JP6102628B2 - Head-up display device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a head-up display device that generates various images that are visually recognized by a vehicle occupant.

  Conventionally, various means have been used as information providing means for providing driving information such as route guidance and obstacle warnings to passengers of moving bodies such as vehicles. For example, display on a liquid crystal display installed on a moving body, sound output from a speaker, and the like. In recent years, as one of such information providing means, there is a head-up display device (hereinafter referred to as HUD).

  Here, in particular, when providing information to a vehicle occupant, it is desirable to change the information providing method depending on whether the vehicle is in a parking state or in a state other than the parking state. Specifically, when the vehicle is not in a parked state (for example, when driving on a road), the occupant must watch the surrounding environment. It is desirable to do. On the other hand, when the vehicle is in a parked state, it is less necessary for the occupant to pay attention to the surrounding environment, so information can be provided without any restrictions. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-176471 proposes a technique for projecting a rear view of a vehicle over a wide area of a windshield when the vehicle shifts to a parking state.

JP 2007-176471 A (Page 3, FIG. 1)

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an image of a rear view is displayed on the windshield, display is always performed with the same luminance. However, in the case where information is provided through the windshield, the setting of luminance for displaying information is a very important parameter. That is, if the brightness is set high, information can be clearly seen by the occupant, but the occupant cannot see the surrounding environment through the displayed information (that is, the field of view is narrow). Become). On the other hand, if the brightness is set low, the displayed information can be seen through and the surrounding environment can be visually recognized, and the field of view is not narrowed, but the displayed information is superimposed on the background to make the information clear. It becomes difficult for the occupant to visually recognize it.

  Moreover, although it is set as the structure which displays a back view as information, only when the vehicle is in a parking state in the technique of the said patent document 1, information is displayed also when the vehicle is other than a parking state (for example, at the time of road driving). In this case, it is necessary to set an appropriate brightness depending on the state of the vehicle.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and by adjusting the brightness of the light source of the projector to an appropriate value according to the state of the vehicle, the vehicle occupant can appropriately visually recognize the virtual image. An object of the present invention is to provide a head-up display device that can be used and can ensure the sight of a passenger in a necessary situation.

In order to achieve the above object, a head-up display device (1) according to the present invention is installed in a vehicle and projects an image on a screen using light output from a screen (20, 21) and a light source (51). A head-up display device that includes a projector (4) and virtual image generation means (11, 12) that generates a virtual image of a video from a video projected on a screen, and generates a virtual image that is visible to a vehicle occupant. . Furthermore, it further comprises a brightness adjusting means (31) for adjusting the brightness of the light source, and a vehicle state acquiring means (31) for acquiring the state of the vehicle, wherein the video comprises a first video and a second video, When the vehicle is in a state other than the parking state, the projector projects different types of images on the screen in the first image and the second image, and the vehicle state is in the parking state. when in the said one of the image that combines the first image and the second image is projected on the screen, the brightness adjustment means when the state of the previous SL vehicle is parked, the parking state The brightness of the light source is adjusted to be higher than in the case other than the above.
“Parking” basically means that the vehicle is parked, but even if it does not meet the parking conditions under the Road Traffic Law, the vehicle stops and the vehicle occupant However, if there is a low necessity for visually recognizing the external environment, it may be considered that the vehicle is in a parking state.

According to the head-up display device according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the virtual image can be appropriately visually recognized by the vehicle occupant by adjusting the luminance of the light source of the projector to an appropriate value according to the state of the vehicle. . Specifically, in a situation where the vehicle is in a parked state and the necessity for visually recognizing the external environment is low, the virtual image can be visually recognized more clearly by increasing the luminance. On the other hand, in situations where the vehicle is not in a parked state and it is necessary to visually recognize the external environment, it is possible to transmit the virtual image generated by the vehicle occupant to make the surrounding environment visible by reducing the brightness. It is possible to prevent the occupant's visual field from being narrowed by the generated virtual image. Further, when the vehicle is in a parking state, it is possible to generate a virtual image having a larger size by combining a plurality of images.

It is the figure which showed the installation aspect to the vehicle of HUD which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed the internal structure of HUD which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed the 1st projection lens and 2nd projection lens with which a projector is provided. It is the figure which showed the movement aspect of the 2nd projection lens. It is the figure which each showed the 1st screen and the 2nd screen. It is the figure which showed the projection aspect of the image | video of the projector with respect to the 1st screen and the 2nd screen. It is the figure which showed the movement aspect to the front-back direction with respect to the optical path of a 2nd screen. It is the figure which each showed the virtual image produced | generated by the image | video projected on the 1st screen and the 2nd screen. It is the figure which showed the movement aspect to the crossing direction with respect to the optical path of a 1st screen and a 2nd screen. It is the figure which showed the projection aspect of the image | video of a projector at the time of moving a 1st screen and a 2nd screen to an up-down direction. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of HUD which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart of the virtual image generation processing program which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure shown about the setting range of the brightness | luminance of the light source of a projector. It is the figure which showed an example of the virtual image which can be visually recognized from the passenger | crew of the vehicle of a non-parking state. It is the figure which showed the positional relationship of the 2nd screen and 2nd projection lens at the time of moving a 2nd screen. It is the figure which showed an example of the position setting table. It is the figure which showed an example of the virtual image which can be visually recognized from the passenger | crew of the parked vehicle.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying a head-up display device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of a head-up display device (hereinafter referred to as HUD) 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an installation mode of the HUD 1 according to the present embodiment on the vehicle 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the HUD 1 is installed inside the dashboard 3 of the vehicle 2, and includes a projector 4 and a screen 5 on which an image from the projector 4 is projected. Then, the image projected on the screen 5 is reflected on the front window 6 in front of the driver's seat through the mirror and Fresnel lens provided in the HUD 1 as will be described later, and is made visible to the passenger 7 of the vehicle 2. ing. Note that the image projected on the screen 5 includes information related to the vehicle 2 and various information used for assisting the driving of the occupant 7. For example, warnings for obstacles (other vehicles and pedestrians), guidance information set by the navigation device and guidance information based on the guidance route (such as arrows indicating the direction of turning left and right), current vehicle speed, guidance signs, map images, traffic information, There are news, weather forecast, time, screen of connected smartphone, TV program and so on.

