JP2006159931A - Projection display device for vehicle and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a projection display device for a vehicle and a method enhancing freedom regarding a projection position of information even while preventing deterioration of visibility by an external light and ensuring a wide visual recognition range. <P>SOLUTION: The projection display device 1 for the vehicle reflects an incident light and leads it to an eye point side of an occupant of the vehicle. In the projection display device 1 for the vehicle, a diffusion plate 40 for diffusing/reflecting a light is provided on a route until the incident light finally arrives at the eye point side via a reflection plate 30. Further, a hood 50 for not making the external light incident is provided on the diffusion plate 40 and the reflection plate 30 is installed such that it does not lead the external light to the eye point side. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle projection display apparatus and method.

  Conventionally, a projection device that projects display information using a projection means such as a projector like a head-up display, as if the projected information exists in the distance, and reduces the driver's focus movement burden Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, a projection device is known in which projection means is arranged on the back side of a room mirror so as not to bother the driver (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP 2000-238551 A JP 2002-182305 A

  However, in the conventional projection apparatus, it is easy to visually recognize information from a specific direction in advance. For this reason, the conventional projection apparatus has a problem that it is difficult to visually recognize information when trying to visually recognize information from the passenger seat or when the driver tries to visually recognize information while moving the head to a large degree, for example. .

  Moreover, in order to make it easy to visually recognize information from the driver's seat, information must be projected to a specific location, and the position where information is projected is limited.

  Furthermore, the projection device of Patent Document 2 employs a reflector having a special structure so that the visibility is not deteriorated by extraneous light. However, the projection device can be visually recognized by extraneous light without using such a special reflector. It is desirable not to deteriorate the sex.

  The projection display apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a projection unit that projects information to be presented, and a reflection unit that reflects the projection light from the projection unit and guides it to the eyepoint side of the vehicle occupant. In this vehicular projection display device, a diffusing unit that diffuses and reflects light is provided on a path until the projection light from the projecting unit finally reaches the eye point side through the reflecting unit. Further, the diffusion means is provided with an extraneous light blocking means for preventing the extraneous light from entering, and the reflection means is installed so as not to guide the extraneous light to the eye point side.

  According to the present invention, the diffusing means for diffusing and reflecting the light is provided on the path from when the projection light is reflected by the reflecting means and finally reaches the eye point side. For this reason, the projection light is diffused and reflected in a wide range. For this reason, it becomes easy to visually recognize information regardless of the driver's seat or the passenger seat. In addition, since the projection light is diffused and reflected over a wide range, it is possible to make the information easily visible from the driver without projecting information to a specific location, and to improve the freedom of the projection position. Can do.

  Further, the diffusion means is provided with an extraneous light blocking means for preventing the extraneous light from entering, and the reflection means is installed so as not to guide the extraneous light to the eye point side. For this reason, the extraneous light is not incident on the diffusing means or the reflecting means so that the visibility is not deteriorated. In particular, if the reflecting means is installed at an angle that does not guide extraneous light to the eye point, it may hinder the projection light to be suitably guided to the eye point. However, since the projection light is diffusely reflected by the diffusion means, the projection light can finally reach the eye point. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of visibility due to extraneous light.

  Accordingly, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom with respect to the information projection position and to secure a wide viewing range while preventing the deterioration of the visibility due to the extraneous light.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle projection display apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the vehicle projection display device 1 displays information by projecting information to be presented to a predetermined location, and includes a control device 10, a projector (projection means) 20, a reflector ( A reflection unit 30, a diffusion plate (diffusion unit) 40, and a hood (external light blocking unit) 50 are provided.

  The control device 10 is connected to, for example, navigation, and acquires information on the position of the vehicle and the route along which the vehicle should travel from the navigation. The control device 10 is connected to a sensor that measures vehicle information such as a vehicle speed, an engine speed, and a remaining amount of fuel, and acquires vehicle information. Moreover, the control apparatus 10 is comprised so that not only these information but VICS information etc. may be acquired.

  The projector 20 projects the information to be presented to the vehicle occupant among the information acquired by the control device 10 in a predetermined direction. Specifically, the projector 20 is attached to or near the roof 100 of the vehicle, and projects information to be presented toward the vicinity of the instrument panel. The projector 20 includes a display device unit (not shown) and a lens unit (not shown). The display device unit converts information such as a vehicle speed into optical information and emits light including this optical information. The lens unit transmits light from the display device unit and guides light in a predetermined direction. Note that the display device unit may receive light including optical information and transmit or reflect the incident light.

