JP2009126462A - Occupant's focal distance adjustment assisting device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid use of an expensive system with high degree, to quickly assist adjustment of a focal distance of an occupant, and to cease obstacle of a visual field portion of the occupant to the minimum. <P>SOLUTION: In the occupant's focal distance adjustment assisting device 20 provided in order to ensure a focal position of the occupant to a proper position when the vehicle 10 is driven, at least two marks 25, 26 are provided horizontally to the vehicle 10 in the front visual field of the occupant at the approximately same distance as the pupillary distance L1 of both eyes 28, 29 of the occupant. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an occupant focal length adjustment support device that can prompt an occupant to adjust the focal length so that the focal length of the occupant (driver) can be maintained at an appropriate value during driving.

  While driving, the occupant (driver) focuses on the driving environment ahead and keeps safe driving, and also frequently moves and focuses the line of sight to obtain driving information such as navigation system screens and rearview mirrors in the car. Adjustment is required. This is a task that requires a burden on the driver.

In particular, these tasks are even more difficult for elderly drivers who are slow in focus adjustment and who need effort for focus adjustment.
In addition, the demand for eye movement and focus adjustment is increasing more frequently due to device confirmation and operation around the instrument panel, which has been increasing in recent years.

Among the devices that support occupant's line-of-sight movement and focus adjustment (hereinafter referred to as “Prior Art 1”), for example, the line-of-sight measuring device detects the line of sight of the driver and determines that the system algorithm is problematic. Systems are known that alert the driver in case of an alarm.
Further, as an apparatus for supporting the movement of the sight line and the focus adjustment of the occupant (hereinafter referred to as “Prior Art 2”), for example, when the device is arranged around the instrument panel for reducing the movement of the sight line, Devices that emphasize ergonomics, such as displays, may be used.

As an apparatus for supporting such occupant's line-of-sight movement and focus adjustment, an apparatus that guides the occupant's (driver's) focal position in the vehicle traveling direction by a pattern is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-36179 A

The technique of Patent Document 1 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a basic configuration of a conventional occupant's field of view adjusting apparatus.
The conventional occupant's visual field adjustment device 100 is provided with a visual field adjustment part 102 that adjusts the driver's forward visual field at the lower end of the front window glass 101. The visual field adjustment part 102 corresponds to the driver's facing position P1. A vertex T1 is arranged between the vehicle center position C1 and a position offset by a distance S1 from the driver, and left and right ridgelines L1 and L2 that are uniformly inclined downward from the vertex T1 toward both sides in the vehicle width direction are set. At the same time, a pattern with the highest density near the vertex T1 and a finer pattern is given to the surface on the vehicle interior side of the visibility adjustment portion 102, and the focus position of the occupant (driver) is advanced by the pattern of the visibility adjustment portion 102. It was intended to guide in the direction.

However, the prior art 1 described above requires sophisticated and expensive electronic technology.
Further, in the related art 2, although there is an effect of reducing the movement of a person's line of sight, there is no one having a function of adjusting the focal length.
Furthermore, in the conventional occupant's visual field adjustment device 100, the area of the visual field adjustment part 102 arranged at the lower end of the front window glass 101 is required to be large, and the front window glass 101 becomes complicated.

  The present invention can avoid the use of an advanced and expensive system, can quickly support the adjustment of the focal length of the occupant, and can minimize the obstruction of the occupant's field of view. It is an object to provide an adjustment support device.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an occupant focal length adjustment support device provided for securing the occupant's focal position at an appropriate position when driving the vehicle. It is characterized in that at least two marks are provided at a distance substantially the same as the pupil distance between both eyes of the occupant.

  The invention according to claim 2 is characterized in that the mark is provided above or below the line of sight of the occupant.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the mark is provided on the front window of the vehicle.

  The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that the mark is formed of a translucent and colored translucent color filter.

