display device, the axis direction of the virtual rotation axis in the linkage display body may be along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

In addition, in the vehicle display device, the linkage display body may be defined in a virtual polygonal column shape that forms a plurality of side surfaces, and may rotate in the circumferential direction based on the operation request.

In addition, in the display device for a vehicle, the display control unit is superimposed on a center of the side surface of the linkage display body in a circumferential direction, and a fixed display body that maintains a display position even when the operation request is acquired, You may display on at least one of said 1st display area and said 2nd display area.

In addition, in the vehicle display device, the display control unit may display the fixed display body imitating the appearance of the vehicle.

In addition, the vehicular display device is a vehicular display device that changes a display based on an input to the input unit having a direction key to which a movement operation in a specific direction is input, and the display control unit When the operation request based on the input to the direction key is acquired, the linkage image and the linkage virtual image may be changed so that the linkage display body appears to move in a movement direction corresponding to the specific direction. .
(Fifth embodiment)
A display device 5100 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 20 is mounted on a vehicle, and is configured by combining a combination meter 5010, a head-up display (hereinafter “HUD”) 5060, a light emitting unit 5080, and the like. ing. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 32, the display device 5100 displays various information related to the vehicle such as the traveling speed in each of the plurality of display areas.

The combination meter 5010 is housed in a space 5122 formed in the instrument panel 5120 in a posture in which the front side on which a plurality of display areas are formed faces the driver's seat. The instrument panel 5120 is installed in the downward direction DD of the windshield 5110 in the vehicle. The instrument panel 5120 is formed with a hood portion 5121 protruding in the upward direction UD. The space 5122 is partitioned by the hood portion 5121 and is formed in the front direction of the driver's seat. The combination meter 5010 is positioned in the downward direction DD of the hood portion 5121, and forms a multi display area 5011, two pointer display areas 5015, and a plurality of indicators 5018.

The multi display area 5011 is arranged at the center of the combination meter 5010. The multi display area 5011 displays information using various images 5032 displayed on the display screen 5012. The two pointer display areas 5015 are located on the sides of the multi display area 5011 and are arranged on both sides of the multi display area 5011 in the width direction WD. Each pointer display area 5015 displays information by a pointer 5016 that is displaced (rotated). The plurality of indicators 5018 are mainly formed in an area excluding the multi display area 5011 and the pointer display area 5015 on the front side of the combination meter 5010. Each indicator 5018 performs various warnings related to the vehicle to the viewer by causing icons such as characters and symbols to emit light.

The HUD 5060 includes an optical system 5064 configured by a concave mirror or the like, a projector 5061 that emits light of a display image displayed as a virtual image 5035, and a housing 5065 that houses the optical system 5064 and the projector 5061. The HUD 5060 is disposed in front of the vehicle with respect to the combination meter 5010 and is accommodated in the instrument panel 5120.

The HUD 5060 reflects the display image light emitted from the projector 5061 by the optical system 5064 and projects it toward the virtual image display area 5111 defined in the windshield 5110. The virtual image display area 5111 is defined in the upward direction UD of the hood portion 5121 in the windshield 5110 that transmits the foreground of the vehicle. In terms of the appearance of the driver (viewer) sitting in the driver's seat, the virtual image display area 5111 is aligned with the multi-display area 5011 positioned in the downward direction DD and the center position in the width direction WD. The viewer sitting in the driver's seat can perceive the virtual image 5035 superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle through the virtual image display area 5111 by perceiving the light reflected toward the vehicle interior by the virtual image display area 5111.

The HUD 5060 further includes a frame display 5066. The frame indicator 5066 is provided around an opening 5065 a formed in the housing 5065. The opening 5065a is formed in a rectangular shape and is closed by a colorless and transparent dustproof cover 5070. The light of the display image directed from the optical system 5064 toward the windshield 5110 passes through the opening 5065a by passing through the dust cover 5070.

The frame display unit 5066 includes a plurality (four) of light guides 5067, a frame display light source 5069 (see FIG. 33), and the like. The light guide unit 5067 is disposed so as to surround the four corners of the opening 5065a. An emission surface 5067 a facing the windshield 5110 is formed on the top surface of the light guide unit 5067. The frame display light source 5069 causes light to enter the light guide portion 5067. The light emitted from the frame display light source 5069 and incident on the light guide unit 5067 is emitted upward from the emission surface 5067a toward the windshield 5110. As described above, the frame-shaped confirmation notification frame 5035e (see FIG. 34) is displayed as the virtual image 5035 in the virtual image display region 5111. The confirmation notification frame 5035e is formed at a position closer to the windshield 5110 than other virtual images 5035 (such as a shift indicator 5035a described later) displayed by the projector 5061.

The light emitting unit 5080 has two linear light emitting units 5081. Each linear light emitting unit 5081 is formed in a longitudinal shape extending in a rod shape along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The two linear light emitting units 5081 are attached to the hood portion 5121 so as to be spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction WD. The linear light emitting unit 5081 emits light from the light emitting surface 5081a toward the windshield 5110 and the driver's seat. A part of the light emitted in the upward direction UD is reflected on the driver's seat side in a region 5112 above the virtual image display region 5111 (hereinafter referred to as “reflection display region”) 5112 of the windshield 5110. Is done. Therefore, the reflection images 5036 of the two linear light emitting units 5081 are displayed in the reflection display area 5112 (see also FIG. 34).

Next, the electrical configuration of the display device 5100 illustrated in FIG. 33 will be described in order for each of the combination meter 5010, the HUD 5060, and the light emitting unit 5080.

The combination meter 5010 includes a liquid crystal display 5013 and a backlight 5014, two stepper motors 5017, a plurality of pointer light sources 5016a and a dial light source 5016b, a plurality of indicator light sources 5019, and a control unit 5020.

