JP6925916B2 - Head-up display - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a head-up display, and is particularly suitable for use in a head-up display provided in a vehicle and projecting projected light for displaying a virtual image visually recognized by a occupant of the vehicle.

Conventionally, a technique has been used in which a virtual image showing various information (for example, vehicle speed, traveling direction, speed limit, etc.) is displayed in front of the driver by an in-vehicle head-up display. Regarding an in-vehicle head-up display, Patent Document 1 simultaneously displays a flat display (virtual image) that is substantially perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the vehicle and a depth display (virtual image) that includes components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. , A head-up display is described that makes it easier for the driver to grasp the sense of distance to the flat display by using the depth display.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which the head-up display 81 according to Patent Document 1 displays a virtual image. As shown in FIG. 9, the head-up display 81 includes an irradiation unit 84 having a first display 82 and a second display 83, and the projected light is projected by the first display 82 to form a virtual image. A certain plane display 85 is displayed, and the projected light is projected by the second display 83 to display the depth display 86 which is a virtual image.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-068577

As shown in FIG. 9, the head-up display 81 has a flat display 85 and a depth display so that the position where the entire depth display 86 is formed is closer to the driver than the position where the flat display 85 is formed. 86 is displayed. That is, the focal length for the entire depth display 86 is shorter than the focal length when the driver visually recognizes the flat display 85. Since humans perceive the perspective of a virtual image based on the focal length, when the virtual image is displayed in the manner shown in FIG. 9, the driver who visually recognizes the plane display 85 and the depth display 86 can see the entire depth display 86. It is perceived as if it is located in front of the flat display 85. In this case, in the area 87 where the plane display 85 and the depth display 86 overlap in the driver's field of view, the depth display 86 is displayed as if it extends toward the back, while the driver is displayed. Since the entire depth display 86 is perceived to be located in front of the flat display 85, there is a problem that the driver feels uncomfortable.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and relates to a virtual image that is substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction and a head-up display that displays a virtual image containing components in the vehicle front-rear direction. The purpose is to enable passengers of vehicles to visually recognize these virtual images with a sense of depth without feeling uncomfortable.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the head-up display of the present invention includes a vertical virtual image projection unit that projects a vertical virtual image projection light for displaying a vertical virtual image that is a virtual image substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction. With the first depth virtual image projection unit that projects the first depth virtual image projection light for displaying the first depth virtual image, which is a virtual image containing the components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, on the side facing the passenger of the vehicle with respect to the vertical virtual image. The second depth virtual image projection light for displaying the second depth virtual image, which is a virtual image displayed in the display area of the vertical virtual image, including the components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, on the side away from the passenger of the vehicle with respect to the vertical virtual image. The first depth virtual image projection unit and the second depth virtual image projection unit are tilted with respect to the reference direction. It is composed of a first projection device that projects a first depth virtual image projection light in the first direction and a second depth virtual image projection light in a second direction symmetrical to the first direction with respect to the reference direction, and has a first depth. The virtual image projection light is directly projected onto the first reflecting member, and the second depth virtual image projection light is reflected on the reflecting surface and indirectly projected onto the first reflecting member.

According to the present invention configured as described above, the head-up display displays a component in the vehicle front-rear direction on the side facing the occupant of the vehicle with respect to a vertical virtual image which is a virtual image substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction. The first depth virtual image which is a included virtual image is displayed, and the second depth virtual image which is a virtual image displayed in the display area of the vertical virtual image including the component in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is displayed on the side away from the passenger of the vehicle. do. As a result, when the passenger of the vehicle visually recognizes the virtual image, the portion of the virtual image containing the components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle that overlaps the display area of the vertical virtual image is located behind the vertical virtual image for the driver. It will be perceived, and the passenger of the vehicle can visually recognize the virtual image that is substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction and the virtual image that includes the components in the vehicle front-rear direction with a sense of depth without feeling any discomfort. can.

It is a figure which shows the device configuration example of the head-up display which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure used for explaining the optical path of the projected light projected by a head-up display. It is a figure which shows an example of the vertical virtual image, the 1st depth virtual image and the 2nd depth virtual image visually recognized by a driver. It is a figure which shows an example of the vertical virtual image, the 1st depth virtual image and the 2nd depth virtual image visually recognized by a driver. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the display system which has the head-up display which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the virtual image displayed by the head-up display which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the virtual image displayed by the head-up display which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the virtual image displayed by the head-up display which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows how the conventional head-up display displays a virtual image.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A shows an example of the device configuration of the head-up display 1 according to the present embodiment, the front windshield WS of the vehicle (corresponding to the “projection surface” in the claims) and the passenger of the vehicle (the present embodiment). Then, it is a figure which shows together with the viewpoint E of a driver). In FIG. 1A, the optical path of the projected light projected by the head-up display 1 and the virtual image formed by the projection of the projected light are drawn. In FIG. 1 (A), as shown by the arrows, the direction toward the left in the figure is the front of the vehicle, the direction toward the right in the figure is the rear of the vehicle, and the direction toward the top in the figure is the upper side of the vehicle. , The downward direction in the figure is the lower part of the vehicle. FIG. 1 (B) is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 1 (A).

