WO2021125330A1

WO2021125330A1 - Head-up display

Info

Publication number: WO2021125330A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/047467
Authority: WO
Inventors: 野本　貴之
Original assignee: 日本精機株式会社
Priority date: 2019-12-20
Filing date: 2020-12-18
Publication date: 2021-06-24
Also published as: JPWO2021125330A1; CN114730088A

Abstract

In a configuration in which a visually recognizable display image is changed by changing viewpoint in a vertical direction, the present invention generates the display image in an appropriate mode. Disclosed is a head-up display comprising: an emission means for continuously emitting a first laser beam corresponding to a first image for a first viewpoint and a second laser beam corresponding to a second image that is for a second viewpoint and that is away in the vertical direction with respect to the first viewpoint; and a scanning means for scanning the first laser beam in a first scan pattern and scanning the second laser beam in a second scan pattern on a scan surface such that the display image relating to the first image when viewed from the first viewpoint becomes visually recognizable and the display image relating to the second image when viewed from the second viewpoint becomes visually recognizable. The first scan pattern includes a first straight line pattern where the first laser beam continuously enters, for each column, at least one column of optical elements linearly arranged in a first direction. The second scan pattern includes a second straight line pattern that is offset by a predetermined offset amount in a second direction with respect to the first straight line pattern.

Description

Head-up display

This disclosure relates to a head-up display.

Laser light is incident on a plurality of optical elements regularly arranged at a predetermined pitch along a plane forming a scanning surface, and can be visually recognized by the driver based on the light emitted from the plurality of optical elements. A technique for displaying a clear display image is known.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-225216

However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, it is difficult to generate the display image in an appropriate manner in a configuration in which the visible display image changes only by changing the viewpoint in the vertical direction.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to generate the display image in an appropriate manner in a configuration in which the visible display image changes only by changing the viewpoint in the vertical direction.

On one side, it is a head-up display that displays a display image that is visible to the occupants.
Emission means that emits laser light and
A plurality of optical elements that are regularly arranged in a plane defined by the orthogonal first and second directions and diffuse the incident laser beam, and
It includes a scanning means capable of scanning the laser beam with the plane as a scanning surface so as to hit each of the plurality of optical elements with a spot diameter smaller than the size of the optical element.
The emitting means includes a first laser beam corresponding to the first image for the first viewpoint and a second laser light corresponding to the second image for the second viewpoint separated from the first viewpoint in the vertical direction. Is continuously emitted,
When viewed from the first viewpoint, the scanning means makes the display image related to the first image visible, and when viewed from the second viewpoint, the display image related to the second image is visible. The first laser beam is scanned by the first scanning pattern and the second laser beam is scanned by the second scanning pattern on the scanning surface.
The first scanning pattern is a first linear pattern along the first direction, and is a row with respect to one or more rows of optical elements linearly arranged in the first direction among the plurality of optical elements. Each includes a first linear pattern in which the first laser beam is continuously incident.
The second scanning pattern is a second straight line pattern along the first direction, and is offset by a predetermined offset amount in the second direction with respect to the first straight line pattern, and the optical elements in one or more rows. A head-up display is provided that includes a second linear pattern in which the second laser beam is continuously incident on each row.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to generate the display image in an appropriate manner in a configuration in which the visible display image changes only by changing the viewpoint in the vertical direction.

It is a figure which shows roughly the vehicle-mounted state of the head-up display by one Example in the vehicle side view. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the head-up display. It is the schematic which shows an example of the arrangement of microlenses forming a screen. It is explanatory drawing which shows the scanning pattern for upper side and the scanning pattern for lower side by one Example (Example 1). It is explanatory drawing of the principle that two kinds of display images are generated by the upper scanning pattern and the lower scanning pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows the scan pattern for upper side and the scan pattern for lower side by another Example (Example 2). It is explanatory drawing which shows the scan pattern for upper side and the scan pattern for lower side by another Example (Example 2). It is explanatory drawing which shows the scan pattern for upper side and the scan pattern for lower side by another Example (Example 3). It is explanatory drawing which shows the scan pattern for upper side and the scan pattern for lower side by another Example (Example 3). It is explanatory drawing which shows the scan pattern for upper side and the scan pattern for lower side by another Example (Example 4). It is explanatory drawing which shows the scan pattern for upper side and the scan pattern for lower side by another Example (Example 4). It is explanatory drawing which shows the scan pattern for upper side and the scan pattern for lower side by another Example (Example 4). It is explanatory drawing which shows the scan pattern for upper side and the scan pattern for lower side by another Example (Example 4).

