JP5144798B2 - Display device - Google Patents

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, the position and content of a virtual image that is convenient for the driver vary depending on the driving state. On the other hand, when a virtual image is displayed over substantially the entire front window by a two-screen display or the like, there is a possibility that it may hinder driving.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and has as its main object to provide a display device capable of displaying driving assistance information while ensuring safety during driving. .

The invention according to claim 1 is installed in a vehicle and emits light that constitutes a display image, a projection unit that projects the display image and displays the display image as a virtual image, and the display image. Display generation means for generating based on driving auxiliary information, and display switching for selectively switching the display position of the virtual image to either the position overlapping the upper part of the front window of the vehicle or the position overlapping the lower part of the front window And the virtual image displays a map for route guidance, and the map displayed at the position overlapping the upper part is compared with the map displayed at the position overlapping the lower part, If the scale displays the same and the same area, a part of the logo display representing the various facilities is omitted, of the projection portion, and displays a virtual image at a position overlapping the upper A shadow, and the projection unit for displaying the virtual image at the bottom and overlap position are both combiner movable.
The invention according to claim 9 is a display device comprising a light source unit that is installed in a vehicle and emits light constituting a display image, and a projection unit that projects the display image and displays the display image as a virtual image. A control method to be executed, wherein a display generation step of generating the display image based on auxiliary driving information and a display position of the virtual image overlap a position overlapping an upper part of the front window of the vehicle or a lower part of the front window. A display switching step of selectively switching to any one of the positions, wherein the virtual image displays a map for route guidance, and the map displayed at a position overlapping the upper part is the lower part compared to map displayed on the overlapped position, when the scale displays the same and the same area, a part of the logo display representing the various facilities is omitted, the projecting portion A projection unit for displaying the virtual image at a position overlapping with the upper, a projection unit for displaying the virtual image at a position overlapping the lower are both combiner movable.

It is an example of schematic structure of a head-up display system. It is an enlarged view of a 1st combiner. A part of driver | operator's visual field at the time of a light source unit irradiating a 1st combiner and displaying a 1st virtual image is shown. A part of driver | operator's visual field at the time of a light source unit irradiating a 2nd combiner and displaying a 2nd virtual image is shown. It is a schematic block diagram of the head-up display system which concerns on a 2nd structural example. It is a schematic block diagram of the head-up display system which concerns on a 3rd structural example. It is a schematic block diagram of the head-up display system which concerns on a 4th structural example. It is a schematic block diagram of the head-up display system which concerns on a 5th structural example. It is a schematic block diagram of the head-up display system which concerns on a 6th structural example. It is a schematic block diagram of the head-up display system which concerns on a 7th structural example. It is a schematic block diagram of the head-up display system which concerns on an 8th structural example. It is an example of a display of the 1st virtual image concerning the 1st example. It is an example of a display of the 2nd virtual image concerning the 1st example. (A) It is a display example of the 1st virtual image which concerns on a 2nd specific example. (B) It is a display example of the 2nd virtual image which concerns on a 2nd specific example. (A) It is an example of a display of the 1st virtual image in case the reduced scale is the same with a 1st virtual image and a 2nd virtual image. (B) It is a display example of the 2nd virtual image in case the reduced scale is the same with a 1st virtual image and a 2nd virtual image.

  In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a display device is installed in a vehicle and emits light constituting a display image, and a projection unit that projects the display image and displays the display image as a virtual image. Display generating means for generating the display image based on driving assistance information, and display switching means for switching the display position of the virtual image to a position overlapping the upper part of the front window of the vehicle or a position overlapping the lower part of the front window. And the display generation means includes a guidance method based on the auxiliary information indicated by a virtual image displayed at a position overlapping the upper part, and a guidance method based on the auxiliary information indicated by a virtual image displayed at a position overlapping the lower part. , Make them different.

  The display device includes a light source unit, a projection unit, a display generation unit, and a display switching unit. The light source unit is installed in the vehicle and emits light constituting a display image. The projection unit projects the display image and displays the display image as a virtual image. The display generation means generates a display image based on driving auxiliary information. The display switching means switches the display position of the virtual image to a position overlapping the upper part of the front window of the vehicle or a position overlapping the lower part of the front window. Here, “the upper part of the front window” refers to a region of the front window that is closer to the upper end near the ceiling than the lower end near the hood of the front window. Similarly, the “lower part of the front window” refers to a region of the front window that is closer to the lower end than the upper end of the front window. The “position overlapping the upper part of the front window of the vehicle” does not necessarily have to be the position where the entire virtual image display area overlaps the upper part, and may be a part. Similarly, the “position overlapping the lower part of the front window of the vehicle” does not necessarily have to be the position where the entire virtual image display area overlaps the lower part, and may be a part. Then, the display generation means differs between a guidance method using auxiliary information indicated by a virtual image displayed at a position overlapping the upper portion of the front window and a guidance method using auxiliary information indicated by a virtual image displayed at a position overlapping the lower portion of the front window. .