  The reflector 30 reflects the projection light from the projector 20 and guides it to the eyepoint side of the vehicle occupant. Specifically, the reflecting plate 30 is provided at a position where the projection light from the projector 20 is directly incident, for example, an upper surface portion of the instrument panel. Moreover, the reflecting plate 30 has a concave shape, and is disposed such that the open side of the concave surface (the open side of the parabola that can be made into a cross section when the reflecting plate 30 is cut) faces the vehicle occupant. Further, the reflection plate 30 reflects the projection light from the projector 20 almost directly above.

  The diffusion plate 40 diffuses and reflects light. In addition, the diffusion plate 40 is installed almost directly above the reflection plate 30. For this reason, the diffusing plate 40 receives the projection light reflected by the reflecting plate 30 and diffusely reflects it. Further, the diffusion plate 40 is installed so that the reflection surface that diffuses and reflects is a flat surface, and the reflection surface extends in the horizontal direction.

  Here, the diffusion plate 40 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is an illustration of the diffusion plate 40. As shown in the figure, the diffuser plate 40 diffusely reflects incident light. That is, the reflection angle of light incident at the incident angle Φ is the same as the incident angle Φ in a general mirror. However, the diffuser plate 40 does not always have a reflection angle of incident light at an incident angle Φ, but diffusely reflects it according to a predetermined diffusion characteristic. That is, when the incident angle is Φ, the diffuser plate 40 reflects light most strongly at the reflection angle Φ, but reflects light in other directions (for example, 1 / 2Φ, 2Φ, and −1 / 2Φ). Therefore, the diffusion plate 40 diffuses and reflects the incident light, and causes the diffused and reflected light to enter the reflection plate 30 at all angles. As a result, part of the diffusely reflected light reflected by the diffusing plate 40 is always reflected by the reflecting plate 30 and reaches the driver's eye point 120.

  The diffusing plate 40 is not limited to the case where it is installed as described above, but is provided on the path until the projection light from the projector 20 finally reaches the eyepoint side via the reflecting plate 30. It only has to be.

  The hood 50 prevents extraneous light from entering the diffusion plate 40. Specifically, a recess is formed in the lower surface of the hood 50, and the diffusion plate 40 is fitted in the recess. As a result, the extraneous light does not enter the diffuser plate 40, and the extraneous light is not mixed during the diffuse reflection so that the visibility of information is not lowered.

  Further, the reflection plate 30 is installed so as not to guide extraneous light to the eye point side. More specifically, the hood 50 not only blocks the incidence of extraneous light on the diffusion plate 40 but also blocks the incidence of extraneous light on the reflection plate 30 provided below the diffusion plate 40. ing. For this reason, the reflector 30 does not guide extraneous light to the eye point side. Further, even if extraneous light is incident on the reflector 30 without being blocked by the hood 50, the extraneous light is not guided to the eye point side from the installation angle of the reflector 30.

  Next, the operation of the vehicular projection display apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. First, the control apparatus 10 acquires own vehicle position information and route information from navigation. The control device 10 also acquires vehicle information and the like.

  Next, the control device 10 transmits the content of information to be presented to the projector 20. The projector 20 first converts information such as the vehicle speed and the engine speed into optical information. Then, the projector 20 projects optical information through the lens unit.

  At this time, the projector 20 converts information in accordance with the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion plate 40 that are known in advance. That is, the projector 20 projects the information to be presented with high priority so that the diffuser plate 40 reflects the information with a reflectance equal to or higher than a specific value. In addition, the projector 20 projects the information to be presented with low priority so that the diffuser 40 reflects the information with a reflectance less than a specific value. Thereby, this apparatus 1 makes a passenger | crew quickly recognize important information with high priority. Note that the priority level may be stored in the control device 10 or the projector 20.

  Next, the light projected from the projector 20 reaches the reflecting plate 30. Then, the projection light is reflected by the reflection plate 30 and reaches the diffusion plate 40. Then, the projection light is diffusely reflected by the diffusion plate 40. At this time, the diffuser plate 40 reflects the projection light in all directions, although the reflectances are different.

  A part of the diffusely reflected light reflected by the diffuser plate 40 reaches the reflector plate 30 again. Next, the diffusely reflected light that has reached the reflecting plate 30 is reflected by the reflecting plate 30 and reaches the eye point of the vehicle occupant. As a result, it appears to the vehicle occupant as if information is displayed in the back of the reflector 30 (position 40 'in FIG. 1).