In the invention according to claim 1, when driving the vehicle, the focal position of the occupant is provided by providing at least two marks at approximately the same distance as the pupil distance of both eyes of the occupant in the front view of the occupant and horizontally on the vehicle. Was secured in an appropriate position.
The human eye is arranged such that the left eye and the right eye are statistically separated by 65 mm. Therefore, when the object is viewed, the left eye and the right eye have different eye angles because the eyeball faces the direction of the object, and the angle between the left eye and the right eye when viewed from the object is called a convergence angle.
As a characteristic of the human eye, for example, when the viewpoint is placed at a distance, the line of sight of the left eye and the right eye approaches as much parallel as possible, so the convergence angle approaches zero as much as possible. In addition, when the viewpoint is placed nearby, the convergence angle becomes large. That is, as the viewpoint is placed on a nearby object, the convergence angle becomes larger, and different images are recognized for the left eye and the right eye, and if it is too close to the eyes, a binocular image can be formed. Instead, it looks double.

Since the human eye has the above characteristics, when setting at least two landmarks, for example, two landmarks at the same distance as the pupil distance of both eyes of the occupant, in the front view of the occupant and horizontally to the vehicle, When the occupant's line of sight is set far away, the left and right eye lines of sight are infinitely parallel, so one mark appears in the field of view for the left eye and the other mark in the field of view for the right eye. It will be reflected in the state. As a result, a combined image is reflected between the two landmarks, and this image is reflected as a darker image than the two landmarks when the two landmarks are combined.
Further, when the sight line of the occupant is set at the position of the mark, the mark is focused, and the mark is recognized as it is. Furthermore, when the line of sight of the occupant is set in front of the landmark, the two landmarks are reflected in the field of view as double or four images.

  As a result, when the two landmarks are visible as they are, or when the two landmarks are reflected in the field of view as double or four images, the viewpoint distance is inappropriate and the distance between the two landmarks In addition, it is possible to determine that the viewpoint distance is appropriate when a dark mark that matches one is reflected.

In other words, since at least two marks are provided in the front field of view of the occupant and horizontally to the vehicle, at approximately the same distance as the pupil distance of both eyes of the occupant, it is easy to make the line of sight parallel.
For example, if there is a dark colored image that fits between two landmarks, you can confirm that the passenger's line of sight is pointing far away, and focus on the passenger who tends to see the vicinity. Can be directed away.
As a result, it is possible to avoid the use of an advanced and expensive system, to quickly support the adjustment of the focal length of the occupant, and to improve the visual recognition speed for the front object during traveling.

  In the invention according to claim 2, since the mark is provided above (or around) the line of sight of the occupant, driving is not hindered. That is, obstruction of the occupant's field of view can be minimized.

  In the invention according to claim 3, since the mark is provided on the front window of the vehicle, that is, it is only necessary to mark the mark on the front window, it can be easily provided. As a result, the apparatus can be simplified.

  In the invention according to claim 4, since the mark is formed of a translucent and colored translucent color filter, the color of the translucent color filter of the image reflected when the focal point is in the distance overlaps and the color is dark. It is easy to be identified.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are viewed in the direction of the reference numerals.
1 (a) and 1 (b) are plan views of a vehicle that employs an occupant focal length adjustment support device according to the present invention. (B) shows the b section enlarged view of (a).
The occupant focal length adjustment support device 20 includes a front window 22 provided in front of the vehicle compartment 11 of the vehicle 10, and two (left and right) marks 25 provided on the front window 22 and visible through the steering 23. 26.

The left and right landmarks 25 and 26 are circular translucent color filters, and are arranged on the front window 22 in the front view of the occupant and horizontally to the vehicle at a distance approximately equal to the pupil distance of the occupant's eyes 28 and 29. Is done.
Further, the left and right landmarks 25 and 26 are provided so as to be located (periphery) below the line of sight of the passenger. Further, the left and right marks 25 and 26 are arranged at substantially the same distance as the pupil distance L1 of both eyes 28 and 29 of the occupant.
Next, characteristics of human eyes (occupants) eyes 28 and 29 will be briefly described.

2A to 2E are explanatory diagrams showing characteristics of human eyes.
In (a), since the left and right eyes 28 and 29 of a human (occupant) are arranged with a predetermined distance (pupil distance) secured, binocular parallax (difference in images seen between the left and right eyes) When the object M1 is recognized by both eyes 28 and 29, the images of the right eye 28 and the left eye 29 are originally different depending on the distance of the object M1. These different-looking images are matched by the action of the brain and recognized as one image. In addition, humans can perceive depth from binocular parallax.
Note that the pupil distance between the left and right eyes 28 and 29 of the human is statistically 65 mm.