  In general, the position and content of a virtual image that is convenient for the driver vary depending on the driving state. Accordingly, the display device appropriately changes the display position of the virtual image and changes the guidance method based on the auxiliary information indicated by the virtual image. Thereby, the display device can change the display position and contents of the driving assistance information according to the driving state, and can improve the safety and the convenience of the driver.

  In one aspect of the display device, the display generation unit may display the display image so that a virtual image displayed at a position overlapping the upper part is displayed more simply than a virtual image displayed at a position overlapping the lower part. Is generated. Thus, the display device can provide auxiliary driving information without disturbing driving by simply displaying the upper virtual image that enters the field of view without gazing.

  In another aspect of the display device, the display switching unit switches the display position of the virtual image based on the shape of the road or the state around the road. Thereby, the display device can improve convenience while ensuring safety during driving.

  In another aspect of the above display device, the display switching unit switches the display position of the virtual image based on a driver's fatigue state. Also by this, the display device can improve convenience while ensuring safety during driving.

  In another aspect of the above display device, the display switching unit switches the display position of the virtual image based on traffic jam information. Also by this, the display device can improve convenience while ensuring safety during driving.

  In another aspect of the above display device, the display generation unit generates the display image by superimposing route information obtained from the navigation device on a captured forward landscape image corresponding to the route information. . As a result, the display device can provide the driver with route guidance that is more suited to the actual field of view.

  In another aspect of the above display device, the projection unit has an aspheric surface such as a non-axial paraboloid, or a free-form surface. Thereby, the display apparatus can reduce distortion of a virtual image.

  In another aspect of the display device, the projection unit is a first combiner disposed in the vicinity of a sun visor of the vehicle and a second combiner installed on a dashboard, and the light source unit is It is possible to transition between a position installed on the ceiling of the vehicle and emitting light to the first combiner or a position emitting light to the second combiner, and the display switching means displays the virtual image The position of the light source unit is changed according to the position. According to this aspect, the display device can preferably switch the position of the virtual image between the upper part and the lower part of the front window.

  In another aspect of the above display device, a combiner that is not irradiated from the light source unit among the first combiner and the second combiner is housed. Thereby, the display device can make the driver effectively use the space in the vehicle interior.

  In another aspect of the display device, the projection unit is a combiner that can move along a front window, the light source unit is installed on a ceiling of the vehicle, and a light emission direction is variable. The display switching unit changes the position of the combiner and the emission direction according to the display position of the virtual image. Also according to this aspect, the display device can preferably switch the display position of the virtual image.

  In another aspect of the above display device, the projection unit is a combiner provided on a dashboard or the light source unit, and the front window, and emits light from the light source unit installed on the dashboard. A reflection mirror is further provided that reflects light emitted from the light source unit to either the combiner or the front window. Also according to this aspect, the display device can preferably switch the display position of the virtual image.

  In another aspect of the display device, the projection unit is a first combiner disposed in the vicinity of a sun visor of the vehicle, and a second combiner provided on a dashboard or the light source unit. A reflection mirror is further provided in the emission direction of the light source unit installed on the board, and reflects light emitted from the light source unit to either the first combiner or the second combiner. Also according to this aspect, the display device can preferably switch the display position of the virtual image.

  In another aspect of the display device, the projection unit is a combiner provided on a dashboard and the front window, and the light source unit is installed in the dashboard and is emitted from the light source unit. A reflection mirror that is provided in a direction and reflects light emitted from the light source unit to either the combiner or the front window, and the dashboard has an opening that allows the reflected light from the reflection mirror to pass therethrough. Have. Also according to this aspect, the display device can preferably switch the display position of the virtual image.

  In another aspect of the display device, the projection unit is a first combiner disposed in the vicinity of a sun visor of the vehicle, and a second combiner provided on a dashboard, and the light source unit includes the light source unit, A reflection mirror installed in the dashboard, provided in the emission direction of the light source unit, and reflecting light emitted from the light source unit to either the first combiner or the second combiner; The board has an opening through which light reflected by the reflection mirror passes. Also according to this aspect, the display device can preferably switch the display position of the virtual image.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Schematic configuration]
FIG. 1 is an example of a schematic configuration of a head-up display system (hereinafter also referred to as “HUD system”) on which a display device according to the present invention is mounted. The HUD system mainly includes a light source unit 1, a first combiner 2x, and a second combiner 2y. The light source unit 1 includes a control unit 50. The HUD system is attached to a vehicle that includes a front window 11, a ceiling portion 12, a hood 13, and a dashboard 14.

