JP2010072254A - Display device and mobile body - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a reliable display device and a mobile body. <P>SOLUTION: The display device includes: an imaging part for picking up an image of a viewer; a projection part for electrically switching an emitting position of luminous flux including video information on the basis of the picked-up image, and emitting the luminous flux; and a luminous flux control part for controlling the luminous flux so as to make the luminous flux incident on a position of a specific portion. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device and a moving body.

  Display devices are required to improve display brightness, reduce power consumption, improve service life, and the like. For example, various information is displayed on a windshield of a moving body such as a vehicle or an aircraft, and the video information is displayed together with an image of an external background field of view, so-called a head-up display (HUD). Even in the case of Display), the problem is that the display luminance is low with respect to the bright ambient environment in the daytime.

  In this case, if the display area is limited to only the eye portion, it is possible to improve display luminance, reduce power consumption, and extend the life of the light source. However, in the case where the display area is limited to only the eye portion, it is necessary that the light beam is appropriately incident on the eye position of the viewer. In particular, when the display area is a narrow range of only one eye, alignment between the display area and one eye is important.

Here, an in-vehicle head-up display device including a display image moving unit for moving a display image of a light emitting display and a moving unit for moving a reflecting unit has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). .
According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the display position can be adjusted so that the display can be visually recognized at the moved eye point when the eye point moves in the visual field region. However, since a mechanical moving means is required to adjust the display position, the reliability of the display device may be reduced. In particular, when a display device is mounted on a moving body such as a car, vibration is applied to the display device, so that the failure rate of the mechanical moving means increases and the reliability of the display device may be impaired.
JP 2003-39981 A

  The present invention provides a display device and a moving body with high reliability.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, an imaging unit that captures an image of a viewer, and a projection that emits the luminous flux by electrically switching an emission position of a luminous flux including video information based on the captured image. There is provided a display device comprising: a light source; and a light beam control unit that controls the light beam and causes the light beam to enter the position of the specific part.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moving body comprising the above display device and a projection board on which video information is projected by the display device.

  According to the present invention, a highly reliable display device and moving body are provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view for illustrating the display device according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a light beam generation unit 110, a light beam control unit 120, and an image detection unit 130. Note that image information is included in the light beam 112 generated by the light beam generation unit 110. In addition, the light beam 112 generated by the light beam generation unit 110 reaches the head 104 of the viewer 100 through the projection plate 210.

  The light beam generation unit 110 includes a projection unit 113 and a region control unit 114 provided to face the side of the projection unit 113 from which the light beam exits.

As will be described later, the projection unit 113 emits the light beam 112 by electrically switching the emission position of the light beam 112 including the video information based on the image 101 captured by the imaging unit 150. That is, the light beam 112 can be emitted for each predetermined region by performing electrical switching based on the image 101 imaged by the imaging unit 150. The projection unit 113 projects various video information such as operation information as an optical image.
Examples of the projection unit 113 include a liquid crystal projector and a digital light processing (DLP) projector. The liquid crystal projector includes a liquid crystal panel and a light source. Then, the image information is projected as an optical image by transmitting the light flux from the light source through the liquid crystal panel. The digital light processing projector includes a digital micro device (DMD) and a light source. Then, the image information is projected as an optical image by reflecting the light beam from the light source by a fine mirror that moves independently on a silicon substrate. However, the projection unit 113 is not limited to the example illustrated, and can appropriately select one that can convert an electrical signal into an optical image.

The area control unit 114 controls the direction of the light beam emitted from the projection unit 113 toward the predetermined area of the area control unit 114 so as to be directed to the predetermined display area. As the area control unit 114, for example, a plurality of small lenses arranged on a plane can be exemplified. In the case where a plurality of small lenses are arranged on a plane, the size and arrangement of the lenses are such that a plurality of light beams can enter each lens. For example, in the case where the projection unit 113 is a liquid crystal projector, the size and arrangement of the lenses are such as to span a plurality of pixels of the liquid crystal panel.
Here, when the projection unit 113 uses a reflective device (for example, a digital micro device) such as a digital light processing (DLP) projector, the projection unit 113 and the area control unit 114 are in close contact with each other. If it does, there exists a possibility that the incident light beam to a reflection type device may receive the effect | action of a lens. In such a case, an image forming unit (not shown) for forming an image of the light beam from the reflective device may be provided between the projection unit 113 and the region control unit 114.
In addition, examples of a plurality of small lenses arranged on a plane include lenticular sheets and array lenses.
The lenticular sheet has a cylindrical cross section, and can be used for controlling the direction of the light beam in one axial direction. The array lens has a spherical cross section, and can be used to control the direction of the light beam in two axial directions. In this case, the same optical effect as that of the array lens can be generated by overlapping two lenticular sheets.