In (b), the movement of the eyeballs 28a and 29a when viewing the near object M1 is shown, and in (c), the movement of the eyeball when viewing the distant object M1 is shown.
When viewing a nearby object M1, the left and right eyeballs rotate as indicated by arrows b1 and b2, respectively, and are directed toward the object. The rotational movement of the eyeball to obtain this single image is called convergence, and the angle between the left eye 28 and the right eye 29 when viewed from the object M1 is called the convergence angle θ1.

That is, when the viewpoint is placed nearby (when the nearby object M1 is viewed), the convergence angle θ1 increases. Further, as the viewpoint is placed on the nearby object M1, different images are recognized by the left eye 28 and the right eye 29, and if the eyes are too close, the images of both eyes 28 and 29 can be formed. Without appearing double.
The convergence angle θ1 when viewing a distant object approaches zero as much as possible. For example, when the focal length is 10 m or more, the convergence angle θ1 is not set as in the case of the infinite focal length referred to in the camera.

  (D) and (e) show only one eye 28, (d) shows the movement of the crystalline lens 28b when viewing a nearby object M1, and (e) shows a far object M1 The movement of the crystalline lens 28b is shown. Here, the crystalline lens 28b is a part that functions as a lens in the camera. When viewing a nearby object, the crystalline lens 28b changes thickly, and when viewing a distant object, the crystalline lens 28b changes thinly, It works to adjust the focal length up to M1. As described above, the adjustment of the convergence angle θ1 and the adjustment of the crystalline lens 28b are strongly related to each other.

FIGS. 3A to 3C are operation explanatory views when the focal length of the occupant focal length adjustment support device shown in FIG. 1 is set far.
In (a), the case where the focal point is set far ahead (10 m or more) is shown, the convergence angle θ1 is set to zero as much as possible, and the lines of sight of both eyes 28 and 29 are set almost parallel.

  At this time, in (b), left and right landmark images 25 a and 26 a are reflected on the left eye 28, and left and right landmark images 25 a and 26 a are also reflected on the right eye 29.

  In (c), in the binocular combined image in which the images of the left and right eyes 28 and 29 are combined, the left and right landmarks (two translucent color filters) 25 and 26 set to the human pupil distance are combined. In addition to the landmark images 25b and 26b, the left and right landmark images 25a and 26a shown in (b) are combined, and it is recognized that the landmark image 27b with enhanced tone is reflected.

4 (a) to 4 (c) are operation explanatory views when focusing on the occupant focal length adjustment support device shown in FIG.
In (a), the case where a focus is set with respect to the occupant's focal length adjustment support device 20 is shown, and a predetermined convergence angle θ1 is set.

  At this time, in (b), left and right landmark images 25 a and 26 a are recognized by the left eye 28, and left and right landmark images 25 a and 26 a are also recognized by the right eye 29.

  In (c), the occupant's focal length adjustment support device 20 is in focus, so in the binocular combined image in which the images of the left and right eyes 28 and 29 are combined, the left and right set to the human pupil distance. Mark images (two translucent color filters) 25b and 26b are recognized.

FIGS. 5A to 5C are operation explanatory views when the focal length of the occupant focal length adjustment support device shown in FIG. 1 is set close to each other.
In (a), the case where the focus is set near the front is shown, which is set larger than the convergence angle θ1 shown in FIG.

  At this time, in (b), left and right landmark images 25 a and 26 a are reflected on the left eye 28, and left and right landmark images 25 a and 26 a are also reflected on the right eye 29.

  In (c), if the eye is too close to the article as a characteristic of the human eye, a binocular image cannot be formed. Therefore, in the binocular combined image in which the images of the left and right eyes 28 and 29 are combined, The image is reflected as it is seen by the left and right eyes 28 and 29. That is, four marks 25b, 25b, 26b, and 26b are reflected.