  Thus, the projection light is incident on the diffusion plate 40 and diffusely reflected until it is reflected after the projection and finally guided to the eyepoint side of the vehicle occupant. For this reason, the projection light is diffused and reflected in a wide range. Therefore, it becomes easy to visually recognize information from the driver's seat or the passenger seat.

  Further, since the projection light is diffused and reflected over a wide range, it is possible to make the information easy to visually recognize from the driver without the projector 20 projecting information to a specific location. That is, even if the position where the projection light from the projector 20 is projected is, for example, near the right door mirror, the projection light is diffused and reflected over a wide range through the diffusion plate 40. For this reason, the driver can visually recognize the information. Therefore, the freedom degree of a projection position can be improved.

  Further, extraneous light entering the vehicle through the front window 110 is blocked by the hood 50 without reaching the diffusion plate 40. Further, even if the extraneous light is reflected by the reflecting plate 30, the extraneous light is guided in a direction other than the eye point 120 because the reflecting plate 30 is installed so as not to guide the extraneous light to the eye point side. Become.

  For this reason, extraneous light does not enter the diffuser plate 40 or the reflector plate 30 so that the visibility is not deteriorated. In particular, conventionally, if the reflection plate 30 is installed at an angle that does not guide extraneous light to the eye point side, the installation of the reflection plate 30 is limited, and the projection light is suitably guided to the eye point 120. It can cause trouble. More specifically, in the case where the reflecting plate 30 is configured as a flat plate in FIG. 1 and is installed horizontally, even if extraneous light is reflected upward, it is not guided to the eye point side. However, conventionally, since the diffusing plate 40 is not provided, the arrangement of the reflecting plate 30 may hinder the projection light from being guided to the eye point 120.

  However, in the present embodiment, since the projection light is diffusely reflected by the diffusion plate 40, the projection light can finally reach the eye point. Therefore, the degree of freedom for the installation of the reflection plate 30 is increased, and deterioration of visibility due to external light can be prevented.

  Next, a case where the inside of the vehicle is viewed from above will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the vehicular projection display apparatus 1 when the inside of the vehicle is viewed from above. In FIG. 3, for convenience of illustration, a partial configuration of the vehicle projection display device 1 is omitted. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that two diffusion plates 41 and 42 are arranged in the vehicle lateral direction. Further, reference numeral 130 shown in FIG. 3 represents an instrument panel.

  First, the projection light from the projector 20 is reflected by the reflection plate 30 and enters both the driver side diffusion plate 41 and the passenger side diffusion plate 42. Then, the projection light is diffused by these diffusion plates 41 and 42. Thereby, a driver and a passenger can visually recognize information. In particular, the passenger-side diffuser plate 42 is provided on the optical axis of the projector 20, and the driver's and passenger's eyepoints 120 are located at positions shifted from the optical axis. For this reason, when the passenger-side diffusion plate 42 is a simple mirror, the driver and passengers cannot visually recognize the information. However, since the passenger side diffuser plate 42 diffuses and reflects light, the driver and the passenger can visually recognize the information.

  The same applies to the driver side diffusion plate 41. When the driver side diffusion plate 41 is a simple mirror, the projection light is not easily guided to the driver's eye point 120. However, since the driver side diffusion plate 41 diffuses and reflects light, the driver can visually recognize information.

  In this way, according to the vehicle projection display apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the light is diffused on the path until the projection light is reflected by the reflecting plate 30 and finally reaches the eyepoint side. A diffuser plate 40 for reflection is provided. For this reason, the projection light is diffused and reflected in a wide range. For this reason, it becomes easy to visually recognize information regardless of the driver's seat or the passenger seat. In addition, since the projection light is diffused and reflected over a wide range, it is possible to make the information easy to see from the driver without projecting information to a specific location, and to improve the freedom of the projection position. Can do.

  Further, the diffusing plate 40 is provided with a hood 50 that prevents the extraneous light from entering, and the reflection plate 30 is installed so as not to guide the extraneous light to the eye point side. For this reason, extraneous light does not enter the diffuser plate 40 or the reflector plate 30 so that the visibility is not deteriorated. In particular, if the reflector 30 is installed at an angle that does not guide extraneous light to the eye point, it may hinder the projection light to be suitably guided to the eye point. However, since the projection light is diffusely reflected by the diffusion plate 40, the projection light can finally reach the eye point. Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration of visibility due to extraneous light.

  Accordingly, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom with respect to the information projection position and to secure a wide viewing range while preventing the deterioration of the visibility due to the extraneous light.