The light beam control unit 120 includes a first mirror 122, a second mirror 124, and a lens 126. The light beam control unit 120 controls the light beam 112 and causes the light beam 112 to enter the position of a specific part of the viewer 100 (particularly, the position of the eye 105).
The first mirror 122 reflects a part of the incident light beam and transmits a part thereof. The visible light may be reflected and the infrared light may be transmitted.
The second mirror 124 is a concave mirror. Therefore, it is possible to collect the light beams incident in parallel.
The lens 126 collects the reflected light from the second mirror 124. The lens 126 is not necessarily required, and may be provided as necessary.

  Further, the positions of the projection unit 113, the region control unit 114, the first mirror 122, the second mirror 124, and the lens 126 can be individually adjusted during installation or maintenance. In this case, a moving means (not shown) for performing these position adjustments can be provided. However, for example, when the display device 10 is mounted on a moving body such as an automobile, there is a possibility that the moving means may break down due to vibration. Therefore, in this embodiment, these can be fixed by fastening means such as screws (not shown). At the time of installation or maintenance, the position and focus of the display area 112a can be adjusted by loosening fastening means (not shown) and adjusting the position of each element. In this case, for example, the position of the display area 112a in the horizontal and vertical directions can be adjusted by changing the angle of the second mirror 124 and the like. In addition, the focus of the light beam 112 can be adjusted by changing the positions of the projection unit 113 and the region control unit 114 in the axial direction of the light beam 112.

The image detection unit 130 includes an imaging unit 150, an adjustment lens 151, and an image processing unit 160.
The imaging unit 150 captures the image 101 of the viewer 100 via the projection plate 210, the lens 126, the second mirror 124, and the first mirror 122. Examples of the imaging unit 150 include a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera and a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and those capable of converting video information into electrical signals can be selected as appropriate. As the first mirror 122, it is preferable to use a mirror that reflects visible light and transmits infrared light. By doing so, it is possible to capture the image 101 of the viewer 100 with infrared light, so that unnecessary noise in the image can be reduced.

The adjustment lens 151 is provided between the imaging unit 150 and the first mirror 122. The adjustment lens 151 adjusts the size and focus of the image by condensing the light beam emitted from the first mirror 122. Note that the adjustment lens 151 is not necessarily required, and may be appropriately provided as necessary.
The image processing unit 160 analyzes the position of a specific part of the viewer 100 imaged by the imaging unit 150 by performing image processing. For example, the binocular eyeball position, the nose position, the mouth position, and the like are specified as the facial feature points of the viewer 100, and thereby the head of the viewer 100, particularly the eye position, is analyzed. be able to. By performing image processing, it is possible to know the position of a specific part of the viewer 100 (particularly the position of the eye 105).

The projection unit 113 and the image processing unit 160 are electrically connected to the display area control unit 140.
The display area control unit 140 causes the projection unit 113 to emit a light beam based on the position of the specific part of the viewer 100 analyzed by the image processing unit 160 (particularly, the position of the eye 105). Then, the light beam 112 is emitted from the projection unit 113 toward a predetermined region of the region control unit 114 so that the light beam is incident on a position of a specific part of the viewer 100 (particularly, the position of the eye 105).
At this time, in order to emit the light beam 112 toward a predetermined region of the region control unit 114, the emission position of the light beam 112 is electrically switched. For example, when the projection unit 113 is a liquid crystal projector, electrical switching is performed in the liquid crystal panel portion. Further, when the projection unit 113 is a digital light processing (DLP) projector, electrical switching is performed in the digital micro device (DMD) portion.

  In addition, an image display unit (not shown) can be electrically connected to the display area control unit 140. Then, for example, a crossbar representing the center of the display area 112a can be displayed on the display screen of the image display unit (not shown). By doing so, it becomes possible to easily align the position of a specific part of the viewer 100 (for example, the position of one eye 105) and the position of the display area 112a.

The projection plate 210 can be a member that can reflect a light beam. For example, it can be a windshield (windshield) of a moving body such as an automobile. In this case, a high reflection portion (not shown) may be provided on a part of the windshield so that the light beam 112 is reflected at that portion. In addition, a sheet-like Fresnel lens having a concave curved reflection surface can be used as the high reflection portion. If such a Fresnel lens is used, since the Fresnel lens becomes a concave mirror that reflects the light beam 112, the influence of the curvature of the projection plate 210 and the like can be suppressed.
In addition, a head-up display (HUD) can be configured by mounting the display device 10 on a moving body such as an automobile and using the windshield as a projection plate 210.