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In addition, in FIG. 3 and the like, for the sake of easy viewing, there are cases where a reference reference numeral is only partially attached to a plurality of parts or parts having the same attribute.

[Head-up display configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a vehicle-mounted state of the head-up display 1 according to one embodiment in a vehicle side view. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the head-up display 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the arrangement of the microlenses 41 forming the screen 40. In FIG. 2, the driver's face P1 when the viewpoint is relatively in the upper eyebox and the driver's face P2 when the viewpoint is in the relatively lower eyebox. Is schematically shown. The upper and lower eye boxes may be eye boxes that are continuous in the vertical direction, or may be separate eye boxes that are separated vertically. Further, in FIG. 2, the dotted arrows R0 to R4 schematically show the flow of electric signals.

In the head-up display 1, as shown in FIG. 1, when the windshield WS is irradiated with the display light, the driver who drives the vehicle VC sees the display obtained by the irradiation in front of the windshield WS. Image (virtual image display) VI can be seen. As a result, the driver can visually recognize the display image VI by superimposing it on the front scenery. Therefore, the driver can grasp the vehicle information and the like in a mode in which the line-of-sight movement is less than when looking at the meter in the instrument panel 9, and the convenience and safety are improved. In the modified example, a combiner or the like may be used instead of the windshield WS.

As shown in FIG. 2, the head-up display 1 includes a laser unit 10, a dichroic mirror unit 20, a condenser lens 28, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) scanner 30, and a screen 40 (an example of an optical element). , And the control device 50.

The laser unit 10 includes

laser irradiation devices

11, 12, and 13 for each color of red, blue, and green. The laser irradiation device 11 emits laser light in the red wavelength region. The laser irradiation device 12 emits laser light in a blue wavelength region. The laser irradiation device 13 emits laser light in the green wavelength region. In this embodiment, since the laser beams of these three colors can be emitted, a full-color display image VI can be generated. However, in the modified example, the variation of the displayable color may be small.

The dichroic mirror unit 20 has

dichroic mirrors

21, 22, and 23 corresponding to the

laser irradiation devices

11, 12, and 13, respectively. The dichroic mirror 21 reflects only the red wavelength region. Therefore, the dichroic mirror 21 can reflect only the laser light incident from the laser irradiation device 11 toward the condenser lens 28. The dichroic mirror 22 transmits the red wavelength region and reflects the blue wavelength region. Therefore, the dichroic mirror 22 can reflect the laser light incident from the laser irradiation device 12 toward the condenser lens 28 while transmitting the laser light incident from the dichroic mirror 21. Similarly, the dichroic mirror 23 transmits the red and blue wavelength regions and reflects the green wavelength region. Therefore, the dichroic mirror 23 can reflect the laser light incident from the laser irradiation device 13 toward the condenser lens 28 while transmitting the laser light incident from the dichroic mirror 22.

As described above, the condenser lens 28 collects the laser light (laser light of each color of red, blue, and green) incident from the dichroic mirror unit 20 and emits it toward the MEMS scanner 30.

In the condenser lens 28, the laser light incident from the dichroic mirror unit 20 is projected onto the screen 40 with a spot diameter (diameter) smaller than the size of each of the plurality of microlenses 41 (described later) forming the screen 40. It is configured and arranged so as to. For example, the spot diameter is adapted so that the following relational expression holds. Spot diameter ≤ lens pitch / number of viewpoints Here, the lens pitch is the pitch of the arrangement of a plurality of microlenses 41 described later (see PT1 and PT2 in FIG. 3), and the number of viewpoints is the display image VI by changing the viewpoint. Corresponds to the number of appearances of the display image VI when the appearance of the image changes, and is "2" in this embodiment.

