JP4847627B1 - Display device - Google Patents

Abstract

The display device includes a light source unit, an optical element, and a movable part. The light source unit is installed in a vehicle and irradiates light constituting a display image. The optical element reflects the light to display the display image as a virtual image. The movable part is configured to position the optical element and the light source unit in a state in which an angle at which light enters the optical element from the light source unit is maintained and a distance between the light source unit and the optical element is maintained constant. It is movable.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying information.

  Conventionally, there is a technique for visually recognizing a display image of information related to driving of a vehicle as a virtual image from the position (eye point) of the driver's eyes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for ensuring invariance of the line-of-sight direction with respect to a change in the vertical position of an eye point by configuring a housing and a combiner that accommodate a display source so as to be movable up and down. In addition, technologies related to the present invention are disclosed in Patent Literature 2 and Patent Literature 3.

JP 2002-052953 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-077657 JP 2002-293161 A

  In general, when the position and angle of the display source and the combiner are adjusted so that a virtual image can be visually recognized from the driver's eye point, the configuration of the optical system changes when the relative position between the display source and the combiner changes. Therefore, when the combiner or the display source is moved independently, the configuration of the optical system may change, and the virtual image may be distorted.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a display device capable of stably viewing a virtual image.

The invention according to claim 1 is a light source unit that is installed in a vehicle and emits light constituting a display image, an optical element that reflects the light to display the display image as a virtual image, and the light source A support member that supports the unit; and a support shaft portion that supports the light source unit and the optical element on a mounting portion, and an incident angle that is an angle at which the light is incident on the optical element is maintained. A movable portion that allows movement of the optical element and the light source unit in a state where the distance between the light source unit and the optical element is kept constant, and is electrically connected to the light source unit. , and a processing unit for generating information of the display image, wherein the optical element is mounted on the support shaft portion, the support shaft portion, so as to rotate the optical element relative to said mounting portion Supporting, and than the light source unit located at the optical element side, adjacent or close to the optical element, wherein the virtual image is superimposed and displayed on the upper 20% of the range of the front window of the vehicle, said support The member extends from the support shaft portion, the light source unit is fixed to an end portion of the support member that extends from the support shaft portion, and the optical element and the light source unit are supported by using the support shaft portion as a support shaft. It rotates, The said process part is fixed to the position away from the said light source unit, The said movable part is installed in the ceiling part of a compartment, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a light source unit that is installed in a vehicle and emits light constituting a display image, an optical element that reflects the light and displays the display image as a virtual image, and the light source A support member that supports the unit; and a support shaft portion that supports the light source unit and the optical element on a mounting portion, and an incident angle that is an angle at which the light is incident on the optical element is maintained. A movable portion that allows movement of the optical element and the light source unit in a state where the distance between the light source unit and the optical element is kept constant, and is electrically connected to the light source unit. , and a processing unit for generating information of the display image, wherein the optical element is mounted on the support shaft portion, the support shaft portion, so as to rotate the optical element relative to said mounting portion The virtual image is superimposed on the upper 20% range of the front window of the vehicle, and is located on the optical element side of the light source unit and adjacent to or close to the optical element. The member extends from the optical element, the light source unit is fixed to an end of the support member that extends from the optical element, and the optical element and the light source unit rotate about the support shaft portion as a support shaft. And the said process part is fixed to the position away from the said light source unit, The said movable part is installed in the ceiling part of a compartment, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

It is an example of schematic structure of the display apparatus in 1st Example. (A) The state of the display device in the standard state is shown. (B) The state of the display device after rotating the combiner and the light source unit from the standard state is shown. From left to right, the standard state, the state in which the light source unit and combiner are rotated by a predetermined angle clockwise from the standard state, and the state in which the light source unit and combiner are rotated by a predetermined angle counterclockwise from the standard state Indicates the device. It is an example of the figure which showed typically the installation position of the display apparatus in a vehicle interior. It is a case where a display device is mounted in a compact car, and is a schematic diagram of the passenger compartment when a driver having a standard sitting height gets on the vehicle. (A) The case where the display apparatus is mounted in a compact car and a driver having a relatively high seating height gets on the vehicle is shown in a schematic diagram. (B) It is a case where the display device is mounted on a compact car, and is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when a driver having a relatively low seating height is on board. It is a case where a display device is mounted on a sedan, and is a schematic view of a passenger compartment when a driver having a standard seating height is on board. (A) It is a case where a display device is mounted on a sedan, and is a schematic view of a passenger compartment when a driver having a relatively high seating height is on board. (B) It is a case where the display device is mounted on the sedan, and is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when a driver having a relatively low seating height is on board. It is a case where a display device is mounted on a minivan, and is a schematic view of a passenger compartment when a driver having a standard sitting height gets on the vehicle. (A) It is a case where the display device is mounted on a minivan, and is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when a driver having a relatively high seating height is on board. (B) It is a case where the display device is mounted on a minivan, and is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when a driver having a relatively low seating height is on board. (A) It is the figure which showed typically the state by which the display apparatus was installed in the vehicle interior in 2nd Example. (B) It is the figure which looked down at the display apparatus from the direction of arrow Y3. An example of the block diagram of the display apparatus which concerns on 3rd Example is shown. (A) The state of the display apparatus before execution of a rotation angle adjustment process is shown. (B) A state of the display device after the execution of the rotation angle adjustment process is completed. It is an example of the flowchart which shows the procedure of the rotation angle adjustment process which a control part performs in 3rd Example. An operation example of the display device in which the support shaft portion is provided between the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the combiner will be described. The operation example of the display apparatus with which the support shaft part was provided in the lower end part of the combiner is shown. It is a figure for demonstrating the position and magnitude | size of a virtual image. It is a figure for demonstrating the area | region of an eye box. It is a figure for demonstrating an incident angle.