  Further, in the HUD 1 of the present embodiment, when the occupant 7 visually recognizes an image projected on the screen 5 by reflecting the front window 6, the occupant 7 is not at the position of the front window 6 but at the front of the front window 6. An image projected on the screen 5 at a distant position is configured to be visually recognized as a virtual image 8. The virtual image 8 that can be seen by the occupant 7 is an image projected on the screen 5, but the vertical direction is reversed because the image is projected through the mirror. In addition, the size is changed by using a Fresnel lens.

  Here, regarding the position where the virtual image 8 is generated, more specifically, the distance L from the occupant 7 to the virtual image 8 (hereinafter referred to as a generation distance) L, the shape and position of the mirror and Fresnel lens provided in the HUD 1, and the screen 5 with respect to the optical path It is possible to appropriately set the position depending on the position. In particular, in the present embodiment, the position of the screen 5 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction along the optical path as will be described later. As a result, the generation distance L can be changed as appropriate. For example, the generation distance L can be changed between 2.5 m and 20 m.

  Next, a more specific configuration of the HUD 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the HUD 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the HUD 1 basically includes a projector 4, a screen 5, a reflection mirror 10, a mirror 11, a Fresnel lens 12, a control circuit unit 13, and a CAN interface 14.

  Here, the projector 4 is a video projection device using an LED light source as a light source, and is a DLP projector, for example. As the projector 4, a liquid crystal projector or an LCOS projector may be used. However, a light source whose luminance can be adjusted is used as the light source. The projector 4 includes a projection lens 15 for projecting an image. In this embodiment, the projection lens 15 is composed of two projection lenses, a first projection lens 16 and a second projection lens 17, which are different from each other. Configure to project video. Here, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the first projection lens 16 and the second projection lens 17 provided in the projector 4.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first projection lens 16 and the second projection lens 17 have a divided shape obtained by dividing one circular lens in the vertical direction. Further, the second projection lens 17 below is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction along the optical path. On the other hand, the position of the first projection lens 16 is fixed. Specifically, by driving the lens drive motor 18 on the back side of the second projection lens 17, it is possible to move the second projection lens 17 in the front-rear direction along the optical path as shown in FIG. Become. In particular, in this embodiment, when the screen 5 is moved in the front-rear direction along the optical path as will be described later, the focal point of the image projected from the second projection lens 17 is made to coincide with the position of the screen 5 after the movement. In addition, the second projection lens 17 is also moved to follow.

  The lens drive motor 18 is a stepping motor. The HUD 1 can control the lens driving motor 18 based on the pulse signal transmitted from the control circuit unit 13 and appropriately position the second projection lens 17 with respect to the set position.

  The screen 5 is a projection medium onto which an image projected from the projector 4 is projected. For example, a Fresnel screen or a diffusion screen is used. In the present embodiment, the screen 5 includes two screens, a first screen 20 and a second screen 21. Here, FIG. 5 is a view showing the first screen 20 and the second screen 21.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first screen 20 has a projection area 22 on which an image is projected upward, and the image projected from the first projection lens 16 of the projector 4 is displayed as shown in FIG. 6. Is done. On the other hand, the 2nd screen 21 has the to-be-projected area 23 in which an image | video is projected below, and the image | video projected from the 2nd projection lens 17 of the projector 4 is displayed as shown in FIG. The first screen 20 and the second screen 21 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction along the optical path so that the projection areas 22 and 23 do not overlap as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the virtual image 8 includes a virtual image of a video projected on the first screen 20 (hereinafter referred to as a first virtual image 8A) and a virtual image of a video projected on the second screen 21 (hereinafter referred to as a second virtual image 8B). It will be composed of.

  The second screen 21 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction along the optical path. On the other hand, the position of the first screen 20 is fixed with respect to the front-rear direction. Specifically, the distance between the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 is changed as shown in FIG. 7 by driving the screen front / rear drive motor 24 on the back side of the second screen 21. The two screens 21 can be moved in the front-rear direction along the optical path. As a result, the position where the second virtual image 8B, which is the virtual image of the image projected on the second screen 21, is generated (specifically, the generation distance L2 that is the distance from the occupant 7 to the second virtual image 8B) is changed. Is possible. The generation distance L2 depends on the distance from the mirror 11 to the second screen 21. That is, the generation distance L <b> 2 is changed in length depending on the distance from the mirror 11 to the second screen 21. For example, the generation distance L2 increases as the distance from the mirror 11 to the second screen 21 increases, and the generation distance L2 decreases as the distance from the mirror 11 to the second screen 21 decreases.