  Moreover, about the information with a high priority among the information which should be shown, it projects so that it may reflect with the reflectance more than a specific value with the diffuser plate 40, About the information with a low priority among the information which should be presented At 40, the light is projected so as to be reflected at a reflectance less than a specific value. As a result, it is possible to cause the driver to quickly recognize information with high priority by increasing the display brightness. In addition, since the display brightness of information with low priority is reduced, it is possible to prevent information with high priority from becoming difficult to see due to information with low priority.

  In the present embodiment, since a wide viewing range can be secured, there is also a secondary effect that it is not necessary to secure a wide viewing range using a plurality of projectors 20.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle projection display device 2 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the installation position of the projector 20 and the projection location of the projection light from the projector 20 are compared with those of the first embodiment. Are set in detail.

  Hereinafter, the projection display apparatus 2 for vehicles which concerns on 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. In the second embodiment, the projector 20 has an installation position and a projection location so that light diffused and reflected by the diffusion plate 40 is guided to the eye point side with light having a reflectance of a predetermined value or more. ing. That is, in order to prevent the display brightness of information to be presented from being lowered more than necessary due to diffusion by the diffusion plate 40, the installation position and the projection location of the projector 20 are suitably determined.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the installation position of the projector 20. In the vehicle projection display device 2, since the light is diffused by the diffusion plate 40, the installation position of the projector 20 has a relatively high degree of freedom. Therefore, for example, the projector 20 may be installed at the upper position A of the eye point 120, may be installed at the slightly upper position B of the eye point 120, or is installed at the same position C as the eye point 120. Also good. However, the display brightness of the information to be presented varies depending on the difference in position.

  FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the installation position of the projector 20 and the display luminance. As shown in the figure, the display luminance is highest when the projector 20 is installed at the position B. That is, the projector 20 is preferably installed at the position B rather than being installed at the positions A and C.

  If the display brightness does not fall below a predetermined value, it can be said that the vehicle occupant can easily view the information. In this regard, it can be said that the projector 20 is easy for the vehicle occupant to visually recognize the information because the display brightness is equal to or higher than a predetermined value regardless of the position A to C shown in FIG. However, when the projector 20 is installed further upward than the position A or further lower than the position C, the display brightness is lower than a predetermined value, so that the vehicle occupant becomes difficult to visually recognize the information.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, the projector 20 is installed so that at least the display luminance can ensure a predetermined value. Thereby, in 2nd Embodiment, fixed visibility is ensured.

The predetermined value is a luminance that can be seen by a vehicle occupant even in a daytime driving environment. For example, the predetermined value is a luminance at which the ratio of the display luminance to the background luminance is “10” or more. If specifically the ratio of the display luminance to background luminance becomes "10", the background luminance is a 10 cd / ^{m 2,} a case where the display luminance is 100 cd / ^{m 2.}

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the projection location of the projector 20. As shown in the figure, in the vehicle projection display device 2, since light is diffused by the diffusion plate 40, the projection location of the projector 20 has a relatively high degree of freedom. For this reason, for example, the projector 20 may reflect the projection light by the reflection plate 30 so that the light is incident on the passenger seat side end D of the diffusion plate 40, and the light is incident on the central portion E of the diffusion plate 40. The light may enter the light, or the light may enter the driver seat side end F of the diffusion plate 40. However, the display brightness of the information to be presented varies depending on the difference in these projection locations.

  FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between the projection location of the projector 20 and the display luminance. As shown in the figure, the driver will be described. The display luminance is highest when the projection light is projected so that the light reaches the middle between the center portion E and the driver seat side end F of the diffusion plate 40. It has become. In other words, as far as the driver is concerned, it is desirable that the projection location of the projector 20 is set so that the light reaches the middle between the central portion E and the driver seat side end F of the diffusion plate 40.

  Further, regarding passengers, the display brightness is highest when the projection light is projected so that the light reaches the middle between the center portion E and the passenger seat side end portion D of the diffusion plate 40. That is, for the passenger, it is desirable that the projection location of the projector 20 is set so that the light reaches the middle between the center portion E and the passenger seat side end portion D of the diffusion plate 40.

  Here, it is desirable that the information to be presented is easily visible to both the driver and the passenger. Therefore, it is desirable to determine the projection location so that the display brightness does not fall below a predetermined value for both the driver and the passenger. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the projection location of the projector 20 is such that the projection light is reflected by the reflection plate 30, and the driver seat side end portion F from the slightly center of the passenger seat side end portion D of the diffusion plate 40. It is desirable to set so that light is incident on a range slightly beyond the center.