  In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a light source unit that is installed in a vehicle and emits light constituting a display image, and an optical element that displays the display image as an enlarged virtual image by reflecting the light, The optical element and the light source unit in a state where an incident angle that is an angle at which the light is incident on the optical element is maintained and a distance between the light source unit and the optical element is kept constant. The movable part which can move the position of is provided.

  The display device includes a light source unit, an optical element, and a movable part. The light source unit is installed in the vehicle and emits light constituting a display image. The optical element receives the light emitted from the light source unit and reflects the light to display the display image as an enlarged virtual image. The movable part is configured to position the optical element and the light source unit in a state where the incident angle of the light from the light source unit with respect to the optical element is maintained and the distance between the light source unit and the optical element is kept constant. It is movable.

  In general, when an optical element such as a concave mirror that magnifies an image is used, the magnification of the optical system and the distortion of the image change when the incident angle or the distance between the light source unit and the optical element is changed. On the other hand, the display device described above maintains the incident angle of light from the light source unit with respect to the optical element even when the positions of the optical element and the light source unit are moved, and between the light source unit and the optical element. The distance is kept constant. Therefore, the display device maintains the configuration of the optical system even when the position of the optical element and the light source unit is moved according to the position of the eye (eye point), and the magnification of the optical system changes or the virtual image is distorted. Can be suppressed.

  In one aspect of the display device, the virtual image is displayed in a range in which a driver's line of sight of the virtual image is above the horizontal direction. In this way, the display device can safely present desired information to the driver by superimposing it on a scenery such as the sky without superimposing the display on a road or the like.

  In another aspect of the display device, the virtual image is displayed so as to overlap with a range of an upper 20% of the front window of the vehicle. By doing so, the display device can display a virtual image superimposed on the range of the front window in which the use of colored glass and the application of the film to the portion are allowed by law.

  In another aspect of the display device, the display device further includes an offset unit that is installed between the ceiling of the vehicle and the optical element and lowers the position of the optical element. As described above, the display device includes the offset unit, thereby reducing the driver's line of sight when viewing the virtual image and reducing the burden on the driver.

  In another aspect of the display device, the movable portion includes a support shaft portion provided at an upper end portion of the optical element, and a support member extending from the support shaft portion. The light source unit is fixed to an end portion extending from the support shaft portion, and the optical element and the light source unit rotate with the support shaft portion as a support shaft. According to this aspect, the display device maintains the configuration of the optical system by maintaining the angle of light incident on the optical element even when the positions of the optical element and the light source unit are changed according to the eye point. The distortion of the virtual image can be suppressed.

  In one aspect of the display device, the virtual image is displayed in a range in which a driver's line of sight of the virtual image is above the horizontal direction. In this way, the display device can safely present desired information to the driver by superimposing it on a scenery such as the sky without superimposing the display on a road or the like.

  In another aspect of the display device, the virtual image is displayed so as to overlap with a range of an upper 20% of the front window of the vehicle. By doing so, the display device can display a virtual image superimposed on the range of the front window in which the use of colored glass and the application of the film to the portion are allowed by law.

  In another aspect of the display device, the display device further includes a display information generation unit that generates display information of the display image and supplies the display information to the light source unit. It is a distant position and is fixed to the ceiling of the vehicle, for example. By doing in this way, the display device can realize lightening and downsizing of the light source unit, improving the stability at any position and reducing the driver's visual feeling of pressure. Can do.

  In another aspect of the above display device, a detection unit that detects the position of the driver's eyes and a drive unit that moves the movable unit to a position where the driver can visually recognize the virtual image based on the position of the eyes. And further comprising. In this aspect, the display device can automatically move the movable part to an appropriate position according to the position of the eye (eye point).

