JP2020019420A - Display device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To achieve a display for preventing a user from scattering and losing his/her attention to a preceding target in the case of displaying (possible to include overlapping) information on the preceding target around the preceding target, or the like.SOLUTION: A display device for a vehicle having a HUD device includes: a preceding target information acquisition part (17, 19, 500) for acquiring preceding target information; an image generation part 108; a display part 46 having a display surface 47 for forming an image to emit display light K of an image M; an optical system including an optical member (49) for reflecting the display light K to project the display light to a member (3) to be projected; a virtual image display distance change part (33) for changing a virtual image display distance being a distance from a reference point P set on a user 1 or a vehicle 10 to a virtual image VP; and a display control part 100 for displaying the preceding target information in association with the preceding target in a non-contact state with the preceding target information close to the preceding target or in a state in which the preceding target information is made close to the preceding target to come into contact, and controlling the virtual display distance change part (33) to change the virtual image display distance of the preceding target information in accordance with a driving state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle display device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a vehicle notification system that uses a HUD (head-up display) device to warn a driver of a vehicle according to the degree of danger of driving. For example, in FIGS. 6 and 7 of Patent Document 1, the distance (inter-vehicle distance) between a vehicle (preceding vehicle) traveling ahead of the own vehicle and the own vehicle is arranged so as to be spread over the road surface. An example of displaying by three block figures is shown.

  Patent Document 2 discloses that an HUD device projects a graphic element as an avatar that moves a graphic element by moving a virtual image display surface (an imaging surface or a focal plane) or adjusting a distance between the virtual image display surface and a vehicle. It is described that the avatar can give the occupant a feeling of approaching or leaving the vehicle. In Patent Literature 2, this technique is called “three-dimensional (3-D) navigation”.

JP 2006-24778 A JP 2015-69656 A

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present inventor has proposed a HUD device capable of three-dimensional display by changing a virtual image display distance (image formation distance), wherein information on a preceding vehicle (preceding object) (for example, vehicle speed information of the preceding vehicle, preceding vehicle, (E.g., prediction information of the behavior of the preceding vehicle, which informs that the preceding vehicle will get off at the next interchange) is displayed in the vicinity (nearby) of the preceding vehicle. It is assumed that it often includes the case where it is displayed on the display).

  In this case, the driver (user) can view the information about the preceding vehicle with less movement of the viewpoint. Insufficient attention to the scene (in other words, carelessness in the forward direction) has revealed that concerns over safety issues cannot be overlooked.

  Regarding such a problem (in other words, a problem that when information about the preceding target object is displayed around the preceding target object or the like, there is a possibility that insufficient attention may be given), Are not described.

  One object of the present invention is to realize a display in which a user is not distracted from paying attention to a preceding target object when information on the preceding target object is displayed around the preceding target object (may include superimposition). It is to be.

  Other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the aspects and best embodiments exemplified below and the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be exemplified in order to easily understand the outline of the present invention.

In the first aspect, the vehicle display device includes:
A vehicle display device having a head-up display (HUD) device that is mounted on a vehicle and that allows a user to visually recognize a virtual image of the image by projecting an image onto a projection target member included in the vehicle,
A preceding object information acquisition unit that acquires preceding object information about a preceding object that is a moving object located in front of the driving vehicle,
An image generation unit that generates the image,
A display unit having a display surface on which the image is formed, and emitting the display light of the image,
An optical system that includes an optical member that reflects the display light and projects the projected light on the projection target member;
A virtual image display distance changing unit that changes a virtual image display distance that is a distance from the reference point set on the user or the vehicle to the virtual image,
The preceding object information, in association with the preceding object, in a non-contact state by approaching the preceding object, or displayed in a state of approaching and contacting the preceding object, A display control unit that controls a virtual image display distance changing unit, and changes a virtual image display distance of the preceding target object information according to a driving situation.
Having.

  In the first aspect, in a HUD device capable of three-dimensional display by changing a virtual image display distance (image formation distance), in a HUD device, preceding object information (for example, vehicle speed information of a preceding vehicle, inter-vehicle distance information to a preceding vehicle, Predictive information on the behavior of the preceding vehicle, etc.) is displayed in a non-contact state or in a contact state by approaching the preceding object (the preceding vehicle, etc.) in association with the preceding object (the preceding vehicle, etc.). I will make it. Note that the "preceding object" includes, in addition to the preceding vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a vehicle that has come out ahead of the own vehicle after interruption, and the like. It does not include stationary objects such as rocks that are obstacles and people.

  Conventionally, the information displayed on the HUD device is information related to the own vehicle. However, in the first embodiment, not only the information related to the own vehicle but also the information of the preceding target (such as the preceding vehicle) is displayed. It can be displayed in the same manner as related information. As a result, the driver (user) can also view information on the preceding vehicle with a sense of realism.

  However, since the driver (user) always drives while paying attention to the real scene ahead, it is troublesome for the driver (user) to add the preceding object information to, for example, the vicinity of the preceding object. If the user feels or hinders the instantaneous execution of a task to be performed normally (such as a basic operation for safe driving), the user will fall over.

  In other words, there is insufficient attention that should be directed to the actual scene such as the front (in other words, a state of carelessness in the front), and the preceding object information is resolved while eliminating the concern that a safety problem may occur. It is important to display.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the preceding object information or the like is displayed, for example, in the vicinity (near) of the preceding target object (however, it is possible to include a case where the preceding object information is displayed so as to be superimposed on the preceding vehicle). The virtual image display distance (image formation distance) of the object information is changed according to the relationship between the preceding target object (the preceding vehicle or the like) and the host vehicle.