  For example, when the second screen 21 is moved to the projector 4 side (the side where the distance to the mirror 11 is increased), the generation distance L2 is increased (that is, the second virtual image 8B is viewed farther from the passenger 7). It becomes like). On the other hand, when the second screen 21 is moved to the side opposite to the projector 4 (the side where the distance to the mirror 11 is shortened), the generation distance L2 is shortened (that is, the second virtual image 8B is visible closer to the occupant 7). Will come to be). Since the position of the first screen 20 is fixed in the front-rear direction, the position (specifically, from the occupant 7 to the first virtual image 8A, which is a virtual image of the image projected on the first screen 20). The generation distance L1) that is the distance to one virtual image 8A is fixed. Therefore, by changing the generation distance L2, the distance (| L2-L1 |) from the first virtual image 8A to the second virtual image 8B is changed.

  Therefore, if the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 are at the same distance from the mirror 11 along the optical path, the first virtual image 8A and the second virtual image 8B are generated at the same position in front of the vehicle 2. However, when the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 are at different distances from the mirror 11 along the optical path, the first virtual image 8A and the second virtual image 8B are at different positions as shown in FIG. Will be generated. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each screen is arranged so that the projection area 22 of the first screen 20 is positioned above the projection area 23 of the second screen 21, but the mirror 11. Thus, the image is inverted upside down, so that the second virtual image 8B is generated above the first virtual image 8A with reference to the direction intersecting the optical path.

  In the present embodiment, the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 are configured to be integrally movable in a direction crossing the optical path. Specifically, by driving a screen vertical drive motor 25 on the side surface of the first screen 20, the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 are integrally moved in a direction crossing the optical path as shown in FIG. It becomes possible. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the first projection mode in which the image from the projector 4 is projected on the first screen 20 and the second screen 21, and the image from the projector 4 is projected only on the first screen 20. It is possible to switch the projection mode of the image on the screen 5 between the second projection mode to be performed.

  When the projection mode is the first projection mode, the HUD 1 basically has different types of video images (for example, the first projection lens 16 presents the current vehicle state) between the first projection lens 16 and the second projection lens 17. The vehicle speed image and the second projection lens 17 project guidance information and warning information image) on each screen. On the other hand, when the projection mode is the second projection mode, one video (for example, the first projection lens 16) that is basically a combination of the images projected by the first projection lens 16 and the second projection lens 17. Then, the image on the lower half of the television screen is projected on the first screen 20 and the image on the upper half of the television screen is projected on the second projection lens 17. As a result, in the second projection mode, it is possible to generate a larger-size image without a dividing line as a virtual image. Even in the second projection mode, the first projection lens 16 and the second projection lens 17 may be configured to project different types of images.

  Each of the screen front / rear drive motor 24 and the screen vertical drive motor 25 is a stepping motor. Then, the HUD 1 can control the screen front / rear drive motor 24 based on the pulse signal transmitted from the control circuit unit 13 and appropriately position the front / rear position of the second screen 21 with respect to the set position. The HUD 1 controls the screen vertical drive motor 25 based on the pulse signal transmitted from the control circuit unit 13 and appropriately positions the vertical positions of the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 with respect to the set position. Is possible.

  On the other hand, the reflecting mirror 10 is a reflecting plate that reflects an image projected from the projector 4 to change the optical path and projects it onto the screen 5 as shown in FIG.

  Further, the mirror 11 is a projection unit that reflects the image light from the screen 5 and projects a virtual image 8 (see FIG. 1) in front of the occupant 7 through the front window 6 as shown in FIG. 2. As the mirror 11, a spherical concave mirror, an aspheric concave mirror, or a free-form curved mirror for correcting distortion of a projected image is used.

  The Fresnel lens 12 is a magnifying glass for generating a virtual image 8 by enlarging the image projected on the screen 5 as shown in FIG. And in HUD1 which concerns on this embodiment, the image | video projected on the screen 5 is further reflected on the front window 6 via the mirror 11 and the Fresnel lens 12, and is made to be visually recognized by the passenger | crew 7, so that the front of the front window 6 is visible. The image projected on the screen 5 at a distant position is enlarged and is visually recognized by the occupant as a virtual image 8 (see FIG. 1).

  The control circuit unit 13 is an electronic control unit that controls the entire HUD 1. Here, FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the HUD 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the control circuit unit 13 includes a CPU 31 as an arithmetic device and a control device, a RAM 32 used as a working memory when the CPU 31 performs various arithmetic processes, a control program, and a virtual image generation described later. A ROM 33 in which a processing program (see FIG. 12) and the like are recorded, an internal storage device such as a flash memory 34 for storing a program read from the ROM 33 and a position setting table to be described later are provided. The control circuit unit 13 is connected to the projector 4, the lens drive motor 18, the screen front / rear drive motor 24, and the screen vertical drive motor 25, respectively, and performs drive control of the projector 4 and various motors.

