JP2022152702A - Virtual image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a virtual image display device capable of making a displayed virtual image itself visible so as to be a large screen in overlapping display, without enlarging the device.SOLUTION: A virtual image display device displays a virtual image Vi that is visible by an occupant of a vehicle A, and comprises: an actuator 63 for switching a position of a field angle VA at which the virtual image is displayed, between a normal position VP1, and a plurality of positions including an overlapping position VP2 above the normal position; and a display control part 73 which displays a virtual image linked to the normal position and the overlapping positions respectively, in accordance with switching of positions of the field angle by the actuator. A virtual image at the normal position is a non-overlapping content CTn which is not overlapped with a foreground of the vehicle, whereas a virtual image at an overlapping position is an overlapping content CTs which is overlapped with the foreground, and the display control part inhibits display of the overlapping content while the switching mechanism moves the field angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The disclosure of this specification relates to a virtual image display device that displays a virtual image that is visible to an occupant of a vehicle.

As a virtual image display device, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 is known. In the virtual image display device of Patent Document 1, an image is formed on a screen by a projector. The screen image is reflected by a mirror, magnified by a Fresnel lens, and projected onto the vehicle's windshield. The image projected onto the front window is superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle as a virtual image, and is visually recognized by the occupant.

JP 2016-78726 A

However, in the virtual image display device, when the predetermined information is not superimposed on the foreground, the virtual image is displayed in front of the viewer, and when the information is superimposed on the foreground, the virtual image is displayed in front of the viewer. Since the virtual image is displayed on the far side of the viewer, a large-screen display is generally required.

In Patent Document 1, for example, an attempt is made to magnify an image using a Fresnel lens, but there is a limit to the method of enlarging an optical system. etc.) will be required.

In view of the above problem, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a virtual image display device that allows the user to visually recognize the displayed virtual image itself as if it were a large screen in superimposed display without increasing the size of the device. .

The present disclosure employs the following technical means in order to achieve the above object.

In the present disclosure, a virtual image display device that displays a virtual image (Vi) that can be visually recognized by an occupant of a vehicle (A),
a switching mechanism (63) for switching the position of the angle of view (VA) where the virtual image is displayed between a plurality of positions including a first position (VP1) and a second position (VP2) above the first position;
A display control unit (73) that displays virtual images associated with the first position and the second position in response to switching of the position of the angle of view by the switching mechanism,
The virtual image at the first position is non-superimposed content (CTn) that is not superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle, and the virtual image at the second position is superimposed content (CTs) that is superimposed on the foreground,
The display control unit is characterized by prohibiting display of the superimposed content while the switching mechanism moves the angle of view.

According to this disclosure, the virtual image at the first position and the virtual image at the second position can be displayed by the switching mechanism without increasing the size of the entire device. Since display of the superimposed content is prohibited while the angle of view is moved between the first position and the second position, the viewer does not recognize that the virtual image is moved. Therefore, the displayed virtual image is viewed as if it were a large screen formed in an area including the non-superimposed content at the first position and the superimposed content at the second position.

It should be noted that the reference numerals in parentheses of the above means indicate the corresponding relationship with specific means described in the embodiments to be described later.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a virtual image display function of the HUD according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display system; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a lookup table; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of display control processing performed by a display control unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing non-superimposed content in inter-vehicle distance maintenance control; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram (not shown) showing movement of the angle of view in the vehicle distance maintenance control; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing superimposed content in inter-vehicle distance maintenance control; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the display of non-superimposed content is resumed in the inter-vehicle distance maintenance control; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing superimposed content that changes according to the inter-vehicle distance; 9 is a flowchart showing details of display control processing performed by a display control unit according to the second embodiment; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing non-superimposed content in turn-by-turn; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing icons in non-superimposed content; FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (not shown) showing movement of an angle of view in turn-by-turn; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing superimposed content corresponding to a distant place in turn-by-turn; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing superimposed content corresponding to near in turn-by-turn; FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing icons during vehicle distance maintenance control in the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a display system according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing superimposed content in another embodiment;

A plurality of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below based on the drawings. Note that redundant description may be omitted by assigning the same reference numerals to corresponding components in each embodiment. When only a part of the configuration is described in each embodiment, the configurations of other embodiments previously described can be applied to other portions of the configuration. Moreover, not only the combinations of the configurations explicitly specified in the description of each embodiment, but also the configurations of a plurality of embodiments can be partially combined even if they are not specified unless there is a particular problem with the combination. Unspecified combinations of the configurations described in the multiple embodiments and modifications are also disclosed by the following description.

