JP2587025Y2 - View control device with information display function - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to enlarge and reduce the field of view of an automobile, and simultaneously has a function of displaying various information and public information to the outside in synchronism therewith. The present invention relates to a visibility control device with a function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a means for expanding the field of view, there is a diffusion method using a prism. Some are used. In addition, while the vehicle is running, it is necessary to notify the outside and the driver of various state changes and abnormal occurrences of the vehicle. Various means have conventionally been employed for this purpose.

As the prior art having the above objects, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 56-17718 and 58-11
No. 6,240, and JP-A-61-158367. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 56-17718 discloses a "display device for an automobile window" in which a pattern displayed by liquid crystal is provided on a part or all of a window surface of an automobile. There is disclosed a display device in which a liquid crystal unit (LCD) in which a liquid crystal is sandwiched by a polarizing plate is embedded, and when a vehicle exceeds a certain vehicle speed or the like, the vehicle speed is displayed on a liquid crystal to inform a driver. Since this liquid crystal display is performed only in an abnormal state, it is characterized in that it is mounted on a windshield which does not hinder the field of view at normal times and which is most easily seen by the driver. JP-A-58-116240 discloses a "vehicle windshield" in which a transmission type electrochromic display is provided in a part of the field of view of the windshield. An electrochromic substance is a substance that is reversibly colored by an operation of applying a voltage.By utilizing this property, when an abnormality occurs during running of a vehicle, a predetermined voltage is applied to the electrochromic substance to display an abnormality. is there. In this case, as in the case of the above-described known technique, a feature is that the display is displayed on the windshield without interrupting the ordinary field of view.
Also, the "lighting device" disclosed in JP-A-61-158367.
Comprises a tubular light source, a linear Fresnel prism, and a plane mirror. The linear Fresnel prism and the plane mirror are connected in a V-shape, and the tubular light source is installed at the V-shaped opening position. With the above structure, the brightness of the reflected light is made uniform and the unevenness in brightness is eliminated.

[0004]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
No. 8, the "display device" has no means for expanding the field of view using a Fresnel lens or the like, and the displayed pattern is intended exclusively for the driver and does not have an external display function. Further, the "windshield" disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 58-116240 has no means for expanding the field of view using a Fresnel lens or the like, as in the prior art, and is mainly for the driver. The "illumination device" disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-158367 uses a linear Fresnel prism or a tubular light source, but does not have a display function at the time of abnormality or the like.

As described above, a Fresnel lens is sometimes used for the glass of an automobile for the purpose of enlarging the field of view. However, the field of view is hindered depending on the mounting position and running conditions, such as high-speed running and nighttime running. In some cases, fear is given. In addition, when the vehicle changes state, such as when the vehicle changes direction or performs a brake operation, it is necessary to display the state on the driver side. However, it is desirable for safety to notify the outside person of the state. When an external display function is provided, it is more desirable to provide not only information on state changes and occurrence of abnormalities but also information on publicity necessary for outsiders. In addition, it is desirable to eliminate the function of the Fresnel lens except when necessary, in order to eliminate obstruction of the view by the Fresnel lens. Furthermore, if the removal of the visual field obstruction by the Fresnel lens and the above-mentioned information display are provided in parallel, and if the part of the visibility reduction accompanying the removal of the function of the Fresnel lens can be used as a place for providing information, the place can be effectively used. Further, the Fresnel lens has a function of enlarging the field of view, but has a disadvantage that it is easily stained due to the step shape, and is easily broken due to its thin thickness. Therefore, means for eliminating this disadvantage is also required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances while solving the above problems. In addition, the present invention can selectively exercise the function of enlarging the field of view by the Fresnel lens, and can prevent its fouling. It is an object of the present invention to provide a visibility control device with an information display function in which external display such as information on a vehicle state change or occurrence of an abnormality or public information is performed without providing a special display area.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides driving information,
Apparatus for selectively performing information display such as public information and visual field enlargement / reduction control, comprising: a Fresnel prism / Fresnel lens; a front side liquid crystal unit and a back side liquid crystal unit having the same contents sandwiching the lens; A view control device with an information display function comprising a plate and a control device for adding negative and positive control outputs to the front side liquid crystal unit and the back side liquid crystal unit based on an information command. More specifically, the device is mounted on a part of the glass of an automobile or on a part of a glass surface of the automobile, and the information command is used to change the operating state of the automobile such as a change in direction, a brake operation, and the like, when an abnormality occurs, and when an occupant occurs. It is emitted at any time of choice and is characterized in that the device is provided with a light emitting unit and / or a light beam introducing unit for positively introducing light into the device. is there.