  Therefore, by changing the virtual image display distance (image forming distance) in displaying the preceding target object information, in other words, for example, by setting the virtual image display distance to be larger than the inter-vehicle distance and displaying the distance to a distant place, the driver's Conversely, care can be taken so as not to hinder the attention. Conversely, the virtual image display distance is set smaller than the inter-vehicle distance (including the case where the inter-vehicle distance is equal), and the display is displayed by the driver ( By bringing the information closer to the user's point of view, the content of the information can be further emphasized, and the warning can be given in consideration of the meaning of the warning, and a flexible response suitable for the situation can be taken.

  Therefore, when displaying information about the preceding target object, for example, in the vicinity of the preceding target object (including, for example, superimposition), the driver (user) takes care so that attention directed to the preceding target object is not dissipated. In addition, it is possible to perform an effective display, and it is possible to present new and useful preceding target object information (especially, presentation by a HUD device) which has not been available in the past.

In a second aspect dependent on the first aspect,
The preceding object information is information including first information that is information on a distance between the vehicle and the preceding object that is a distance from the vehicle to the preceding object,
The display control unit determines whether the driving situation is a situation with low risk,
The display control unit determines whether the driving situation is a situation with low risk,
When it is determined that the situation is low in danger, when displaying the first information and at least one piece of information other than the first information included in the preceding object, the preceding object information The display position of the virtual image display distance is set such that the display position is farther than the rear end position of the preceding object obtained based on the distance between the vehicle and the preceding object,
If it is determined that the situation is not dangerous, the virtual image display distance is set so that the display position of the preceding object information is closer to the vehicle than the rear end position of the preceding object. Set.

  In the second aspect, when the situation of the danger is low as a result of the determination of the degree of danger of the driving situation, the virtual image display distance is increased, and the display of the preceding target information is performed. Be more distant than the trailing edge (closest edge). Thereby, consideration is given so that the display of the preceding object information does not hinder the driving. If the situation is not low in danger, the display distance of the virtual object is reduced so that the display of the preceding object information approaches the viewpoint of the driver (user), thereby further emphasizing the current driving situation. Then, the warning is given in consideration of the meaning of the warning. In this way, a flexible display suitable for the driving situation can be realized.

  The determination regarding the danger in the driving situation can be performed, for example, by focusing on the relationship between the preceding object (the preceding vehicle or the like) and the host vehicle. For example, on a straight road, when the own vehicle is running with an appropriate inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle, it can be said that the danger in operation is not so high. If the preceding vehicle suddenly decelerates, the possibility of a collision increases, and the danger in operation increases. Also, the judgment of danger differs depending on the type of the preceding object. For example, when the preceding object going forward is a "truck full of loads", a "high-speed bicycle", and a "normal car", "truck and bicycle" Because the speed is likely to be low, it can be said that the danger is higher than that of a “normal car”.

  In the second aspect, the HUD device and the like that are easy for the driver (user) to use can be realized by flexibly determining the level of danger in consideration of the driving situation.

In a third aspect dependent on the second aspect,
When it is determined that the driving situation is a situation with a low risk, the display control unit displays the preceding target object information in a non-contact state by approaching the preceding target object.

  In a third aspect, in the above-described second aspect, it is determined that the situation is less dangerous, and the virtual image display distance is set to be larger than the inter-vehicle distance or the like, and the preceding target object information is displayed further away. At this time, the spatial arrangement is further devised (for example, by arranging it in the vicinity of the preceding vehicle and at a position higher than the height of the ceiling of the preceding vehicle), the preceding object information is obtained. Are displayed so as not to touch the preceding object (so that there is a space between them).

  Thereby, it is easier to see the preceding target object information separately from the preceding target object, and it is possible to further reduce the adverse effect (such as causing annoyance) on the vision of the driver (user). .

In a fourth aspect dependent on the second aspect,
When it is determined that the driving situation is not a situation with a low risk, the display control unit displays the preceding target information in a state where the preceding target object is brought close to and in contact with the preceding target object.

  In the fourth aspect, in the second aspect, it is determined that the situation is not low in danger, and the virtual image display distance is set smaller than the inter-vehicle distance or the like, and the preceding object information is changed by the driver (user). When the display is made closer to the viewpoint, the spatial arrangement is further devised (for example, it is located near the preceding vehicle and in contact with the ceiling of the preceding vehicle, or is arranged so as to enter the preceding vehicle. By devising it), the preceding object information is displayed in contact with the preceding object (with no space between them).

  As a result, the preceding object information looks as if it were integrated with the preceding object, and the driver (user) does not disperse the line of sight. It is possible to read, which contributes to, for example, prevention of accidents.

In a fifth aspect dependent on the second or fourth aspect,
The preceding object information includes, in addition to the first information, second information that is information on a moving speed of the preceding object,
The display control unit compares the vehicle speed of the vehicle with the moving speed of the preceding target object, and when the moving speed of the preceding target object becomes lower than the vehicle speed of the vehicle, the driving condition indicates that the driving situation is dangerous. It is determined that the situation is not low.

  In the fifth aspect, when the traveling speed of the preceding target object changes from a state where the traveling speed is equal to or higher than the vehicle speed of the own vehicle to a small state, the inter-vehicle distance is narrowed and a collision may occur. The determination of the danger of the situation is changed, and the change of the display mode of the preceding target object information (the change of the virtual image display distance and the position in space) is changed. Thereby, for example, an alerting effect can be generated.