  The light source unit 1 is attached to the ceiling portion 12 in the passenger compartment via the support members 31a and 31b, and includes map information including the current location, route guidance information, traveling speed, and other information for assisting driving (hereinafter referred to as “driving assistance information”). The display image indicating "." Is applied to either the first combiner 2x or the second combiner 2y. Specifically, the light source unit 1 generates an original image (real image) of the display image in the light source unit 1 based on the control of the control unit 50, and irradiates the original image on the first combiner 2x or the second combiner 2y. Then, let the driver visually recognize the virtual image.

  The light source unit 1 is configured to be rotatable based on the control of the control unit 50. In the light source unit 1, for example, the emission direction of the light source unit 1 is adjusted by extending and contracting the support members 31a and 31b. And the light source unit 1 projects a display image on the 1st combiner 2x, when it exists in the position shown as a continuous line. On the other hand, when the light source unit 1 exists at the position indicated by the broken line, the display image is projected onto the second combiner 2y.

  The control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like (not shown), and performs general control of the HUD system. The control unit 50 is an example of the “display generating unit” and “display switching unit” in the present invention.

  The first combiner 2x and the second combiner 2y project the display image emitted from the light source unit 1 and reflect the display image to the position of the driver's eyes (also referred to as “eye point Pe”). The display image is displayed as a virtual image. And the 1st combiner 2x has the support shaft part 3x installed in the ceiling part 12, and rotates the support shaft part 3x as a spindle. Specifically, the support shaft portion 3x is installed in the vicinity of the ceiling portion 12 in the vicinity of the upper end 110a of the front window 11, in other words, in the vicinity of a position where a sun visor (not shown) for the driver is installed. The support shaft portion 3x may be installed instead of the above-described sun visor. The second combiner 2y has a support shaft portion 3y and rotates around the support shaft portion 3y as a support shaft. The support shaft portion 3y is installed on the flat surface portion 140 of the dashboard 14 that extends substantially on the same plane as the bonnet 13. The first combiner 2x is housed by being tilted along the ceiling portion 12 when not in use. Moreover, the 2nd combiner 2y is accommodated by falling along the plane part 140 in a non-use state.

  The first combiner 2x and the second combiner 2y are preferably aspherical mirrors such as non-axial parabolic mirrors as shown in FIG. 2, or free-form surface mirrors. Thereby, the HUD system can reduce image distortion (aberration) caused by the angle adjustment of the first combiner 2x and the second combiner 2y.

  A description will be given with reference to FIG. 1 again. When the light source unit 1 emits light to the first combiner 2x, the emitted light passes through the line segment “L1” and the line segment “L2” indicated by the broken lines and reaches the eye point Pe. In this case, a virtual image is generated on the extension line “L3” of the line segment L2. Hereinafter, the virtual image that is displayed mainly overlapping the upper portion of the front window 11 via the first combiner 2x is referred to as “first virtual image Iv1”. Here, “the upper portion of the front window 11” specifically refers to a region of the front window 11 that is closer to the upper end portion 110a than to the lower end portion 110b.

  On the other hand, when the light source unit 1 emits light to the second combiner 2y, the emitted light reaches the eye point Pe using the line segment “L4” and the line segment “L5” indicated by the alternate long and short dash line as a locus. In this case, a virtual image is generated on the extension line “L6” of the line segment L5. Hereinafter, the virtual image that is displayed mainly overlapping the lower portion of the front window 11 via the second combiner 2y is referred to as “second virtual image Iv2”. Here, the “lower part of the front window 11” refers to a region of the front window 11 that is closer to the lower end part 110b than to the upper end part 110a. Thus, the 1st combiner 2x and the 2nd combiner 2y are examples of the "projection part" in this invention.

[Display method]
Next, a method for displaying driving assistance information in the HUD system will be described. Schematically, the controller 50 exclusively switches and displays either the first virtual image Iv1 or the second virtual image Iv2, and also provides a guidance method based on driving assistance information indicated by the first virtual image Iv1, and the second virtual image Iv2. Is different from the guidance method based on driving assistance information. Thereby, the control part 50 displays the driving assistance information according to a driving | running state, and ensures the safety | security at the time of a driving | operation while improving a driver | operator's convenience.

(Display content)
First, driving assistance information displayed by the control unit 50 as the first virtual image Iv1 will be described. The control unit 50 specializes the content displayed in the first virtual image Iv1 to a simple guidance display such as an arrow leading the destination, in other words, an arrow guiding the route or an equivalent object. In other words, the control unit 50 generates a display image so that the first virtual image Iv1 is displayed more simply than the second virtual image Iv2.