The head-up display 1 is a device provided in a vehicle, and includes a projection unit 2 and a concave mirror 3 as shown in FIG. 1 (A). The projection unit 2 and the concave mirror 3 are housed in, for example, the dashboard of the vehicle. The head-up display 1 is a device that reflects the projected light projected by the projection unit 2 while enlarging it with the concave mirror 3 and projects it onto the front windshield WS to form a virtual image in front of the driver boarding the vehicle. .. The projected light projected on the front windshield WS is reflected on the driver side, whereby a virtual image is formed in front of the front windshield 4 when viewed from the driver in the driver's field of view L. The concave mirror 3 corresponds to the "reflecting member that guides the projected light to the projection surface" in the claims. In the following description, the fact that the head-up display 1 projects the projected light to form a virtual image may be referred to simply as "the head-up display 1 displays the virtual image".

As shown in FIG. 1 (B), the projection unit 2 includes a first projection device 5 and a second projection device 6. The first projection device 5 is provided on the first light modulation device 7 having a liquid crystal panel, the first light source 8 provided on the back side of the first light modulation device 7, and the front side of the first light modulation device 7. It is equipped with a parallax barrier 9. The first light source 8 is a member that supplies light to the first light modulation device 7, and an LED, a laser light source, or the like is used. The same applies to the second light source 10 described later. The first projection device 5 projects the first depth virtual image projection light in the first direction H1 inclined with respect to the reference direction KL orthogonal to the surface of the first light modulation device 7, and also with respect to the reference direction KL. The second depth virtual image projection light is projected in the second direction H2 which is symmetrical to the first direction H1.

More specifically, the liquid crystal panel of the first light modulator 7 emits light based on a row of first pixels that modulate the light based on the first image data and a second image data different from the first image data. A row of second pixels to be modulated is arranged alternately. The parallax barrier 9 provided on the front side of the first light modulator 7 separates the light emitted by the light source into the first direction H1 and the second direction H2 by the polarizing member, and the light modulated by the first pixel. Only the light is projected in the first direction H1 and only the light modulated by the second pixel is projected in the second direction H2. The projected light projected toward the first direction H1 by the first projection device 5 corresponds to the first depth virtual image projected light that forms the first depth virtual image, and is also projected toward the second direction H2. The projected light corresponds to a second depth virtual image projection light that forms a second depth virtual image.

As shown in FIG. 1 (B), the second projection device 6 is provided on the back side of the second optical modulator 11 having a liquid crystal panel and the second optical modulator 11, and the second optical modulator 11 emits light. A second light source 10 for supplying light, an optical path changing member 12 provided on the front side of the second optical modulator 11, and a half mirror 13 provided on the front side of the light path changing member 12 (“plane” within the scope of the patent claim. And "corresponding to the" reflective surface "). The second projection device 6 modulates the light emitted by the second light source 10 by the second light modulation device 11, changes the optical path so that the projected light is directed to the concave mirror 3 by the optical path changing member 12, and projects the projected light. do. The light projected by the second projection device 6 corresponds to the vertical virtual image projection light that forms a vertical virtual image. The half mirror 13 has a function of transmitting the projected light projected through the optical path changing member 12, and reflects the projected light projected by the first light modulation device 7 toward the second direction H2 toward the concave mirror 3. It is a mirror that has the function of

In FIG. 1A, reference numeral PD is a vertical virtual image, reference numeral DD1 is a first depth virtual image, and reference numeral DD2 is a second depth virtual image. The vertical virtual image PD, the first depth virtual image DD1 and the second depth virtual image DD2 of FIG. 1A are images extending over the entire region where the virtual image can be formed. In order to explain the optical path of the light projected by the first projection device 5 and the second projection device 6, FIG. 2 (A) shows the enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 1 (B) in an manner suitable for explanation. It is a figure which clarified the optical path of the light projected by. FIG. 2B shows the distance from the driver's viewpoint E to the position where each of the vertical virtual image PD, the first depth virtual image DD1 and the second depth virtual image DD2 is imaged, as shown by the optical path shown in FIG. 2A. It is the figure which showed in the state which clarified the relationship of. The distance L_DD1, the distance LDD_2, the distance L_PD, and the distance L_depth in FIG. 2 (A) correspond to the distance L_DD1', the distance LDD_2', the distance L_PD', and the distance L_deptth, respectively, in FIG. 2 (B). FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a vertical virtual image PD, a first depth virtual image DD1 and a second depth virtual image DD2 visually recognized by the driver in the driver's field of view L in a simplified manner.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, the optical path of the light projected by the first projection device 5 toward the first direction H1 is projected from the first projection device 5 toward the first direction H1. The generated first depth virtual image projection light is projected onto a predetermined region of the concave mirror 3 and reflected by the concave mirror 3 to form a first depth virtual image DD1. The first depth virtual image DD1 is a virtual image containing components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The virtual image including the component in the vehicle front-rear direction means a virtual image in which the planar region on which the virtual image is formed is tilted in the vehicle front-rear direction rather than the vehicle up-down direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the first depth virtual image DD1 is visually recognized by the driver with a sense of depth as if it is located farther toward the front side (= side away from the driver) of the vehicle.