In a sixth aspect dependent on the second aspect,
When the distance between the vehicle and the preceding object decreases with the passage of time, the display control unit includes at least one of the first information and information other than the first information included in the preceding object. In one display, a process of reducing the virtual image display distance over time so as to correspond to a decrease in the distance between the vehicle and the preceding object is performed.

  In the sixth aspect, for example, when at least one of “inter-vehicle distance” and “vehicle speed of preceding vehicle” is displayed as preceding target object information, the inter-vehicle distance decreases with time, and When the vehicle approaches the own vehicle, for example, the display control of the inter-vehicle distance as preceding object information is controlled so as to approach the driver (viewpoint) according to the situation. In other words, for example, by the display control unit controlling the virtual image display distance continuously, intermittently, or stepwise, as if the display is flowing from a distance to near the own vehicle, to the rear side. Dynamic display is realized.

  In other words, the preceding object information can be displayed with a sense of realism along with a change in the driving situation, and with the effect of increasing the meaning of the warning over time. Therefore, display (presentation) of effective preceding object information, which has not been achieved in the past, is realized.

In a seventh aspect dependent on any one of the first to sixth aspects,
The display of the preceding object information is a three-dimensional display.

  In the seventh mode, the preceding target object information is displayed in a three-dimensional mode (in other words, in a form decorated to be three-dimensional). For example, an icon or the like that displays the information of the preceding target object itself is three-dimensionally decorated, so that the three-dimensional display is further enhanced in aesthetic sense.

  In this case, the effect of raising the driver's (user's) attention is enhanced. However, it is considered that this is likely to cause a careless state ahead, and therefore, the driving situation described in each of the above-described embodiments is considered. It is effective to perform an adaptive display according to the above.

In an eighth aspect dependent on any one of the first to seventh aspects,
The display control unit, when simultaneously displaying information about the vehicle, displays information about the vehicle near the vehicle at a virtual image display distance smaller than the virtual image display distance of the preceding target object information. .

  According to the eighth aspect, when information about the own vehicle is also displayed, the information of the own vehicle is displayed closer to the own vehicle than the preceding target object information, so that the information is easily distinguished. Therefore, an effect of preventing confusion can be obtained.

  Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the illustrated embodiments according to the present invention may be further modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams illustrating display examples of a vehicle display device having a head-up display (HUD) device while the vehicle is traveling. FIGS. 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating examples of adaptive changes in the virtual image display distance (image formation distance) according to the relationship between the preceding object (preceding vehicle) and the host vehicle. FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating display examples when displaying the vehicle speed of the preceding object (preceding vehicle) (when performing display with a change in the virtual image display distance). FIGS. 4A and 4B show display examples in which the virtual image display distance of the preceding object information is also changed according to the change in the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding object (preceding vehicle) and the host vehicle. FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the entire configuration of the HUD device. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (including a peripheral configuration) of the display control unit. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a setting example of a virtual image display surface in a multi-surface HUD (3D-HUD) device capable of setting a plurality of virtual image display surfaces having different virtual image display distances, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a multi-surface HUD ( FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a 3D-HUD) device, and FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a position control signal. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the display process when the process of changing the virtual image display distance is performed.

  The preferred embodiments described below are used for easy understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, those skilled in the art should note that the present invention is not unduly limited by the embodiments described below.

  The display device for a vehicle according to the present invention is a member to be mounted on a vehicle (own vehicle) and to display an image on the vehicle (own vehicle) (a member having both light reflection and light transmission properties, such as a windshield). 3)), the vehicle display device has at least a head-up display (HUD) device that allows a user such as a driver to visually recognize an image (virtual image). Note that a vehicle is a kind of vehicle and is to be interpreted widely.

  FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are referred to. FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams illustrating display examples of a vehicle display device having a head-up display (HUD) device while the vehicle is traveling. In the example of FIG. 1A, the windshield (windshield) 3 of the vehicle (own vehicle) 10 functions as a member to be projected (a member having light reflectivity and translucency). In addition, the windshield 3 which is a projection target member may be a combiner or the like.

  In the example of FIG. 1A, an operation unit 9 is provided in the vicinity of the steering wheel (handle) 7 so that the HUD device or the like can be turned on / off and an operation mode can be set.

  A display (for example, a liquid crystal display) 13 is provided at the center of the front panel 11. The display 13 can be used, for example, to assist display by the HUD device. The display 13 may be a composite panel having a touch panel and the like.

  In the example of FIG. 1A, an image (virtual image) is displayed in the virtual image display area (HUD display area) 5. In FIG. 1A, a preceding vehicle B1 as a preceding object as a real scene and a white line E1 of the road are visible in front, and a left image of the own vehicle as a virtual image by the HUD device is shown on the left side in front. Information (here, a vehicle speed display SP1 indicating the vehicle speed of the own vehicle (characters of “65 km / h”)) is displayed.

  Note that the "preceding object" includes, in addition to the preceding vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a vehicle that has come out ahead of the own vehicle after interruption, and the like. It does not include stationary objects such as rocks that are obstacles and people.

  In addition, the virtual image is a virtual image display surface (for convenience, the vehicle 10 travels) whose distance from a reference point (for example, the driver's viewpoint position) set on the driver (user) or the own vehicle 10 is known. A virtual image that is displayed, for example, on a virtual surface that stands vertically on the road surface of the road: reference sign PS in FIGS. 2A to 2C, and that stands vertically on the road surface Above, the virtual image display distance is assumed to be constant regardless of the display position of the virtual image. Further, the “virtual image display surface” may be referred to as an image formation surface or a focal plane, and the “virtual image display distance” may be referred to as an image formation distance or a focal length, or may be simply referred to as a display distance.