Next, the operation of the display device 10 according to the present embodiment will be illustrated.
2 to 7 are schematic diagrams for illustrating the operation of the display device. 2 to 7 mainly illustrate the operation of the region control unit 114 and the second mirror 124 described above. In addition, the area control unit 114 provided to face the side from which the light beam 112 of the projection unit 113 exits has a plurality of small lenses 114a arranged on a plane. In this case, for example, the region control unit 114 can be a lenticular sheet, an array lens, or the like. In addition, the second mirror 124 provided in the light flux control unit 120 is a concave mirror. In this case, the region controller 114 and the second mirror 124 (concave mirror) cooperate to cause the light beam 112 to enter the position of a specific part of the viewer 100 (particularly, the position of the eye 105). .

  First, as shown in FIG. 2, a light beam 112 is emitted from the projection unit 113 toward a predetermined region of the region control unit 114 based on an electrical signal from the display region control unit 140. At this time, the projection unit 113 emits the light beam 112 for each of the plurality of lenses 114a by electrically switching the emission position. In addition, the light beam 112 is emitted so that the light beam 112 directed to each lens 114a becomes substantially parallel by the action of the projection unit 113. For example, when the projection unit 113 is a liquid crystal projector, the light flux 112 is partially transmitted by the built-in liquid crystal panel so that the light flux 112 is emitted for each lens 114a. When the projection unit 113 is a digital light processing projector, the light beam 112 is emitted for each lens 114a by partially reflecting the light beam with a digital micro device. In addition, image information is included in the light beam 112 emitted from each lens 114a. Also, (1) to (3) described in the figure represent the incident area of the light beam. That is, in the case illustrated in FIG. 2, the light flux 112 is emitted from the projection unit 113 toward the region represented by (1) based on the electrical signal from the display region control unit 140.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the light beam 112 incident on the region control unit 114 passes through the region control unit 114. At this time, the light beam 112 is once condensed by the action of the lens 114 a and then enters the reflection surface 124 a of the second mirror 124. In this case, the light beam 112 incident on the reflecting surface 124a is also substantially parallel. Although not shown, the light beam emitted from the region control unit 114 is changed in direction by the first mirror 122 and is incident on the reflection surface 124a of the second mirror 124 (see FIG. 1).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the light beam 112 incident on the reflecting surface 124a of the second mirror 124 is condensed by the action of the second mirror 124, which is a concave mirror. The vicinity of the condensed position is a display area 112a. The position of the display area 112a is set in advance so that the position of one eye 105 of the viewer 100 matches. Therefore, the viewer 100 can view the display. Although not shown, the light beam emitted from the second mirror 124 reaches the display area 112a via the lens 126 and the projection plate 210 (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the light beam 112 is emitted from the projection unit 113 toward the region represented by (1), a virtual image can be seen at a predetermined position on the virtual image surface 170.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the position of one eye 105 of the viewer 100 moves, the incident region in the region control unit 114 is moved based on the electrical signal from the display region control unit 140. For example, in the case illustrated in FIG. 6, the light beam 112 is emitted from the projection unit 113 toward the area represented by (2) by electrically switching the emission position, and the light beam 112 is emitted to the area represented by (2). To be incident. In addition, the arrow in a figure represents the moving direction of the viewer 100 (eyes 105). In this case, the position where the virtual image can be seen on the virtual image plane 170 also moves. Note that the position of the eye 105 of the viewer 100 is analyzed by the image detection unit 130 described above. In this case, the image 101 of the viewer 100 is captured by the imaging unit 150 via the projection plate 210, the lens 126, the second mirror 124, the first mirror 122, and the adjustment lens 151 (see FIG. 1). . The image data captured by the imaging unit 150 is subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 160. Then, the position of the light beam 112 emitted from the projection unit 113 is changed based on the analysis data obtained by performing the image processing.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the position of one eye 105 of the viewer 100 is further moved, the incident region in the region control unit 114 is further moved based on the electrical signal from the display region control unit 140. . For example, in the case illustrated in FIG. 7, the light beam 112 is emitted from the projection unit 113 toward the area represented by (3) by electrically switching the emission position, and the light beam 112 is emitted to the area represented by (3). To be incident. In addition, the arrow in a figure represents the moving direction of the viewer 100 (eyes 105). In this case, the position where the virtual image can be seen on the virtual image plane 170 also moves. Note that the position of the eye 105 of the viewer 100 is analyzed by the image detection unit 130 described above. Based on the analysis data, the position of the light beam 112 emitted from the projection unit 113 is changed.