  FIG. 3 shows a part of the driver's field of view when the light source unit 1 irradiates the first combiner 2x with a display image to display the first virtual image Iv1. As shown in FIG. 3, the first virtual image Iv1 is visually recognized by being superimposed mainly on the sky in the first combiner 2x. In FIG. 3, as the first virtual image Iv1, an arrow indicating the route on which the vehicle should travel next is displayed. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to a navigation device (not shown), for example, and receives information necessary for generating a display image such as route information from the navigation device.

  Generally, when a virtual image is displayed on the upper part of the front window 11, the virtual image enters the field of view without the driver's gaze. In consideration of the above, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 50 specializes the display of the first virtual image Iv <b> 1 with a simple arrow or a guide that leads the destination. As a result, the driver can easily confirm the display position and contents even when viewing the information as necessary.

  Next, driving assistance information displayed by the control unit 50 as the second virtual image Iv2 will be described. The control unit 50 specializes the content displayed on the second virtual image Iv2 on a navigation screen or a part of the display on the normal route (route) guidance.

  FIG. 4 shows a part of the driver's field of view when the light source unit 1 irradiates the second combiner 2y to display the second virtual image Iv2. As shown in FIG. 4, the second virtual image Iv2 is visually recognized mainly superimposed on the road in the second combiner 2y. Specifically, the second virtual image Iv2 includes a current location icon 21a indicating the current location, and a map display 21b corresponding to the current location, which can grasp information such as the position of the intersection and the direction of the branch road. Including. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to a navigation device (not shown), for example, and receives information necessary for generating a display image such as map data and route information from the navigation device.

  Thus, the control unit 50 enhances the navigation function by displaying driving assistance information including intersection information such as an enlarged view of the intersection on the second virtual image Iv2 positioned in the direction of the driver's line of sight during driving. Can assist driving. The second virtual image Iv2 may be displayed with an arrow indicating a direction to travel and other driving assistance information in addition to the current location icon 21a and the map display 21b described above.

(Switching control)
Next, five specific examples of the first control to the fifth control will be shown for the display switching method between the first virtual image Iv1 and the second virtual image Iv2. The control unit 50 may execute any combination of the following first control to fifth control.

  In the first control, the control unit 50 switches the display between the first virtual image Iv1 and the second virtual image Iv2 based on the shape of the road being traveled or its surrounding state. Specifically, only the first virtual image Iv1 is displayed on a road having a straight line or a gentle curve such as a high-speed (paid) road, or a road with few high-rise buildings along the road and having a wide field of view. On the other hand, the control unit 50 displays only the second virtual image Iv2 on a road having a complicated intersection such as a road existing in the city center. Thereby, the control part 50 can ensure the safety | security at the time of a driving | operation, suppressing eyestrain, without making a driver | operator move eyes | visual_axis frequently.

  For example, when executing the first control, the control unit 50, based on map data including road information and building information, route (route) information to the destination or stop-off location, and current location information of the own vehicle, It is determined whether the traveling road corresponds to any of the above cases. In this case, for example, the control unit 50 is electrically connected to a navigation device (not shown), and acquires the above-described map data, route information, and current location information.

  In another example, when executing the first control, the control unit 50 is electrically connected to a mobile terminal including a camera, and receives a front image of the vehicle acquired based on the operation of the mobile terminal from the mobile terminal. . Then, the control unit 50 recognizes the front image to determine which road described above corresponds to the traveling road. For example, the control unit 50 recognizes a road and a building existing along the road from the received front image based on a well-known image recognition technology, and the curvature is a road having a predetermined value or less, or the view is blocked. Judge whether there is no road.

  In the second control, the control unit 50 determines the driver's fatigue state based on the biological information and the driving duration, and switches the display of the first virtual image Iv1 and the second virtual image Iv2. Specifically, for example, the control unit 50 is electrically connected to a sensor that detects biological information such as a driver's heart rate and blood pressure, and the detection value of the sensor exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold. It is determined that driver fatigue has accumulated. In this case, the control unit 50 displays only the first virtual image Iv1, which is a simple display of driving assistance information, or does not display either the first virtual image Iv1 or the second virtual image Iv2.

  In another example, when executing the second control, the control unit 50 estimates the duration time of driving from, for example, the duration time during which the power source of the vehicle or the optical unit 1 is on, and the duration time duration. When is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, it is determined that driver fatigue has accumulated. In this case as well, the control unit 50 displays only the first virtual image Iv1, which is a simple display of driving assistance information, or displays both the first virtual image Iv1 and the second virtual image Iv2. Absent.