(First embodiment)
A virtual image display device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. The function of the virtual image display device is implemented in a head-up display (hereinafter referred to as HUD) 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. The HUD 100 constitutes a display system 110 together with the meter display device 30 and the like. The display system 110 is used in the vehicle A, and presents various information related to the vehicle A to the driver by linking virtual image display by the HUD 100 and screen display by the meter display device 30 and the like.

HUD 100 and meter display device 30 are connected to a communication bus of an in-vehicle network mounted on vehicle A so as to be able to communicate with each other. Other in-vehicle ECUs such as a camera ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 21, a navigation ECU 22, and a driving support ECU 23 are further connected to the communication bus of the in-vehicle network. Those structures connected as nodes to a communication bus can communicate with each other.

The camera ECU 21 is a processing device having a processor, RAM, storage, etc., and is electrically connected to one or a plurality of in-vehicle cameras mounted on the vehicle A. The camera ECU 21 receives image data around the vehicle captured by an in-vehicle camera. The camera ECU 21 analyzes the image of an on-vehicle camera (hereinafter referred to as a front camera) that captures the front of the vehicle A, determines the distance to the preceding vehicle Af (see FIG. 6), the relative positions of the left and right lane markings of the vehicle, and the Detect road signs, etc. in front of the vehicle. The camera ECU 21 provides the driving support ECU 23 with detection information such as the preceding vehicle Af and lane markings. The camera ECU 21 provides the HUD 100 and the meter display device 30 with the road sign recognition information recognized by the traffic sign recognition function. An assistive display to the driver that uses sign recognition is Road Sign Assist (RSA).

The navigation ECU 22 is a processing device having a processor, RAM, storage, etc., and performs route guidance to a destination set by the passenger. The navigation ECU 22 provides the HUD 100 and the meter display device 30 with route information about the guidance area when approaching the guidance area that guides the driver to go straight, turn left or right, branch, merge, etc. during route guidance. For example, the assistance indication to the driver when turning left or right is Turn By Turn (TBT).

The driving assistance ECU 23 is a processing device having a processor, a RAM, a storage, etc., and implements a plurality of assistance functions for assisting the driving of the vehicle A driver. As an example, the driving assistance ECU 23 has driving assistance functions such as ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LDW (Lane Departure Warning).

The driving support ECU 23 uses the ACC function to cause the vehicle A to run at a constant speed at the target vehicle speed, or based on the detection information of the preceding vehicle Af obtained from the camera ECU 21, while maintaining the inter-vehicle distance from the preceding vehicle Af. The vehicle A follows the preceding vehicle Af. Driving assistance ECU 23 provides status information indicating the control state of the ACC function to HUD 100 and meter display device 30 when the ACC function is operating.

The driving support ECU 23 uses the LDW function to determine whether or not the vehicle has deviated from the vehicle's lane, such as running off the lane markings, based on the section line detection information acquired from the camera ECU 21 . When the driving support ECU 23 determines that the vehicle has deviated from the vehicle lane, the driving support ECU 23 provides lane deviation information to the HUD 100 and the meter display device 30, and issues a lane deviation warning to the driver.

Next, detailed configurations of the meter display device 30 and the HUD 100 will be described in order.

The meter display device 30 is one of a plurality of display devices mounted on the vehicle A, and presents information to the driver by displaying an image on the display screen. The meter display device 30 has a configuration corresponding to a combination meter, and is housed in the instrument panel 9 with the display screen facing the driver's seat. As an example, the meter display device 30 is installed in the vehicle interior of the vehicle A at a front position that is easily visible to the driver sitting in the driver's seat. The meter display device 30 has a meter display 31 and a meter ECU 32 .

The meter display 31 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The meter display 31 displays a speedometer image, a tachometer image, a navigation map image, a driving support image, and the like on a display screen based on video data acquired from the meter ECU 32 .

The meter ECU 32 is an electronic control device that functions as an HCU (Human Machine Interface Control Unit) in the display system 110 and controls the user interface functions of the vehicle A. FIG. The meter ECU 32 integrally controls display by display devices such as the meter display 31, the HUD 100, and the center display. The meter ECU 32 generates video data to be provided to the meter display 31 based on various information output to the communication bus.