Note that the shape, size, number, arrangement, and the like of the lens 114a, and the number, position, and the like of the incident regions related to the lens 114a are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate.
Various projectors other than the projector exemplified as the projection unit 113 can be used. For example, a combination of various light sources such as a laser, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and a halogen lamp and an optical element such as a movable mirror that scans a light beam generated by the light source and a MEMS can be used. Various light sources and an optical switch such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) may be combined. In addition, various types of displays such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a fluorescent display tube (VFD), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, and an organic EL display device are used. May be.

  Various optical elements can also be used for the light flux controller 120. For example, a flat mirror, a prism, a Fresnel lens, or the like that reflects, refracts, or semi-transmits a light beam may be used. Also, the lens and aperture combination, lenticular sheet, holographic diffuser, diffusing screen, microlens array, graded index microlens, various prism sheets, louver sheet, truncated triangular pyramid, which controls the divergence angle of the luminous flux Alternatively, a plurality of waveguides arranged in a shape may be used. And it can also use combining said various optical elements suitably.

  A part of the optical elements constituting the light beam generation unit 110 and the light beam control unit 120 may also be used. Further, the optical elements constituting the light beam generation unit 110 and the light beam control unit 120 may be mixedly arranged on the optical axis of the light beam 112. That is, these optical elements can be used, replaced, and deleted as far as technically possible.

  Here, if the position of the display region 112a is limited to the eye portion, display luminance can be improved, power consumption can be reduced, and the life of the light source can be extended. However, in the case where the position of the display area 112a is limited to only the eye portion, it is necessary that the light beam 112 is properly incident on the position of the eye 105 of the viewer 100. If the display area 112a and the one eye are misaligned, the display may not be viewed.

According to the present embodiment, the image processing unit 160 can analyze the position of a specific part of the viewer 100 (particularly, the position of the eye 105), and can make a light beam incident in accordance with the position. In this case, since there is no mechanical moving means for alignment or the like in the light beam generation unit 110 where the alignment operation is frequently performed, the reliability of the display device can be improved even when vibration is applied. Is less likely to decrease. Further, for example, when the display device 10 is provided in a cockpit of a moving body such as an automobile, the light flux 112 is appropriately placed at the position of the eye 105 according to the height of the viewer 100 (pilot). Can be made incident. Even when the human viewer 100 moves his / her head up / down / left / right, the incident position of the light beam 112 (the position of the display area 112a) can be made to follow the movement. As a result, it is possible to continue viewing the display.
If the position of the display area 112a is made to follow the movement of the viewer 100 using mechanical movement means as in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the mechanism and control are complicated. There is a risk. For example, in order to follow the movement of the viewer 100 two-dimensionally (up, down, left and right), it is necessary to perform two-axis control. Therefore, the structure of the mechanical moving means and its control may be complicated.
On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the emission position of the light beam 112 including the video information is electrically switched based on the image 101 imaged by the imaging unit 150 so that the light beam 112 is emitted from the projection unit 113. I have to. Therefore, even when the movement of the viewer 100 is followed two-dimensionally (up and down, left and right), there is no possibility that the structure and control become complicated.
In addition, since the position of the display region 112a can be limited to the portion of the eye 105, display with high luminance and good visibility can be realized. In addition, power consumption can be reduced and the life of the light source can be extended. In addition, when the light beam 112 is incident only on one eye 105 of the viewer 100, a great effect can be exhibited.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view for illustrating a display device according to the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, the display device 20 is further provided with an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode) 190 that irradiates the viewer 100. Therefore, it is possible to stably capture the image 101 of the viewer 100 even in a dark situation such as at night.

  Thereby, the display apparatus 20 can analyze the position (especially position of the eye 105) of the specific site | part of the viewer 100 stably also in a dark condition. Then, it is possible to make the luminous flux incident stably in accordance with the position of the specific part of the viewer 100 (particularly the position of the eye 105). The display device 20 is preferably used for a head-up display (HUD) that is also used at night. The light source that irradiates the viewer 100 may be other than an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode), and various lamps can be used.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view for illustrating a display device according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 9, the display device 30 includes a light flux generation unit 110a. Further, the light beam generation unit 110a is provided with a liquid crystal display device 115 having a backlight as a projection unit. Further, an area control unit 114 is provided so as to face the display surface side (the side from which the light beam is emitted) of the liquid crystal display device 115. With this configuration, the display device 30 can be downsized.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view for illustrating a display device according to the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the display device 40 includes a light flux controller 120a. The light beam controller 120a is provided with a second mirror 124b that can reflect a part of the incident light beam and transmit a part of the light beam. An imaging unit 150 is provided on the back side of the second mirror 124b. Therefore, the imaging unit 150 can capture the image 101 of the viewer 100 obtained through the second mirror 124b.