The MEMS scanner 30 projects the laser beam incident from the condenser lens 28 onto the screen 40. The MEMS scanner 30 includes a MEMS mirror that can rotate around two orthogonal axes. The projection position of the laser beam on the screen 40 changes according to the orientation of the MEMS mirror. Therefore, the MEMS scanner 30 can arbitrarily change the projection position of the laser beam on the screen 40.

The screen 40 extends in a plane. In this embodiment, as an example, the screen 40 extends in the horizontal plane, but may be arranged in a direction slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The screen 40 includes a plurality of microlenses 41 that are regularly arranged in a plane, as shown in FIG. That is, the screen 40 includes a two-dimensional microlens array. The plurality of microlenses 41 typically have the same form, and in this embodiment, as an example, when viewed in the direction perpendicular to the screen 40, the outer shape is rectangular (square), but the outer shape is hexagonal. It may have other outer shapes such as. The screen 40 may have an incident surface in a convex shape relating to the plurality of microlenses 41, and an exit surface may be a flat surface (see FIG. 5).

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the plurality of microlenses 41 are arranged in a plane including the X direction (an example of the first direction) and the Y direction (an example of the second direction), and the plurality of microlenses 41 are preferably arranged. , As shown in FIG. 3, are regularly arranged at a constant pitch. In FIG. 3, the pitches PT1 and PT2 in the X direction and the Y direction are the same, but may be different. In this embodiment, as an example, the plurality of microlenses 41 are arranged in 9 rows in the X direction and 8 rows in the Y direction, but the number of rows in the X direction and the Y direction is arbitrary. The X direction and the Y direction are also shown in FIG. 2 above in association with the screen 40.

The control device 50 may be realized by a computer such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control device 50 includes a laser control unit 51 and a scanner control unit 52. In this embodiment, the laser control unit 51 cooperates with the above-mentioned laser unit 10 to form an example of the emitting means, and the scanner control unit 52 cooperates with the above-mentioned MEMS scanner 30 to scan. Form an example of means.

The laser control unit 51 controls the laser unit 10 based on the image signal for generating the display image VI (see arrows R1 to R3 in FIG. 2). In this embodiment, as an example, the image signal is visually recognized from the upper image signal for generating a display image VI visible from the upper viewpoint (see P1 in FIG. 2) and the lower viewpoint (see P2 in FIG. 2). Includes a lower image signal for generating a possible display image VI. The upper image signal and the lower image signal may be generated by an external ECU and given to the control device 50 (see arrow R0 in FIG. 2), or may be generated by the control device 50 by itself. ..

In the following, for the sake of distinction, the display image VI that can be visually recognized from the upper viewpoint (see P1 in FIG. 2) is also referred to as “display image VI1” and can be visually recognized from the lower viewpoint (see P2 in FIG. 2). The display image VI is also referred to as "display image VI2".

The upper image signal and the lower image signal may be the same signal or different signals. In this embodiment, as an example, the upper image signal and the lower image signal are different signals. In this case, display images VI1 and display images VI2 that are different from each other can be formed.

For example, the display image VI1 may include navigation-related information, and the display image VI2 may include meter-related information. In this case, the driver has two types of natural line-of-sight movements in line with the relationship between the general meter position (meter position in the instrument panel 9) and the display position of the display image VI of the head-up display 1. The displayed images VI1 and VI2 can be selectively viewed (see the upper side of FIG. 2).

The upper image signal is, for example, a signal representing a pixel value (luminance or color) of each pixel of an image having a predetermined size and a predetermined resolution. The lower image signal is, for example, a signal representing a pixel value (luminance or color) of each pixel of an image having a predetermined size and a predetermined resolution. In this case, the predetermined size and the predetermined resolution may be the same for the upper image signal and the lower image signal. Each pixel of the image is associated with each position of the screen 40 (each position on the scanning surface). For example, each pixel of the image may be associated with each position of the screen 40 (each position on the scanning surface) in a one-to-one relationship. Each position of the screen 40 is associated with each orientation of the MEMS mirror of the MEMS scanner 30.

When the laser control unit 51 controls the laser unit 10 based on the upper image signal, each pixel from the laser unit 10 at a timing corresponding to each pixel based on the pixel value of each pixel included in the upper image signal. The laser unit 10 is controlled so that the laser beam of the color corresponding to the value is emitted. The same applies to the lower image signal.