The liquid crystal display 5013 is a thin-film-transistor (TFT) type display using thin film transistors, for example. The liquid crystal display 5013 has a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally along the display screen 5012. The liquid crystal display 5013 is connected to the control unit 5020 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 5020. Various images that are displayed in color in the multi-display area 5011 are formed on the display screen 5012 of the liquid crystal display 5013. The backlight 5014 transmits and illuminates the image on the display screen 5012 with a light source such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as “LEDs”). The backlight 5014 is connected to the control unit 5020, and the luminance of the illumination is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 5020.

The stepper motor 5017 is an electric motor that drives the pointer 5016. The stepper motor 5017 is connected to the control unit 5020, and rotates the pointer 5016 based on a control signal output from the control unit 5020. The pointer light source 5016a and the dial light source 5016b are light emitting elements such as LEDs, and are connected to the control unit 5020, respectively. The pointer light source 5016a emits light for causing each pointer 5016 to emit light based on a control signal output from the control unit 5020. The dial light source 5016b emits light for emitting and displaying the scales and numerical values formed on the dial based on the control signal output from the control unit 5020.

The indicator light source 5019 is, for example, an LED. Each indicator light source 5019 is connected to the control unit 5020, and emits light for causing each indicator 5018 to emit light based on a control signal output from the control unit 5020.

The control unit 5020 includes a microcomputer that operates according to a program, an interface that communicates with an in-vehicle Local Area Network (LAN) 5140, a liquid crystal display 5013, a stepper motor 5017, a drive circuit that drives each light source, and the like. It is configured. A steering switch 5130 and the like are connected to the in-vehicle LAN 5140 in addition to a plurality of in-vehicle devices 5150 mounted on the vehicle. The control unit 5020 acquires vehicle information output to the in-vehicle LAN 5140, and outputs a control signal based on the acquired information to the liquid crystal display 5013, the stepper motor 5017, and each light source.

The projector 5061 of the HUD 5060 has a liquid crystal display 5062 and a projection light source 5063. The liquid crystal display 5062 is, for example, a TFT display. The liquid crystal display 5062 is connected to the control unit 5020, and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 5020. Various images displayed in color in the virtual image display area 5111 (see FIG. 32) are formed on the liquid crystal display 5062. The projection light source 5063 has, for example, a plurality of high-brightness LEDs. The projection light source 5063 is connected to the control unit 5020, and emits light formed as a virtual image 5035 (see FIG. 32) toward the liquid crystal display 5062 based on a control signal output from the control unit 5020. .

The frame indicator 5066 of the HUD 5060 has a plurality of frame display light sources 5069. The frame display light source 5069 is, for example, an LED or the like, and emits chromatic light such as blue. Each frame display light source 5069 is connected to the control unit 5020 and emits light based on a control signal output from the control unit 5020. The light emission timings of the frame display light sources 5069 are synchronized with each other.

The linear light emitting unit 5081 of the light emitting unit 5080 has a plurality of linked line light sources 5089 as point light sources. The link line light source 5089 is, for example, an LED or the like, and emits chromatic light such as blue. In the present embodiment, the emission color of the link line light source 5089 is matched with the emission color of the frame display light source 5069. Each link line light source 5089 is connected to the control unit 5020 and emits light individually based on a control signal output from the control unit 5020.

Next, the configuration of each display formed in the multi display area 5011, the virtual image display area 5111, and the pointer display area 5015 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Note that the display device 5100 (see FIG. 33) can switch the display mode among a plurality of modes. Such a display mode switching operation is performed by an input to a steering switch 5130 (see FIG. 33) provided in the steering of the vehicle. In the following description, each display configuration in one typical display mode is shown.

The image 5032 drawn in the multi-display area 5011 includes an eco gauge 5032c, a vehicle model 5042, a background image 5032f, an eco wallet 5032g, a fuel meter 5032h, and an odometer 5032i. In this way, vehicle information that is more detailed than the virtual image display area 5111 is displayed in the multi display area 5011. In addition, in order to display a lot of vehicle information, the area of the multi display area 5011 is made larger than the area of the virtual image display area 5111.

The eco gauge 5032c displays the vehicle information output from the in-vehicle device 5150 (see FIG. 33), specifically, the analog level of the fuel efficiency. The fuel efficiency is calculated by the control unit 5020 (see FIG. 33) or any one of the in-vehicle devices 5150 based on the amount of fuel consumed by the traveling engine mounted on the vehicle, the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, and the like. The eco gauge 5032c visualizes the implementation status of eco driving by a bar-shaped image portion extending around the vehicle model 5042 in a partial annular shape. As the fuel efficiency increases, the eco gauge 5032c extends counterclockwise toward the left rear of the vehicle model 5042.

The vehicle model 5042 is created by imitating the appearance of a vehicle on which the display device 5100 (see FIG. 20) is mounted. In the multi display area 5011, an image obtained by bird's-eye view of the vehicle model 5042 is displayed. The front-rear direction of the vehicle model 5042 is defined along the front-rear direction of the actual vehicle. The vehicle model 5042 is arranged at the center of the multi display area 5011 and is superimposed on the background image 5032f.

The background image 5032f is an image serving as a background of the eco gauge 5032c and the vehicle model 5042 in the multi display area 5011. The background image 5032f has a road surface image portion 5032w extending in a strip shape along the vertical direction. The road surface image portion 5032w is an image portion simulating a roadway on which the vehicle model 5042 travels. A pair of boundary lines 5032r is formed on both sides of the road surface image portion 5032w in the width direction WD, and the vehicle model 5042 is disposed between the two boundary lines 5032r.

Eco wallet 5032g shows the fuel cost saved by the implementation of eco driving in monetary amounts. The fuel meter 5032h indicates the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank. The odometer 5032i indicates a cumulative value of the travel distance of the vehicle.