  In FIG. 1B, the preceding object information (here, the vehicle speed display SP2 which is the vehicle speed information of “65 km / h”) about the preceding vehicle B1 is associated with the preceding vehicle B1 and approaches the preceding vehicle B1. In this state, it is displayed in a non-contact manner above the preceding vehicle (however, it can be in a contact state).

  Further, the virtual image display distance for the vehicle speed display SP2 can be appropriately changed according to the driving situation. In FIG. 1B, the vehicle speed display SP2 is displayed, for example, in a three-dimensional manner (in other words, in a form decorated to be three-dimensionally displayed). Specifically, the icon itself is three-dimensionally decorated to provide a three-dimensional display with an enhanced aesthetic feeling. In this case, the effect of raising the driver's (user's) attention is enhanced. However, it is considered that this is likely to cause an inattentive state ahead, and accordingly, an adaptive display is provided according to the driving situation. This is one of the important points (this point will be described later).

  In FIG. 1 (B), an annular mark D1 (virtual image) as one type of highlighting that indicates to the driver (user) that the vehicle is to be noticed is marked on the preceding vehicle B1. It is displayed on the road surface on the near side of B1. The annular mark D1 is decorated in a three-dimensional shape.

  However, this annular mark D1 is usually not included in the "preceding object information" in the present invention (except when there are special circumstances such as including an element of the preceding object information). In some cases, it is regarded as preceding object information.)

  Next, FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C will be referred to. FIGS. 2A to 2C are diagrams illustrating examples of adaptive changes in the virtual image display distance (image formation distance) according to the relationship between the preceding object (preceding vehicle) and the host vehicle. In the figure, reference symbol PS indicates a virtual image display surface. Here, the virtual image display distance is assumed to be a distance (shortest distance) to the virtual image display surface PS based on the viewpoint (viewpoint position) P of the driver (user) 1. In FIG. 2A, the distance between the vehicles is described as L100. However, here, for convenience, the distance to the rear end (rearmost end) of the preceding vehicle B1 is defined as “inter-vehicle distance” based on the viewpoint position P of the driver (user) 1. In this case, the “rear end” of the preceding object is located at a position separated by the inter-vehicle distance in the moving direction of the preceding object from the reference position of the host vehicle (the position of the broken line segment crossing the viewpoint P in FIG. 2). There will be. However, as a real problem, the reference point when defining the “inter-vehicle distance” may be different from the reference point when defining the “virtual image display distance (imaging distance)”. In this case, the rear-end position of the preceding vehicle (preceding object) can be obtained by obtaining the inter-vehicle distance by distance measurement using a sonar or the like and performing a predetermined calculation operation based on the inter-vehicle distance.

  In FIG. 2A, the inter-vehicle distance is L100, but in FIG. 2B, the inter-vehicle distance is smaller (shorter) than L100, and is smaller (shorter) in FIG. From FIG. 2 (A) to FIG. 2 (C), it can be seen that the operational danger increases.

  Here, the driving situation in FIG. 2A is a situation where there is little danger (can be regarded as little), and among those situations, it can be said that safety is high. In this case, the virtual image display distance L101 of the virtual image display surface PS is set to be longer than the inter-vehicle distance L100, and in the example of FIG. 2A, is located further forward than the front end (front end) of the preceding vehicle B1. I have. Therefore, if, for example, the vehicle speed display SP2 of the preceding vehicle shown in FIG. 1B is displayed on the virtual image display surface PS, the vehicle speed display SP2 is displayed farther than the preceding vehicle B1. Therefore, the driver (user) 1 does not hinder the vision (in other words, the annoyance is reduced), and the vehicle speed display SP2 of the preceding vehicle is displayed casually.

  In the case of FIG. 2B, the inter-vehicle distance is L100 '. The determination of danger in this case is delicate, and when a comprehensive determination is made in consideration of the surrounding environment and the like, if the danger can be determined to be small, the virtual image display distance is L102 (L100 ′ <L102). Will be set to

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the risk is not small, the virtual image display distance is set to L103 (L103 <L100 '). When it is determined that the danger is not small, the virtual image display distance is set to be smaller than the inter-vehicle distance L100 'at that time, so that the vehicle speed display indicating the vehicle speed of the preceding vehicle B1 shown in FIG. SP2 will be displayed slightly in front of the rear end of the preceding vehicle B1 with a slightly more warning meaning, which means that the driver (user) 1 will quickly reduce the speed of the host vehicle. Can be motivated to take appropriate action.

  In the case of FIG. 2C, the virtual image display distance is L100 '', the inter-vehicle distance is considerably reduced, and the preceding vehicle B1 is approaching the host vehicle. In this case, it is a situation where the risk can be determined to be extremely high (a situation where the risk cannot be regarded as low), and therefore, the virtual image display distance is set to L104 (L104 <L100 ''). In the example of FIG. 2C, the virtual image display distance L104 is set to be much smaller than the inter-vehicle distance L100 '' at that time. Therefore, the driver (user) 1 can visually recognize the vehicle speed display SP2 of the preceding vehicle B1 with a sense of approaching, and the effect of motivation to take measures for safe driving is further enhanced. become.

  As described above, in the examples of FIGS. 2A to 2C, if the risk is low as a result of the determination of the degree of danger of the driving situation, the virtual image display distance is set to the inter-vehicle distance. By setting the information to be larger than the above, the preceding object information is displayed at a greater distance so that attention is not disturbed.On the other hand, if the situation is not dangerous, the virtual image display distance is set to By setting the distance to be smaller than the distance or the like (including the case where the distance is equal to the distance between the vehicles, etc.) and bringing the display closer to the viewpoint P of the driver (user) 1, the current situation is further emphasized. It is possible to take a flexible response suitable for the situation, such as giving an appropriate notification in consideration of the meaning of the warning.