  As described above, when the installation position and the projection location of the projector 20 are determined, a display luminance of a predetermined value or more is ensured, and a suitable display can be realized for both the driver and the passenger.

  FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the projection location of the projector 20 and the display luminance, and shows an example in which the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion plate 40 are changed. As shown in the figure, it is assumed that the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion plate 40 have been changed in order to present information about entertainment information such as television.

  That is, while the vehicle is stopped, the projection light is projected so that the entertainment information reaches the center of the diffusion plate 40. Thereby, entertainment information can be made easily visible to both the driver and the passenger. Further, during traveling of the vehicle, the projection light is projected so that the entertainment information reaches the passenger seat side of the diffusion plate 40. This makes it difficult for the driver to see the entertainment information and makes it easier for the passenger to see the entertainment information. As described above, suitable information can be provided so as not to hinder driving.

  In this manner, according to the vehicle projection display device 2 according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the degree of freedom of the information projection position is reduced while preventing the deterioration of the visibility due to external light. And a wide viewing range can be secured. Further, it is possible to prevent information with high priority from becoming difficult to see due to information with low priority.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the projector 20 has the installation position and the projection location so that light having a reflectance of a predetermined value or more out of the diffuse reflection light diffusely reflected by the diffusion plate 40 is guided to the eye point side. Is stipulated. For this reason, the display brightness of information is ensured at a predetermined value or more, and the visibility of both the driver and the passenger can be prevented from being lowered.

  Further, a part of the diffusing plate 40 has a diffusion characteristic different from that of the other part, and a place where the projection light from the projector 20 reaches can be switched between a part of the diffusing plate 40 and another part. Yes. For this reason, for example, entertainment information can be easily seen by both the driver and passengers while the vehicle is stopped. In addition, it is possible to make it difficult for the driver to see the entertainment information while the vehicle is traveling, and to make it easier for the passenger to see the entertainment information. As described above, suitable information can be provided so as not to hinder driving.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicular projection display device 3 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the position of the projector 20 and the projection direction of the projection light from the projector 20 can be changed.

  Hereinafter, the projection display apparatus 3 for vehicles which concerns on 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of the vehicle projection display device 3 according to the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the vehicle projection display device 3 according to the third embodiment includes an estimation drive unit 60.

  The estimation drive unit 60 estimates the eye point 120 of the vehicle occupant and changes the position of the projector 20 and the projection direction of the projection light from the projector 20. Specifically, the estimation drive unit 60 includes an eye point estimation function (eye point estimation means), a projection direction estimation function (projection direction estimation means), a projection direction change function (projection direction change means), and a position estimation function (position estimation means). And a position movement function (position movement means).

  The eye point estimation function is a function for estimating the eye point 120 of the vehicle occupant. Specifically, the estimation drive unit 60 is configured to input detection values from a sheet position sensor, a rearview mirror position sensor, and the like. For this reason, the eye point estimation function estimates the eye point 120 of the vehicle occupant based on the detection values from these sensors.

  More specifically, the eye point estimation function estimates the eye point 120 as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-39847. That is, the eye point estimation function estimates the occupant's physique from the front and rear positions of the seat and the reclining angle of the seat. The eye point estimation function estimates and estimates an eye point from the physique and the front and rear position of the seat. Further, the eye point estimation function estimates the eye point 120 from the angle of the rearview mirror or side mirror. For example, with respect to the rearview mirror, the angle is adjusted so that the driver can visually recognize the rear of the vehicle. For this reason, the eye point estimation function estimates the driver's eye point from the angle of the rearview mirror. The same applies to the side mirror.

  The projection direction estimation function is based on the eye point 120 estimated by the eye point estimation function, the installation position and installation angle of the reflector 30, the installation position and installation angle of the diffusion plate 40, and the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion plate 40. This is a function for estimating an appropriate projection direction. Here, the appropriate projection direction is a projection direction in which the display luminance is equal to or higher than a predetermined value or the maximum as described in the second embodiment. In addition, when the information to be presented is entertainment information, the appropriate projection direction may be a projection direction that makes it difficult for the driver to see the entertainment information while traveling.

  The projection direction change function is a function that changes the projection direction of the projector 20 so that the projection light from the projector 20 is projected in the projection direction estimated by the projection direction estimation function. That is, the projection direction changing function is a function that adjusts the angle of the projector 20 so that the projection light from the projector 20 is projected in the projection direction estimated by the projection direction estimation function.