[0008]

For example, by mounting a Fresnel lens below the windshield of an automobile, the field of view immediately before is widened.
On the other hand, a control output is automatically or manually added to the liquid crystal unit when the operation state of the vehicle changes, such as a change in direction, or at any time desired by the occupant. In this case, the control output is negatively applied to the front side liquid crystal unit and the control output is positively applied to the back side liquid crystal unit. Since these front and rear liquid crystal units are disposed with the Fresnel lens interposed therebetween, the field of view from the inside of the windshield portion where the Fresnel lens is mounted is cut off when the control output is added. You. On the other hand, a liquid crystal display of the front and rear liquid crystal units is generated in this portion, and desired information and public information are displayed and can be confirmed from outside. Also in this case, the display is diffused by complicated reflected light from a Fresnel lens or the like, so that the brightness can be improved. In addition, by providing a light emitting unit and / or a light beam introducing unit in the present apparatus, the brightness of the display can be further improved. Further, since the Fresnel lens is sandwiched between the front side liquid crystal unit and the back side liquid crystal unit, the Fresnel lens is prevented from being stained.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a line A in FIG.
-A enlarged sectional view, FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an automobile cab showing a mounting position of the embodiment, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control device of the embodiment, and FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a control operation of the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the outline of the field-of-view expanding operation of the Fresnel lens of this embodiment, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the information display operation of this embodiment, and FIGS. FIG. 12 is a partial front view for explaining the information display of the present embodiment and the state of the external / inner visual field control in that case. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the state of improvement in brightness by a Fresnel lens or the like at the time of information display. 13 is a sectional view showing an embodiment of a light emitting section, FIGS. 14 and 15 are sectional views showing an embodiment of a light beam introducing section, and FIG. 16 is a section showing an embodiment in which a Fresnel lens and a liquid crystal unit are disposed in glass. It is sectional drawing.

The visibility control device 1 with an information display function of the present embodiment roughly controls a Fresnel lens 2, a front side liquid crystal unit 3 and a back side liquid crystal unit 4 sandwiching the Fresnel lens 2, and front and back side liquid crystal units 3 and 4. And a control device 5 for performing the operation. In this embodiment, the windshield 6 of the automobile is used.
Is shown on the back side below, but is not limited thereto. Although a light bulb 7 as one of the light emitting units for improving the brightness is provided in the figure, it is not an essential element. As will be described later, the control unit 5 is provided with a sensing unit 8 for transmitting a change in operation state, information display content, and the like to the control unit 5 side.
Are added to the front side liquid crystal unit 3 and the back side liquid crystal unit 4 through the like. The front and back side liquid crystal units 3 and 4 have the same contents, and include a known LCD (Li) comprising a liquid crystal capable of displaying various information and public information and a polarizing plate sandwiching the liquid crystal.
(Quid Crystal Display) is used. Fresnel lens 2 and front and back liquid crystal units 3,
The unit 4 is integrally united by an upper lid 10 and a lower lid 11 made of acrylic to form a unit portion 17, and is connected to the control device 5 side via a lead wire 12.

The windshield 6 is mounted on a roof panel 13, a window panel 14 and a side pillar 15 via a rubber molding 16, as shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 3, the unit portion 17 of the present device, in which the Fresnel lens 2, the front and rear liquid crystal units 3, 4 and the upper and lower lids 10, 11 are integrally assembled, is attached below the windshield 6 and adhered. While being fixed by an agent or the like, the right and left ends are supported by the holding plate 18 as shown in FIG. The holding plate 18 is fixed to the side pillar 15 by bolts 19.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light bulb 7 is mounted on the wind panel 14 via a rubber bush 20,
The tip side is arranged at a position facing the lower lid 11. Further, the lead wire 21 of the light bulb is connected to an open / close switch (not shown) controlled by the control device 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 5
4, a display setting storage unit 25, a character font storage unit 26, a liquid crystal display control signal generation unit 27, and the like. The storage units 25 and 26 are stored as a ROM. Judgment unit 24
Receives input signals from the operation detection unit 22 and the condition selection switch unit 23, determines necessary display settings and display characters, and references desired display settings and display characters from the display setting storage unit 25 and the character font storage unit 26. The input is made to the liquid crystal display control signal generation unit 27 side.

The LCD controller 9 shown in FIG.
Correspond to the output amplifying section 28 and the output inverting section 29. The output amplifying unit 28 amplifies the control output from the control device 5 and introduces a positive control output to the back side liquid crystal unit 4, and the output inverting unit 29 converts the control output amplified by the output amplifying unit 28 into a negative. And is introduced into the front side liquid crystal unit 3.