As shown by the optical path of the light projected by the second projection device 6 in FIGS. 1 (A) and 2 (A), the vertical virtual image projection light projected from the second projection device 6 is a predetermined position of the concave mirror 3. It is projected onto the region and reflected by the concave mirror 3 to form a vertical virtual image PD. This vertical virtual image PD is a virtual image substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction. The virtual image substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction means that the planar region in which the virtual image is formed is a virtual image substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the vertical virtual image PD is visually recognized by the driver as an image standing substantially vertically in front of the driver.

As shown in FIG. 1 (A), the entire area of the first depth virtual image DD1 is displayed so as to form an image on the rear side (= driver side) of the vehicle with respect to the vertical virtual image PD. That is, the focal length for the entire area of the first depth virtual image DD1 is shorter than the focal length when the driver visually recognizes the vertical virtual image PD. Therefore, when the driver visually recognizes the vertical virtual image PD and the first depth virtual image DD1, the driver perceives that the entire area of the first depth virtual image DD1 is located in front of the vertical virtual image PD. Further, the first depth virtual image DD1 is displayed so that the position of the front end of the region where the virtual image is formed substantially coincides with the position of the lower end of the region where the vertical virtual image PD is formed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when the driver visually recognizes the vertical virtual image PD and the first depth virtual image DD1, the first depth virtual image DD1 extends toward the back and at the end on the back side thereof. Adjacent to it, the vertical virtual image PD is sensuously recognized as if it stands up and is displayed.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, the optical path of the light projected by the first projection device 5 toward the second direction H2 is projected from the first projection device 5 toward the second direction H2. The second depth virtual image projection light is projected onto a predetermined region of the half mirror 13 of the second projection device 6. This predetermined region is a region included in the region through which the light passes through the optical path changing member 12 in the half mirror 13. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, "the direction in which the projected light projected from the first projection device 5 toward the second direction H1 reflects the half mirror 13 and then heads toward the concave mirror 3. Is the same (parallel) as the "first direction H1". Further, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, the projection direction of the second depth virtual image projection light reflected by the half mirror 13 and the projection of the vertical virtual image projection light projected by the second projection device 6 It matches the direction. Therefore, the second depth virtual image projection light reflected by the half mirror 13 is projected onto a predetermined region of the concave mirror 3 in an optical path corresponding to the optical path of the vertical virtual image projection light projected by the second projection device 6. The second depth virtual image projected light is reflected by the concave mirror 3 to form a second depth virtual image DD2. The second depth virtual image DD2 is a virtual image containing components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 3, in the driver's field of view L, the second depth virtual image DD2 is visually recognized by the driver in a state of overlapping the vertical virtual image PD in the region Q. Then, as shown in FIG. 1A, the entire area of the second depth imaginary image DD2 is displayed so as to form an image on the vehicle front side (= opposite side of the driver) with respect to the vertical imaginary image PD. That is, the focal length for the entire area of the second depth virtual image DD2 is longer than the focal length when the driver visually recognizes the vertical virtual image PD. This is because the second depth virtual image projection light reflects off the half mirror 13 of the second projection device 6 and is projected onto the concave mirror 3, so that the light path leading to the front windshield WS is the second depth virtual image projection light. The structural feature of the head-up display 1 according to the present embodiment is that the length of the optical path is longer than the optical path of the vertical virtual image projected light by the amount of the optical path projected from the first projection device 5 to the half mirror 13. It is derived from.

When the driver visually recognizes the vertical virtual image PD and the second depth virtual image DD2 because the focal length for the entire area of the second depth virtual image DD2 is longer than the focal length when the driver visually recognizes the vertical virtual image PD. , It is perceived that the entire area of the second depth virtual image DD2 is located deeper than the vertical virtual image PD. That is, the second depth virtual image DD2 is displayed at a position (display area of the vertical virtual image) overlapping the vertical virtual image PD in the area Q (see FIGS. 1 (A) and 3). Then, the driver who perceives the perspective of the virtual image by the focal length perceives that the second depth virtual image DD2 is located deeper than the vertical virtual image PD in the region Q. For this reason, the driver feels uncomfortable, such as "the second depth virtual image DD2, which is expressed as extending toward the back of the vertical virtual image PD, feels as if it is located in front of it." The vertical virtual image PD and the second depth virtual image DD2 can be visually recognized without any problem.