  Further, the position estimation function is based on the eye point 120 estimated by the eye point estimation function, the installation position and installation angle of the reflector 30, the installation position and installation angle of the diffusion plate 40, and the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion plate 40. This is a function for estimating an appropriate position. Here, the appropriate position is a position where the display luminance is equal to or higher than a predetermined value or maximum as described in the second embodiment. In addition, when the information to be presented is entertainment information, the appropriate position may be a position where the entertainment information becomes difficult to be seen by the driver during traveling.

  The position movement function is a function for moving the projector 20 to the position estimated by the position estimation function. That is, the position changing function is a function of moving the projector 20 up and down, front and rear, and left and right, and positioning the projector 20 at the position estimated by the position estimation function.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle projection display device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle projection display apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, first, the projection direction estimation function and the position estimation function of the estimation drive unit 60 are the installation position and installation angle of the reflector 30, the installation position and installation angle of the diffusion plate 40, and the diffusion of the diffusion plate 40. Enter characteristic information. The projection direction estimation function and the position estimation function indicate the display luminance with respect to the position of the projector 20, the projection direction, and the position of the eye point 120, using the position and projection direction of the projector 20 and the position of the eye point 120 as parameters. Luminance characteristics are calculated (ST1).

  Next, the eye point estimation function estimates the eye point 120 of the vehicle occupant from the seat position and the mirror angle (ST2). The technique for estimating the eye point from the seat position is calculated by calculating the driver's body shape from the front / rear position of the driver's seat or the reclining angle adjustment position as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-39847. The eye point position is calculated from the body shape and the seat position. In addition, data for estimating the eye point of the driver can be obtained from the angle adjustment of the rearview mirror and the side mirror. For example, since the rearview mirror and side mirror are adjusted so that the driver sees the rear, it is estimated that the driver's eye point is located in the approximately regular reflection direction of the incident angle from the rear of the vehicle to the rearview mirror. The eye point can be estimated based on these data.

  Thereafter, the estimation drive unit 60 determines whether or not the information to be presented is travel information necessary for travel such as the vehicle speed and the engine speed (ST3). Here, when the information to be presented is travel information (ST3: YES), the projection direction estimation function and the position estimation function are predetermined from the luminance characteristic calculated in step ST1 and the eye point 120 estimated in step ST2. The projection direction and position of the projector 20 are estimated so that a display luminance equal to or higher than the value is ensured (ST4). Then, the process proceeds to step ST7.

  On the other hand, when the information to be presented is not travel information (ST3: NO), for example, when the information to be presented is entertainment information, the process proceeds to step ST5. In step ST5, the estimation drive unit 60 determines whether or not the vehicle is stopped (ST5).

  When the vehicle is stopped (ST5: YES), there is no problem in driving even if the entertainment information is presented to the driver. For this reason, the projection direction estimation function and the position estimation function ensure a display luminance of a predetermined value or more for both the driver and the passenger from the luminance characteristic calculated in step ST1 and the eye point 120 estimated in step ST2. Thus, the projection direction and position of the projector 20 are estimated (ST4). Then, the process proceeds to step ST7.

  On the other hand, when the vehicle is not stopped (ST5: NO), if entertainment information is presented to the driver, there is a possibility that the driving may be hindered. For this reason, the projection direction estimation function and the position estimation function have a display luminance that is greater than or equal to a predetermined value for the passenger, so that the driver has a display luminance that is less than the predetermined value from the estimated eye point 120. The projection direction and position of the projector 20 are estimated so as to be ensured (ST6). Then, the process proceeds to step ST7.

  In step ST7, the projection direction changing function and the position changing function change the projection direction and position of the projector 20 to the projection direction and position estimated in step ST4 or ST6 (ST7).

  Then, the process returns to step ST2, and the process shown in FIG. 10 is repeated until the power of the vehicular projection display apparatus 3 is turned off.

  In this manner, according to the vehicle projection display device 3 according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the degree of freedom of the information projection position is reduced while preventing the deterioration of the visibility due to external light. And a wide viewing range can be secured. Further, it is possible to prevent information with high priority from becoming difficult to see due to information with low priority.

  Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, since the eye point 120 of the vehicle occupant is estimated and the projector 20 is set to an appropriate projection direction and position, even if the eye point 120 changes due to the physique of the vehicle occupant, etc. Display can be performed.

  In particular, since it is possible to perform appropriate display depending on the display content and further whether or not the vehicle is stopped, for example, it is possible to perform appropriate display of entertainment information. That is, entertainment information can be easily seen by both the driver and passengers while the vehicle is stopped, entertainment information can be made invisible to the driver while the vehicle is traveling, and entertainment information can be easily seen by passengers. And suitable information can be provided so as not to hinder driving.