  The CAN (controller area network) interface 14 is an interface for inputting / outputting data to / from CAN which is an in-vehicle network standard for performing multiplex communication between various on-vehicle devices installed in a vehicle and control devices for vehicle equipment. It is. The HUD 1 is connected to a control device (for example, the navigation device 48, the AV device 49, etc.) of various vehicle-mounted devices and vehicle equipment via the CAN so as to be able to communicate with each other. Accordingly, the HUD 1 is configured to be able to project output screens of the navigation device 48, the AV device 49, and the like.

  An illuminance sensor 50 is connected to the HUD 1. The illuminance sensor 50 is a sensor that is installed on the top surface of the instrument panel or outside the vehicle and detects the brightness around the vehicle.

  Next, a virtual image generation processing program executed by the CPU 31 in the HUD 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the virtual image generation processing program according to this embodiment. Here, the virtual image generation processing program is executed after the ACC of the vehicle is turned on, sets the luminance of the light source of the projector 4 based on the brightness around the vehicle and the state of the vehicle, and is a virtual image 8 that can be visually recognized by a vehicle occupant. Is a program that generates Note that the program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 below is stored in the RAM 32 or ROM 33 provided in the HUD 1 and is executed by the CPU 31.

  First, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1 in the virtual image generation processing program, the CPU 31 acquires the brightness around the vehicle using the illuminance sensor 50.

  Next, in S2, the CPU 31 sets the luminance of the light source of the projector 4 based on the ambient brightness of the vehicle acquired in S1. Here, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a setting mode of the luminance of the light source of the projector 4. As shown in FIG. 13, when the vehicle is in a parked state, a higher luminance is set than when the vehicle is in a state other than the parked state. The parking state basically means that the vehicle is parked, but even if the vehicle does not meet the parking conditions under the Road Traffic Law, the vehicle stops and the vehicle occupant is outside. If it is in a state where the necessity of visually recognizing the environment is low, it may be considered that the vehicle is parked.

  When the vehicle is parked, the luminance of the light source is always set to a constant value. However, when the vehicle is not parked, the luminance of the light source is changed depending on the brightness around the vehicle. Specifically, the brightness of the light source is adjusted higher as the surroundings of the vehicle are brighter. As a result, when the vehicle is in a parked state, that is, when it is less necessary for the vehicle occupant to visually recognize the external environment, it is possible to generate a high-intensity, non-transparent virtual image and make the virtual image clearly visible to the occupant. It becomes. On the other hand, when the vehicle is not parked, that is, when the vehicle occupant needs to visually recognize the external environment, a transparent virtual image with low luminance is generated, and the generated virtual image is transmitted so that the surrounding environment is also visually recognized. It is possible and does not narrow the occupant's field of view. Furthermore, by adjusting the luminance of the light source based on the ambient brightness, the transmittance of the generated virtual image can be set to an appropriate value suitable for superimposition with the background. Note that the brightness of the light source of the projector 4 may be configured to be changed by a user's manual operation.

  Subsequently, in S3, the CPU 31 transmits a signal to the projector 4, and starts projecting an image on the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 by the projector 4 with the luminance of the light source set in S2. Here, the video projected by the projector 4 includes information related to the vehicle 2 and various types of information used for assisting the driving of the occupant 7. For example, warnings for obstacles (other vehicles and pedestrians), guidance information set by the navigation device and guidance information based on the guidance route (such as arrows indicating the direction of turning left and right), current vehicle speed, guidance signs, map images, traffic information, There are news, weather forecast, time, screen of connected smartphone, TV program and so on.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the image projected on the first screen 20 by the first projection lens 16 is an image of the current vehicle speed of the vehicle. The image projected on the second screen 21 by the second projection lens 17 is an image of guidance information based on the guidance route set by the navigation device. In the present embodiment, the second screen 21 is disposed below the first screen 20 as shown in FIG. Accordingly, as a result of reflection by the mirror 11, the second virtual image 8B that is a virtual image of the image projected on the second screen 21 is generated above the first virtual image 8A that is a virtual image of the image projected on the first screen 20. Will be.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14, a numerical value indicating the current vehicle speed is generated as the first virtual image 8 </ b> A in the vicinity of the lower edge of the front window 6 and in front of the front window 6 and can be visually recognized by the occupant. In addition, a guide arrow is generated as the second virtual image 8B in the vicinity of the center of the front window 6 and in front of the front window 6, and is visible to the passenger. Here, since the position of the first screen 20 is fixed, the position where the first virtual image 8A is generated (specifically, the generation distance L1 which is the distance from the occupant 7 to the first virtual image 8A) is also fixed. The position is 2.5 m ahead of the occupant 7. The generation distance L1 may be other than 2.5 m. However, if the generation distance L1 is too long, the first virtual image 8A is embedded in the road surface, and therefore it is preferably about 2 m to 4 m.

  In the example shown in FIG. 14, the current vehicle speed video is displayed as the first virtual image 8 </ b> A, but other information such as information signs, map images, traffic information, news, weather forecast, time, and the like are connected. It is good also as a structure which displays also the image | video of the information which does not need to displace the distance from vehicles, such as a smart phone screen and a television program. Then, by fixing the generation distance L1 to an appropriate distance (for example, 2.5 m), it is possible to prevent generation of an unnatural virtual image that is embedded in the road surface. Furthermore, the vehicle occupant can reduce the line-of-sight movement as much as possible when visually recognizing the first virtual image 8A, and can further reduce the burden during driving.