The virtual image 5035 displayed in the virtual image display area 5111 includes a shift indicator 5035a, a digital speedometer 5035b, an item display 5035t, and a confirmation notification frame 5035e. The shift indicator 5035a indicates the current position of the shift lever provided in the vehicle. The digital speedometer 5035b indicates the current traveling speed of the vehicle. The digital speedometer 5035b is arranged with the shift indicator 5035a in the width direction WD.

The item display 5035t indicates the items displayed in the multi display area 5011 by characters. In the eco display mode, the characters “ECO Bar” are displayed as the vehicle information displayed on the eco gauge 5032c, that is, the item name serving as the headline of fuel efficiency. The item display 5035t is arranged in the downward direction DD of the digital speedometer 5035b in the virtual image display area 5111. The characters displayed as the item display 5035t are switched in accordance with the change of the vehicle information displayed in the multi display area 5011.

The confirmation notification frame 5035e is imaged on the outer peripheral side of the shift indicator 5035a, the digital speedometer 5035b, and the like when viewed from the viewer. The confirmation notification frame 5035e has a discontinuous frame shape surrounding other display images by L-shaped display images arranged at the four corners of the virtual image display area 5111. The confirmation notification frame 5035e is lit for about 1 second, for example, when a pressing operation is input to the enter key 5132 (see FIG. 33). Note that the lighting time of the confirmation notification frame 5035e can be changed as appropriate.

Of the two pointer display areas 5015, one on the left side of the multi display area 5011 is provided with a shift indicator 5039a and an analog speedometer 5039b. A tachometer 5039c is formed in the pointer display area 5015 located on the right side of the multi display area 5011.

The shift indicator 5039a indicates the current position of the shift lever, similarly to the shift indicator 5035a in the virtual image display area 5111. The analog speedometer 5039b is formed by a pointer 5016 disposed in the pointer display region 5015 on the left side, and scales and numerical values arranged along the rotation trajectory of the pointer 5016. The analog speedometer 5039b indicates the traveling speed of the vehicle by the rotational displacement of the pointer 5016. The tachometer 5039c is formed by a pointer 5016 disposed in the pointer display region 5015 on the right side, and scales and numerical values arranged along the rotation trajectory of the pointer 5016. The tachometer 5039c indicates the rotational speed of the output shaft of the traveling engine due to the rotational displacement of the pointer 5016.

In the display device 5100 described above, when information is displayed by the virtual image 5035 in the virtual image display area 5111, the display of information by the pointer display area 5015 is interrupted. 35. A column in FIG. 35 to a column C in FIG. 35 are displayed when the display of the pointer display region 5015 is turned off in conjunction with the operation of the viewer who turns on the display of the virtual image display region 5111. The change process is shown. Hereinafter, the details of the changing process will be described in order.

When the viewer turns on the display of the virtual image display area 5111 by operating the steering switch 5130 (see FIG. 33), a light emission spot 5038 is displayed on the two linear light emitting units 5081 as shown in the column A of FIG. Is done. In addition, a reflection image 5036 of the light emission spot 5038 is displayed in the reflection display area 5112.

35. As shown in the A column of FIG. 35 and the B column of FIG. 35, each light emission spot 5038 moves in the upward direction UD toward the virtual image display region 5111 in the appearance of the viewer. On the other hand, each reflected image 5036 moves in the downward direction DD toward the virtual image display area 5111. The movement of the light emission spot 5038 and the reflected image 5036 is perceived by the viewer as a linkage line that is displayed in a light-emitting manner. Each light emitting spot 5038 disappears by reaching the end of the light emitting surface 5081a close to the virtual image display area 5111.

When the light emission of each linear light emitting unit 5081 is completed, a shift indicator 5035a, a digital speedometer 5035b, and an item display 5035t are displayed in the virtual image display area 5111 as shown in the B column of FIG. When the display reflecting the operation of the viewer is completed in the virtual image display area 5111, the confirmation notification frame 5035e is temporarily turned on.

When the shift lever position information (hereinafter referred to as “shift position information”) and the vehicle traveling speed information (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle speed information”) can be grasped from the virtual image display area 5111, as shown in the column C of FIG. The display of information in the area 5015 is interrupted. At this time, first, light emission of the pointer light source 5016a (see FIG. 33) and the dial light source 5016b (see FIG. 33) is stopped, thereby turning off the pointers 5016, scales and numerical values. Next, the return of each pointer 5016 to a preset zero position P0 is started. As described above, the display of the vehicle information is integrated into the multi-display area 5011 and the virtual image display area 5111 arranged vertically.

In order to realize the display layout change described above, a change process performed by the control unit 5020 will be described based on FIG. 36 with reference to FIG. The change process illustrated in FIG. 36 is started by the control unit 5020 based on an operation that turns on the display of the virtual image display area 5111 in the steering switch 5130 or the like.

In S5101, a light emission process for causing the light emitting unit 5080 to emit light is started, and the process proceeds to S5102. Through the processing of S5101, the light emission spot 5038 and its reflection image 5036 are displayed and flow toward the virtual image display area 5111 (see column A in FIG. 35 and column B in FIG. 35).

In S5102, an activation process for activating the projector 5061 is started so that the virtual image 5035 is displayed in the virtual image display area 5111, and the process proceeds to S5103. Through the processing of S5102, the shift indicator 5035a and the like are displayed in the virtual image display area 5111 (see column B in FIG. 35).

In S5103, it is determined whether the activation process started in S5102 is completed. If a negative determination is made in S5103, the determination in S5103 is repeated to wait for the completion of the activation process. When the activation process is completed and an affirmative determination is made in S5103, the process proceeds to S5104.

In S5104, the lighting process of the confirmation notification frame 5035e is performed, and the process proceeds to S5105. By the processing of S5104, the confirmation notification frame 5035e is temporarily displayed in the virtual image display area 5111, and the viewer is notified of confirmation of the display layout of the virtual image display area 5111 (see column B in FIG. 35).