  In this case, the second mirror 124b is preferably capable of reflecting visible light and transmitting infrared light. Moreover, it is preferable that the imaging part 150 is what can image the image 101 of the human viewer 100 with infrared light. With such a configuration, unnecessary noise in the image can be reduced.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the imaging unit 150 is provided on the back side of the first mirror 122 or the second mirror 124b is illustrated, but the image 101 can be captured on the extension of the optical axis of the light beam 112. The imaging unit 150 may be provided at the position. For example, the imaging unit 150 may be provided at a position where the viewer 100 can be directly imaged.

  In addition, when the display device according to each of the above-described embodiments is used in a state where the viewing posture is substantially fixed like a head-up display (HUD), for example, the display region 112a The shape may be a vertically long shape (a shape that is long in a substantially vertical direction). By doing so, the position of the eye 105 and the position of the display area 112a can be aligned only in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the position control of the display area 112a becomes easy, and not only is it easy to use, but also the cost can be reduced.

  Moreover, the projection board 210 illustrated in the display device according to each embodiment described above can be a windshield (windshield) provided on a moving body such as an automobile. When the projection plate 210 is a windshield or the like, various video information (for example, operation information) can be displayed on the windshield together with an image of an external background field such as the windshield. As a result, the operator can view the video information without moving the line of sight greatly.

Next, the moving body according to this embodiment is illustrated.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for illustrating the moving body according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 11, for example, a window of various moving bodies 510 such as an automobile, a train, a ship, a helicopter, and an airplane can be used as the projection board 210. That is, it is possible to configure a moving body that includes the display device according to the present embodiment and the projection board 210 on which various video information (for example, operation information) is projected by the display device.
According to the present embodiment, it is possible to analyze the position of the eye of the viewer 100 by the image processing unit 160 and to make the light flux incident in accordance with the position. In this case, since there is no positioning moving means or the like in the light beam generation unit 110 that frequently performs an alignment operation, the reliability of the display device is less likely to deteriorate even if vibration is applied. Moreover, since favorable visibility can be implement | achieved, the mobile body which can be operated safely and efficiently can be provided.

Heretofore, the present embodiment has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions.
As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention.
For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, number, and the like of each element included in the display device 10, the display device 20, the display device 30, and the display device 40 are not limited to those illustrated, but may be changed as appropriate. Can do.

  Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is combined can be combined as much as possible, and what combined these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the characteristics of the present invention are included.

It is a schematic diagram for illustrating the display device according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for illustrating about an operation of a display. It is a schematic diagram for illustrating about an operation of a display. It is a schematic diagram for illustrating about an operation of a display. It is a schematic diagram for illustrating about an operation of a display. It is a schematic diagram for illustrating about an operation of a display. It is a schematic diagram for illustrating about an operation of a display. It is a schematic diagram for illustrating the display apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the display apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the display apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for illustrating the mobile body which concerns on this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  10 display devices, 20 display devices, 30 display devices, 40 display devices, 100 viewers, 101 images, 104 heads, 105 eyes, 110 luminous flux generation units, 112 luminous fluxes, 112a display areas, 113 projection units, 114 area control Unit, 114a lens, 120 light flux control unit, 120a light flux control unit, 122 first mirror, 124 second mirror, 124b second mirror, 130 image detection unit, 140 display area control unit, 150 imaging unit, 160 image Processing unit, 210 projection board, 510 moving body

Claims (7)

An imaging unit that captures an image of the viewer;
A projection unit that electrically switches an emission position of a light beam including video information based on the captured image, and emits the light beam;
A light beam control unit that controls the light beam and causes the light beam to enter the position of the specific part;
A display device comprising: An area control unit having a plurality of lenses provided on an optical path provided on the optical path of the light beam emitted from the projection unit;
The light flux control unit has a concave mirror,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the region control unit and the concave mirror cooperate to cause the light beam to enter the position of the specific part.   The display device according to claim 2, wherein the projection unit emits a light beam for each of the plurality of lenses.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit captures the image on an extension of an optical axis of the light beam.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit captures the image with infrared light.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the luminous flux is incident only on one eye of the viewer. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
A projection board on which video information is projected by the display device;
A moving object comprising:

Images