  On the other hand, the position where the second virtual image 8B is generated is a position ahead of the generation distance L2 from the vehicle, but the generation distance L2 can be arbitrarily set and changed within a range determined by the standard of HUD1. . In particular, in this embodiment, setting and changing are possible within a range of 2.5 mm to 20 mm. In addition, the generation distance L2 is desirably set as appropriate based on the content of the image projected on the second screen 21 (that is, the second virtual image 8B).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when a guide arrow indicating a right / left turn is displayed as the second virtual image 8B, the vehicle position or map information obtained from the navigation device as the distance from the occupant 7 to the intersection 60 to be turned left / right And the calculated distance is set as the generation distance L2. The HUD 1 according to the present embodiment can change the generation distance L2 by moving the second screen 21 in the front-rear direction along the optical path as described above (see FIG. 8). Accordingly, the CPU 31 controls the position of the second screen 21 so that the second virtual image 8B is generated at a position away from the occupant 7 by the generation distance L2. As a result, the position where the second virtual image 8B is generated is a position in front of the generation distance L2 set by the occupant 7 (the position of the intersection 60 that is a right turn target in the example shown in FIG. 14). Therefore, it becomes possible to make the front scenery visually recognized by the occupant 7 correspond to the position of the second virtual image 8B, and the occupant 7 can minimize the movement of the line of sight even when viewing the second virtual image 8B. . In addition, if the distance from the passenger | crew 7 to the intersection used as the right-left turn changes by a vehicle moving after that, it will comprise so that the production | generation distance L2 may also be changed in connection with it. When the second screen 21 is moved, the second projection lens 17 is also moved in order to focus the image projected from the second projection lens 17 on the second screen 21.

  Hereinafter, the control of the positions of the second screen 21 and the second projection lens 17 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Here, the positions of the second screen 21 and the second projection lens 17 are configured to be movable along the optical path 52 of the light source 51 of the projector 4 as shown in FIG. Since the generation distance L2 depends on the distance from the mirror 11 to the second screen 21, the position of the second screen 21 corresponds to the generation distance L2 in which the distance from the mirror 11 to the second screen 21 is set. To be determined. On the other hand, the position of the second projection lens 17 is determined as a position where the image projected from the second projection lens 17 is focused on the second screen 21. In other words, if the second screen 21 moves along the optical path in a direction away from the mirror 11 (that is, a direction approaching the second projection lens 17) in order to increase the generation distance L2, the second projection lens 17 follows the optical path. Therefore, it moves in a direction approaching the second screen 21 which is the opposite direction. On the other hand, if the second screen 21 moves along the optical path in a direction approaching the mirror 11 (that is, a direction away from the second projection lens 17) in order to shorten the generation distance L2, the second projection lens 17 follows the optical path. Therefore, it moves in the direction away from the second screen 21 which is the opposite direction. In other words, the position of the second screen 21 in the optical path 52 is first determined based on the set generation distance L2, and the position of the second projection lens 17 in the optical path 52 is determined based on the determined position of the second screen 21. Will be determined. In addition, the second projection lens 17 and the second screen 21 move in different directions along the optical path 52.

  As a result, for example, even when the second screen 21 is moved to the second projection lens 17 side in order to change the generation distance L2, the second projection lens 17 is also moved along with the movement of the second screen 21. By moving to the second screen 21 side, it is possible to maintain the state in which the projected image is focused on the second screen 21. As a result, a clear image can be projected even after the second screen 21 is moved.

  Next, in S4, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the vehicle has shifted to the parking state. Specifically, when the vehicle stops and the shift position shifts to parking “P”, it is determined that the vehicle shifts to the parking state. Note that it may be determined that the host vehicle has shifted to the parking state only when the shift position has shifted to parking "P", or that the host vehicle has shifted to the parking state when the side brake has been actuated. It is good as a condition.

  And when it determines with the vehicle having shifted to the parking state (S4: YES), it transfers to S5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle has not shifted to the parking state (S4: NO), the process returns to S1, and the projection of the video onto the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 is continued. Do.

  In S5, the CPU 31 reads the position setting table from the flash memory 34, and determines the position of the second screen 21 to be the fixed display position. Here, the fixed display position is the same distance as the generation distance L1 (for example, 2.5 m) in which the generation distance L2 that is the distance from the occupant 7 to the second virtual image 8B is the distance from the occupant 7 to the first virtual image 8A. That is, the distance from the mirror 11 to the first screen 20 and the distance from the mirror 11 to the second screen 21 are the same distance. Further, in S5, the CPU 31 also determines the position of the second projection lens 17 for setting the fixed display position based on the position setting table. In the position setting table, as shown in FIG. 16, the position of the second screen 21 for generating the second virtual image 8B at the generation distance L2 is defined for each generation distance L2. Further, the position of the second projection lens 17 is defined in association with the position of the second screen 21.

  Next, in S6, the CPU 31 determines the drive amount (number of pulses) of the screen front-rear drive motor 24 necessary to move the second screen 21 from the current position to the position specified in S5. Similarly, in S6, the CPU 31 determines the driving amount (number of pulses) of the lens driving motor 18 necessary to move the second projection lens 17 from the current position to the position specified in S5.