The meter ECU 32 mainly includes a computer including a processing unit, a RAM, a storage, an input/output interface, and a bus connecting these. The meter ECU 32 cooperates with a head-up ECU 70, which will be described later, to perform arithmetic processing for displaying a virtual image. Specifically, meter ECU 32 generates image data used for displaying virtual image Vi, and sequentially outputs the generated image data to HUD 100 . Specifically, the meter ECU 32 generates image data used for virtual image display such as ACC status, lane departure warning (LDW), sign recognition support display (RSA), and turn-by-turn display (TBT), and provides the HUD 100 with the image data. do.

The HUD 100 is one of a plurality of display devices mounted on the vehicle A, and presents information to the driver using a virtual image Vi formed in a space in front of the driver. The HUD 100 is housed in a housing space provided inside the instrument panel 9 . The HUD 100 projects light formed as a virtual image Vi (hereinafter referred to as virtual image light Lvi) toward the projection range PA of the windshield WS. The virtual image light Lvi projected onto the windshield WS is reflected in the projection range PA toward the driver's seat and is perceived by the driver. The driver visually recognizes a display in which the virtual image Vi is superimposed on the foreground seen through the projection range PA.

The HUD 100 includes a PGU (Picture Generation Unit) 61 , an enlarging optical system 62 , an actuator 63 and a head-up ECU 70 .

The PGU 61 has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel and a backlight. The PGU 61 is fixed to the housing of the HUD 100 with the display surface of the LCD panel facing the magnifying optical system 62 . The PGU 61 displays each frame image of the video data on the display surface of the LCD panel, and illuminates the display surface with a backlight, thereby directing the virtual image light Lvi formed as the virtual image Vi toward the magnifying optical system 62. inject.

The magnifying optical system 62 includes at least one concave mirror formed by vapor-depositing a metal such as aluminum on the surface of a substrate made of synthetic resin, glass, or the like. The enlarging optical system 62 spreads the light emitted from the PGU 61 by reflection and projects it onto the upper projection range PA.

The actuator 63 is a mechanism for mechanically moving the region of the windshield WS that becomes the projection range PA. The projection range PA is a range in which the virtual image light Lvi is projected, and is a range in which the virtual image Vi is visually displayed from the driver's perspective. The actuator 63 rotates the concave mirror of the magnifying optical system 62 around a rotation axis defined in the concave mirror, thereby changing the emission direction of the virtual image light Lvi from the magnifying optical system 62 toward the windshield WS. The actuator 63 moves the projection range PA of the virtual image light Lvi, and thus the position of the angle of view VA visually recognized by the driver, at least in the vertical direction US (see FIG. 1) by changing the posture of the concave mirror. Actuator 63 corresponds to the switching mechanism of the present disclosure.

More specifically, if the virtual range in the space where the virtual image Vi can be formed is assumed to be an imaging plane IS, the angle of view VA is defined based on a virtual line connecting the driver's eye point EP and the outer edge of the imaging plane IS. is the viewing angle The angle of view VA is an angle range within which the driver can visually recognize the virtual image Vi when viewed from the eye point EP. In the HUD 100, the horizontal angle of view (eg, about 6°) in the horizontal direction is larger than the vertical angle of view (eg, about 2°) in the vertical direction. As the angle of view VA moves in the vertical direction US, the front range within the angle of view VA changes. As an example, when the actuator 63 positions the angle of view VA at the lowest position (for example, the depression angle of about 3°), the front range of ten-odd meters to twenty-odd meters is within the angle of view VA. On the other hand, when the actuator 63 positions the angle of view VA to the highest position (for example, the depression angle of about 1°), the front range of about 30 m to 80 m is within the angle of view VA.

Here, the front-rear direction ZG and the left-right direction Yo are defined with reference to the vehicle A stationary on the horizontal plane. Specifically, the longitudinal direction ZG is defined along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle A (traveling direction). The left-right direction Yo is defined along the width direction of the vehicle A. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, the up-down direction US is defined along the vertical direction of the horizontal plane defining the front-rear direction ZG and the left-right direction Yo. For simplification of description, the description of the reference numerals indicating each direction will be omitted as appropriate.