  In the third control, the control unit 50 determines whether to display the first virtual image Iv1 or the second virtual image Iv2 based on the traffic jam information. For example, the control unit 50 acquires traffic information and other traffic information distributed from a VICS center or a server that accumulates and manages the travel history of each vehicle and provides traffic information, and the road on which the vehicle is traveling is congested. If it is determined, only the first virtual image Iv1 is displayed.

  In the fourth control, the control unit 50 determines which of the first to third controls described above is to be valid based on the external input. For example, the light source unit 1 includes an input unit (not shown), and the control unit 50 accepts a setting to activate one of the first to third controls based on an input by the driver or the like to the input unit. .

  In the fifth control, the control unit 50 determines whether to display the first virtual image Iv1 or the second virtual image Iv2 based on the external input. For example, the light source unit 1 includes an input unit (not shown), and the control unit 50 switches display between the first virtual image Iv1 and the second virtual image Iv2 based on an input by the driver or the like to the input unit.

[Other configuration examples]
The configuration example of the HUD system according to the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 (also referred to as “first configuration example”). Here, second to eighth configuration examples, which are other configuration examples of the HUD system to which the display device of the present invention is applied, will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 11. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the HUD system according to the second configuration example. As shown in FIG. 5, in the second configuration example, the HUD system has the first configuration in that it includes only one combiner 2 serving as a projection unit and an arm 30 that can move the position of the combiner 2. Different from the example.

  Specifically, the arm 30 extends along the front window 11 and is fixed at a predetermined position in the vehicle interior. The arm 30 restricts the movement of the support shaft portion 3 provided at one end of the combiner 2 to a range in which the arm 30 extends. The arm 30 extends at least in a range in which the support shaft 3 can move to a position where the support shafts 3x and 3y according to the first configuration example shown in FIG. 1 exist.

  The combiner 2 makes a transition between a position indicated by a solid line and a position indicated by a broken line based on the control of the control unit 50 or manually. In this case, the arm 30 functions as a rope in the cableway, for example, and supports and pulls the combiner 2 by a single wire method or a double wire method. The combiner 2 displays the first virtual image Iv1 to the driver when present at the position indicated by the solid line, and displays the second virtual image Iv2 to the driver when present at the position indicated by the broken line. Thus, the combiner 2 is an example of the “projection unit” in the present invention.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of the HUD system according to the third configuration example. As shown in FIG. 6, in the third configuration example, in the HUD system, the light source unit 1 is installed on the plane portion 140. The light source unit 1 can change the emission direction according to whether the first virtual image Iv1 or the second virtual image Iv2 is displayed based on the control of the control unit 50. Specifically, the light source unit 1 emits light in the direction indicated by the broken line “L7” when the driver visually recognizes the first virtual image Iv1. On the other hand, the light source unit 1 emits light in the direction indicated by the alternate long and short dash line “L8” when the driver visually recognizes the second virtual image Iv2.

  A combiner 2 is placed on the upper surface 10 of the light source unit 1. The combiner 2 is rotatable about the support shaft 3 as a support shaft. The combiner 2 is fixed at the position shown in FIG. 6 when displaying the second virtual image Iv2. On the other hand, the combiner 2 is accommodated on the light source unit 1 or in the light source unit 1 so as to be substantially flush with the upper surface 10 of the light source unit 1 when the second virtual image Iv2 is not displayed. The combiner 2 is an example of the “projection unit” in the present invention.

  The concave mirror 5 is installed on the flat portion 140 in the direction in which the light source unit 1 irradiates. The concave mirror 5 is supported by the support portion 51. The concave mirror 5 can be undulated, for example, when the support portion 51 slides on the concave mirror 5 or the flat portion 140. The concave mirror 5 is an example of the “reflection mirror” in the present invention.

  When the concave mirror 5 exists at the position indicated by the solid line, the concave mirror 5 reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 1 and projects the first virtual image Iv1 onto the upper portion of the front window 11. In this case, the “front window 11” corresponds to the “projection unit” in the present invention. On the other hand, the concave mirror 5 reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 1 to the combiner 2 when present at the position indicated by the broken line. Accordingly, the combiner 2 displays the second virtual image Iv2 so as to be superimposed on the lower portion of the front window 11.

  In FIG. 6, the combiner 2 is mounted on the light source unit 1, but instead, it may be provided on the flat portion 140 of the dashboard 14. In this case, the combiner 2 is installed, for example, between the light source unit 1 and the front window 11, and is housed in the dashboard 14 so as to be substantially parallel to the flat surface portion 140 by being tilted.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of the HUD system according to the fourth configuration example. As shown in FIG. 7, in the fourth configuration example, the HUD system is different from the third configuration example in that the first virtual image Iv1 is visually recognized through the first combiner 2x.