Further, the second depth virtual image DD2 is displayed so that the position of the rear end of the vehicle in the region where the virtual image is formed substantially coincides with the position of the lower end of the region where the vertical virtual image PD is formed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, when the driver visually recognizes the vertical virtual image PD and the second depth virtual image DD2, the second depth virtual image DD2 extends toward the back and is located at the front end thereof. Adjacent to it, the vertical virtual image PD is sensuously recognized as if it stands up and is displayed.

Here, the optical paths of the first depth virtual image projection light, the second depth virtual image projection light, and the vertical virtual image projection light will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2A, the distance L_DD1 refers to the distance of the optical path from the first depth virtual image projection light emitting the first projection device 5 to the driver's viewpoint E. In FIG. 2B, the distance L_DD1'corresponding to the distance L_DD1 in FIG. 2A corresponds to the focal length of the first depth virtual image DD1, and the first depth virtual image DD1 is a distance from the viewpoint E by the driver. It is visually recognized at a position separated by L_DD1'. Since the focal length to the virtual image when viewed from the driver becomes large due to the expansion of the projected light by the concave mirror 3, the actual lengths of the distance L_DD1 and the distance L_DD1'are increased. Do not completely match, and "distance L_DD2 <distance L_DD2'". This also applies to the relationship between the distance LDD_2 and the distance LDD_2', the relationship between the distance L_PD and the distance L_PD', and the relationship between the distance L_dept and the distance L_dept'.

Further, in FIG. 2A, the distance L_DD2 refers to the distance of the optical path from the second depth virtual image projection light emitting the first projection device 5 to the driver's viewpoint E. In FIG. 2B, the distance L_DD2'corresponding to the distance L_DD2 in FIG. 2A corresponds to the focal length of the second depth virtual image DD2, and the second depth virtual image DD2 is a distance from the viewpoint E by the driver. It is visually recognized at a position separated by L_DD2'. Further, in FIG. 2A, the distance L_PD refers to the distance of the optical path from the vertical virtual image projection light emitting the second projection device 6 to the driver's viewpoint E. In FIG. 2B, the distance L_PD'corresponding to the distance L_PD of FIG. 2A corresponds to the focal length of the vertical virtual image PD, and the vertical virtual image PD is separated from the viewpoint E by the distance L_PD'by the driver. It is visually recognized at the desired position. Further, in FIG. 2A, the distance L_depth is such that the second depth virtual image projection light projected from the position P1 of the first projection device 5 toward the second direction H2 reaches the position P2 of the half mirror 13. Indicates the distance of the optical path. In FIG. 2B, the distance L_depth'is the distance corresponding to the distance L_depth in FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2A, the region AR1 shown by the broken line represents the virtual image plane of the virtual image based on the second depth virtual image projection light reflected by the half mirror 13.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the distance L_PD and the distance L_DD2 have the following relationship. Distance L_DD2 = distance L_PD + distance L_depth. Therefore, "distance DD2> distance L_PD. Further, as described above and as shown in FIG. 2 (A)," the projected light projected from the first projection device 5 toward the second direction H1 is The "direction toward the concave mirror 3 after reflecting the half mirror 13" is the same (parallel) as the "first direction H1". Therefore, "distance L_DD1 related to the first depth virtual image projection light directly projected onto the concave mirror 3 toward the first direction H1" and "once projected toward the half mirror 13 and then by the half mirror 13". The distance L_DD2 related to the second depth virtual image projection light indirectly projected onto the concave mirror 3 by being reflected toward the first direction H1 has the following relationship. Distance L_DD1 <Distance L_DD2.

By the way, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 3, the planar region in which the first depth virtual image DD1 is imaged and the planar region in which the second depth virtual image DD2 is imaged are substantially the same plane. Exists on. Due to this configuration, when the driver visually recognizes the vertical virtual image PD, the first depth virtual image DD1 and the second depth virtual image DD2, the first depth virtual image DD1 and the second depth virtual image DD2 are continuously extended toward the back. At the same time, it is sensuously recognized as if the vertical virtual image PD stands up and is displayed in the middle part of the virtual image that extends continuously toward the back.