The head-up ECU 70 is a control circuit for the HUD 100 that integrally controls the PGU 61 and the actuator 63 . The head-up ECU 70 mainly includes a computer including a processing unit, RAM, storage, input/output interface, and a bus connecting them. The head-up ECU 70 is further provided with a drive circuit for driving the PGU 61 (LCD panel, backlight) and the actuator 63 .

The head-up ECU 70 changes the content displayed as the virtual image Vi in association with the position of the angle of view VA. Specifically, the head-up ECU 70 drives and controls the actuator 63 to switch the position of the angle of view VA where the virtual image Vi is displayed between a plurality of positions including the normal position VP1 and the superimposed position VP2. The head-up ECU 70 displays the virtual image Vi associated with each of the normal position VP1 and the superimposed position VP2 in accordance with the switching of the position of the angle of view VA by the actuator 63 . The normal position VP1 corresponds to the first position of the present disclosure, and the superimposed position VP2 corresponds to the second position of the present disclosure.

The normal position VP1 is a view angle position where the non-superimposed content CTn is mainly displayed as the virtual image Vi. The non-superimposed content CTn is a display object (non-AR display object) excluding the superimposed content CTs, which will be described later, among display objects superimposed on the foreground. Unlike the superimposed content CTs, the non-superimposed content CTn is displayed at a specific position within the projection range PA (angle of view VA) without specifying the superimposition target. Therefore, the non-superimposed content CTn is visually recognized by the driver as being relatively fixed to the vehicle configuration such as the windshield WS. A state in which vehicle information such as vehicle speed is displayed by the non-superimposed content CTn at the normal position VP1 is a reference state for virtual image display by the HUD 100 (see FIG. 5, etc.).

The superimposed position VP2 is a view angle position where the superimposed content CTs is mainly displayed as the virtual image Vi. The superimposed position VP2 is defined above the normal position VP1. The superimposed content CTs is an AR display object used for augmented reality (AR) display. The display position of the superimposed content CTs is associated with a specific superimposed target present in the foreground, such as a specific position on the road surface, a forward vehicle, a pedestrian, and a road sign. The superimposed content CTs is superimposed and displayed on a specific superimposed target within the angle of view VA, and can be visually moved following the superimposed target as if relatively fixed to the superimposed target. The shape of the superimposed content CTs continues to be updated at a predetermined cycle in accordance with the relative position and shape of the superimposition target. The superimposed content CTs is displayed in a more horizontal orientation than the non-superimposed content CTn, and has a display shape extending in the depth direction as seen from the driver, for example. As an example, when a specific event that should be notified to the driver occurs, the HUD 100 moves the angle of view VA from the normal position VP1 to the superimposed position VP2 and displays the superimposed content CTs.

As described above, the head-up ECU 70 executes the program (virtual image display program) stored in the storage by the processing unit to realize the virtual image display control in which the angle of view position and the content are linked, and the plurality of functional units are executed. Prepare. Specifically, the head-up ECU 70 includes functional units such as an information acquisition unit 71, a data storage unit 72, a display control unit 73, and the like.

The information acquisition unit 71 is connected to the communication bus and the meter ECU 32 . The information acquisition unit 71 acquires road sign recognition information from the camera ECU 21, route information from the navigation ECU 22, status information and lane deviation information from the driving support ECU 23, and the like from the communication bus. Image data for virtual image display generated by the meter ECU 32 is sequentially input to the information acquisition unit 71 . The information acquisition section 71 is electrically connected to the AR switch 68 . The AR switch 68 is a switch operated by the driver to switch on and off the AR display using the superimposed content CTs. The information acquisition unit 71 detects the ON and OFF states of the AR switch 68 .

The data storage section 72 is a storage area that stores a plurality of data referred to by the display control section 73 . The data storage unit 72 may be a storage area secured within the RAM, or may be a partial storage area within the storage. A lookup table 81 , mirror position data 82 and 83 , and graphic data 84 and 85 are prepared in the data storage section 72 so that they can be referred to by the display control section 73 .

The lookup table 81 (see Lookup Table in FIG. 2) is information that associates the angle of view position and the content (see FIG. 3). The mirror position data 82 (see Mirror Position Data A in FIG. 2) is information that defines the angular position of the concave mirror when the angle of view VA is set to the normal position VP1. The mirror position data 83 (see Mirror Position Data B in FIG. 2) is information that defines the angular position of the concave mirror when the angle of view VA is set to the superimposed position VP2. Each mirror position data 82, 83 may be a value that can be adjusted by the driver so as to match the position of the driver's eyepoint EP. The graphic data 84 (see Graphic Data A in FIG. 2) is image data used when the angle of view VA is at the normal position VP1. The graphic data 85 (see Graphic Data B in FIG. 2) is image data used when the angle of view VA is at the superimposition position VP2.