  The determination regarding the danger in the driving situation can be performed, for example, by focusing on the relationship between the preceding object (the preceding vehicle or the like) and the host vehicle. For example, on a straight road, when the own vehicle is running with an appropriate inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle, it can be said that the danger in operation is not so high. If the preceding vehicle suddenly decelerates, the possibility of a collision increases, and the danger in operation increases. Also, the judgment of danger differs depending on the type of the preceding object. For example, when the preceding object going forward is a "truck full of loads", a "high-speed bicycle", and a "normal car", "truck and bicycle" Because the speed is likely to be low, it can be said that the danger is higher than that of a “normal car”.

  The adaptive control of the virtual image display distance is performed by the display control unit 100 shown in FIGS. This will be described later.

  Next, FIGS. 3A to 3C will be referred to. FIGS. 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating display examples when displaying the vehicle speed of the preceding object (preceding vehicle) (when performing display with a change in the virtual image display distance).

  The display in FIG. 3A is the same as that shown in FIG. 1B, and the virtual image display distance for the vehicle speed display SP2 is set as shown in FIG. The virtual image display distance L101 is larger than the inter-vehicle distance L100 with respect to the preceding vehicle, and the vehicle speed display SP2 is displayed further (farther) than the preceding vehicle B1.

  In the example of FIG. 3A, the vehicle speed display SP2 is arranged by devising a spatial arrangement. In other words, the vehicle speed display SP2 is arranged near the preceding vehicle B1 and at a position higher than the ceiling height of the preceding vehicle B1 (height h1 based on the road surface). Therefore, the vehicle speed display (preceding object information) SP2 is displayed so as not to contact the preceding vehicle (preceding object) B1, in other words, such that there is a space between the two.

  This makes it easier to see the vehicle speed display (preceding object information) SP2 separately from the preceding vehicle (preceding object) B1, and has an adverse effect on the driver (user) 1's visual sense (feeling annoyance). Etc.) can be further reduced.

  Next, FIG. 3B is referred to. Here, it is assumed that the state of FIG. 3A has changed to the state of FIG. 3B. Assuming that the vehicle speed of the own vehicle when the display of FIG. 3A is displayed is 65 km / h, in the example of FIG. 3A, the moving speed (and moving direction) of the preceding vehicle B1 and the own vehicle. Are the same, and the inter-vehicle distance is kept almost constant.

  Then, the state transits to the state of FIG. In FIG. 3B, the display of the vehicle speed information on the preceding vehicle B1 has been changed to a vehicle speed display SP2 '(display of "40 km / h"). Accordingly, the virtual image display distance also changes. Here, the example in FIG. 3B corresponds to the example in FIG. 2B in which the virtual image display distance is L103.

  In FIG. 3B, it is assumed that the vehicle speed of the own vehicle is 65 km / h, which is the same as FIG. 3A. At this time, as a result of the vehicle speed of the preceding vehicle B1 being reduced to 40 km / h, the vehicle speed of the preceding vehicle B1 (moving speed: 40 km / h) becomes lower than the vehicle speed of the own vehicle (65 km / h). In such a case, the distance between the vehicles becomes short, and a collision may occur.

  Therefore, at that time, the determination of the danger of the driving situation is changed, and the determination that “the situation is less dangerous” (in the case of FIG. 3A) is referred to as “the situation is not less dangerous”. The determination is changed to (in the case of FIG. 3B).

  Then, for the vehicle speed display SP2, the display mode is switched by changing the virtual image display distance. In other words, the virtual image display distance is set smaller than the inter-vehicle distance, and the vehicle speed display SP2 is displayed closer to the viewpoint P of the driver (user) 1.

  Here, attention is paid to the relationship between the vehicle speed display SP2 in FIG. 3B and the preceding vehicle B1. As shown, the vehicle speed display SP2 is displayed so as to be in contact with the preceding vehicle B1 and overlap (overlap). In other words, when the virtual image display distance is reduced and the vehicle speed display SP2 is displayed closer to the viewpoint P of the driver (user) 1, a display that devises a spatial arrangement is implemented.

  In FIG. 3B, the vehicle speed display SP2 is arranged near the preceding vehicle B1 and in contact with the ceiling of the preceding vehicle B1. In other words, the display height (height based on the road surface) h2 of the vehicle speed display SP2 is set to be smaller than h1 in FIG. 3A, and as a result, the vehicle speed display SP2 comes into contact with the preceding vehicle B1. Is visible. The vehicle speed display SP2 may be arranged so as to overlap the preceding vehicle B1. Accordingly, in the example of FIG. 3B, no space is interposed between the vehicle speed display (preceding object display) SP2 and the preceding vehicle (preceding object) B1.

  As a result, the vehicle speed display (preceding object information) SP2 looks as if integrated with the preceding vehicle (preceding object) B1, and the driver (user) 1 does not disperse the line of sight P of the driver (user). 1, for example, can read the vehicle speed display (preceding object information) SP2 earlier. This contributes, for example, to prevention of accidents.

  Next, FIG. 3C is referred to. In FIG. 3C, the vehicle speed information of the own vehicle (information about the own vehicle of “65 km / h”) is additionally (in addition to) shown in FIG. 3B. As shown in the figure, the vehicle speed information of the own vehicle is always closer to the own vehicle than the vehicle speed information SP2 (display of “40 km / h”) of the preceding vehicle B1 as the preceding object information. It is displayed on the near side. Therefore, the information on the own vehicle and the information on the preceding vehicle (other vehicle) can be easily distinguished and visually recognized, the distinction can be easily performed, and the effect of preventing confusion can be obtained.