  Subsequently, in S <b> 7, the CPU 31 transmits a signal to the projector 4, and temporarily suspends projection of an image (hereinafter referred to as a second image) projected from the second projection lens 17 for the second screen 21. On the other hand, the projection of the video (hereinafter referred to as the first video) projected from the first projection lens 16 on the first screen 20 is continuously performed.

  Thereafter, in S8, the CPU 31 transmits a pulse signal for driving the screen front / rear drive motor 24 by the drive amount determined in S6 to the screen front / rear drive motor 24. Similarly, a pulse signal for driving the lens driving motor 18 by the driving amount determined in S6 is transmitted to the lens driving motor 18. The screen front / rear drive motor 24 and the lens drive motor 18 that have received the pulse signal drive based on the received pulse signal. As a result, the second screen 21 moves to the fixed display position, and the second projection lens 17 moves to a position focused on the second screen 21 at the fixed display position.

  Next, in S9, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the movement of the second screen 21 and the second projection lens 17 has been completed. Specifically, the movement of the second screen 21 and the second projection lens 17 is received when a signal indicating that the drive is completed is received from the screen front / rear drive motor 24 or the lens drive motor 18 that transmitted the pulse signal in S8. Is determined to be complete.

  And when it determines with the movement of the 2nd screen 21 and the 2nd projection lens 17 having been completed (S9: YES), it transfers to S10. On the other hand, when it is determined that the movement of the second screen 21 and the second projection lens 17 is not completed (S9: NO), the process waits until the movement is completed.

  In S <b> 10, the CPU 31 determines the drive amount (number of pulses) of the screen vertical drive motor 25 necessary for switching the projection mode of the image on the screen from the first projection mode to the second projection mode. As described above, the second projection mode is a projection mode in which an image from the projector 4 is projected only on the first screen 20 (see FIG. 10). In this embodiment, the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 are integrally moved in a direction intersecting the optical path to switch between the first projection mode and the second projection mode.

  Next, in S11, the CPU 31 transmits a pulse signal for driving the screen vertical drive motor 25 by the drive amount determined in S10 to the screen vertical drive motor 25.

  Subsequently, in S12, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the movement of the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 is completed. Specifically, it is determined that the movement of the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 is completed when a signal indicating that the driving is completed is received from the screen vertical drive motor 25 that transmitted the pulse signal in S11. .

  And when it determines with the movement of the 1st screen 20 and the 2nd screen 21 having been completed (S12: YES), it transfers to S13. On the other hand, when it is determined that the movement of the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 is not completed (S12: NO), the process waits until the movement is completed.

  In S13, the CPU 31 sets the luminance of the light source of the projector 4 to the luminance in the parking state. As described above, when the vehicle is in the parked state, the brightness is set higher than when the vehicle is not in the parked state (FIG. 13). Further, a constant high luminance is set without depending on the brightness around the vehicle. As a result, when the vehicle is in a parked state, that is, when it is less necessary for the vehicle occupant to visually recognize the external environment, it is possible to generate a high-intensity, non-transparent virtual image and make the virtual image clearly visible to the occupant. It becomes.

  Thereafter, in S14, the CPU 31 transmits a signal to the projector 4, and resumes the projection of the second video interrupted in S7 according to the luminance set in S13. However, as the projection mode of the image on the screen is switched from the first projection mode to the second projection mode, the second image is projected on the first screen 20 as in the first image as shown in FIG. Will be. In particular, in the present embodiment, after resuming the projection of the second video, one video (for example, the first video that combines the first video projected from the first projection lens 16 and the second video projected from the second projection lens 17). 1 image is projected on the first screen 20, and the second image is projected on the first half of the television screen. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to generate a virtual image 8C in which a dividing line is not generated for a larger area.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 17, in a state where the vehicle is not in a parked state (a state in the first projection mode), a range 63 in which the first virtual image 8A based on the first screen 20 can be generated and a second based on the second screen 21. The range 64 in which the two virtual images 8B can be generated is divided, and when a large-sized virtual image straddling the ranges 63 and 64 is generated, a dividing line is generated. On the other hand, when the vehicle is parked (in the second projection mode), the range 65 and the range 64 include the range 65 in which an image is projected only on the first screen 20 and the virtual image 8C based on the first screen 20 can be generated. It becomes possible to make it a larger range. Further, the image quality of the virtual image 8C does not deteriorate compared to the first virtual image 8A and the second virtual image 8B. Further, as described above, since the luminance of the light source is set high when the vehicle is parked, the virtual image 8C can be clearly displayed without passing through the virtual image 8C and visually recognizing the background.

  Therefore, in a situation where it is less necessary for the vehicle occupant to visually recognize the external environment after parking, it is possible to clearly obtain necessary information by using the virtual image 8C having a larger brightness and a larger size. In addition, since the first video is continuously projected while the projection mode is changed and after the projection mode is changed to the second projection mode, the first virtual image 8A is also generated after the virtual image 8C is generated before parking. It is possible to display continuously. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the first virtual image 8A indicating the current vehicle speed can be continuously generated at the same position. Note that the image projected by the projector 4 during parking may be an image other than the television screen. For example, there are traffic information, news, weather forecast, time, screen of a connected smartphone, and the like. Further, even when the vehicle is parked, the first projection lens 16 and the second projection lens 17 can project different types of images.