The first projection device 5 displays the first depth virtual image projection light for displaying the first depth virtual image, which is a virtual image including the components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, on the side facing the passenger of the vehicle with respect to the vertical virtual image. The "first depth virtual image projection unit" to be projected and the second depth virtual image, which is a virtual image displayed in the display area of the vertical virtual image, including the components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, are separated from the passengers of the vehicle with respect to the vertical virtual image. It functions as a "second depth virtual image projection unit" that projects a second depth virtual image projection light for display on the side. Further, the second projection device 6 functions as a "vertical virtual image projection unit" that projects vertical virtual image projection light for displaying a vertical virtual image which is a virtual image substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction.

For example, the following virtual image can be displayed by using the head-up display 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a vertical virtual image X3, a first depth virtual image Y3, and a second depth virtual image Z3 visually recognized by the driver in the driver's field of view L in a simplified manner. In FIG. 4, the reference numeral PDr indicates a region in which a vertical virtual image can be formed (a region corresponding to the vertical virtual image PD). Further, the reference numeral DD1r indicates a region in which a first depth virtual image can be formed (a region corresponding to the first depth virtual image DD1). Further, the reference numeral DD2r indicates a region in which a second depth virtual image can be formed (a region corresponding to the second depth virtual image DD2).

As shown in FIG. 4, the vertical virtual image X3 is a circular virtual image that is largely displayed in the central portion of the region PDr. Further, the first depth virtual image Y3 has band-shaped first depth virtual images Y3a and Y3b extending in the left-right direction with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The first depth virtual images Y3a and Y3b are displayed separated from each other in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Further, the second depth virtual image Z3 has band-shaped second depth virtual images Z3a and Z3b extending in the left-right direction with respect to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The second depth virtual images Z3a and Z3b are displayed separated from each other in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

When the virtual image is displayed in the manner illustrated in FIG. 4, the driver who visually recognizes the first depth virtual image Y3 and the second depth virtual image Z3 has four strip-shaped objects extending in the left-right direction at intervals toward the back. The virtual image can be visually recognized with a sense of depth under the feeling of being arranged. Furthermore, the driver feels as if a circular vertical virtual image X3 is floating and displayed in the center of a virtual three-dimensional space with a depth that is sensuously recalled by four band-shaped objects. Each virtual image can be visually recognized naturally with a sense of unity.

As described above, the head-up display 1 according to the present embodiment includes a second projection device 6 that functions as a vertical virtual image projection unit that projects vertical virtual image projection light. Further, the head-up display 1 projects a first depth virtual image projection light for displaying a first depth virtual image, which is a virtual image including components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, on the side facing the passenger of the vehicle with respect to the vertical virtual image. The first depth virtual image projection unit and the second depth virtual image, which is a virtual image displayed in the display area of the vertical virtual image, including the components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, are displayed on the side away from the passenger of the vehicle with respect to the vertical virtual image. A first projection device 5 that functions as a second depth virtual image projection unit that projects a second depth virtual image projection light for the purpose is provided.

According to this configuration, the head-up display 1 is a virtual image containing a component in the vehicle front-rear direction on the side facing the occupant of the vehicle with respect to a vertical virtual image which is a virtual image substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction. A first depth virtual image is displayed, and a second depth virtual image, which is a virtual image displayed in a vertical virtual image display area, is displayed on the side away from the occupant of the vehicle, which contains a component in the vehicle front-rear direction. As a result, when the passenger of the vehicle visually recognizes the virtual image, the portion of the virtual image containing the components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle that overlaps the display area of the vertical virtual image is located behind the vertical virtual image for the driver. It will be perceived, and the driver (passenger of the vehicle) will feel the depth of the virtual image that is almost perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction and the virtual image that includes the components in the vehicle front-rear direction without feeling any discomfort. Can be visually recognized by holding.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first depth virtual image projection unit and the second depth virtual image projection unit project the first depth virtual image projection light in the first direction H1 tilted with respect to the reference direction, and project the first depth virtual image projection light with respect to the reference direction. It is composed of a first projection device 5 that projects a second depth virtual image projection light in a second direction H2 that is symmetrical to the first direction. Then, the first depth virtual image projection light is projected onto the concave mirror 3 (first reflection member), and the second depth virtual image projection light reflects the half mirror 13 (reflection surface) of the second projection device 6. It is indirectly projected onto the concave mirror 3. According to this configuration, the projection unit 2 can be downsized as compared with the case where the first depth virtual image projection unit and the second depth virtual image projection unit are respectively configured by different devices. On top of that, the first depth virtual image projection light is directly projected onto the concave mirror 3, while the second depth virtual image projection light is indirectly projected onto the concave mirror 3, so that the optical path related to the second depth virtual image projection light The length can be made longer than the length of the optical path related to the first depth virtual image projected light, and the second depth virtual image can be accurately imaged on the side farther from the driver than the first depth virtual image.