  In the fourth configuration example, the HUD system includes the first combiner 2x at the same position as in the first configuration example. The first combiner 2x is housed by being tilted along the ceiling portion 12 when not in use. Similarly to the combiner 2 of the third configuration example, the second combiner 2 y is installed on the upper surface 10 of the light source unit 1 and is housed in the light source unit 1 by being tilted along the upper surface 10. And the concave mirror 5 reflects the light radiate | emitted from the light source unit 1 to the 1st combiner 2x, when it exists in the position shown as a continuous line. Accordingly, the first combiner 2x displays the first virtual image Iv1 through the upper portion of the front window 11. On the other hand, the concave mirror 5 reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 1 to the second combiner 2y when present at the position indicated by the broken line. Accordingly, the second combiner 2y displays the second virtual image Iv2 so as to be superimposed on the lower portion of the front window 11.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the HUD system according to the fifth configuration example. As shown in FIG. 8, in the fifth configuration example, the HUD system is common to the third configuration example in that the first virtual image Iv1 is displayed on the upper portion of the front window 11, and the light source unit 1 and the concave surface are provided in the dashboard 14. The third configuration example is different from the third configuration example in that a mirror is provided and an opening 19 for allowing light to pass through is provided in the plane portion 140.

  In the fifth configuration example, the light source unit 1 is located below the combiner 2 and is provided in the dashboard 14. The light source unit 1 can change the light emission direction as in the third and fourth configuration examples.

  The concave mirror 5 is installed in the dashboard 14 at a position where the reflection surface faces the light source unit 1 in the emission direction of the light source unit 1. When the concave mirror 5 exists at the position indicated by the solid line, the concave mirror 5 reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 1 into the opening 19. And the light which passed the opening part 19 is irradiated to the upper part of the front window 11, and the 1st virtual image Iv1 is displayed. On the other hand, the concave mirror 5 reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 1 to the combiner 2 when present at the position indicated by the broken line. At this time, the light reflected by the concave mirror 5 passes through the opening 19 and reaches the combiner 2. Then, the combiner 2 displays the second virtual image Iv2 so as to overlap the lower portion of the front window 11. Therefore, in the opening portion 19, the light reflected from the concave mirror 5 is blocked by the flat surface portion 140 when either the first virtual image Iv1 is displayed or the second virtual image Iv2 is displayed. There are no positions and ranges.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the HUD system according to the sixth configuration example. In the sixth configuration example, the HUD system matches the fifth configuration example in that the light source unit 1 and the concave mirror 5 are provided in the dashboard 14, and the first virtual image Iv1 is displayed through the first combiner 2x. Different from the fifth configuration example.

  In the sixth configuration example, the HUD system includes the first combiner 2x and the second combiner 2y at the same positions as in the first configuration example. And the concave mirror 5 reflects the light radiate | emitted from the light source unit 1 to the 1st combiner 2x, when it exists in the position shown as a continuous line. Thus, the first combiner 2x displays the first virtual image Iv1 so as to overlap the upper portion of the front window 11. On the other hand, the concave mirror 5 reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 1 to the second combiner 2y when present at the position indicated by the broken line. Accordingly, the second combiner 2y displays the second virtual image Iv2 so as to overlap the lower portion of the front window 11. And the opening part 19 is the light reflected from the concave mirror 5 in any case where the 1st virtual image Iv1 is displayed or the 2nd virtual image Iv2 is displayed similarly to the 5th structural example. Is provided at a position and range that is not obstructed by the flat surface portion 140.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of the HUD system according to the seventh configuration example. The seventh configuration example is different from the fifth configuration example in that the second concave mirror 5y is installed on the plane portion 140 and the opening 19 is small.

  In the seventh configuration example, in the HUD system, the first concave mirror 5x is installed at the same position as the concave mirror 5 of the fifth configuration example. The first concave mirror 5x is a mirror that reflects light (see the broken line L7) emitted from the light source unit 1 to the upper portion of the front window 11 when displaying the first virtual image Iv1, and is fixed at a predetermined inclination angle. . Accordingly, the first virtual image Iv1 is visually recognized by the driver through the upper portion of the front window 11. In addition, the second concave mirror 5 y is installed on the flat surface portion 140 and in the vicinity of the opening portion 19. The second concave mirror 5y is rotatable about the support shaft 51y as a support shaft, and is housed in the dashboard 14 through the opening 19 when not in use. The second concave mirror 5y reflects the light (see the alternate long and short dash line L8) emitted from the light source unit 1 through the opening 19 to the combiner 2. Thereby, the combiner 2 displays the second virtual image Iv2. In the seventh configuration example, the second concave mirror 5 y is installed on the flat portion 140 and in the vicinity of the opening 19. Thereby, the range through which light passes through the opening 19 is concentrated. As a result, the opening 19 of the seventh configuration example occupies a smaller area in the plane portion 140 than the fifth and sixth configuration examples.