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The vehicle projection display device 4 according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the installation state of the reflector 30 and the projector 20 is different from that of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the projection display apparatus 4 for vehicles which concerns on 4th Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the vehicle projection display apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the vehicular projection display apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment has a reflection plate 31 having a shape different from that of the reflection plate 30 of the first embodiment. The reflecting plate 31 includes a portion where the reflecting surface has a convex shape. Further, the projector 20 is disposed on the upper surface of the instrument panel 130 and is provided so as not to narrow the vehicle space such as above the passenger.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle projection display device 4 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the vehicle projection display device 4 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12A shows the projection light of the projector 20, and FIG. 12B shows the light reflected by the reflector 31. (C) shows how the diffused reflected light of the diffusion plate 40 and the display image from the vehicle occupant are seen.

  First, as in the first embodiment, the control device 10 acquires information from navigation or the like, and transmits the content of information to be presented to the projector 20. Then, the projector 20 converts the information to be presented into optical information, and projects the optical information through the lens unit.

  The projection light at this time is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the projection light is projected onto the convex portion of the reflecting plate 31. For this reason, as shown in FIG.12 (b), the projection light from the projector 20 will be expanded by a convex surface. Then, the light enters the diffusion plate 40, and the light is diffusely reflected.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12C, part of the diffusely reflected light reflected by the diffuser plate 40 reaches the reflector plate 30 again. Then, the diffusely reflected light that has reached the reflecting plate 30 is reflected by the reflecting plate 30 and reaches the eye point of the vehicle occupant. As a result, it appears to the vehicle occupant as if information is displayed in the back of the reflector 30 (position 40 'in FIG. 1).

  Here, in the fourth embodiment, the projector 20 is disposed on the upper surface of the instrument panel 130. For this reason, it is conceivable that the distance between the projector 20 and the reflection plate 31 is short and the display image becomes small. However, in the fourth embodiment, a part of the reflection plate 31 has a convex shape, so that the projection light from the projector 20 is enlarged on the convex surface. Therefore, even if the projector 20 is arranged at a position close to the reflecting plate 31 on the upper surface of the instrument panel 130, the display image can be enlarged.

  Further, the occupant tends to receive a feeling of pressure when the projector 20 exists above. However, in the fourth embodiment, a sufficiently large display can be realized without arranging the projector 20 in the space above the passenger. Therefore, the comfort in the vehicle can be improved without reducing the visibility of information.

  Thus, according to the vehicle projection display device 4 according to the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the degree of freedom of the information projection position is reduced while preventing the deterioration of the visibility due to external light. And a wide viewing range can be secured. Further, it is possible to prevent information with high priority from becoming difficult to see due to information with low priority.

  Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the reflecting plate 31 includes a portion where the reflecting surface has a convex shape, and the projection light from the projector 20 is projected onto the convex portion of the reflecting plate 31. The reflected light reflected by the convex shape of the reflecting plate 31 is diffusely reflected by the diffusing plate 40 and finally guided to the eye point side of the vehicle occupant. For this reason, projection light will be expanded in the convex-shaped site | part of the reflecting plate 31, and a display image can be enlarged. Further, since the display image can be enlarged, the distance between the projector 20 and the reflection plate 31 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to give a degree of freedom to the arrangement position of the projector 20 while maintaining the visibility of information.

  Here, the occupant tends to feel pressure when the projector 20 exists above. However, in 4th Embodiment, since the projector 20 and the reflecting plate 31 are arrange | positioned at the upper surface of an instrument panel, it does not receive a feeling of pressure. Further, as described above, since the projection light is enlarged at the convex portion of the reflecting plate 31, both can be arranged close to each other. Therefore, the comfort in the vehicle can be improved without reducing the visibility of information.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be modified without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, the diffusion characteristic of the diffusion plate 40 is fixed, but is not limited to being fixed, and may be variable using a dispersed liquid crystal or the like. Thereby, it becomes possible to further improve the visibility.

  Further, the reflectors 30 and 31 preferably have a high reflectance regardless of the incident angle of light. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reflectance is high with respect to a specific incident angle. You may use a low thing. Thereby, the fall of visibility by extraneous light can be prevented further.