Further, in the present embodiment, the vertical virtual image projection unit projects the vertical virtual image projection light by one surface corresponding to the half mirror 13 and reflects the second depth virtual image projection light projected by the second depth virtual image projection unit. , The second projection device 6 is configured. Then, in the present embodiment, the vertical virtual image projection light and the first depth virtual image projection light are directly projected onto the concave mirror 3, and the second depth virtual image projection light is reflected on the surface of the second projection device 6. , The first projection device 5 and the second projection device 6 are arranged so as to be projected on the concave mirror 3. According to this configuration, the length of the optical path related to the second depth virtual image projection light is lengthened by using the second projection device 6 having the function of projecting the vertical virtual image projection light and the function of reflecting the second depth virtual image projection light. Can be made longer than the length of the optical path associated with the first depth virtual image and the vertical virtual image, whereby the second depth virtual image is imaged on the side farther from the driver than the first depth virtual image and the vertical virtual image. be able to. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a dedicated device for projecting the second depth virtual image projection light or to separately provide a dedicated mechanism for lengthening the length of the optical path related to the second depth virtual image projection light. The unit 2 can be miniaturized.

Next, an example of the usage mode of the head-up display 1 according to the present embodiment will be described together with an example of a virtual image displayed by the head-up display 1. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the display system 20 that displays a virtual image on the head-up display 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the display system 20 includes a display unit 21 and an in-vehicle device 22. The display unit 21 includes a display control device 23 and a head-up display 1.

The display control device 23 is a device that controls the display of a virtual image on the head-up display 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the display control device 23 includes a receiving unit 30, an image processing unit 31, an optical modulation device driving unit 32, and a light source driving unit 33 as functional configurations. Each of the above functional blocks 30 to 33 can be configured by any of hardware, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and software. For example, when configured by software, each of the above functional blocks 30 to 33 is actually configured to include a computer CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and is a program stored in a recording medium such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, or semiconductor memory. Is realized by the operation of.

The receiving unit 30 receives the vertical image data, the first depth image data, and the second depth image data from the vehicle-mounted device 22, and outputs the vertical image data to the image processing unit 31. The vertical image data is image data used for displaying the vertical imaginary image, the first depth image data is the image data used for displaying the first depth imaginary image, and the second depth image data is the image data of the second depth imaginary image. Image data used for display.

The image processing unit 31 inputs image data from the receiving unit 30, performs necessary image processing such as resolution processing, and develops the image data in the frame memory. The image processing unit 31 expands the vertical image data into a frame memory for vertical image data, expands the first depth image data into a frame memory for first depth image data, and expands the second depth image data into a second depth. Expand to frame memory for image data.

The optical modulation device driving unit 32 controls the second optical modulation device 11 of the second projection device 6 to display a vertical virtual image based on the vertical image data expanded in the frame memory for vertical image data. The optical modulation device drive unit 32 corresponds to the above-mentioned first pixel of the first optical modulation device 7 of the first projection device 5 based on the first depth image data expanded in the frame memory for the first depth image data. The first depth virtual image is displayed by controlling the configuration. The optical modulation device drive unit 32 corresponds to the above-mentioned second pixel of the first optical modulation device 7 of the first projection device 5 based on the second depth image data expanded in the frame memory for the second depth image data. The second depth virtual image is displayed by controlling the configuration.

The light source driving unit 33 drives the first light source 8 and the second light source 10.

The in-vehicle device 22 of the display system 20 transmits the vertical image data, the first depth image data, and the second depth image data to the display control device 23 of the display unit 21 to display a vertical virtual image and the first depth on the head-up display 1. Display a virtual image and a second depth virtual image. The in-vehicle device 22 stores information necessary for generating image data for displaying a virtual image of the contents described later, is connected to other necessary devices and necessary sensors, and displays the virtual image of the contents described later. The image data to be generated can be appropriately generated.

Under the above configuration, the head-up display 1 can display, for example, the following. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing a virtual image that the driver sees in the driver's field of view through the front windshield WS, together with a real scene that the driver sees, and regions PDr, DD1r, and DD2r of FIG. Is. The same applies to each of FIGS. 6 (B), 7 and 8, which will be described below.

In FIG. 6A, an image marking a vehicle in front located in front of the own vehicle in the same lane as the own vehicle is displayed in the area PDr as a vertical virtual image X5A. For example, when the in-vehicle device 22 automatically follows the vehicle in front by adaptive cruise control, the vehicle-mounted device 22 displays the vertical virtual image X5A corresponding to the position of the actual scene of the vehicle in front. As described above, the vertical virtual image is a virtual image displayed substantially vertically in front of the driver. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6A, a three-dimensional object (the vehicle in front of this example) located in front of the own vehicle can be appropriately marked by the vertical virtual image.