  In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a display device is installed in a vehicle and emits light constituting a display image, and an optical element that reflects the light to display the display image as a virtual image. The virtual image is a range in which the driver's line of sight with respect to the virtual image is above the horizontal direction, and is superimposed on the upper 20% range of the front window of the vehicle. In this way, the display device can safely present desired information to the driver by superimposing it on a scenery such as the sky without superimposing the display on a road or the like.

  In one aspect of the display device, the display device further includes a processing unit that is electrically connected to the optical unit and generates information on the display image, and the processing unit is fixed at a position away from the light source unit. Thereby, the display apparatus can implement | achieve size reduction and weight reduction of a light source unit.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings in the first to third embodiments.
<First embodiment>
[Schematic configuration]
FIG. 1 is an example of a schematic configuration of the display device 100. The display device 100 is mounted on a vehicle and includes a light source unit 1, a combiner 2, a support shaft portion 3, and a support member 4.

  The light source unit 1 is attached to the interior ceiling portion of the vehicle, and irradiates the combiner 2 with a display image indicating map information including the current location, route guidance information, traveling speed, and other information for assisting driving. Specifically, the light source unit 1 generates a real image “Ir” of the display image in the light source unit 1, and makes light emitted from the real image Ir incident on the combiner 2, thereby obtaining the virtual image “Iv” of the driver. It is generated on an extension line from the eye position (also referred to as “eye point Pe”) to the combiner 2. In FIG. 1, the straight line “L1” indicated by the broken line corresponds to a line connecting the eye point Pe and the upper end of the virtual image Iv, and the straight line “L2” also indicated by the broken line is the virtual image of the eye point Pe and the virtual image. These are lines connecting the lower end of Iv, and these determine the size of the virtual image Iv. Note that the position at which the virtual image Iv is formed is determined by the position and size of the real image Ir and the shape (mainly curvature) of the combiner 2 as shown in FIG. Specifically, in FIG. 17, a solid line indicating the locus of light emitted from the upper end of the real image Ir and reflected by the combiner 2, an upper limit ray L5 and a lower limit ray L6, and light emitted from the lower end and reflected by the combiner 2. A virtual image Iv is generated in the vicinity of the intersection P1 of the dotted lines L9 and L10 and the intersection P2 of L11 and L12 obtained by tracing the solid broken line indicating the locus, the upper limit ray L7 and the lower limit ray L8 in reverse from the eye point Pe.

  The virtual image Iv is visually recognized by the driver when the eye point Pe exists within a predetermined range. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned predetermined range is also referred to as “eye box Be”. In FIG. 1, a broken line “L3” indicated by a one-dot chain line indicates a trajectory of light that is emitted from the irradiation unit 10 and reflected by the combiner 2 and passes through the upper end portion of the eye box Be. Similarly, a broken line “L4” indicated by a one-dot chain line indicates a locus of light emitted from the irradiation unit 10 and reflected by the combiner 2 and passing through the lower end portion of the eye box Be. The eye box Be is the direction and divergence angle of the light emitted from the light source unit 1, the shape and properties of the combiner 2, the optical path distance until the light emitted from the irradiation unit 10 is reflected by the combiner 2 and reaches the eye point Pe, That is, it is determined based on the lengths of the arrows “Y1” and “Y2”. Specifically, the eye box Be that can visually recognize the entire virtual image is shown in FIG. 18 between the solid broken lines L5 and L6 indicating the locus of the light reflected from the combiner 2 from the upper and lower ends of the real image Ir. The area overlaps with the area between L7 and L8. Note that this substantially coincides with the spread of light rays emitted from the center of the real image Ir indicated by the broken lines L3 and L4 indicated by the one-dot broken lines, and hence the eye box Be is represented by this spread.

  The combiner 2 causes the light emitted from the light source unit 1 to be incident and reflects the light to the eye point Pe to display the display image as a virtual image Iv. The combiner 2 has an upper end 20x fixed to the interior ceiling portion of the vehicle via the support shaft 3, and is rotatable about the upper end 20x. And the lower end part 20y equivalent to the other end of the upper end part 20x moves to a substantially semicircle shape centering | focusing on the upper end part 20x.

  The combiner 2 is a concave mirror, and is used as the combiner 2 when it is desired to make the virtual image Iv appear larger. The combiner 2 is a beam splitter that divides reflected light and transmitted light at a certain ratio. For example, the combiner 2 is a half mirror in which the intensity of reflected light and transmitted light is approximately 1: 1. Thereby, the combiner 2 displays the virtual image Iv superimposed on the outside scenery. Further, the combiner 2 may be a total reflection mirror instead of the half mirror. In this case, the combiner 2 displays only the virtual image Iv without transmitting external light. The combiner 2 is an example of the “optical element” in the present invention.