6 (a) to 6 (c) are explanatory diagrams showing how the occupant's focal length adjustment assisting device shown in FIG. 1 is recognized during operation.
In (a), it shows how it looks when it is in focus 10m or more ahead, and the reflection of the landmark image 27b in which the two translucent color filters 25 and 26 are combined is recognized. It can be determined that the focal length is appropriate.

  (B) shows how the front window 22 is in focus, and the two translucent color filters 25 and 26 are recognized as they are. For example, the line of sight is a wiper (not shown) or the front window. 22 is in focus. That is, when the driver (occupant) recognizes the two translucent color filters 25 and 26 as they are, if the driver always has the consciousness that the front field of view should be moved further away, the line of sight is naturally observed. Can move far away.

  In (c), the view when the instrument panel (not shown) in front of the front window 22 is in focus is shown, and a binocular image cannot be formed at a distance too close to the article. Thus, it is recognized that the four translucent color filter images 25b, 25b, 26b, and 26b are reflected. Even in this case, when it is recognized that the four translucent color filter images 25b, 25b, 26b, and 26b are reflected, the driver always seems to have a consciousness that the front view should be moved further away. If you do, you can move the line of sight naturally.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the occupant focal length adjustment support device 20 is at least approximately the same distance as the pupillary distance L1 of the occupant's eyes 28 and 29 in the front view of the occupant and horizontally to the vehicle. It can be said that two landmarks (semi-transparent color filters) 25 and 26 are provided to ensure the occupant's focal position at an appropriate position when driving the vehicle.

  As a result, at least two marks (semi-transparent color filters) 25 and 26 are provided at approximately the same distance as the pupil distance L1 of the occupant's eyes 28 and 29 in the front view of the occupant and horizontally to the vehicle. It becomes easy to make the line of sight parallel.

  For example, when there is a reflection of a dark semi-transparent color filter image 27b (see FIG. 3C) of two colors (see FIG. 3C) between two marks (semi-transparent color filters) 25 and 26, the line of sight of the occupant Can be confirmed to be far away, and occupants who tend to look in the vicinity can be encouraged to focus further away.

  As a result, it is possible to avoid the use of an advanced and expensive system, to quickly support the adjustment of the focal length of the occupant, and to improve the visual recognition speed for the front object during traveling.

  In addition, since the marks (semi-transparent color filters) 25 and 26 are provided above or below (around) the sight line of the occupant, driving is not hindered. That is, obstruction of the occupant's field of view can be minimized.

  The marks (semi-transparent color filters) 25 and 26 are provided on the front window 22 of the vehicle 10. That is, since it is only necessary to attach the marks 25 and 26 to the front window 22, it can be easily provided. As a result, the apparatus can be simplified.

  Since the marks 25 and 26 are formed of a translucent and colored translucent color filter, the image reflected when the focal point is in the distance overlaps with the colors of the translucent color filters 25 and 26 to darken the color. So easy to identify.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an occupant focal length adjustment support device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
The occupant focal length adjustment support device 30 includes a front window 32 provided in front of the vehicle interior of the vehicle, and a plurality of marks 34 to 39 provided in the front window 32.

The plurality of marks 34 to 39 are formed of a translucent color filter, and are disposed on the front window 32 within the front view of the occupant and horizontally with respect to the vehicle, at approximately the same distance as the pupil distance between both eyes of the occupant. Furthermore, it is provided so as to be positioned below (in the vicinity of) the line of sight of the occupant.
Further, since the plurality of marks 34 to 39 are arranged at substantially the same distance as the pupil distance between the eyes of the occupant, a distance of about 65 mm, which is a statistical human pupil distance L1, is selected.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an occupant focal length adjustment support device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the occupant focal length adjustment support apparatus shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, the occupant focal length adjustment support device 40 includes a front window 42 provided in front of the vehicle interior of the vehicle, and two marks (first and second) provided on the front window 42. Marks) 45 and 46.

  Further, since the two marks 45 and 46 are arranged at substantially the same distance as the pupil distance L1 of the occupant's eyes 28 and 29 (see FIG. 1), the distance is about 65 mm which is a statistical human pupil distance. Select.