  In the seventh configuration example, the HUD system includes the two reflecting mirrors of the first concave mirror 5x and the second concave mirror 5y. Instead, the first concave mirror 5x and the second concave mirror 5y are provided. One reflection mirror capable of reciprocating the position may be provided. In this case, for example, the HUD system includes a drive unit that can move the reflection mirror up and down, and whether the control unit 50 displays the position of the reflection mirror as the first virtual image Iv1 or the second virtual image Iv2. Move according to.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the HUD system according to the eighth configuration example. In the eighth configuration example, the HUD system matches the seventh configuration example in that the second concave mirror 5y is installed on the plane part 140, and the first virtual image Iv1 is displayed through the first combiner 2x. 7 different from the configuration example.

  In the eighth configuration example, the HUD system includes the first combiner 2x and the second combiner 2y at the same positions as in the first and sixth configuration examples. The first concave mirror 5x reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 1 to the first combiner 2x when displaying the first virtual image Iv1 as in the seventh configuration example. Thereby, the first combiner 2x displays the first virtual image Iv1. Similarly to the seventh configuration example, the second concave mirror 5y reflects the light emitted from the light source unit 1 through the opening 19 to the second combiner 2y. Thereby, the second combiner 2y displays the second virtual image Iv2. In the eighth configuration example, the second concave mirror 5 y is installed on the flat portion 140 and in the vicinity of the opening 19. Thereby, the range through which light passes through the opening 19 is concentrated. As a result, as in the seventh configuration example, the opening 19 in the eighth configuration example occupies a smaller area in the plane portion 140 than in the fifth and sixth configuration examples.

  In the eighth configuration example, the HUD system includes the two reflecting mirrors of the first concave mirror 5x and the second concave mirror 5y. Instead, the first concave mirror 5x and the second concave mirror 5y are provided. One reflection mirror capable of reciprocating the position may be provided. In this case, for example, the HUD system includes a drive unit that can move the reflection mirror up and down, and whether the control unit 50 displays the position of the reflection mirror as the first virtual image Iv1 or the second virtual image Iv2. Move according to.

[Modification]
Hereinafter, modified examples suitable for the above-described embodiments will be described. The following modifications may be applied in any combination to the above-described embodiments.

(Modification 1)
The display images corresponding to the first virtual image Iv1 and the second virtual image Iv2 are obtained by superimposing the route information indicating the direction to be traveled obtained from the navigation device on the captured forward landscape image corresponding to the route information. There may be. In this case, the HUD system includes a camera that images the front of the vehicle, and the control unit 50 is electrically connected to the camera. Then, the control unit 50 generates a display image by superimposing the image supplied from the camera and the route information supplied from the navigation device.

(Modification 2)
The display examples of the first virtual image Iv1 and the second virtual image Iv2 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are not limited to this. For example, instead of this, the first virtual image Iv1 and the second virtual image Iv2 may indicate similar route information with different scales. Even in this case, the route information indicated by the second virtual image Iv2 is displayed in a wider area and / or in detail than the first virtual image Iv1, so that the first virtual image Iv1 is simpler than the second virtual image Iv2. Display. This also allows the HUD system to present driving assistance information to the driver without hindering driving.

  This will be described with reference to two specific examples, a first specific example and a second specific example.

  FIG. 12 shows a display example of the first virtual image Iv1 according to the first specific example. FIG. 13 shows a display example of the second virtual image Iv2 according to the first specific example. In the figure, a specific place mark 21c indicates a specific place set by external input such as a departure place, a destination, and a stopover, and a travel route 21d indicates a route that the vehicle has passed or is scheduled to pass.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the first virtual image Iv1 displays a current location icon 21a, a specific location mark 21c, and a travel route 21d on a map display 21b. In FIG. 12, the specific place mark 21c indicates the departure place. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13, the second virtual image Iv2 displays a current location icon 21a, a map display 21b, a specific location 21c, and a travel route 21d.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the display of the first virtual image Iv1 is displayed more simply than the display of the second virtual image Iv2. The scale of the map display 21b indicated by the first virtual image Iv1 is larger than the scale of the map display 21b indicated by the second virtual image Iv2. In other words, the map display 21b indicated by the second virtual image Iv2 is displayed in a wider area and in detail than the map display 21b indicated by the first virtual image Iv1 in FIG. Further, in the second virtual image Iv2, a description of the specific place by a balloon is displayed on each specific place 21c.

  Next, a second specific example will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b). FIG. 14A shows a display example of the first virtual image Iv1 according to the second specific example. FIG. 14B shows a display example of the second virtual image Iv2 according to the second specific example.