  The support shaft portion 3 is provided at the upper end portion 20 x of the combiner 2 and supports the rotation of the combiner 2. The support member 4 extends from the support shaft portion 3, and the light source unit 1 is fixed to the extended end. In other words, the support member 4 has the first end portion 40 x fixed to the support shaft portion 3 and the second end portion 40 y fixed to the light source unit 1. Therefore, the support shaft 3 serves as a pivot for the support member 4 and the light source unit 1 in addition to the combiner 2. That is, the combiner 2, the light source unit 1, and the support member 4 rotate using the support shaft portion 3 as a common support shaft. The support shaft 3 and the support member 4 are examples of the “movable part” in the present invention.

  Below, the detail of the display apparatus 100 is demonstrated for every item. Hereinafter, the “incident angle Dp” indicates an angle formed by a straight line connecting the approximate center of the opening of the light source unit 1 and the center of the combiner 2 and the optical axis of the combiner 2 as shown in FIG. The “angle Θ” indicates an angle formed by the straight line and a straight line connecting the center of the combiner 2 and the center of the eye box.

[Positional relationship between light source unit and combiner]
First, the positional relationship between the light source unit 1 and the combiner 2 will be described. Schematically, the support shaft 3 and the support member 4 are configured so that the combiner 2 and the light source unit are in a state where the incident angle Dp is maintained and the distance Y1 between the light source unit 1 and the combiner 2 is kept constant. 1 is rotated. Thereby, even if the combiner 2 and the light source unit 1 rotate, the angle Θ is constant. Therefore, in this case, the display device 100 maintains the configuration of the optical system and suppresses the occurrence of distortion of the virtual image Iv and the change in the magnification of the optical system. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 (a), 2 (b) and FIG.

  FIG. 2A shows a state of the display device 100 when the support member 4 extends in the horizontal direction, that is, when the combiner 2 extends in the vertical direction (hereinafter also referred to as “standard state”). FIG. 2B shows a state of the display device 100 after the combiner 2 and the light source unit 1 are rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle from the standard state. Hereinafter, an angle at which the combiner 2 and the light source unit 1 are rotated from the standard state is referred to as a “rotation angle Dr”. As shown in FIG. 2B, the rotation angle Dr has a positive value that is an angle rotated counterclockwise from the standard state.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the incident angle Dp and the angle Θ are not changed even when the rotation angle Dr is changed. In other words, the combiner 2, the light source unit 1, and the support member 4 have the support shaft portion 3 as a common support shaft and rotate together, so that the incident angle Dp and the angle Θ do not change. Further, the relative position between the combiner 2 and the light source unit 1 does not change, and the distance Y1 between the combiner 2 and the light source unit 1 is kept constant. The angle Θ is always kept constant, and the distance between the combiner 2 and the light source unit 1 is kept constant, so that the configuration of the optical system of the display device 100 remains unchanged. Therefore, the display device 100 can cause the driver to visually recognize the virtual image Iv with a certain accuracy.

  Further, the width of the combiner 1 extending in the vertical direction hardly changes even when the rotation angle Dr changes within a range that can be actually used. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows the light source unit 1 and the combiner 2 rotated from the standard state by a predetermined angle clockwise from the standard state, and the light source unit 1 and the combiner 2 rotated from the standard state by a predetermined angle counterclockwise. The display device 100 in a moved state is shown. As shown in FIG. 3, even if the light source unit 1 and the combiner 2 are rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the widths extending in the vertical direction of the combiner 1 are both broken lines. It approximately matches the distance between “L5” and the broken line “L6”. Thus, the width extending in the vertical direction of the combiner 1 hardly changes when the rotation angle Dr is small.

[Installation position]
Next, the position where the display device 100 is installed in the vehicle will be described. Schematically, the combiner 2 and the support shaft 3 are installed on the ceiling near the upper end of the front window of the vehicle. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a diagram schematically showing the installation position of the display device 100 in the passenger compartment. As shown in FIG. 4, the front window 40 extends at an angle “Dx” (also referred to as “window angle Dx”) from the horizontal direction. Hereinafter, the width in the extending direction of the front window 40 is also simply referred to as “window width”. The combiner 2 and the support shaft portion 3 are attached to the ceiling portion 41 of the vehicle near the upper end portion 400 of the front window 40 above the handle 42. Specifically, the support shaft portion 3 is installed in the vicinity of a position where a sun visor (not shown) for the driver is installed. The support shaft 3 may be installed in place of the above-described sun visor.

  Here, an upper 20% area of the front window 40, that is, an area occupying 20% of the window width from the upper end portion 400 to the lower end portion 410 (also referred to as “window permission area Fr”) is colored according to the law. The use of glass and the application of film are allowed. Here, the ratio of 20% refers to the ratio of the upper portion of the front window 40 that is permitted to use colored glass or affix a film as of August 2010. Specifically, the above-mentioned laws and regulations refer to Article 29, Paragraph 4, Item 6, Safety Standards of the Road Transport Vehicle Law. In FIG. 4, the width “Fw” (also referred to as “window permission width Fw”) of the window permission area Fr from the upper end 400 to the lower end 410 is indicated by an arrow. The window permission width Fw corresponds to 20% of the window width.