In S5105, the pointer light source 5016a and the dial light source 5016b are turned off, and the process proceeds to S5106. By S5105, the information display by the two pointer display areas 5015 cannot be viewed by the viewer. In step S5106, the stepper motors 5017 are controlled so that the pointers 5016 return to their zero positions P0, and the change process ends. As a result, the display of information by the two pointer display areas 5015 is turned off (see column C in FIG. 35).

In the present embodiment described so far, detailed vehicle information such as the eco gauge 5032c and the odometer is displayed in the multi-display area 5011. Therefore, the virtual image 5035 is a display that briefly notifies the shift position information, the vehicle speed information, and the like. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the viewer (driver) is prevented from concentrating on driving because the virtual image 5035 that is easily viewed is in a complicated display form.

In addition, when the pointer display in the pointer display area 5015 is interrupted, the display of information by the display device 5100 is integrated into two display areas 5011 and 5111 arranged vertically. Therefore, the driver can grasp detailed information from the display of the multi display area 5011 by a simple operation of moving the line of sight in the vertical direction. Therefore, even when an operation for acquiring detailed information is performed, concentration on driving is easily maintained.

Therefore, the display by the display device 5100 is a display that is difficult to prevent the driver from concentrating on driving even if the amount of information that can be provided to the driver is secured.

In addition, in this embodiment, after each vehicle information provided by the shift indicator 5039a and the analog speedometer 5039b is also provided from the shift indicator 5035a and the digital speedometer 5035b, The display is interrupted. Thus, if the vehicle information presented in the pointer display area 5015 is moved to the virtual image display area 5111, a decrease in the amount of information that can be provided due to the interruption of the pointer display can be suppressed.

Further, as in the present embodiment, the pointer display area 5015 for displaying the pointer has a large area with respect to the amount of information that can be notified and is easily noticeable. If the display of such a conspicuous pointer display area 5015 disappears in appearance, the driver's line of sight seems to be naturally directed to a multi display area 5011 that displays a large amount of information in a small area. become. Therefore, detailed information grasping from the combination meter 5010 is further facilitated. In addition, the reduction in the amount of information that can be provided due to the interruption of the pointer display can be easily compensated by other display areas. Therefore, the pointer display area 5015 is more preferable than the multi display area 5011 as the display area where the display is interrupted.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the return of the pointer 5016 is performed after the pointer light source 5016a and the dial light source 5016b are turned off. According to such control, it is difficult for the driver to perceive the operation of returning the pointer 5016 to zero. Therefore, a situation in which the driver who has visually recognized the pointer 5016 on the way of returning to zero reads an erroneous pointer display is avoided.

In addition, the display of information in the multi display area 5011 of the present embodiment is performed by the liquid crystal display 5013. With such a configuration, the multi-display area 5011 can display a large amount of information in a small area. As a result, even if a lot of detailed information is displayed, the driver can quickly grasp the desired detailed information without turning his / her line of sight within the multi-display area 5011.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the area of the multi display area 5011 is secured wider than the area of the virtual image display area 5111, a large amount of information can be collected in the multi display area 5011. Therefore, the virtual image 5035 in the virtual image display area 5111 can be displayed more simply. By using such a simple virtual image display, it is possible to create a driving environment in which the driver's concentration on driving is further prevented.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the display by the two pointer display areas 5015 having a large display area is interrupted, most of the front side of the combination meter 5010 is in a state of not displaying information. As a result, the central multi-display area 5011 becomes more prominent, so that the driver's line of sight is easily guided to the multi-display area 5011. According to the above, since detailed information grasping from the multi-display area 5011 becomes easier, the driver can reliably maintain concentration on driving even when performing an operation of acquiring detailed information. it can.

In this embodiment, the combination meter 5010 corresponds to a “display unit”, the multi-display area 5011 corresponds to a “first display area”, and the liquid crystal display 5013 corresponds to a “display”. The pointer display area 5015 corresponds to a “second display area”, the control unit 5020 corresponds to a “display control unit”, and the HUD 5060 serves as a “projection unit”. Further, the display device 5100 corresponds to a “vehicle display device”, and the windshield 5110 corresponds to a “projection unit”.

(Other embodiments in the fifth embodiment)
The fifth embodiment according to the present disclosure has been described above. However, the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to the above embodiment, and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. can do.

In the first modification of the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, the arrangement of the plurality of display areas formed around the driver's seat is different. Specifically, the virtual image display area 5311 is defined at a position near the center of the windshield 5110 in the width direction WD from the front of the driver's seat. The multi-display area 5211 is formed in the area from the center to the right side (passenger seat side) in front of the combination meter 5210, and is positioned in the downward direction DD of the virtual image display area 5311 in terms of the driver. The pointer display area 5215 is located on the left side of the multi display area 5211.

Also in the first modification, when information is displayed by the virtual image 5035 in the virtual image display area 5311, the display of information by the pointer display area 5215 is interrupted. Specifically, the pointer 5016 returns to the zero position P0, and the displays such as the shift indicator 5039a and the water temperature gauge 5039d are turned off. On the other hand, the display of the detailed information by the multi display area 5211 is continued even when the information display by the virtual image display area 5311 is performed. At this time, more vehicle information is displayed in detail in the multi display area 5211 than in the virtual image display area 5311.

As in the first modification, the virtual image display area 5311 and the multi-display area 5211 may be shifted in the width direction WD as long as they partially overlap in the vertical direction. In addition, the pointer display area 5215 may be formed only on one side of the multi display area 5211. Alternatively, a plurality of pointer display areas may be formed on one side of the multi display area. In the first modification, the combination meter 5210 corresponds to a “display unit”, the multi display area 5211 corresponds to a “first display area”, and the pointer display area 5215 corresponds to a “second display area”.

In the above embodiment, the display of the pointer display area is interrupted among the multi-display area and the pointer display area. However, the display of the pointer display area arranged in the lower direction DD of the virtual image display area may be continued, and the display of the multi display area arranged on the side of the pointer display area may be interrupted. Or display of a specific pointer display area may be continued among a plurality of pointer display areas, and display of other pointer display areas may be interrupted.