In FIG. 3, "o" and "double-circle" means that the graphic data 85 is given priority when the graphic data 84 or the graphic data 85 are displayed. Also, "-" in FIG. 3 means to hide.

The display control unit 73 is a control unit that integrally controls the PGU 61 and the actuator 63 , and generates video data and control signals to be output to the PGU 61 and drive signals to be output to the actuator 63 . The display control unit 73 switches between enabling and disabling the operation of moving the angle of view VA to the superimposition position VP2 based on the ON/OFF state of the AR switch 68 ascertained by the information acquisition unit 71 . When the AR switch 68 is in the OFF state, the display control unit 73 fixes the angle of view VA to the normal position VP1, displays the non-superimposed content CTn, and suspends the display of the superimposed content CTs.

The display control unit 73 determines the position of the angle of view VA based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 71 and the contents of the lookup table 81, and based on the determined angle of view position, displays the content to be displayed as a virtual image. to select. The display control unit 73 extracts material data of images used for generating video data from each of the graphic data 84 and 85 based on the content selection result. The display control unit 73 appropriately combines the image data generated from the graphic data 84 and 85 and the image data provided from the meter ECU 32 to generate each frame image of the video data. The display control unit 73 sequentially outputs video data composed of a large number of continuous frame images to the PGU 61 .

The meter ECU 32 changes the display of the display screen of the meter display 31 in cooperation with the switching of the position of the angle of view VA by the actuator 63 in the HUD 100 . The meter ECU 32 causes the display screen to display detailed information related to the superimposed content CTs to be displayed after the angle of view VA is moved. The detailed information is the same type of information as the superimposed content CTs, and presents the driver with more detailed content than the superimposed content CTs.

In addition, the driver can select the content to be displayed at the normal position VP1 and the superimposed position VP2 in advance. In addition, the driver can select whether or not to perform display (AR display) at the normal position VP1 and the superimposed position VP2 with the AR switch 68 . Also, the driver can select whether or not to display at the normal position VP1 and the superimposed position VP2 during driving.

Next, details of control when the non-superimposed content CTn and the superimposed content CTs are displayed by moving the angle of view VA from the normal position VP1 to the superimposed position VP2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9. FIG. 4 to 9, a case of notifying a change of the ACC status (constant-speed running or follow-up running) will be described as an example.

When the ACC function is not activated by the driving support ECU 23, the non-superimposed content CTn is displayed as the virtual image Vi at the normal position VP1 (below the windshield WS) as a basic display form (FIG. 5). . The non-superimposed content CTn indicates, for example, the running vehicle speed CTn1 (60 km/h). Then, when the driver sets the ACC function (target vehicle speed and target inter-vehicle distance), an icon CTn2 indicating that the ACC function has been set is additionally displayed in the non-superimposed content CTn (FIG. 5). .

In the control flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the display control unit 73 detects a signal indicating ON/OFF of the AR switch 68 in S101, and proceeds to S102. In S102, the display control unit 73 determines whether the AR function is on based on the signal detected in S101. If it is determined in S102 that the AR function is off, the process proceeds to S111. On the other hand, if it is determined in S102 that the AR function is on, the process proceeds to S103.

In S103, the display control unit 73 refers to the lookup table 81 based on various information acquired by the information acquisition unit 71 to determine the position of the angle of view VA and the content to be displayed as a virtual image (here, ACC content) is determined, and the process proceeds to S104. In S104, the display control unit 73 determines whether or not the switching operation for switching the position of the angle of view VA is necessary based on the determination in S103. If it is determined in S104 that the switching operation is unnecessary and the current angle of view position is to be maintained, the process proceeds to S111. On the other hand, when it is determined in S104 that the switching operation is necessary, the process proceeds to S105.

In S105, the display control unit 73 temporarily hides the non-superimposed content CTn, and in S106, as shown in FIG. move. In this case, the upper end position of the superimposed position VP2 (the upper end position of the angle of view VA) is the rear end position of the forward vehicle Af (FIG. 7).