  As described above, by installing the combiner 2 in the vicinity of the upper end portion 400 of the front window 40, the display device 100 can make the driver visually recognize through the window permission area Fr even if the display device 100 is a relatively large virtual image Iv. .

  The display device 100 preferably includes a film that reduces the amount of external light attached to the window permission area Fr. By doing in this way, the display apparatus 100 can make a driver | operator visually recognize the virtual image Iv through the window permission area | region Fr in the state which reduced the light quantity of external light, even when external light is bright. Therefore, in this case, the display device 100 can allow the driver to visually recognize the virtual image Iv without increasing the amount of light emitted from the light source unit 1.

  Even when the display device 100 is mounted on vehicles of various vehicle types and the rotation angle Dr changes in accordance with the driver's eye point Pe, the display device 100 passes through the window permission area Fr. The virtual image Iv can be kept visible to the driver. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when the display device 100 is mounted on a compact car and a driver having a standard seating height gets on the vehicle. In FIG. 5, it is assumed that the distance from the ceiling 41 to the eye point Pe is 200 mm and the window width is 950 mm. The window angle Dx is assumed to be 25 degrees.

  In this case, the window permission width Fw is 190 mm. In addition, the angle formed by the line of sight from the eye point Pe to the virtual image Iv with respect to the horizontal direction (also referred to as “line of sight angle Dv”) is 12 degrees. Note that the line-of-sight angle Dv is a positive value when the line of sight is directed upward from the horizontal direction. In this case, the driver visually recognizes the virtual image Iv through the window permission area Fr.

  FIG. 6A is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when the display device 100 is mounted on a compact car and a driver having a relatively high seating height is on board. In FIG. 6A, the rotation angle Dr is 5 degrees. The distance from the ceiling 41 to the eye point Pe is 150 mm. In this case, the line-of-sight angle Dv is 7 degrees. In this case, the driver visually recognizes the virtual image Iv through the window permission area Fr.

  FIG. 6B is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when the display device 100 is mounted on a compact car and a driver having a relatively low seating height is on board. In FIG. 6B, the rotation angle Dr is −10 degrees. And the distance from the ceiling part 41 to the eye point Pe is 300 mm. In this case, the line-of-sight angle Dv is 22 degrees. Even in this case, the driver visually recognizes the virtual image Iv through the window permission area Fr.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when the display device 100 is mounted on a sedan and a driver having a standard seating height is on board. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the distance from the ceiling 41 to the eye point Pe is 220 mm and the window width is 800 mm. The window angle Dx is 28 degrees. The rotation angle Dr is −6 degrees. The window permission width Fw is 160 mm, and the line-of-sight angle Dv is 18 degrees. In this case, the driver visually recognizes the virtual image Iv through the window permission area Fr.

  FIG. 8A is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when the display device 100 is mounted on a sedan and a driver having a relatively high seating height is on board. In FIG. 8A, the rotation angle Dr is 0 degree. And the distance from the ceiling part 41 to the eye point Pe is 170 mm. In this case, the line-of-sight angle Dv is 12 degrees. In this case, the driver visually recognizes the virtual image Iv through the window permission area Fr.

  FIG. 8B is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when the display device 100 is mounted on a sedan and a driver having a relatively low seating height is on board. In FIG. 8B, the rotation angle Dr is −13 degrees. And the distance from the ceiling part 41 to the eye point Pe is 320 mm. In this case, the line-of-sight angle Dv is 25 degrees. Even in this case, the driver visually recognizes the virtual image Iv through the window permission area Fr.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when the display device 100 is mounted on a minivan and a driver having a standard seating height is on board. In FIG. 9, the distance from the ceiling 41 to the eye point Pe is 340 mm, and the window width is 1000 mm. The window angle Dx is 32 degrees, and the rotation angle Dr is -2 degrees. In this case, the window allowable width Fw is 200 mm, and the line-of-sight angle Dv is 22 degrees.

  Here, the display device 100 includes an offset portion 7 between the ceiling portion 41 and the support shaft portion 3 in order to adjust the height of the combiner 2. This will be supplementarily described. When the ceiling portion 41 is present at a higher position than other vehicle types like a minivan, the distance between the ceiling portion 41 and the eye point Pe is increased. As a result, the line-of-sight angle Dv is larger than other vehicle types. Moreover, it is necessary to set the rotation angle Dr to be large, and the light source unit 1 is far away from the ceiling portion 41 as compared with other vehicle types. As a result, there is a possibility of giving the driver a burden due to a high line-of-sight angle Dv and a feeling of pressure due to the closeness of the light source unit 1. On the other hand, in the minivan, the window width is relatively large compared to other vehicle types, and the window angle Dx is also large. Therefore, the window permission area Fr is visually wider in the minivan than in other vehicle types.