In the above embodiment, before the display of the pointer display area is interrupted, the shift indicator and the speedometer are moved from the pointer display area to the virtual image display area. Thus, the movement destination for moving the information display in the pointer display area may not be the virtual image display area, but may be a multi-display area.

In the above embodiment, the multi display area is defined more widely than the virtual image display area. However, the multi display area may be narrower than the virtual image display area. In the above embodiment, the total area of the pointer display areas is ensured to be larger than the area of the multi-display area, but the size relationship between these areas can be changed as appropriate.

In the above embodiment, when the display of the pointer display area is interrupted, the control for returning the pointer to zero is performed after the process of turning off the pointer light source and the dial light source. However, the order of these processes can be changed as appropriate. In addition, if it is difficult to visually recognize the pointer display area by turning off the pointer light source and the dial light source, only the turning-off process is performed, and the process of returning the pointer to the zero may not be performed.

In the above embodiment, the virtual image display by HUD can be turned on and off by operating the steering switch. However, the configuration in which such an operation is input is not limited to the steering switch, and may be, for example, a joystick and a touch panel provided in the center console.

In the above embodiment, the vehicle windshield is used as the “projection unit” on which the display image is projected. However, the “projection unit” is not limited to the windshield. For example, a combiner that is formed in a plate shape with a translucent resin and attached to the upper surface of the instrument panel or the vehicle interior side of the windshield may be installed as a configuration corresponding to the “projection unit”.

The projector of the above embodiment has a configuration in which a TFT liquid crystal display and a projection light source are combined. However, the configuration for projecting the display image can be changed as appropriate. For example, a liquid crystal display other than the TFT method can be used. Further, a display image may be projected by a DLP (Digital Light Processing: registered trademark) projector, a CRT projector, or the like. Furthermore, a laser scanner using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) may be included in the “projection unit” as a configuration for projecting a display image.

In the above embodiment, the function of the “display control unit” provided by the control unit that has executed the program may be provided by hardware and software different from the above-described configuration, or a combination thereof. For example, the above-described functions may be provided by cooperation of control units provided in the combination meter and the HUD, respectively. Further, a function of “display control unit” for controlling the HUD and the combination meter may be provided so that information is displayed in each display area by a circuit that performs a predetermined function without depending on a program.

Note that the amount of information displayed on the HUD may be smaller than the amount of information displayed on the combination meter.

According to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a vehicle display device that can perform display that is difficult to prevent the driver from concentrating on driving even if the amount of information that can be provided to the driver is secured.

According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the display device is mounted on a vehicle, and the display image is projected onto the virtual image display area defined in the projection unit that transmits the foreground of the vehicle. Information is displayed on each of the projection unit that displays the virtual image of the image in the virtual image display area, the first display area located below the virtual image display area, and the second display area located on the side of the first display area. Control the projection unit and the display unit so that information is displayed in each display area, and when information is displayed as a virtual image in the virtual image display area, the display of information in the second display area is interrupted. And the display apparatus for vehicles provided with the display control part which displays more detailed information on a 1st display area than a virtual image display area is provided.

According to the above-described vehicle display device, more detailed information than the virtual image display area is displayed in the first display area. Therefore, the virtual image superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle can be a display that simply notifies a small amount of information. As a result, a situation in which the driver's concentration on driving is hindered by a complex display form of the virtual image that is easily visible to the driver can be avoided.

The display of information by the second display area is interrupted, so that the information display can be aggregated into the virtual image display area and the first display area arranged vertically. Therefore, the driver can grasp detailed information from the display of the first display area by a simple operation of moving the line of sight in the vertical direction. Therefore, even when an operation for acquiring detailed information is performed, concentration on driving is easily maintained.

Therefore, the display by the vehicle display device is a display that is difficult to prevent the driver from concentrating on driving even if the amount of information that can be provided to the driver is secured.

That is, according to the fifth aspect, the display device for a vehicle is mounted on a vehicle, and the display image is projected onto a virtual image display area defined in a projection unit that transmits the foreground of the vehicle, thereby displaying the display. A projection unit that displays a virtual image of an image in the virtual image display region, a first display region positioned below the virtual image display region, and a second display region positioned lateral to the first display region. A display unit for displaying information, and the projection unit and the display unit are controlled so that information is displayed in each display region, and the second image is displayed when the virtual image is displayed in the virtual image display region. There is provided a vehicle display device comprising: a display control unit that interrupts display of information by a display area and displays more detailed information than the virtual image display area in the first display area.

In addition, in the display device for a vehicle, the display control unit displays information on the second display area based on information displayed on the second display area being displayed on the virtual image display area. May be interrupted.

In addition, in the display device for a vehicle, the display unit includes a pointer arranged in the second display region, and displays information in the second display region by the moving pointer, and the display control unit In order to interrupt the display of information by the second display area, the pointer may be returned to a preset zero position.

In addition, in the display device for a vehicle, the display unit includes a pointer light source that emits the pointer, and the display control unit is configured to interrupt the display of information by the second display region. After turning off, return of the pointer to the zero position may be started.

In addition, in the vehicle display device, the display unit may include a display that displays information on the first display area using an image.

In addition, in the vehicle display device, the area of the first display region may be larger than the area of the virtual image display region.

In addition, in the display device for a vehicle, the display unit forms a pair of the second display regions on both sides of the first display region, and the display control unit receives information from the virtual image in the virtual image display region. When displayed, the display of information by the pair of second display areas may be interrupted together.
(Sixth embodiment)
A head-up display (hereinafter, “HUD”) 6060 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIG. 1 constitutes a display device 6100 mounted on a vehicle by being combined with a combination meter 6010 and the like. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 38, the display device 6100 displays various information relating to the vehicle such as the traveling speed in each of the plurality of display areas.