1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle projection display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is description of a diffusion plate. It is explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the projection display apparatus for vehicles when the state in a vehicle is seen from upper direction. It is explanatory drawing of the installation position of a projector. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the installation position of a projector, and display luminance. It is explanatory drawing of the projection location of a projector. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the projection location of a projector, and display brightness. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the projection location of a projector, and display brightness | luminance, Comprising: The example at the time of changing the diffusion characteristic of a diffusion plate is shown. It is a block diagram of the projection display apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the projection display apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the projection display apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of operation | movement of the projection display apparatus for vehicles which concerns on 4th Embodiment, (a) shows the projection light of a projector, (b) shows the light reflected by the reflecting plate, (c) is a spreading | diffusion. The diffuse reflected light of a board and the appearance of the display image from a vehicle occupant are shown.

Explanation of symbols

1-4 Projection display device 20 for vehicles ... Projector (projection means)
30, 31 ... Reflector (reflecting means)
40, 41, 42 ... diffusion plate (diffusion means)
50 ... Hood (External light blocking means)
60... Estimating drive section (eye point estimating means, projection direction estimating means, projection direction changing means, position estimating means, position moving means)
120 ... Eye point 130 ... Instrument panel

Claims (10)

In a vehicle projection display device comprising: a projection unit that projects information to be presented; and a reflection unit that reflects the projection light from the projection unit and guides the light to the eyepoint side of the vehicle occupant.
On the path until the projection light from the projection means finally reaches the eye point side via the reflection means, a diffusion means for diffusing and reflecting the light is provided,
The diffusion means is provided with external light blocking means for preventing external light from entering,
The vehicle projection display device, wherein the reflecting means is installed so as not to guide extraneous light to the eye point side.   The projection unit includes a display device unit that emits light including optical information, or transmits or reflects light including the emitted optical information, and a lens unit that transmits light from the display device unit. The vehicular projection display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vehicular projection display apparatus is configured.   The projection means has an installation position and a projection location determined so that light having a reflectance of a predetermined value or more out of the diffuse reflection light diffusely reflected by the diffusion means is guided to the eye point side. The vehicle projection display device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle projection display device is characterized by the following. Eye point estimating means for estimating an eye point of a vehicle occupant;
Projection direction estimation means for estimating an appropriate projection direction of the projection means from the eye point estimated by the eye point estimation means, the installation position and angle of the reflection means and the diffusion means, and the diffusion characteristics of the diffusion means When,
A projection direction changing unit that changes a projection direction of the projection unit so that light from the projection unit is projected in the projection direction estimated by the projection direction estimation unit;
The vehicle projection display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Eye point estimating means for estimating an eye point of a vehicle occupant;
A position estimation unit that estimates an appropriate position of the projection unit from the eye point estimated by the eye point estimation unit, the installation position and installation angle of the reflection unit and the diffusion unit, and the diffusion characteristic of the diffusion unit;
Position moving means for moving the projection means to the position estimated by the projection position estimation means;
The vehicle projection display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:   The projection means projects the information having high priority among the information to be presented so that it is reflected at a reflectance equal to or higher than a specific value by the diffusion means, and the information having low priority among the information to be presented. The vehicle projection display device according to claim 1, wherein the light is projected so as to be reflected with a reflectance less than a specific value by the diffusing unit. The reflecting means includes a portion where the reflecting surface has a convex shape,
The projection light from the projection unit is projected onto the convex portion of the reflection unit,
The reflected light reflected by the convex surface shape of the reflecting means is diffusely reflected by the diffusing means and finally guided to the eyepoint side of the vehicle occupant. The vehicle projection display device according to claim 1.   The vehicle projection display device according to claim 1, wherein the projection unit and the reflection unit are arranged on an upper surface of an instrument panel. In a vehicle projection display device comprising: a projecting unit that projects information to be presented; and a reflecting unit that reflects the projected light and guides it to the eyepoint side of the vehicle occupant.
The projected light is reflected after the projection and finally diffused and reflected by the diffusing means until it is guided to the eyepoint side of the vehicle occupant.
Extraneous light is blocked so as not to enter the diffusing means, and is not reflected by the reflecting means and guided to the eye point of the vehicle occupant. A projection display device for vehicles. In the vehicle projection display method of illuminating the information to be presented by the projecting means, reflecting the projection light by the reflecting means and guiding it to the eyepoint side of the vehicle occupant,
The projection light is incident on the diffusing means until it is guided to the eyepoint side of the vehicle occupant to diffusely reflect the light so that the extraneous light is blocked and does not enter the diffusing means. The vehicle projection display method is characterized in that it is prevented from being reflected by an eye point of a vehicle occupant.

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