The sensing section 8 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the operation detecting section 22 and the condition selecting switch section 23 shown in FIG.
The operation detecting section 22 detects the presence or absence of an operation of a turn signal for changing the direction of the vehicle or a brake at the time of braking, and sends an input signal thereof to the control device 5 side. The condition selection switch unit 23 has a function of selecting each condition such as setting of display contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal (display setting), display characters, display timing, manual or automatic switching, and inputting a switch to the control device 5. Things.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control operation according to the block diagram of FIG. The turn signal operation of the turn signal switch and the brake operation by the stop lamp relay are detected by the operation detecting unit 22 (step 1).
00, 101). The condition selection switch unit 23 determines display setting, display characters, display timing, and manual or automatic (not shown in the flowchart). The determination unit 24 of the control device 5 gives priority to the blinker information (step 102), and determines display settings, display characters, display timing, manual or automatic, etc. necessary for the display. In the control device 5, the display setting storage 25
, Necessary display settings are referenced (step 103), display characters are selected (step 104), and required display character fonts are referenced from the character font storage unit 26 (step 105). Next, the liquid crystal display control signal generation unit 27 generates a liquid crystal display control output based on the display setting reference and the character font reference (step 106), and outputs the control output to the output amplifying unit of the LCD controller 9 (FIG. 1). Output to the 28 side (step 107). The control output amplified here is introduced into the back side liquid crystal unit 4, and a positive character display is displayed based on the display setting reference (step 10).
8). On the other hand, the control output amplified by the output amplifying unit 28 is inverted by the output inverting unit 29 (step 109), and is introduced into the front side liquid crystal unit 3 to perform negative character display (step 110). As described above, for example, liquid crystal information such as "turn right" is displayed (step 111).

FIG. 6 shows how the unit section 17 of the present embodiment expands the field of view. When the control output is not added to the front side liquid crystal unit 3 and the back side liquid crystal unit 4, the front and back side liquid crystal units 3 and 4 do not obstruct the passage of light. Therefore, the viewpoint (E
A part of the line of sight 30 (indicated by P) is refracted and reflected by the Fresnel lens 2 to widen the field of view. Although not shown, the incident light from the outside on the lower side enters the EP side, so that the field of view is expanded.

FIG. 7 shows a case where the control output is added to the unit section 17. In this case, the front side liquid crystal unit 3 becomes negative, and, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, portions other than the right side of the arrow (31 in FIG. 7) become black. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 9, the back side liquid crystal unit 4 is black only on the right side of the arrow (32 in FIG. 7), and the other portions are white.
As described above, when the location of the unit 17 is viewed from the driver's seat side inside the automobile as shown in FIG.
And the arrow right 31 in FIG. 8 overlap, and the field of view is cut. That is, the function of expanding the field of view by the Fresnel lens 2 at the location where the unit 17 is disposed is lost, and the field of view at that portion is reduced. On the other hand, when the unit 17 in this state is viewed from the outside as shown in FIG. 11, the display on the right side 31 of the front side liquid crystal unit 3 is clearly indicated, and the liquid crystal information is displayed.

FIG. 12 explains the function of the Fresnel lens 2 in the unit section 17 in the state shown in FIG. That is, a part of the incident light incident from the outside is refracted by the Fresnel lens 2 and the Fresnel lens 2
The light is complicatedly reflected and refracted by the gap 33 between the liquid crystal unit 4 and the back side liquid crystal unit 4 and the corner 34 of the Fresnel lens 2. Therefore, the brightness of the liquid crystal information display on the right side of the arrow 31 shown in FIG.
Clearer display is possible as compared to a lens that does not use the Fresnel lens 2.

Although not shown, since the Fresnel lens 2 functions as a diffusion transmission film as described above, when viewed from the outside, the color tone of the back side liquid crystal unit 4 is considerably higher than the color tone of the front side liquid crystal unit 3. become weak. Further, since there is a spatial distance between the front side liquid crystal unit 3 and the back side liquid crystal unit 4, a deviation occurs between the two except when viewed from the front, and the contrast is enhanced. That is, by interposing the Fresnel lens 2, even if the front and back side liquid crystal units 3 and 4 have the same color tone, the color tone becomes different due to the diffuse transmission effect of the Fresnel lens 2. In addition, a highlight portion is generated due to a spatial shift between the front and back side liquid crystal units 3 and 4, and the contrast is further enhanced. In the present embodiment, the same color is used as the front side liquid crystal unit 3 and the back side liquid crystal unit 4. However, by changing the colors of both, display characters of different colors can be recognized. It should be noted that due to the nature of the liquid crystal, it is almost colorless and transparent when no voltage is applied, so that there is no problem in the field of view when no voltage is applied.

The case where no special input light is used in the case of the unit section 17 has been described. However, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 13, the light bulb 7 which is one of the light emitting sections is provided as the input light. A method for making the liquid crystal information display clearer is adopted. 14 and 15 show a case in which a mirror surface 35 and a prism 36 are provided as light ray introducing portions to improve the brightness of liquid crystal information display.