  In FIG. 14A, the first virtual image Iv1 displays a current location icon 21a and a map display 21b. Similarly, in FIG. 14B, the second virtual image Iv2 displays a current location icon 21a, a map display 21b, and an obstacle 21e. Here, the obstacle 21e refers to an oncoming vehicle and other obstacles. The obstacle 21e is detected, for example, by performing image processing on an image acquired by a camera that captures the front of the vehicle.

  As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the scale of the map display 21b indicated by the first virtual image Iv1 is smaller than the scale of the map display 21b indicated by the second virtual image Iv2. That is, the map display 21b indicated by the first virtual image Iv1 is displayed in a wider area than the map display 21b indicated by the second virtual image Iv2. On the other hand, the second virtual image Iv2 displays a map display 21b in which the vicinity of the current position is enlarged, and displays the detected obstacle 21e, thereby performing a more detailed display than the first virtual image Iv1.

  As shown in the above specific examples, the HUD system makes the first virtual image Iv1 display simpler than the second virtual image Iv2 by changing the scale. Therefore, even in this case, the HUD system can present driving assistance information to the driver without hindering driving.

  Further, the HUD system can compare the first virtual image Iv1 with the second virtual image Iv2 by omitting the display of the facility in the map display 21b even if the first virtual image Iv1 and the second virtual image Iv2 are the same scale. A simple display may be used. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b).

  FIG. 15A shows a display example of the first virtual image Iv1, and FIG. 15B shows a display example of the second virtual image Iv2. 15A and 15B, a road 210 indicates a highway, and logo marks 211 to 215 indicate logo marks of various facilities.

  As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the map displays 21b respectively displayed on the first virtual image Iv1 and the second virtual image Iv2 have the same scale. On the other hand, in the first virtual image Iv1, the logo marks 211 to 215 are appropriately omitted as compared with the second virtual image Iv2. That is, the first virtual image Iv1 is partially omitted from the display of the facility even when the area to be displayed is the same as the second virtual image Iv2.

  Thus, even if the scale is the same, the HUD system makes the first virtual image Iv1 a simpler display than the second virtual image Iv2. Therefore, even in this case, the HUD system can present driving assistance information to the driver without hindering driving.

  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 2x 1st combiner 2y 2nd combiner 3 Support shaft part 11 Front window 12 Ceiling part 13 Bonnet 14 Dashboard 50 Control part

Claims (9)

A light source unit that is installed in a vehicle and emits light constituting a display image;
A projection unit that projects the display image and displays the display image as a virtual image;
Display generating means for generating the display image based on driving auxiliary information;
Display switching means for selectively switching the display position of the virtual image to either the position overlapping the upper part of the front window of the vehicle or the position overlapping the lower part of the front window;
The virtual image displays a map for route guidance,
The map displayed at the position overlapping the upper part is a part of the logo mark display representing various facilities when displaying the same and the same scale as the map displayed at the position overlapping the lower part Is omitted ,
Of the projection units, the projection unit that displays a virtual image at a position overlapping the upper part and the projection unit that displays a virtual image at a position overlapping the lower part are both movable combiners. . The light source unit is rotatable,
The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display switching unit selectively switches a display position of the virtual image by rotating the light source unit to change a light emission direction.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit is attached to a ceiling portion of the vehicle.   The display device according to claim 1, wherein the display switching unit switches a display position of the virtual image based on a shape of a road.   The display device according to claim 4, wherein the display switching unit switches the display position of the virtual image based on whether or not the traveling road is an expressway.   The display device according to claim 4, wherein the display switching unit switches a display position of the virtual image based on a curvature of a road that is running.   The display switching means recognizes the shape of the road from image data captured in the forward direction of the vehicle, and switches the display position of the virtual image based on the recognized shape of the road. The display device according to any one of 4 to 6. Electrically connected to a mobile device equipped with a camera,
The display device according to claim 7, wherein the display switching unit recognizes the shape of the road from image data transmitted from the mobile terminal. A light source unit that is installed in a vehicle and emits light constituting a display image;
A control method executed by a display device that includes a projection unit that projects the display image and displays the display image as a virtual image,
A display generation step of generating the display image based on driving assistance information;
A display switching step of selectively switching the display position of the virtual image to either the position overlapping the upper part of the front window of the vehicle or the position overlapping the lower part of the front window;
The virtual image displays a map for route guidance,
The map displayed at the position overlapping the upper part is a part of the logo mark display representing various facilities when displaying the same and the same scale as the map displayed at the position overlapping the lower part Is omitted ,
Of the projection units, the projection unit that displays a virtual image at a position that overlaps the upper part and the projection unit that displays a virtual image at a position that overlaps the lower part are both movable combiners. .

Images