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing another example of the virtual image displayed by the head-up display 1. In FIG. 6B, the first depth virtual image Y5B and the second depth virtual image Z5B display a virtual image showing the guidance route overlaid on the actual view of the road. As described above, the first depth virtual image and the second depth virtual image are virtual images that are extended and displayed with a depth in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 (B), the first depth virtual image and the second depth virtual image are used to guide the vehicle so as to overlap with the actual view of the road extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle in the driver's field of view. A virtual image showing the route can be displayed appropriately. The mode of the virtual image (first depth virtual image Y5B and second depth virtual image Z5B) showing the induction path illustrated in FIG. 6B is merely an example. For example, it may be a linear virtual image extending along the guidance path, or the content of the virtual image may be dynamically changed according to the state of the actual scene.

FIG. 7A is a diagram showing another example of the virtual image displayed by the head-up display 1. In FIG. 7A, the vertical virtual image X5A of FIG. 6A and the first depth virtual image Y5B and the second depth virtual image Z5B of FIG. 6B are displayed at the same time. As shown in FIG. 7A, the head-up display 1 can simultaneously display the vertical virtual image X5A, the first depth virtual image Y5B, and the second depth virtual image Z5B. However, when displaying these virtual images, the driver perceives that the virtual image is located in front in the order of the first depth virtual image Y5B, the vertical virtual image X5A, and the second depth virtual image Z5B. It is necessary to control the display of the virtual image appropriately.

That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, it is assumed that the length of the region DD1r related to the first depth virtual image in the depth direction corresponds to "10 meters" in the actual scene through the region DD1r. In this case, if the distance between the own vehicle and the vehicle in front is shorter than 10 meters, the driver is more vertical than the first depth virtual image, even though the distance is actually shorter than 10 meters. Since the virtual image is perceived to be located in the back, the driver may mistakenly think that the vehicle in front marked by the vertical virtual image X5A is located at a distance of 10 meters or more. Based on this, the in-vehicle device 22 monitors, for example, the distance between the own vehicle position and the vehicle in front, and stops displaying the first depth virtual image Y5B when the distance is shorter than 10 meters.

FIG. 7B is a diagram showing another example of the virtual image displayed by the head-up display 1. In FIG. 7B, an image marking an oncoming vehicle located in front of the own vehicle is displayed in the area PDr as a vertical virtual image X6B. Further, in FIG. 7B, the first depth virtual image Y6B and the second depth virtual image Z6B display a virtual image showing a route on which an oncoming vehicle is predicted to travel, superimposed on the actual view of the road. According to the virtual image shown in FIG. 7B, the driver can accurately recognize the existence of the oncoming vehicle and the route of the oncoming vehicle. The imaginary image shown in FIG. 7B is effective, for example, when traveling on a road with one lane on each side without a median strip. The virtual images (first depth virtual image Y6B and second depth virtual image Z6B) indicating the route on which the oncoming vehicle is predicted to travel may be animated so that the arrow moves from the back to the front.

FIG. 8A is a diagram showing another example of the virtual image displayed by the head-up display 1. In FIG. 8A, an image marking a pedestrian hidden behind another vehicle and difficult to see from the driver is displayed in the area PDr as a vertical virtual image X7A. The vertical virtual image X7A is a rectangular virtual image that surrounds the area corresponding to the pedestrian. As shown in FIG. 8A, it is possible to mark an object that is difficult or invisible to the driver and that the driver should pay attention to by a vertical virtual image. By checking the displayed vertical virtual image, the driver can accurately recognize the existence and position of the object.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing another example of the virtual image displayed by the head-up display 1. In FIG. 8B, for a pedestrian located deeper than the virtual image distance of the region PDr in the actual scene, images marking the pedestrian are displayed in the region PDr as vertical virtual images X7Ba and X7Bb. The vertical virtual images X7Ba and X7Bb are rectangular virtual images surrounding a pedestrian. Further, in FIG. 8B, for a pedestrian located in front of the virtual image of the region PDr in the actual scene, an image marking the pedestrian is displayed in the region DD1r as the first depth virtual image Y7Ba. The first depth virtual image Y7B is a rectangular virtual image that surrounds the feet of a pedestrian. Then, for each pedestrian, the first depth virtual image Y7Bb and the second depth virtual images Z7Ba, Z7Bb indicate the direction in which the pedestrian is predicted to move by an arrow. A pedestrian uses the first depth virtual image and the second depth virtual image in order to move in a predetermined direction by walking on a plane extending in a plane corresponding to the region DD1r related to the first depth virtual image and the region DD2r related to the second depth virtual image. Then, an arrow indicating the direction in which the pedestrian is expected to move can be appropriately displayed. According to the virtual image shown in FIG. 8B, the driver can accurately pay attention to the driver based on the direction in which the pedestrian is predicted to move.