The HUD 6060 includes an optical system 6064 configured by a concave mirror or the like, a projector 6061 that emits light of a display image displayed as a virtual image 6035, and a housing 6065 that houses the optical system 6064 and the projector 6061. The HUD 6060 is housed in an instrument panel 6120 installed in the downward direction DD of the windshield 6110. HUD 6060 is arranged in front of the vehicle relative to combination meter 6010.

The HUD 6060 reflects the light of the display image emitted from the projector 6061 by the optical system 6064 and projects it toward the virtual image display area 6111 defined in the windshield 6110. The virtual image display area 6111 is defined in the upward direction UD of the hood portion 6121 provided on the instrument panel 6120 in the windshield 6110 that transmits the foreground of the vehicle. A viewer sitting in the driver's seat can perceive the virtual image 6035 superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle through the virtual image display region 6111 by perceiving the light reflected toward the vehicle interior by the virtual image display region 6111.

The combination meter 6010 is housed in a space 6122 in the instrument panel 6120 partitioned by the hood portion 6121 in a posture in which the front side on which a plurality of display areas are formed faces the driver's seat. The combination meter 6010 forms a multi display area 6011, two pointer display areas 6015 arranged on both sides of the multi display area 6011, and a plurality of indicators 6018. The multi display area 6011 displays information by various images 6032 displayed on the display screen 6012. Each pointer display area 6015 displays information by a rotating pointer 6016. Each indicator 6018 performs various warnings related to the vehicle to the viewer by causing icons such as characters and symbols to emit light.

Next, the electrical configuration of the display device 6100 shown in FIG. 3 will be described in order for each of the combination meter 6010 and the HUD 6060.

The combination meter 6010 includes a liquid crystal display 6013, a backlight 6014, two stepper motors 6017, a plurality of indicator light sources 6019, and a control unit 6020.

The liquid crystal display 6013 is a thin-film-transistor (TFT) type display using a thin film transistor, for example. The liquid crystal display 6013 has a plurality of pixels arranged two-dimensionally along the display screen 6012. The liquid crystal display 6013 is connected to the control unit 6020 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 6020. On the display screen 6012 of the liquid crystal display 6013, various images that are displayed in color in the multi display area 6011 are formed. The backlight 6014 transmits and illuminates the image on the display screen 6012 with a light source such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as “LEDs”). The backlight 6014 is connected to the control unit 6020, and the luminance of the illumination is controlled by a control signal output from the control unit 6020.

The stepper motor 6017 is an electric motor that drives the pointer 6016. The stepper motor 6017 is connected to the control unit 6020 and rotates the pointer 6016 based on a control signal output from the control unit 6020. The indicator light source 6019 is, for example, an LED. Each indicator light source 6019 is connected to the control unit 6020 and emits light for causing each indicator 6018 to emit light based on a control signal output from the control unit 6020.

The control unit 6020 includes a microcomputer that operates according to a program, an interface that communicates with the in-vehicle Local Area Network (LAN) 6140, a liquid crystal display 6013, a stepper motor 6017, a drive circuit that drives each light source, and the like. It is configured. In addition to a plurality of in-vehicle devices 6150 mounted on the vehicle, a steering switch 6130 and the like are connected to the in-vehicle LAN 6140. The control unit 6020 acquires vehicle information output to the in-vehicle LAN 6140, and outputs a control signal based on the acquired information to the liquid crystal display 6013, the stepper motor 6017, each light source, and the like.

The projector 6061 of the HUD 6060 has a liquid crystal display 6062 and a projection light source 6063. The liquid crystal display 6062 is, for example, a TFT display. The liquid crystal display 6062 is connected to the control unit 6020 and drives each pixel based on a control signal output from the control unit 6020. Various images displayed in color in the virtual image display area 6111 (see FIG. 38) are formed on the liquid crystal display 6062. The projection light source 6063 has, for example, a plurality of high-brightness LEDs. The projection light source 6063 is connected to the control unit 6020, and emits light formed as a virtual image 6035 (see FIG. 38) toward the liquid crystal display 6062 based on a control signal output from the control unit 6020. .

Next, the mechanical configuration of the HUD 6060 will be described in more detail based on FIGS. 39 and 40 with reference to FIG.

The HUD 6060 includes a dustproof cover 6070 in addition to the casing 6065, the optical system 6064, and the projector 6061 described above.

The housing 6065 has an upper cover 6065b and a lower case 6065c. By assembling the upper cover 6065b, the lower case 6065c, and the like, a housing space 6065d that houses the projector 6061 and the optical system 6064 is partitioned. The upper cover 6065b and the lower case 6065c are each formed of a light-blocking resin material. An opening 6065a is formed in the ceiling surface of the upper cover 6065b.

The opening 6065a is formed in a rectangular shape and penetrates the ceiling surface in the thickness direction. The opening 6065 a is provided between a concave mirror 6064 b (described later) of the optical system 6064 and a virtual image display region 6111. The opening 6065a can transmit light of a display image from the optical system 6064 toward the windshield 6110.

The optical system 6064 has a plane mirror 6064a and a concave mirror 6064b. The plane mirror 6064a and the concave mirror 6064b are formed by vapor-depositing a metal such as aluminum on a translucent resin material or a plate material such as glass. A planar reflecting surface is formed on the plane mirror 6064a. The plane mirror 6064a is fixed to the peripheral wall of the lower case 6065c with a clip or the like with the reflecting surface facing the projector 6061. The plane mirror 6064a reflects the light of the display image emitted from the projector 6061 toward the concave mirror 6064b by the reflection surface.

A concave reflecting surface is formed on the concave mirror 6064b. The concave mirror 6064b is attached to the lower case 6065c while being held by the angle adjustment mechanism. The angle adjustment mechanism is a mechanism for adjusting the direction of the reflecting surface. According to the operation of the angle adjustment function, the direction of the optical axis from the reflecting surface of the concave mirror 6064b toward the windshield 6110 is adjusted. The concave mirror 6064b reflects the light of the display image reflected by the plane mirror 6064a toward the virtual image display area 6111.