  In consideration of the above, in a vehicle type with a high ceiling 41 such as a minivan, the display device 100 includes an offset portion 7 held between the ceiling 41 and the support shaft 3. Thereby, the position of the combiner 2 is lowered and the line-of-sight angle Dv is lowered. Therefore, even if the ceiling portion 41 exists at a high position like a minivan, the display device 100 can make the driver visually recognize the virtual image Iv through the window permission area Fr.

  FIG. 10A is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when the display device 100 is mounted on a minivan and a driver having a relatively high seating height is on board. In FIG. 10A, the rotation angle Dr is 0 degree. And the distance from the ceiling part 41 to the eye point Pe is 300 mm. In this case, the line-of-sight angle Dv is 20 degrees. Even in this case, the driver visually recognizes the virtual image Iv through the window permission area Fr.

  FIG. 10B is a schematic view of the passenger compartment when the display device 100 is mounted on a minivan and a driver having a relatively low seating height is on board. In FIG. 10B, the unit rotation angle Dr is −8 degrees. The distance from the ceiling 41 to the eye point Pe is 400 mm. In this case, the line-of-sight angle Dv is 28 degrees. Even in this case, the driver visually recognizes the virtual image Iv through the window permission area Fr.

<Second embodiment>
Next, the display device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the display device 100 includes a processing unit that generates display image information separately from the light source unit 1. Thereby, the display device 100 realizes a reduction in size and weight of the light source unit 1. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  FIG. 11A is a diagram schematically showing a state in which the display device 100a is installed in the vehicle interior. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, the display device 100 a mainly includes a light source unit 1, a combiner 2, and a display information generation unit 11. The display information generation unit 11 processes the video signal to generate display information of the display image, and supplies the display information to the light source unit 1. The display information generation unit 11 is electrically connected to the light source unit 1 through, for example, a flexible printed board. The display information generation unit 11 is fixed to the ceiling 41 at a position away from the light source unit 1.

  FIG. 11B is a view of FIG. 11A viewed from the direction of the arrow “Y3”. In FIG. 11B, for convenience of explanation, the ceiling 41 and the support member 4 are transmitted. As shown in FIG. 11B, the display information generation unit 11 is installed in a state separated from the light source unit 1. Thus, in the display device 100a, the display information generation unit 11 is arranged at a position independent of the light source unit 1 and independent. Thereby, size reduction and weight reduction of the light source unit 1 are implement | achieved. Therefore, the display device 100a can reduce the load necessary for the support shaft 3 to keep the light source unit 1 and the combiner 2 at an arbitrary rotation angle Dr, and can improve the stability. Further, the display device 100 can reduce a feeling of pressure on the driver due to the large light source unit 1.

  The display information generation unit 11 may be installed on a dashboard, a floor surface, a trunk, or the like of the vehicle in addition to the ceiling portion 41.

<Third embodiment>
In the third embodiment, the display device 100 further includes a camera that detects the current position of the eye point Pe, and automatically adjusts the rotation angle Dr so that the eye point Pe is within the eye box Be (“ Also referred to as “rotation angle adjustment processing”. Thereby, the display device 100 improves the convenience of the driver.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of a block diagram of a display device 100b according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the display device 100 b mainly includes a light source unit 1, a combiner 2, a support shaft unit 3, a support member 4, a drive unit 30, and a camera 31.

  In the third embodiment, the light source unit 1 includes a control unit 15 that adjusts the relative position between the eye point Pe and the eye box Be. The control unit 15 includes an eye point detection unit 151 and a rotation control unit 152. This will be described later.

  The drive unit (actuator) 30 is, for example, a motor, and rotates the support shaft unit 3. The drive unit 30 is electrically connected to the control unit 15 and adjusts the rotation angle Dr based on a control signal transmitted from the control unit 15.

  The camera 31 is installed at a position and orientation in which the driver's face enters the imaging range when an arbitrary driver having a certain angle of view and having a sitting height in an assumed range sits in the driver's seat. The camera 31 is attached to the support shaft 3 and rotates together with the light source unit 1, the combiner 2, and the like. The camera 31 is electrically connected to the control unit 15 and supplies the captured image “Ie” generated at a predetermined time interval to the control unit 15.

  Next, processing executed by the eye point detection unit 151 and the rotation control unit 152 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B. FIG. 13A shows the state of the display device 100b before execution of the rotation angle adjustment processing, and FIG. 13B shows the state of the display device 100b after completion of execution of the rotation angle adjustment processing.