  Next, in S15, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the vehicle has shifted from the parking state to a state other than the parking state. Specifically, when the shift position shifts to other than parking “P”, it is determined that the vehicle has shifted to a state other than the parking state. The vehicle speed may be other than 0 as a condition for determining that the host vehicle has shifted to a state other than the parking state, and that the host vehicle has shifted to a state other than the parking state when the side brake is released. It is good also as conditions to judge.

  When it is determined that the vehicle has shifted from the parking state to a state other than the parking state (S15: YES), the process proceeds to S16. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle is continuously parked (S15: NO), the image is continuously projected.

  In S <b> 16, the CPU 31 acquires the brightness around the vehicle using the illuminance sensor 50.

  Next, in S17, the CPU 31 sets the luminance of the light source of the projector 4 based on the ambient brightness of the vehicle acquired in S16. The details of the specific processing are the same as in S2, so the details are omitted. As a result, when the vehicle shifts from the parked state to another state (for example, a state where the vehicle travels on the road), the virtual image generated by the vehicle occupant is transmitted by lowering the light source of the projector 4 thereafter. Thus, the surrounding environment can be visually recognized, and the occupant's field of view is not narrowed.

  Subsequently, in S <b> 18, the CPU 31 transmits a signal to the projector 4 and temporarily interrupts the projection of the second video projected from the second projection lens 17. On the other hand, the projection of the first video projected from the first projection lens 16 is continued.

  Thereafter, in S <b> 19, the CPU 31 determines the drive amount (number of pulses) of the screen vertical drive motor 25 necessary for switching the image projection mode on the screen from the second projection mode to the first projection mode.

  Next, in S20, the CPU 31 transmits a pulse signal for driving the screen vertical drive motor 25 by the drive amount determined in S19 to the screen vertical drive motor 25.

  Subsequently, in S21, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the movement of the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 is completed. Specifically, it is determined that the movement of the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 is completed when a signal indicating that the driving is completed is received from the screen vertical drive motor 25 that transmitted the pulse signal in S20. .

  And when it determines with the movement of the 1st screen 20 and the 2nd screen 21 having been completed (S21: YES), it transfers to S22. On the other hand, when it is determined that the movement of the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 is not completed (S22: NO), the process waits until the movement is completed.

  In S22, the CPU 31 transmits a signal to the projector 4, and resumes the projection of the second video interrupted in S18. However, as the projection mode of the video on the screen is switched from the second projection mode to the first projection mode, the second video is projected on the second screen 21 different from the first video as shown in FIG. Will be. As a result, the first virtual image 8A and the second virtual image 8B are generated as shown in FIG.

  As described above in detail, according to the HUD 1 according to the present embodiment, the projector 4 projects images on the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 via the first projection lens 16 and the second projection lens 17, respectively. The virtual image of the image visually recognized by the vehicle occupant 7 is generated by reflecting the image projected on the first screen 20 and the second screen 21 to the front window 6 of the vehicle 2 and causing the vehicle occupant 7 to visually recognize the image. Further, when the vehicle is in the parking state, the brightness of the light source 51 of the projector 4 is adjusted to be higher than that in the case other than the parking state. By adjusting to, it becomes possible to make the vehicle occupant appropriately visually recognize the virtual image. Specifically, in a situation where the vehicle is in a parked state and the necessity for visually recognizing the external environment is low, the virtual image can be visually recognized more clearly by increasing the luminance. On the other hand, in situations where the vehicle is not in a parked state and it is necessary to visually recognize the external environment, it is possible to transmit the virtual image generated by the vehicle occupant to make the surrounding environment visible by reducing the brightness. It is possible to prevent the occupant's visual field from being narrowed by the generated virtual image.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the present embodiment, the virtual image is generated in front of the front window 6 of the vehicle 2 by the HUD 1, but the virtual image may be generated in front of a window other than the front window 6. In addition, the object to be reflected by the HUD 1 may be a visor (combiner) installed around the front window 6 instead of the front window 6 itself. Further, as the projector 4, a projector other than a projector using an LED as a light source may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the HUD 1 is installed on the vehicle 2. However, the HUD 1 may be installed on a moving body other than the vehicle 2. For example, it can be installed on a ship or an aircraft. Moreover, you may install in the ride type attraction installed in an amusement facility. In that case, a virtual image can be generated around the ride so that the rider can visually recognize the virtual image.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first virtual image 8A does not need to change the generation distance of the current vehicle speed, guidance signs, map images, traffic information, news, weather forecast, time, connected smartphone screen, TV program, and the like. The information virtual image is displayed, but the first virtual image 8A is similar to the second virtual image 8B, and the image regarding an object such as an obstacle or an intersection whose distance from the vehicle is displaced (that is, the generation distance needs to be displaced). (Information) may be displayed.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, when it determines with the own vehicle having shifted to the parking state, it is set as the structure which switches the projection aspect of the image | video with respect to a screen from a 1st projection aspect to a 2nd projection aspect, but the vehicle speed of a vehicle It is good also as a structure which switches, when becomes 0, ie, when it stops.