In S107, the display control unit 73 determines the superimposition position VP2. That is, when it is determined in S107 that the movement to the superimposed position VP2 has been completed, the process proceeds to S108. If the movement to the superimposition position VP2 has not been completed, the display control unit 73 repeats S106 and S107.

In S108, the display control unit 73 displays the superimposed content CTs as shown in FIG. The superimposed content CTs in the ACC is, for example, an image showing the inter-vehicle distance between the vehicle A (own vehicle) and the preceding vehicle Af. is formed from In the superimposed content CTs, the greater the number of horizontal bars CTs2, the longer the inter-vehicle distance (FIG. 9).

Then, in S109, the display control unit 73 determines whether the elapsed time after displaying the superimposed content CTs has passed a predetermined time. Hide CTs. In other words, the superimposed content CTs is displayed to the driver for a predetermined period of time. After S110, the process proceeds to S111.

In S111, the display control unit 73 moves the position of the angle of view VA to the normal position VP1, and in S112, displays the non-superimposed content CTn (vehicle speed display) at the normal position VP1 ( return to the basic display mode).

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the virtual image Vi at the normal position VP1 (first position) and the superimposed position VP2 (second position) are controlled by the actuator 63 (switching mechanism) without increasing the size of the entire apparatus. The virtual image Vi in can be displayed. Since display of the superimposed content CTs is prohibited while the angle of view VA is moved between the normal position VP1 and the superimposed position VP2, the driver (viewer) perceives that the virtual image Vi is being moved. is not recognized. Therefore, the displayed virtual image Vi is viewed as if it were a large screen formed in an area including the non-superimposed content CTn at the normal position VP1 and the superimposed content CTs at the superimposed position VP2.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment is shown in FIGS. In the second embodiment, a case where turn-by-turn display (route guidance display) is performed will be described as an example in contrast to the first embodiment. The control flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is obtained by eliminating S109 and adding S108A and S108B to FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment.

The non-superimposed content CTn, as shown in FIG. 11, is the same as in the first embodiment, and indicates, for example, the vehicle speed CTn1 (60 km/h) during running. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, when the navigation ECU 22 provides route guidance to the destination according to the driver's settings, the non-superimposed content CTn includes an icon CTn3 indicating that the route guidance function has been set. additionally displayed.

In S101 to S108 of the control flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the display control unit 73, for example, switches the position of the angle of view VA when the vehicle A approaches an intersection and turns right or left (here, turns right). Determine whether or not it is necessary (lookup table 81, TBT in FIG. 3). When the display control unit 73 determines in S104 that it is necessary to switch the position of the angle of view VA, as shown in FIG. , the position of the angle of view VA is moved to the superposition position VP2 (upward).

Then, when the movement of the angle of view VA to the superimposed position VP2 is completed (S107), the display control unit 73 displays the turn-by-turn superimposed content CTs in S108, as shown in FIG. The turn-by-turn superimposed content CTs is, for example, a guidance direction CTs3 indicating the direction to turn at an approaching intersection. The guiding direction CTs3 is designed, for example, by arranging a plurality (three in this case) of planar triangular figures in the left-right direction Yo, and the apex angle of each triangle faces the direction in which it should turn. ing. The superimposed contents CTs are superimposed and arranged so as to be positioned on the near side of the approaching intersection.

Then, in S108A, the display control unit 73 displays while moving the superimposed content CTs according to the driving scene, that is, in this turn-by-turn. That is, as the vehicle A travels, the actual intersection relatively approaches the vehicle A (actually, the vehicle A approaches the intersection). Positions are displayed while being sequentially moved downward from the initial display position. Along with this, as shown in FIG. 15, the guide direction CTs3 is displayed so as to become larger one by one.

Next, in S108B, the display control unit 73 determines whether or not the superimposition target has finished, that is, whether or not the intersection has been passed through by turning right. . If a negative determination is made in S108B, S108A and S108B are repeated. Then, the display control unit 73 returns the angle of view VA to the normal position VP1 in S111, and displays the non-superimposed content CTn in S112 (return to FIG. 11).

As described above, in the present embodiment, the display control unit 73, even while the angle of view VA is being moved, according to the driving scene of the vehicle A, that is, in this turn-by-turn (route guidance), Display of the superimposed content CTs is permitted. That is, during route guidance, the guidance direction CTs3 of the superimposed content CTs is displayed so as to move from the upper side to the lower side until the turning at the intersection is completed. Appropriate visual recognition is possible, and driving (without error) along the guided route becomes possible.