  Next, FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B will be referred to. FIGS. 4A and 4B show display examples in which the virtual image display distance of the preceding object information is also changed according to the change in the inter-vehicle distance between the preceding object (preceding vehicle) and the host vehicle. FIG.

  In the examples of FIGS. 4A and 4B, it is assumed that at least one of “inter-vehicle distance” and “vehicle speed of preceding vehicle” can be displayed as preceding target object information. Here, a case in which only the "inter-vehicle distance" is displayed will be described.

  In FIG. 4A, the inter-vehicle distance display ST is “75 m”. In FIG. 4B, the display of the distance between vehicles has changed to ST ', and the distance between vehicles is "50 m".

  In FIG. 4A, it is assumed that the virtual image display distance is set as in the example of FIG. In addition, as for the display of the inter-vehicle distance information ST, the display height is set to h1, as in FIG. 3A.

  Then, it is assumed that the inter-vehicle distance decreases with the passage of time, and a situation occurs in which the preceding vehicle approaches the own vehicle. FIG. 4B shows one scene in the approaching process. Here, in FIG. 4B, it is assumed that one of the two virtual image display distances shown in FIG. 2B is set. In FIG. 4B, the display height is h2. This is the same as FIG. 3B.

  In the example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the inter-vehicle distance display ST as the preceding target information approaches the viewpoint P of the driver 1 in accordance with the situation where the inter-vehicle distance decreases with time. Such display control is performed. In other words, the virtual image display distance is controlled, for example, continuously, intermittently, or stepwise. Therefore, it is possible to realize a dynamic display in which the inter-vehicle distance display ST flows backward from near to near the vehicle.

  In other words, the preceding object information can be displayed with a sense of realism along with a change in the driving situation, and with the effect of increasing the meaning of the warning over time. Therefore, display (presentation) of effective preceding object information, which has not been achieved in the past, is realized.

  Next, reference is made to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the entire configuration of the HUD device. In FIG. 5, a direction perpendicular to the flat road surface R and away from the road surface is defined as a Y direction (upward direction), a forward direction is defined as an X direction, and a width direction of the vehicle (own vehicle) 10 is defined as a Z direction.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a vehicle (own vehicle) 10 has a display 13 (liquid crystal display or the like), a sonar unit (radar unit: distance measuring unit) 15, and a distance information acquisition unit 17 (preceding object). Information acquisition unit), relative speed information acquisition unit 19 (preceding object information acquisition unit), surrounding imaging camera (here, front and side imaging camera) 54, illuminance sensor (external light intensity sensor) 59, The object detection unit (object information acquisition unit: image processing unit) 61, the display control unit 100, the HUD device 200, the image generation unit 350 for the display unit 13, and the display control unit 352 for the display unit 13 , A vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V) unit 500 (preceding object information obtaining unit), a GPS receiving unit 502, an ECU (vehicle ECU) 700, and buses BUS (1) and (2).

  First, in the examples of FIGS. 2A to 2C, FIGS. 3A to 3C, FIGS. 4A and 4B, the inter-vehicle distance and the vehicle speed of the preceding vehicle have been mentioned. However, the “inter-vehicle distance” can be obtained, for example, by analyzing the signal obtained by the sonar unit 15 by the distance information obtaining unit 17. In the case of a vehicle not provided with the sonar unit (radar unit: distance measuring unit) 15, the inter-vehicle distance may be detected by image processing of the object detection unit (image processing unit) 61.

  The “vehicle speed” of the preceding vehicle can be obtained based on, for example, relative speed information obtained from the relative speed information obtaining unit 19 and the vehicle speed of the own vehicle obtained from the ECU 700. Further, it can be obtained from the inter-vehicle communication (V2V) unit 500. Also, from the inter-vehicle communication (V2V) unit 500, for example, behavior prediction information that a preceding vehicle gets off at the next interchange can be obtained. These can be displayed as preceding vehicle information by the HUD device, for example, near the preceding vehicle.

  The HUD device 200 is installed in the dashboard 4, for example. The HUD device 200 includes, for example, a scanning drive unit (which corresponds to a “virtual image display distance changing unit”) 33, a light source unit 35, and a display surface 47, and an image M is formed on the display surface 47. A display unit (for example, a screen) 46 and an optical system (optical unit) including, for example, a concave mirror 49 are provided. The concave mirror 49 (optical member) projects the display light K onto the windshield 3. As a result, for example, the virtual image display surface is set upright in front of the driver (user) 1, for example, perpendicular to the road surface R (the virtual image display surface may be a slope), and a predetermined virtual image display distance (image formation distance). The virtual image VP is displayed (imaged) on the virtual image display surface PS having the following.

  The light source unit 35 outputs an image M based on an image signal (image data) CV output from the image generation unit 108 in the display control unit 100 and transmitted via the bus BUS (1). Is output as output light QV for forming. However, the above configuration is, for example, the case of a laser scanning type HUD device. In a type of HUD device having no light source unit 35, for example, the display unit 46 can be configured by a liquid crystal display device.

  The scanning drive unit (virtual image display distance changing unit) 33 changes (eg, vibrates) the screen and the lens constituting the display unit 46, for example, along the optical axis, thereby changing the virtual image display distance in multiple steps (or (Multiple steps) (this point will be described later).

  Further, the display control unit 100 includes a virtual image display distance determination unit 104 and an image generation unit 108.