The two marks 45 and 46 (first and second marks) are ruled lines drawn in a rectangular shape. The first mark 45 has the ruled lines arranged horizontally, and the second mark 46 has a tilted ruled line. Arranged.
As shown in FIG. 9, when the viewpoint is turned away, the combined image 47b of the first and second marks 45 and 46 is reflected.

FIG. 10 is a reference diagram of the occupant focal length adjustment support device according to the present invention, and shows a 3D stereogram.
A stereogram is an image that can be viewed stereoscopically by intentionally shifting the focus of the eye back and forth. 3D means stereoscopic vision and refers to a method of viewing a two-dimensional image of a stereogram in three dimensions.

  Humans recognize solids by comprehensively using information such as focal length, object size, overlap, clarity, movement speed, and binocular parallax and convergence for both eyes. The stereogram uses binocular parallax to recognize an image as a solid. When viewing an actual solid, different images are seen in the right and left eyes due to the difference in the positions of both eyes. This difference in appearance is binocular parallax. The brain reconstructs the space using the difference between the two images. On the other hand, even in the case of a flat image, the brain can be recognized as a three-dimensional image by capturing an image so that parallax occurs in both eyes.

The 3D stereogram 50 shown in FIG. 10 recognizes a stereoscopic image from the 3D stereogram 50 when the two points 51 and 52 arranged below can be recognized.
That is, if the convergence angle of both eyes matches, the focus adjustment of the crystalline lens is automatically performed, and the 3D stereogram 50 is recognized three-dimensionally, and the occupant's focal length adjustment support device 20 of the present invention (FIG. 1). Functionally, the 3D stereogram 50 itself shown in FIG. 10 is compared to the front window 22 (see FIG. 1), and the two points 51 and 52 for viewing the stereoscopic image of the 3D stereogram 50 are half. The transparent color filters 25 and 26 can be compared.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the occupant focal length adjustment support device according to the present invention is provided with the marks 25 and 26 on the front window 22, but is not limited to this, and is provided in the front view of the occupant. Anything is acceptable.

  In the occupant focal length adjustment support device according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the marks 25 and 26 are circular, and as shown in FIG. 8, the marks 45 and 46 are rectangular lines drawn. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shape of the mark is arbitrary.

  The occupant focal length adjustment support device according to the present invention is suitable for use in passenger cars such as sedans and wagons.

1 is a plan view of a vehicle that employs an occupant focal length adjustment support device according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic of a human eye. It is action explanatory drawing when the focal distance of the passenger | crew's focal distance adjustment assistance apparatus shown by FIG. 1 is set far. It is action | operation explanatory drawing when focusing on the occupant's focal distance adjustment assistance apparatus shown by FIG. It is action explanatory drawing when the focal distance of the passenger | crew's focal distance adjustment assistance apparatus shown by FIG. 1 is set near. It is explanatory drawing of how to be recognized during a driving | operation of the occupant's focal distance adjustment assistance apparatus shown by FIG. It is a front view of the focal distance adjustment assistance apparatus of the passenger | crew of 2nd Example which concerns on this invention. It is a front view of the focal distance adjustment assistance apparatus of the passenger | crew of 3rd Example which concerns on this invention. FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory view of the occupant focal length adjustment support device shown in FIG. 8. 1 is a reference diagram of an occupant focal length adjustment support device according to the present invention. It is a figure explaining the basic composition of the conventional occupant's visual field adjustment device.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Vehicle, 11 ... Vehicle compartment, 22 ... Front window, 25, 26 ... Mark (semi-transparent color filter).

Claims (4)

When driving the vehicle, in the occupant focal length adjustment support device provided to ensure the occupant's focal position at an appropriate position,
An occupant focal length adjustment support device, wherein at least two marks are provided at a distance substantially the same as a pupil distance between both eyes of the occupant in a front view of the occupant and horizontally on the vehicle.   The occupant focal length adjustment support device according to claim 1, wherein the mark is provided above or below the sight line of the occupant.   The occupant focal length adjustment support device according to claim 1, wherein the mark is provided on a front window of the vehicle.   4. The occupant focal length adjustment support device according to claim 1, wherein the mark is formed of a translucent and colored translucent color filter.

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