  The eye point detection unit 151 specifies the current position of the eye point Pe based on the captured image Ie supplied from the camera 31. Then, as shown in FIG. 13A, the eye point detection unit 151 shifts the detected eye point Pe from a predetermined target position of the eye point Pe (also referred to as “target position Petag”) ( (Also referred to as “eye point deviation amount De”). The target position Petag is set in advance to a predetermined position in the eye box Be based on, for example, experiments. The eye point shift amount De is a relative distance including a sign, and indicates, for example, a relative difference between the eye point Pe in the captured image Ie and the target position Petag, for example, based on the Y coordinate. Then, the eye point detection unit 151 supplies the calculated eye point deviation amount De to the rotation control unit 152.

  Based on the eye point deviation amount De supplied from the eye point detection unit 151, the rotation control unit 152 sets the target angle of the rotation angle Dr (also referred to as “target rotation angle”) and the current rotation angle Dr. Relative angle (also referred to as “rotation angle change amount dDr”) is calculated. For example, the rotation control unit 152 refers to a predetermined map or expression and determines the above-described rotation angle change amount dDr from the eye point deviation amount De. The above-described map and the like are determined in advance based on, for example, experiments and stored in the memory in advance. Then, the rotation control unit 152 drives the drive unit 30 based on the rotation angle change amount dDr.

  After that, the eye point detection unit 151 and the rotation control unit 152 repeatedly execute the above-described processing until the eye point deviation amount De becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (also referred to as “threshold Deth”). Here, the threshold Deth is determined, for example, in a range of the eye point deviation amount De in which the eye point Pe is within the eye box Be.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a flowchart showing the procedure of the rotation angle adjustment process executed by the control unit 15 in the third embodiment. The control unit 15 executes the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 at a predetermined timing such as when the vehicle is started.

  First, the eye point detection unit 151 acquires the captured image Ie from the camera 31 (step S101). Then, the eye point detection unit 151 detects the position of the eye point Pe from the captured image Ie (step S102). For example, the eye point detection unit 151 specifies a pixel representing the eye point Pe from the captured image Ie based on a known face recognition technique or line-of-sight recognition technique. Then, the eye point detection unit 151 calculates an eye point deviation amount De (step S103). Specifically, the eye point detection unit 151 determines the relative distance in the captured image Ie between the detected eye point Pe and the target position Petag as the eye point deviation amount De.

  Next, the eye point detection unit 151 determines whether or not the eye point deviation amount De is equal to or less than the threshold Deth (step S104). When the eye point detection unit 151 determines that the eye point deviation amount De is equal to or smaller than the threshold Deth (step S104; Yes), the eye point Pe is determined to be sufficiently close to the target position Petag and exist in the eye box Be. To do. And the control part 15 complete | finishes a rotation angle adjustment process.

On the other hand, when the eye point detection unit 151 determines that the eye point deviation amount De is larger than the threshold Deth (step S104; No), the rotation control unit 152 calculates the rotation angle change amount dDr from the eye point deviation amount De. (Step S105). Then, the rotation control unit 152 drives the drive unit 30 based on the rotation angle change amount dDr (step S106). And the control part 15 returns a process to step S101.
<Modification>
Hereinafter, modified examples suitable for the first to third embodiments will be described. The following modifications may be applied to any of the first to third embodiments described above in any combination.

(Modification 1)
In FIG. 1 and the like, the support shaft portion 3 is provided on the upper end portion 20x of the combiner 2. However, the configuration to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to this. It replaces with this and the support shaft part 3 may be provided in the intermediate part or lower end part 20y of the combiner 2. FIG.

  FIG. 15 shows an operation example of the display device 100 c in which the support shaft portion 3 is provided between the upper end portion 20 x and the lower end portion 20 y of the combiner 2. Specifically, FIG. 15 shows the display device 100c in order from the left when the rotation angle Dr is 0 degree, when the rotation angle Dr is a negative value, and when the rotation angle Dr is a positive value. As shown in FIG. 15, even in this case, the light source unit 1 and the combiner 2 rotate integrally with the support shaft portion 3 as a common support shaft. Further, the incident angle Dp and the angle Θ do not change even when the rotation angle Dr changes. Moreover, the width | variety extended in the perpendicular direction of the combiner 1 does not change substantially by rotation.

  FIG. 16 shows an operation example of the display device 100 d in which the support shaft portion 3 is provided at the lower end portion 20 y of the combiner 2. Specifically, FIG. 16 shows the display device 100d in order from the left when the rotation angle Dr is 0 degree, when the rotation angle Dr is a negative value, and when the rotation angle Dr is a positive value. As shown in FIG. 16, even in this case, the light source unit 1 and the combiner 2 rotate integrally with the support shaft portion 3 as a common support shaft. Further, the incident angle Dp and the angle Θ do not change even when the rotation angle Dr changes. Moreover, the width | variety extended in the perpendicular direction of the combiner 1 does not change substantially by rotation.