<First modification>
Next, the first modification will be described with reference to FIG. 1 (B). In the above-described embodiment, the position of the first projection device 5 with respect to the second projection device 6 is fixed. On the other hand, in the first modification, the projection unit 2 is provided with a predetermined mechanism, and the first projection device 5 is directed by the predetermined mechanism with respect to the second projection device 6 in the directions indicated by the arrows Y1 and Y2 (second). It can be slid in the direction along the surface of the projection device 6. The position of the first projection device 5 in FIG. 1B is an end that can move in the direction of the arrow Y1. With such a configuration, the first depth virtual image and the second depth virtual image with respect to the display area of the vertical virtual image can be obtained by sliding the first projection device 5 in the direction of arrow Y2 from the state shown in FIG. 1 (B). The position of the display area can be moved toward the front of the vehicle (the side away from the driver).

<Second modification>
Next, a second modification will be described. In this modification, the half mirror 13 is configured to be able to switch between reflection and non-reflection of the second depth virtual image projection light. For example, the polarizing material is configured to enable switching so that the reflected light of the second depth virtual image projection light does not face the concave mirror 3, and for example, the projection of the second depth virtual image projection light onto the half mirror 13 is blocked. Reflective and non-reflective can be switched by the mechanism that can be used. According to this configuration, in the present modification, the display / non-display of the second depth virtual image can be switched by switching the reflection / non-reflection of the second depth virtual image projected light by the half mirror 13. As a result, in a mode in which it is necessary to display a virtual image with depth by using the second depth virtual image, for example, as in FIG. 6 (B), FIG. 7 (A), and FIG. 7 (B). While the second depth virtual image projected light by the half mirror 13 is "reflected", in the mode in which it is not necessary to display the virtual image using the second depth virtual image, the second depth virtual image projected light by the half mirror 13 is "non-reflected". It is possible to say "reflection".

In addition, the above embodiments are merely examples of embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features.

For example, in the above embodiment, the first projection device 5 constitutes the first depth virtual image projection unit and the second depth virtual image projection unit. In this regard, the first depth virtual image projection unit and the second depth The virtual image projection unit may be configured by a separate device. Further, in the above embodiment, the reflecting member that guides the projected light to the front windshield WS is one of the concave mirrors 3, but a configuration that guides the projected light to the front windshield WS by a plurality of reflecting members may be used. Further, the projection surface on which the projected light is projected does not have to be the front windshield WS, and may be a combiner or the like.

1 Head-up display 3 Concave mirror (reflective member)
5 First projection device (first depth virtual image projection unit, second depth virtual image projection unit)
6 Second projection device (vertical virtual image projection unit)
13 Half mirror (surface, reflective surface)

Claims (4)

An in-vehicle head-up display that projects projected light to display a virtual image.
A vertical virtual image projection unit that projects vertical virtual image projection light for displaying a vertical virtual image that is substantially perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction.
A first depth virtual image projection unit that projects a first depth virtual image projection light for displaying a first depth virtual image, which is a virtual image containing components in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, on the side facing the passenger of the vehicle with respect to the vertical virtual image. When,
A second depth virtual image projection for displaying a second depth virtual image, which includes a component in the vehicle front-rear direction and is a virtual image displayed in the display area of the vertical virtual image, on the side away from the passenger of the vehicle with respect to the vertical virtual image. The second depth virtual image projection unit that projects light,
It is provided with one or more reflective members that guide the projected light to the projecting surface.
The first depth virtual image projection unit and the second depth virtual image projection unit project the first depth virtual image projection light in the first direction tilted with respect to the reference direction, and also with the first direction with respect to the reference direction. It is composed of a first projection device that projects the second depth virtual image projection light in a symmetrical second direction.
The first depth virtual image projection light is directly projected onto the first reflecting member, and the second depth virtual image projection light is reflected on the reflection surface and indirectly projected onto the first reflection member. head-up display, characterized in that it was so that. The vertical virtual image projection unit is composed of a second projection device that projects the vertical virtual image projection light on one surface and reflects the second depth virtual image projection light projected by the second depth virtual image projection unit.
The vertical virtual image projection light and the first depth virtual image projection light are directly projected onto the first reflecting member, and the second depth virtual image projection light is reflected on the surface of the second projection device. the first to be projected to the reflecting member, a head-up display according to claim 1, characterized in that a first projection apparatus and the second projection device. The first depth virtual image and the second depth virtual image are configured so that the position of the first projection device with respect to the second projection device can be changed, and the position of the first projection device with respect to the second projection device is changed. The head-up display according to claim 2 , wherein the state of the head-up display is changeable. The reflection and non-reflection of the second depth virtual image projected light by the surface of the second projection device can be switched, and the display and non-display of the second depth virtual image can be switched by switching between reflection and non-reflection. The head-up display according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the head-up display is configured.

Images