Note that the display control unit 73 determines the switching timing of the movement of the angle of view VA for the actuator 63 (switching mechanism) according to the speed of the vehicle A or the traveling position of the vehicle A in turn-by-turn, for example. do it.

Further, for example, in turn-by-turn, when the actuator 63 moves the angle of view VA from the normal position VP1 to the superimposition position VP2, the display control unit 73 prohibits the display of the superimposed content CTs, and also prohibits the display of the superimposed content CTs. When the angle of view VA is moved from the position VP2 to the normal position VP1, it is preferable to continue displaying the superimposed content CTs.

For example, the non-superimposed content CTn (normal position VP1) is hidden 300 m before the intersection, and the angle of view VA is moved to the superimposed position VP2. After that, it is preferable to gradually move the display area downward while continuing to display the superimposed content CTs from 100 m before to 20 m before. In this way, when the vehicle A is traveling at a high speed, the driver's line of sight is originally far away, so at the point of 300 m to the intersection, the driver can easily recognize the far away. By gradually moving the display area of the superimposed content CTs downward as the vehicle approaches the intersection, it is possible to make the driver visually recognize it at a point suitable for the driver (near, not far).

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment is shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, an overlapping area VP3 is formed in which the angle of view VA at the normal position VP1 (lower position) and the angle of view VA at the superimposed position VP2 (upper position) overlap. Then, the display control unit 73 continues to display at least part of the non-superimposed content CTn in the overlapping area while the angle of view VA is moving. At least part of the non-superimposed content CTn can be displayed as, for example, the icon CTn2 in the ACC status in the first embodiment. The icon CTn2 is displayed, for example, at the left end of the overlapping area VP3.

As a result, while the angle of view VA is moved, the basic superimposed content CTs is hidden, but the icon CTn2 is always displayed and recognized at the same position as viewed from the driver. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the viewer from recognizing (not finding out) that the superimposed content CTs is moving in a non-display state. can be done.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. The fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. A display system 210 according to the fourth embodiment includes a meter display device 30, a HUD 200, and the like. In the fourth embodiment, the function of outputting image data used for virtual image display from the meter display device 30 to the HUD 200 is omitted. Image data used for virtual image display are all generated by the head-up ECU 70 .

HUD 200 comprises projection unit 260 , mirror actuator 263 and unit actuator 264 . Projection unit 260 is configured to integrally include PGU 61 and enlarging optical system 62 . The projection unit 260 is supported by the housing of the HUD 200 so as to be vertically movable in the direction in which the virtual image light Lvi (see FIG. 1) is emitted.

The mirror actuator 263 and the unit actuator 264 have a configuration corresponding to the actuator 63 (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment, and mechanically move the region of the windshield WS that becomes the projection range PA (see FIG. 1). It is a mechanism that allows The mirror actuator 263 is a mechanism incorporated in the projection unit 260 and rotates the concave mirror of the magnifying optical system 62 around the rotation axis defined for the concave mirror. The unit actuator 264 rotates the entire projection unit 260 with respect to the housing of the HUD 200 around the rotation axis defined in the projection unit 260 . The mirror actuator 263 and the unit actuator 264 cooperate with each other to change the emission direction of the virtual image light Lvi from the magnifying optical system 62 toward the windshield WS.

As a result, the position of the virtual image Vi can be changed as in the first to third embodiments. In particular, by using the mirror actuator 263 and the unit actuator 264, the moving range of the virtual image Vi can be increased, and the driver can be given the impression of using a larger screen.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, a plurality of embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, but the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the above embodiments, and various embodiments and combinations within the scope of the present disclosure. can be applied.

In each of the above embodiments, an example of ACC status change notification or turn-by-turn display has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to lane departure warning (LDW), sign recognition support display (RSA), and the like. be. In the lane departure warning, the superimposed content CTs may warn the vehicle A to move from the side of the lane where the vehicle A is likely to deviate to the center side of the lane. Further, in the sign recognition support display, a sign (for example, a speed limit sign) recognized by the front camera can be displayed as the superimposed content CTs.

Further, when changing the display position of the virtual image Vi between the normal position VP1 and the superimposed position VP2, there is distortion correction of the virtual image Vi suitable for each position. Therefore, it is preferable to provide distortion correction values corresponding to respective positions as a distortion correction table.