  As described above, even when the support shaft portion 3 is provided at the center portion or the lower end portion 20y of the combiner 2, the combiner 2 and the light source unit 1 have the optical system configuration regardless of the rotation angle Dr. Can keep. Therefore, the display devices 100c and 100d can make the driver visually recognize the virtual image Iv with a certain accuracy.

(Modification 2)
In the description of FIG. 9, the display device 100 has an offset portion 7 between the ceiling portion 41 and the support shaft portion 3 in order to suppress the line-of-sight angle Dv to a predetermined value or less in a vehicle type in which the ceiling portion 41 exists at a high position. Equipped with. Instead of this, or in addition to this, the display device 100 may set the angle Θ larger in a vehicle type in which the ceiling portion 41 exists at a higher position than in other vehicle types. The angle Θ to be specifically set is set to a value that can suppress the line-of-sight angle Dv to a predetermined value or less for each vehicle type, for example. This also allows the display device 100 to lower the line-of-sight angle Dv to a predetermined value or less.

(Modification 3)
In the description of the [Installation Position] section, the display device 100 is designed so that the virtual image Iv is visually recognized in a range that overlaps the window permission area Fr that is the upper 20% area of the front window 40. Instead, the display device 100 may be designed such that the line-of-sight angle Dv is larger than 0 degree, that is, the line of sight of the driver's virtual image Iv is higher than the horizontal direction. Also by this, the display device 100 can safely present desired information to the driver by superimposing the virtual image Iv with a scenery such as the sky without superimposing the virtual image Iv on a road or the like.

  The ratio 20% for defining the window permission area Fr is based on the regulations as of August 2010. When the regulations are changed, the window permission area Fr is set at the ratio based on the changed regulations. May be.

  The present invention can be suitably applied to a system that allows a driver to visually recognize route guidance and vehicle information.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light source unit 2 Combiner 3 Support shaft part 4 Support member 15 Control part 30 Drive part 31 Camera 40 Front window 41 Ceiling part 42 Handle 43 Driver's seat 100, 100a-100d Display apparatus

Claims (6)

A light source unit that is installed in a vehicle and emits light constituting a display image;
An optical element that displays the display image as an enlarged virtual image by reflecting the light;
A support member that supports the light source unit; and a support shaft that supports the light source unit and the optical element on a mounting portion, and maintains an incident angle that is an angle at which the light is incident on the optical element. And a movable part that allows the positions of the optical element and the light source unit to be moved in a state where the distance between the light source unit and the optical element is kept constant,
A processing unit that is electrically connected to the light source unit and generates information of the display image ,
The optical element is attached to the support shaft;
The support shaft portion supports the optical element so as to rotate with respect to the mounting portion , and is on the optical element side with respect to the light source unit, and is adjacent to or close to the optical element.
The virtual image is displayed superimposed on the upper 20% range of the front window of the vehicle,
The support member extends from the support shaft;
The light source unit is fixed to an end portion of the support member that extends from the support shaft portion,
The optical element and the light source unit rotate about the support shaft portion as a support shaft,
The processing unit is fixed at a position away from the light source unit,
The movable unit is installed in a ceiling part of a passenger compartment . The display device according to claim 1, wherein the support shaft portion is installed in a manner of hanging from the ceiling portion.   The display device according to claim 1, further comprising an offset unit that is installed between a ceiling portion of the vehicle and the optical element and lowers the position of the optical element. A detection unit for detecting the position of the driver's eyes;
The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a drive unit that moves the movable unit to a position where a driver can visually recognize the virtual image based on the position of the eyes.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the optical element is a concave mirror. A light source unit that is installed in a vehicle and emits light constituting a display image;
An optical element that displays the display image as an enlarged virtual image by reflecting the light;
A support member that supports the light source unit; and a support shaft that supports the light source unit and the optical element on a mounting portion, and maintains an incident angle that is an angle at which the light is incident on the optical element. And a movable part that allows the positions of the optical element and the light source unit to be moved in a state where the distance between the light source unit and the optical element is kept constant,
A processing unit that is electrically connected to the light source unit and generates information of the display image ,
The optical element is attached to the support shaft;
The support shaft portion supports the optical element so as to rotate with respect to the mounting portion, and is on the optical element side with respect to the light source unit, and is adjacent to or close to the optical element.
The virtual image is displayed superimposed on the upper 20% range of the front window of the vehicle,
The support member extends from the optical element;
The light source unit is fixed to an end portion of the support member that extends from the optical element,
The optical element and the light source unit rotate about the support shaft portion as a support shaft,
The processing unit is fixed at a position away from the light source unit,
The movable unit is installed in a ceiling part of a passenger compartment.

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