  Next, FIG. 6 is referred to. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example (including a peripheral configuration) of the display control unit. 6, the same reference numerals are given to portions common to FIG.

  The display control unit 100 includes a preceding object determination unit 101, an inter-vehicle distance detection unit 103 that detects an inter-vehicle distance (for example, a distance from a reference point set on the own vehicle to a rear end of the preceding vehicle), and a virtual image display. It has a distance determination unit 104, a driving situation determination unit 106, and an image generation unit (image synthesis unit) 108. Note that the image generating unit (image synthesizing unit) 108 has a memory 109 that stores a three-dimensional object. The three-dimensional object is, for example, data of a polygon figure for realizing the three-dimensionally decorated display described above.

  The virtual image display distance determination unit 104 considers the type of the preceding object, the inter-vehicle distance (distance between the vehicle and the preceding object), and the driving situation (for example, various situations such as a straight road and running at night). And comprehensively determine the display of the preceding vehicle information at what virtual image display distance and in what spatial arrangement, and determine the determination result by the image generation unit ( (Synthesizing unit) 108.

  The image generating unit (image synthesizing unit) 108 performs, for example, a decorated design (for example, a pattern, color, (Including these combinations).

  Depending on the driving situation, it may not be preferable to change the display mode as described above. Therefore, the judgment information by the driving situation judging section 106 is appropriately changed by the image generating section (image synthesizing section). 108.

  Next, FIGS. 7A to 7C are referred to. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a setting example of a virtual image display surface in a multi-surface HUD (3D-HUD) device capable of setting a plurality of virtual image display surfaces having different virtual image display distances, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a multi-surface HUD ( FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a 3D-HUD) device, and FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating a position control signal.

  A multi-surface (multi-layer) HUD device is a HUD device capable of setting multiple (three or more) virtual image display surfaces. In other words, the virtual image display distance can be changed to m (m is a natural number of 3 or more). In FIG. 7A, m = 45, and virtual image display planes PS (1) to PS (45) having different virtual image display distances can be set.

  In a multi-plane (multi-layer) HUD device, since the virtual image display surface capable of displaying a virtual image is multi-plane (multi-layer), the virtual image display distance (imaging plane) can be changed more freely. A three-dimensional display with a sense of depth becomes possible. Further, the size and height of the display target object (object) are appropriately changed to give a sense of perspective, the display position of the object is adjusted, and the object is given a depth to make it three-dimensional. By applying a geometric three-dimensional decoration process (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as three-dimensional decoration) such as adding a shadow to an object, adopting a perspective expression, or expressing the texture of the object precisely. Thus, more realistic 3D display is possible. Display of a stereoscopic image using a parallax image is also possible.

  Next, FIG. 7B is referred to. FIG. 7B shows a configuration of a main part of an optical scanning HUD device (described in FIG. 5). As illustrated, the scanning driving unit (virtual image display distance changing unit) 33 includes a position control signal generating unit 91, a lens driving unit 93, and a screen driving unit 95.

  The position control signal generation section 91 receives a scanning drive signal rvs, which is a control signal given from the display control section 100 (see FIG. 5), and generates and outputs a position control signal VPC. In response to the position control signal VPC, the lens driving unit 93 and the screen driving unit 95 move the lens 44 and the screen 46 as an image display unit (also simply referred to as a display unit) in a direction along the optical axis of the screen 46. By vibrating in a predetermined range (here, the distance range LZ) in the direction along the optical path (in other words, in the direction along the optical path), the screen 46 as the image display unit (more specifically, the display surface 47 on which the image M is displayed) is formed. ), The optical path length to the projection target member 3 is periodically changed. The light emission timing of the light from the light source (laser light source LD) 57 is controlled by the light source driving unit 55 of the light source unit 53, so that the display timing of the image M on the display surface 47 of the screen 46 as the image display unit is controlled. (Display time) is controlled (adjusted). In the light source unit 35, the image data (display image data) CV sent from the image generation unit 108 is received by the image processing unit 51, subjected to predetermined image processing, and then supplied to the light source driving unit 55. Is done.

  Here, when the virtual image display surfaces corresponding to each of the virtual image display distances that can be changed in m ways are set as the first to m-th virtual image display surfaces, the screen 46 (and the lens 44) as the image display unit is set in a predetermined range. In (LZ), control to vibrate at a predetermined cycle, control of the display timing of the image on the display surface 47 of the screen 46 as the image display unit, and control of changing the display content synchronized with the control of the display timing (combination). On each of at least two of the first to m-th virtual image display surfaces, it is possible to display a virtual image of a preceding object (such as a preceding vehicle).

  Next, FIG. 7C is referred to. The position control signal VPC generated by the position control signal generator 91 is, for example, a sawtooth (sawtooth) voltage signal (sawtooth wave voltage signal) as shown in FIG. 7C. In FIG. 7C, time t is set on the horizontal axis, and voltage v is set on the vertical axis.

  When the voltage of the position control signal VPC is 0, the screen 46 as the image display unit is located at the first position PT0. When the voltage of the position control signal VPC is at the peak value, the screen 46 as the image display unit is used. Is located at the second position PT1.

  Here, for example, in each of the times t1 to t4, by outputting images of different display contents (display targets) from the light source unit 53, it is possible to display four display targets (virtual images) having different virtual image display distances. it can. By using this configuration, information such as the vehicle speed and the inter-vehicle distance of the preceding object (such as the preceding vehicle) as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 is appropriately and stereoscopically displayed (in other words, , 3D display).