The projector 6061 includes a heat sink 6061a that emits heat from the projection light source 6063 and a lens in addition to the liquid crystal display 6062 (see FIG. 3) and the projection light source 6063 (see FIG. 3). The projector 6061 is disposed in the accommodation space 6065d in a state where the heat sink 6061a protrudes outside the housing 6065. The light emitted from the projection light source 6063 is converted into parallel light toward the plane mirror 6064a by the refractive action of the lens. The parallel light passes through the liquid crystal display 6062 and becomes display image light, and is emitted from the projector 6061 toward the plane mirror 6064a.

The dustproof cover 6070 is formed in a slightly curved plate shape with a light-transmitting resin material such as polycarbonate. The dust cover 6070 is attached to the upper cover 6065b from the outside by a fastening member such as a screw or a snap fit. The dust cover 6070 physically closes the opening 6065a to prevent dust and dirt from entering the housing space 6065d through the opening 6065a. Since the dust-proof cover 6070 is configured to allow the transmission of the light of the display image, the light of the display image can pass through the opening 6065a.

In the material forming the dustproof cover 6070, a light absorbing substance (for example, carbon black) that absorbs light is dispersed. The translucent dustproof cover 6070 formed of such a smoke material has a characteristic of allowing partial transmission of the visible light while attenuating the incident visible light. The light attenuating action by the dust cover 6070 is optically neutral, and the wavelength dependency is reduced. Therefore, the dust cover 6070 can attenuate visible light substantially uniformly regardless of the wavelength range. Specifically, at least light having a wavelength of 400 to 600 nm, preferably light having a wavelength of 360 to 830 nm, is attenuated substantially uniformly. The dustproof cover 6070 is formed with a plate thickness of about 2 mm. The visible light transmittance along the plate thickness direction is defined as 20% to 50%. This visible light transmittance value is an average value between the above-mentioned 400 to 600 nm. The visible light transmittance of the dustproof cover 6070 is lower than the visible light transmittance (generally 70% or more) of the windshield 6110.

In the present embodiment described so far, external light that has passed through the windshield 6110 and reached the opening 6065a further passes through the dust-proof cover 6070 that closes the opening 6065a, and enters the housing 6065. By forming the dustproof cover 6070 to be translucent, the external light entering the housing 6065 is surely weakened. Then, part of the external light that enters the housing 6065 is reflected by the components in the housing space 6065d such as the projector 6061 and the optical system 6064, and is emitted from the opening 6065a to the outside of the housing 6065. At this time, the external light is transmitted through the translucent dustproof cover 6070 again, and is further weakened. Therefore, even if the external light emitted from the housing 6065 is reflected to the viewer side by the windshield 6110, it is difficult for the viewer to perceive such light. Therefore, the HUD 6060 in which the configuration in the housing 6065 is difficult to be seen by the viewer is realized.

In addition, according to the dustproof cover 6070 of this embodiment, visible light is attenuated substantially uniformly regardless of the wavelength range. As described above, by reducing the wavelength dependency of the dustproof cover 6070, even when the light emitted by the projector 6061 passes through the translucent dustproof cover 6070, the color tone of the light can be maintained. Accordingly, the color tone of the display image drawn by the liquid crystal display 6062 can be faithfully reproduced even in the formed virtual image 6035.

Further, according to this embodiment, if the translucent dustproof cover 6070 absorbs visible light, reflection of external light by the dustproof cover 6070 can be suppressed. Therefore, the situation where the external light reflected by the dustproof cover 6070 reaches the viewer and the dustproof cover 6070 projected on the windshield 6110 is visible to the viewer can be avoided.

Further, as in the present embodiment, if the visible light transmittance of the dustproof cover 6070 is suppressed to be lower than the visible light transmittance of the windshield 6110, the external light that has passed through the dustproof cover 6070 twice is reliably weakened. . For example, if the visible light transmittance of the dust-proof cover 6070 is 20%, the amount of external light reflected from the windshield 6110 to the viewer is 4% (= 0.0.0) compared to the light reaching the opening 6065a. Less than 2). As described above, if the visible light transmittance of the dust cover 6070 is lower than that of the windshield 6110 at least, the function of the dust cover 6070 that hides the configuration in the housing 65 is surely exhibited.

In this embodiment, the HUD 6060 corresponds to a “head-up display device”, the projector 6061 corresponds to a “projector”, and the housing 6065 corresponds to a “container”. In addition, the dustproof cover 6070 corresponds to a “closing member”, and the windshield 6110 corresponds to a “projection unit”.

(Other embodiments in the sixth embodiment)
The sixth embodiment according to the present disclosure has been described above. However, the present disclosure is not construed as being limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. can do.

In the above embodiment, not only the external light but also the light of the display image is attenuated by the dark dustproof cover. Therefore, the amount of light of the projection light source in the projector is increased as compared with the conventional form employing a colorless and transparent dustproof cover. Specifically, the above-described projection light source has been improved by increasing the number of light emitting elements and increasing the power applied to the light source. Each light source including the projection light source is not limited to the LED, and may include a fluorescent tube, an organic EL panel, and the like.

The projector of the above embodiment has a configuration in which a TFT liquid crystal display and a projection light source are combined. However, the configuration of the “projector” can be changed as appropriate. For example, a liquid crystal display other than the TFT method can be used. Furthermore, a “projector” may be configured by a DLP (Digital Light Processing: registered trademark) projector, a CRT projector, or the like. Furthermore, a laser scanner using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) may be included as a configuration of the “projector”.