The scanner control unit 52 controls the MEMS scanner 30 (see arrow R4 in FIG. 2). That is, the scanner control unit 52 scans the laser beam on the screen 40 by controlling the orientation of the MEMS mirror of the MEMS scanner 30. Here, "scanning the laser beam on the screen 40" means changing the projection position of the laser beam on the plane of the screen 40 (the projection position when viewed perpendicular to the plane of the screen 40). Point to. Further, in the following, the “scanning pattern” refers to the locus of the projection position (the locus of the projection position of the laser beam on the plane of the screen 40). Further, the plane related to the screen 40 (that is, the plane on which a plurality of microlenses 41 are arranged) is also referred to as a “scanning surface”.

Specifically, the scanner control unit 52 cooperates with the laser control unit 51 to transmit the laser beam (an example of the first laser beam) corresponding to the upper image signal into the upper scanning pattern (an example of the first scanning pattern). ), And the laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal (an example of the second laser beam) is scanned by the lower scanning pattern (an example of the second scanning pattern). That is, when operating based on the upper image signal, the scanner control unit 52 sets the laser unit 10 at each position on the scanning surface corresponding to each pixel based on the pixel value of each pixel included in the upper image signal. The MEMS scanner 30 is controlled so that the laser beam from the source is projected. The same applies to the lower image signal.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and later, some preferable examples of the upper scanning pattern and the lower scanning pattern will be described.

[Example 1]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an upper scanning pattern and a lower scanning pattern according to one embodiment (Example 1), and is a diagram showing the screen 40 in a plan view. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the principle that the display images VI1 and VI2 are generated by the upper scanning pattern and the lower scanning pattern. In FIG. 4 (the same applies to FIG. 6A and the like described later), the X1 side and the X2 side in the X direction are defined, and the Y1 side and the Y2 side in the Y direction are defined. In FIG. 5, with respect to the screen 40, only three microlenses 41 arranged in the Y direction are taken out and shown in a cross-sectional view. The Y direction corresponds to the vehicle front-rear direction when the screen 40 is located in the horizontal plane. At this time, the X direction corresponds to the vehicle lateral direction (vehicle width direction). In FIG. 5, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the X direction.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, one scan by the scanner control unit 52 and the MEMS scanner 30 starts from the start position S4 of the scanning surface, and is alternately shifted in the Y direction by predetermined pitches PT41 and PT42 along the X direction. A reciprocating linear scan is performed for each row (row in the Y direction) and ends at the end position E4 of the scanning surface. The scanner control unit 52 and the MEMS scanner 30 can maintain the output states of the display images VI1 and VI2 by repeatedly executing such a single scan continuously in time.

In FIG. 4, the linear scan that reciprocates along the X direction includes an outward scan L401 and a return scan L402. The outward scanning L401 and the inbound scanning L402 pass through each of the microlenses 41 and are offset by a predetermined offset amount (= α + β) with respect to each other in the Y direction. In other words, the outward scanning L401 is offset to the center O of each microlens 41 in the Y direction Y1 by a predetermined amount α, and the returning scanning L402 is offset in the Y direction Y2 with respect to the center O of each microlens 41. Offset to the side by a predetermined amount β.

The predetermined pitch PT41 is the pitch at the time of transition from the outward scanning L401 to the inbound scanning L402, and corresponds to a predetermined offset amount (= α + β). The predetermined pitch PT42 is the pitch at the time of transition from the return scan L402 to the outward scan L401, and a predetermined offset amount (= α + β) is obtained from the size of the microlens 41 in the Y direction (= pitch PT2 in the Y direction). It is the subtracted length (hereinafter, also referred to as "difference offset amount"). The position of the start position S4 in the Y direction is a position deviated from the center O of the microlens 41 toward the Y1 side in the Y direction by a predetermined amount α.

In this case, the upper scanning pattern consists of a straight line pattern along the X direction by the outward scanning L401 (an example of the first straight line pattern), and the lower scanning pattern is a straight line along the X direction by the returning scanning L402. It consists of a pattern (an example of a second straight line pattern).