FIG. 16 shows a case where the unit 17 is mounted between the windshields 6 and 6 which are separated via the resin plate 37. In this case, the mounting space can be reduced, the device can be made compact, and the same effect as described above can be obtained.

In the above embodiment, the unit portion 17 is mounted on the windshield 6, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is similarly applied to the side and rear glass. Further, although the back side liquid crystal unit 4 is employed on the back side of the unit section 17, a transparent glass plate may be used instead of the back side liquid crystal unit 4 when the liquid crystal display content is relatively small. That is, in this case, since the Fresnel field of view from the transmission part (the part corresponding to the right arrow 31) of the front side liquid crystal unit 3 does not pass as visual information, erroneous recognition of information does not occur.

In the above description, the outline structure and configuration of the unit section 17 and the control device 5 have been described. However, the contents of the present invention are not limited to the above description, and the scope of the present invention does not depart from the gist of the present invention. Various modifications are possible.
The liquid crystal display contents are not limited to those described above, and a wide range of display including public information and advertisement is performed.

[0026]

According to the present invention, the following remarkable effects are obtained. 1) By mounting a unit having a Fresnel lens sandwiched between a pair of liquid crystal units on an automobile, the field of view can be expanded, and by inputting positive and negative control outputs to the liquid crystal unit, the arrangement of the unit is reduced. The liquid crystal display becomes possible at the portion where the device is provided. That is, desired information display and public information can be performed without providing a special information display area. 2) Although the Fresnel lens has a function of expanding the field of view, it may cause a visual error or a sense of fear depending on running conditions and timing. Therefore, the present invention eliminates the view expansion function of the Fresnel lens and instead displays the liquid crystal information in that area, thereby eliminating the disadvantage of the reduced view of the Fresnel lens. 3) Reducing the field of view of the Fresnel lens and switching between the liquid crystal information display can be performed arbitrarily when desired. 4) Since the Fresnel lens is sandwiched between the liquid crystal units, it can be prevented from being stained, and the function of introducing the transmitted light to the liquid crystal surface of the Fresnel lens can be maintained. 5) The device is compact and easy to install, and can be mounted on any glass surface of an automobile. 6) The brightness of the liquid crystal display can be further improved by providing a light emitting portion and a light beam introducing portion.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 3;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a state where the embodiment is mounted on a windshield of an automobile.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a field-of-view expanding function of the Fresnel lens of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing an example of the liquid crystal information display of the unit section of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a partial front view showing a liquid crystal information display of the front side liquid crystal unit in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a partial front view showing the liquid crystal information display of the back side liquid crystal unit in FIG. 7;

10 is a front view showing the field of view of the vehicle from the driver's cab side in the state of FIG. 7;

11 is a front view showing a field of view from the outside in the state of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the diffusion effect of the Fresnel lens in the state of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a state where a light bulb of a light emitting unit is attached to the unit.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a mirror surface of a light beam introducing unit is attached to the unit unit.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where a prism of a light beam introducing unit is attached to the unit.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a case where the unit section of this embodiment is mounted between windshields.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 View control device with information display function 2 Fresnel lens 3 Front side liquid crystal unit 4 Back side liquid crystal unit 5 Control device 6 Windshield 7 Light bulb 8 Sensing unit 9 LCD controller 10 Upper lid 11 Lower lid 12 Lead wire 13 Roof panel 14 Wind panel Reference Signs List 15 side pillar 16 rubber molding 17 unit section 18 holding plate 19 bolt 20 rubber bush 21 lead wire 22 operation detection section 23 condition selection switch section 24 judgment section 25 display setting storage section 26 character font storage section 27 liquid crystal display control signal generation section 28 output Amplifying section 29 output inverting section 30 line of sight 31 arrow right 32 arrow right 33 air gap 34 corner 35 mirror surface 36 prism 37 resin plate

Claims (4)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] 1. An apparatus mounted on a glass of an automobile for selectively displaying information such as driving information and public information and controlling the expansion and contraction of a field of view, comprising a Fresnel prism / Fresnel lens and the same lens holding the lens. It is characterized in that a front side liquid crystal unit and a back side liquid crystal unit or a transparent glass plate of the content and a control device for adding negative and positive control outputs to the front side liquid crystal unit and the back side liquid crystal unit based on an information command are provided. Visibility control device with information display function. 2. The visibility control device with an information display function according to claim 1, wherein said device is mounted on a part of a glass or a part of a glass surface. 3. The view with an information display function according to claim 1, wherein the information command is issued when a change in the operating state of the vehicle, such as a change in direction of the vehicle or a brake operation, or when an abnormality occurs or at any time selected by an occupant. Control device. 4. The visibility control device with an information display function according to claim 1, wherein the device is provided with a light emitting unit and / or a light beam introducing unit for positively introducing light into the device.