The configuration of the dustproof cover formed of the dark smoke material in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. For example, a translucent dustproof cover may be formed by sticking a dark smoke film material to a colorless and transparent polycarbonate plate material. Further, the visible light transmittance of the dust cover is desirably substantially uniform over the entire area covering the opening, but may be regulated to a different value locally. Furthermore, the material of the dustproof cover may be a translucent material other than polycarbonate, such as an acrylic resin and tempered glass.

The dustproof cover of the above embodiment attenuates visible light substantially uniformly, but may have a slight wavelength dependency in the wavelength range of visible light. Further, the color tone of the display image projected from the projector may be corrected in advance after assuming a change in the color tone due to the transmission of the dust cover. By adopting such control, a translucent material having wavelength dependency can be used for the dustproof cover. The transmittance of ultraviolet light and infrared light may be set as appropriate.

Although the dust cover of the above embodiment is formed in a plate shape slightly larger than the opening, the shape of the dust cover and the opening can be changed as appropriate. For example, the dust cover may have a shape that covers the entire upper surface of the upper cover, or may be formed integrally with the upper cover as long as the entire opening can be closed. The opening can be formed in a circular shape or the like as long as the light of the display image can be transmitted.

In the above embodiment, the vehicle windshield is used as the “projection unit” on which the display image is projected. However, the “projection unit” is not limited to the windshield. For example, a combiner that is formed in a plate shape with a translucent resin and attached to the upper surface of the instrument panel or the vehicle interior side of the windshield may be installed as a configuration corresponding to the “projection unit”.

In the above embodiment, the function of controlling the virtual image display provided by the control unit that has executed the program may be provided by hardware and software different from the above-described configuration, or a combination thereof. For example, a function of controlling a liquid crystal display of a projector may be provided by a control circuit provided in the HUD. Furthermore, the display control function described above may be provided by a circuit that performs a predetermined function without depending on a program.

In the above-described embodiment, the HUD that constitutes the display device for a vehicle by being combined with a combination meter or the like has been described, but the present disclosure is naturally applicable to a single HUD device.

Note that the amount of information displayed on the HUD may be smaller than the amount of information displayed on the combination meter.

According to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, a head-up display device in which the configuration inside the container is difficult to be seen by a viewer is provided.

According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a head-up display device that makes it possible to visually recognize a virtual image of a display image by projecting the display image onto a projection unit. The head-up display device forms a projector that emits the light of the display image, an opening that allows the light of the display image that is emitted from the projector to pass therethrough, and a container that houses the projector, and the opening is closed. And a blocking member that has a property of partially transmitting visible light reaching the opening and allowing transmission of light of the display image.

According to the head-up display device described above, the external light that has reached the opening of the container passes through the blocking member that closes the opening and enters the container. Since the blocking member is formed to be translucent to partially transmit visible light, the external light incident on the container is surely weakened. A part of the external light incident on the container is reflected by the structure accommodated in the container such as a projector, and emitted from the opening to the outside of the container. At this time, the external light is transmitted through the translucent blocking member again, so that it is further weakened. Therefore, even if the external light emitted from the container is reflected by the projection unit toward the viewer, it is difficult for the viewer to perceive such light. Therefore, a head-up display device in which the configuration inside the container is difficult to be seen by a viewer is realized.

That is, according to the sixth aspect, the head-up display device that makes it possible to visually recognize the virtual image of the display image by projecting the display image on the projection unit, the projector for emitting the light of the display image; Forming an opening through which the light of the display image emitted from the projector passes, and housing the projector, and being arranged so as to close the opening, and partially passing visible light reaching the opening And a blocking member having a characteristic of allowing the display image to transmit light.

In addition, in the head-up display device described above, the blocking member may attenuate visible light regardless of the wavelength range.

In addition, in the head-up display device described above, the blocking member may attenuate visible light transmitted through the blocking member by absorbing visible light.

In addition, in the head-up display device described above, the visible light transmittance of the blocking member may be lower than the visible light transmittance of the projection unit.

The embodiments, configurations, and aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated above, but the embodiments, configurations, and aspects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments, configurations, and aspects. For example, embodiments, configurations, and aspects obtained by appropriately combining technical units disclosed in different embodiments, configurations, and aspects are also included in the scope of the embodiments, configurations, and aspects according to the present disclosure.

Claims (6)

1. A vehicle display device mounted on a vehicle,
   A display unit (13) for displaying an image (32) in the first display area (11);
   By projecting the display image onto the second display area (111) defined by the projection unit (110) that transmits the foreground of the vehicle, the virtual image (35) of the display image is projected onto the second display area (111). A virtual image projection unit (60) to be displayed,
   A first display section (32a, 32c, 32d) rendered in the first display area (11), and a second display section (35c, 35h, 35t, 35j) projected in the second display area (111); Displays information related to each other,
   The display device for vehicles, wherein the information amount of information displayed on the second display unit is smaller than the information amount of information displayed on the first display unit (32a, 32c, 32d).
2. The second display unit (35c) displays the latest value of the vehicle information output from the in-vehicle device (150) mounted on the vehicle,
   The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the first display unit (32a) displays a past history value of the vehicle information displayed on the second display unit (35c).
3. The first display unit (32c) displays the degree of vehicle information output from the in-vehicle device (150) mounted on the vehicle,
   The said 2nd display part (35h) is a display apparatus for vehicles of Claim 1 or 2 displayed on said 2nd display area (111), when the said vehicle information satisfy | fills the conditions prescribed | regulated previously.
4. The first display unit (32c) displays vehicle information output from the in-vehicle device (150) mounted on the vehicle,
   The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second display section (35t) displays an item name serving as a heading of the vehicle information displayed on the first display section.
5. The first display unit (32d) displays an analog level of the vehicle information output from the in-vehicle device (150) mounted on the vehicle,
   The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second display section (35j) digitally displays the same vehicle information as the first display section by numerical values.
6. The vehicular display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second display area (111) and the first display area (11) are arranged vertically in terms of appearance from a viewer.

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