  Note that the above configuration is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of display units each having a display surface may be provided in parallel, and the position of each display unit may be moved stepwise so that the virtual image display distance can be changed in multiple stages.

  Next, reference is made to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the display process when the process of changing the virtual image display distance is performed.

  First, detection processing and determination processing of a preceding object (processing for specifying what the preceding object is by image analysis of the preceding object, etc.) are performed (step S1).

  Next, the distance between the vehicle and the preceding object is detected, and the rear end position of the preceding object is detected (step S2). Next, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in a driving state with a low risk (whether or not the relationship between the preceding object and the vehicle is in a state where the risk is low) (step S3).

  When Y is determined in step S3, in step S4, the display position of the preceding object information is displayed so as to be farther than the rear end of the preceding object, and the process proceeds to step S6.

  When N is determined in step S3, in step S5, the display position of the preceding object information is displayed so as to be closer to (closer to) the rear end of the preceding object, and the process proceeds to step S6.

  Next, in step S6, the end of the display is determined. If Y, the display process ends, and if N, the process returns to step S2.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when displaying information about a preceding target object, for example, in the vicinity of the preceding target object (including, for example, superimposition), the driver (user) may: It is possible to perform effective display while taking care not to dissipate the attention directed to the preceding object, and to present new and useful preceding object information (especially, presentation by the HUD device) which has not existed in the past. Becomes

  In this specification, the term vehicle can be broadly interpreted as a vehicle. The preceding object, the preceding object information, and the like are also to be interpreted in a broad sense. Further, the display control described in the embodiment is an example, and various variations and applications thereof are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art will be able to easily modify the exemplary embodiments described above to the scope included in the claims. .

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... User, 3 ... Windshield (projected member), 5 ... Virtual image display area (HUD display area), 7 ... Steering wheel (handle), 9 ... Operation part, 10 ... ..Vehicle (own vehicle), 11 front panel, 13 display, 17 distance information obtaining unit, 19 relative speed information obtaining unit, 33 scanning drive unit (virtual image) Display distance changing unit), 35 light source unit, 46 screen (display unit), 47 display surface, 49 concave mirror (optical system, optical unit), 51 image processing unit , 54: front imaging camera (peripheral imaging camera), 55: light source driving unit, 57: light source (LD etc.), 59: illuminance sensor, 61: target detection unit (image processing unit) ), 91: position control signal generation unit, 100: display control unit, 101 ... Preceding object determination unit, 103: inter-vehicle distance detection unit, 104, virtual image display distance determination unit, 106, driving condition determination unit, 108, image generation unit (image synthesis unit), 109, 3D object memory, 500: inter-vehicle communication (V2V) unit, 502: GPS receiving unit, 700: ECU (in-vehicle ECU, etc.), PS: virtual image display surface, VP: image (virtual image) ), M: image on display surface, K: display light, P: user's viewpoint (reference point).

Claims (8)

A vehicle display device having a head-up display (HUD) device that is mounted on a vehicle and that allows a user to visually recognize a virtual image of the image by projecting an image onto a projection target member included in the vehicle,
A preceding object information acquisition unit that acquires preceding object information about a preceding object that is a moving object located in front of the driving vehicle,
An image generation unit that generates the image,
A display unit having a display surface on which the image is formed, and emitting the display light of the image,
An optical system that includes an optical member that reflects the display light and projects the projected light on the projection target member;
A virtual image display distance changing unit that changes a virtual image display distance that is a distance from the reference point set on the user or the vehicle to the virtual image,
The preceding object information, in association with the preceding object, in a non-contact state by approaching the preceding object, or displayed in a state of approaching and contacting the preceding object, A display control unit that controls a virtual image display distance changing unit, and changes a virtual image display distance of the preceding target object information according to a driving situation.
A display device for a vehicle, comprising: The preceding object information is information including first information that is information on a distance between the vehicle and the preceding object that is a distance from the vehicle to the preceding object,
The display control unit determines whether the driving situation is a situation with low risk,
When it is determined that the situation is low in danger, when displaying the first information and at least one piece of information other than the first information included in the preceding object, the preceding object information The display position of the virtual image display distance is set such that the display position is farther than the rear end position of the preceding object obtained based on the distance between the vehicle and the preceding object,
If it is determined that the situation is not dangerous, the virtual image display distance is set so that the display position of the preceding object information is closer to the vehicle than the rear end position of the preceding object. The vehicle display device according to claim 1, wherein the following is set.   The display control unit, when it is determined that the driving situation is a situation with low risk, displays the preceding target object information in a non-contact state by approaching the preceding target object. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein:   The display control unit, when it is determined that the driving situation is not a situation with little risk, the preceding target object information is displayed in a state of approaching and contacting the preceding target object. The display device for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The preceding object information includes, in addition to the first information, second information that is information on a moving speed of the preceding object,
The display control unit compares the vehicle speed of the vehicle with the moving speed of the preceding target object, and when the moving speed of the preceding target object becomes lower than the vehicle speed of the vehicle, the driving condition indicates that the driving situation is dangerous. The vehicle display device according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that the situation is not low.   When the distance between the vehicle and the preceding object decreases with the passage of time, the display control unit includes at least one of the first information and information other than the first information included in the preceding object. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, in one display, a process of reducing the virtual image display distance with the lapse of time so as to correspond to a decrease in the distance between the vehicle and the preceding object is performed. Display device for vehicles.   The display device for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display of the preceding target object information is a three-dimensional display.   The display control unit, when simultaneously displaying information about the vehicle, displays information about the vehicle near the vehicle at a virtual image display distance smaller than the virtual image display distance of the preceding target object information. The vehicle display device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein:

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