In addition, although a plurality (three) of planar triangular figures are used as the superimposed content CTs in the turn-by-turn of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, triangles on both sides may be stereoscopically displayed. . As a result, even if the display area is moved, it is possible to display not a two-dimensional display but a three-dimensional display in the augmented reality space, thereby making it difficult to feel discomfort.

Also, the PGU 61 of the HUD 100 may be provided with an EL (Electro Luminescence) panel instead of the LCD panel and backlight. Also, instead of the EL panel, a PGU 61 using a display such as a plasma display panel, cathode ray tube, and LED may be adopted. Furthermore, a laser projector or DLP (Digital Light Processing, registered trademark) and a screen may be provided instead of the LCD panel and backlight. In the PGU 61 having such a configuration, a display image drawn on the screen is projected onto the windshield WS by the magnifying optical system 62 and formed as a virtual image Vi. In addition, the optical elements employed in the magnifying optical system 62 are not limited to concave mirrors, and may be changed as appropriate to various mirrors, lenses, holographic optical elements, and the like.

Further, the processing units provided in the head-up ECU 70 and the meter ECU 32 in each of the above-described embodiments are hardware for arithmetic processing coupled with RAM. The processing unit is configured to include at least one arithmetic core such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing unit may be configured to further include, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and an IP core having other dedicated functions. On the other hand, the RAM may be configured to include a video RAM for image generation. The processing unit accesses the RAM to execute various processes for realizing the virtual image display method of the present disclosure. A storage is a configuration including a non-volatile storage medium. The storage of each ECU 32, 70 stores various programs (display control program, etc.) executed by the processing unit.

Further, each function provided by the head-up ECU 70 and the meter ECU 32 in each of the above embodiments may be provided by software and hardware for executing it, only software, only hardware, or a complex combination thereof. It is possible. Furthermore, if such functions are provided by electronic circuits as hardware, each function can also be provided by digital circuits, including numerous logic circuits, or analog circuits.

Also, the form of the storage medium storing the program etc. capable of realizing the above-described virtual image display method may be changed as appropriate. For example, the storage medium is not limited to being provided on a circuit board, but may be provided in the form of a memory card or the like, inserted into a slot, and electrically connected to the control circuit of the HCU. . Further, the storage medium may be an optical disk, a hard disk drive, etc., from which the program is copied to the HCU.

The controller and techniques described in this disclosure may also be implemented by a special purpose computer comprising a processor programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. Alternatively, the apparatus and techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented by dedicated hardware logic circuitry. Alternatively, the apparatus and techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented by one or more special purpose computers configured by a combination of a processor executing a computer program and one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program may also be stored as computer-executable instructions on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible storage medium.

63 actuator (switching mechanism)
73 Display control unit A Vehicle Vi Virtual image VA Angle of view VP1 Normal position (first position)
VP2 superposition position (second position)
VP3 Overlapping region CTn Non-superimposed content CTs Superimposed content

Claims (5)

A virtual image display device that displays a virtual image (Vi) that can be visually recognized by an occupant of a vehicle (A),
A switching mechanism (63) for switching the position of the angle of view (VA) where the virtual image is displayed between a plurality of positions including a first position (VP1) and a second position (VP2) above the first position. When,
a display control unit (73) for displaying the virtual image associated with each of the first position and the second position in response to switching of the position of the angle of view by the switching mechanism;
The virtual image at the first position is non-superimposed content (CTn) that is not superimposed on the foreground of the vehicle, and the virtual image at the second position is superimposed content (CTs) that is superimposed on the foreground,
The virtual image display device, wherein the display control unit prohibits display of the superimposed content while the switching mechanism moves the angle of view. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit permits display of the superimposed content according to a driving scene of the vehicle even while the angle of view is being moved. An overlap region (VP3) is formed in which the angle of view at the first position and the angle of view at the second position overlap,
3. The virtual image display device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit continues to display at least a portion of the non-superimposed content in the overlapping area while the angle of view is moving. 4. The display control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit determines switching timing of movement of the angle of view for the switching mechanism according to the speed of the vehicle or the traveling position of the vehicle. The virtual image display device according to 1. The display control unit prohibits display of the superimposed content when the switching mechanism moves the angle of view from the first position to the second position, and the switching mechanism switches from the second position to the 5. The virtual image display device according to claim 4, wherein the display of the superimposed content is continued when the angle of view is moved to the first position.

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