  In the present embodiment, only the second screen 21 is configured to be movable in the front-rear direction along the optical path. However, the first screen 20 may be configured to be movable. Similarly, the first projection lens 16 may be configured to be movable. In that case, the generation distance L1 of the first virtual image 8A can be changed. Further, only the second screen 21 may be configured to be movable in the front-rear direction along the optical path, and the position of the second projection lens 17 may be fixed.

  In this embodiment, the screen is composed of two screens, a first screen 20 and a second screen 21, and the lens of the projector 4 is composed of two lenses, a first projection lens 16 and a second projection lens 17. However, the number of screens and lenses may be only one pair or three or more pairs. Further, the projector 4 may have only one lens, and the screen may be composed of a plurality of sheets.

  Moreover, although the embodiment which actualized the head-up display device according to the present invention has been described above, the head-up display device can also have the following configuration, and in that case, the following effects can be obtained.

For example, the first configuration is as follows.
It has an external environment acquisition means for acquiring the external environment of the vehicle, and the brightness adjustment means adjusts the brightness of the light source according to the external environment of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a state other than the parking state. To do.
According to the head-up display device having the above configuration, it is possible to set the transmittance of the virtual image generated according to the external environment of the vehicle to an appropriate value suitable for superimposition with the background. As a result, it becomes possible to appropriately recognize a virtual image in correspondence with the background without narrowing the field of view of the vehicle occupant.

The second configuration is as follows.
The external environment acquisition means acquires the brightness around the vehicle, and the brightness adjustment means adjusts the brightness of the light source higher as the surrounding of the vehicle is brighter when the vehicle is in a state other than the parking state. Features.
According to the head-up display device having the above-described configuration, it is possible to set the transmittance of the virtual image generated according to the ambient brightness to an appropriate value suitable for superimposition with the background. As a result, it becomes possible to appropriately recognize a virtual image in correspondence with the background without narrowing the field of view of the vehicle occupant.

The third configuration is as follows.
The vehicle state acquisition unit acquires the vehicle shift position, and the brightness adjustment unit determines that the vehicle state is in the parking state when the vehicle shift position is in the parking state.
According to the head-up display device having the above configuration, in a situation where the vehicle is parked in a parking lot or the like and the necessity for visually recognizing the external environment is low, the virtual image can be visually recognized more clearly by increasing the luminance. It becomes possible.

The fourth configuration is as follows.
The image is composed of a first image and a second image, and when the vehicle is in a state other than the parking state, the projector projects different types of images for the first image and the second image on the screen, When the vehicle is in a parking state, one image obtained by combining the first image and the second image is projected onto the screen.
According to the head-up display device having the above configuration, a virtual image having a larger size can be generated by combining a plurality of images when the vehicle is in a parked state.

The fifth configuration is as follows.
The screen includes a first screen and a second screen, and when the vehicle is in a state other than the parking state, the first video is projected on the first screen and the second video is projected on the second screen, When the vehicle is in a parking state, one image obtained by combining the first image and the second image is projected on the first screen.
According to the head-up display device having the above configuration, it is possible to generate virtual images in various forms by using a plurality of screens, while only one screen is used when the vehicle is parked. By projecting the first video and the second video as targets, it is possible to generate a large virtual image without a dividing line.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Head up display apparatus 2 Vehicle 3 Dashboard 4 Projector 5 Screen 6 Front window 7 Crew 8 Virtual image 16 1st projection lens 17 2nd projection lens 18 Lens drive motor 20 1st screen 21 2nd screen 24 Screen front and rear drive motor 25 screen Vertical drive motor 31 CPU
32 RAM
33 ROM
34 Flash memory 51 Light source 52 Optical path

Claims (5)

Installed in the vehicle,
Screen,
A projector that projects video onto the screen using light output from a light source;
Virtual image generating means for generating a virtual image of the video from the video projected on the screen;
Brightness adjusting means for adjusting the brightness of the light source;
Vehicle state acquisition means for acquiring the state of the vehicle,
The video comprises a first video and a second video,
The projector is
When the vehicle is in a state other than the parking state, different types of images are projected on the screen, respectively, in the first image and the second image,
When the state of the vehicle is in a parking state, project one image that combines the first image and the second image onto the screen,
The luminance adjustment means when the state of the previous SL vehicle is parked, the head-up display apparatus characterized by high adjust the brightness of the light source than in the non-parking state. An external environment acquisition means for acquiring the external environment of the vehicle;
2. The head-up display according to claim 1, wherein the brightness adjusting unit adjusts the brightness of the light source according to an external environment of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a state other than the parking state. apparatus. The external environment acquisition means acquires brightness around the vehicle,
3. The head-up according to claim 2, wherein when the vehicle is in a state other than the parking state, the brightness adjusting unit adjusts the brightness of the light source to be higher as the surrounding of the vehicle is brighter. Display device. The vehicle state acquisition means acquires the shift position of the vehicle,
The head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the brightness adjusting means determines that the vehicle is in the parking state when the shift position of the vehicle is in parking. Up display device. The screen includes a first screen and a second screen,
When the state of the vehicle is other than the parking state, the first video is projected on the first screen and the second video is projected on the second screen,
If the state of the vehicle is in the parking state, claims 1 to in which one of video that combines the second image with the first image is characterized in that it is projected as target the first screen Item 5. The head-up display device according to any one of Items 4 to 9 .

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