According to such an upper scanning pattern and a lower scanning pattern, the display image VI1 can be generated by the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) scanned by the upper scanning pattern, and the lower scanning pattern. The display image VI2 can be generated by the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) scanned by.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam scanned by the upper scanning pattern (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) is a predetermined amount on the Y1 side in the Y direction with respect to the center O of the microlens 41. It is incident at a position deviated by α (see arrow R51). In this case, the microlens 41 emits light in a direction corresponding to the shape (spherical shape) of the incident surface of the microlens 41 (see arrow R511). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam scanned by the lower scanning pattern (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) is only a predetermined amount β on the Y2 side in the Y direction with respect to the center O of the microlens 41. It is incident at a deviated position (see arrow R52). In this case, the microlens 41 emits light in a direction corresponding to the shape (spherical shape) of the incident surface of the microlens 41 (see arrow R521). At this time, the incident position (spot position) in one microlens 41, the incident position related to the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) scanned by the upper scanning pattern, and the lower scanning pattern. The incident position related to the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) scanned in is located on the opposite side in the Y direction with the center O of the microlens 41 interposed therebetween. Therefore, the emission direction of the laser beam from the microlens 41 and the emission direction (see arrow R511) related to the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) scanned by the upper scanning pattern and the lower side. The emission direction (see arrow R521) related to the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) scanned by the scanning pattern is inclined (non-parallel) with respect to each other as schematically shown in FIG. Will be). That is, the region R510 in which the laser beam from the microlens 41 in the windshield WS is incident and is related to the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) scanned by the upper scanning pattern and the lower region. It is separated from the region R520 related to the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) scanned by the scanning pattern. Specifically, the regions R510 and R520 are offset in the vertical direction in the windshield WS. As a result, as schematically shown in FIG. 2, since the laser beam can be projected from the vertically offset regions R510 and R520 to the driver side, the display images VI1 and VI2 can be generated. The predetermined offset amount correlates with the distance between the upper viewpoint (the viewpoint where the display image VI1 can be seen) and the lower viewpoint (the viewpoint where the display image VI2 can be seen) in the vertical direction. The predetermined amounts α and β may be adapted according to the desired positions of the regions R510 and R520 (and thus the desired positions of the displayed images VI1 and VI2).

Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, one scan is realized by a scanning pattern in which the upper scanning pattern and the lower scanning pattern are combined, so that the display images VI1 and VI2 are substantially simultaneously displayed. Can be generated. Therefore, the driver moves the viewpoint in the vertical direction, such as moving the viewpoint relatively upward when he / she wants to see the display image VI1, and moving the viewpoint relatively downward when he / she wants to see the display image VI2. The displayed images VI1 and VI2 can be continuously visually recognized just by making the display images VI1 and VI2 visible. In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate the display images VI1 and VI2 in an appropriate manner in a configuration in which the visible display images VI1 and VI2 are changed only by changing the viewpoint in the vertical direction. It becomes.

Further, in this embodiment, the display images VI1 and VI2 are generated substantially at the same time regardless of the driver's current viewpoint without detecting the driver's viewpoint with a camera or the like. Therefore, even if the driver's viewpoint changes, the driver can visually recognize the display image VI1 or VI2 without delay.

[Example 2]
6A and 6B are explanatory views showing an upper scanning pattern and a lower scanning pattern according to another embodiment (Example 2).

In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, one scan by the scanner control unit 52 and the MEMS scanner 30 starts from the start position S6A or S6B of the scanning surface, and has a constant pitch PT2 (= microlens 41 arrangement) in the Y direction. A linear scan that reciprocates along the X direction while shifting the pitch in the Y direction is executed for each row (row in the Y direction), and ends at the end position E6A or E6B of the scanning surface. The scanner control unit 52 and the MEMS scanner 30 display by repeatedly executing such one scan shown in FIG. 6A and one scan shown in FIG. 6B repeatedly in a timely manner. The output state of the images VI1 and VI2 can be maintained.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the start position S6A and the start position S6B are offset from each other by a predetermined offset amount (= α + β) in the Y direction. Specifically, the position of the start position S6A in the Y direction is a position deviated from the center O of the microlens 41 on the Y1 side in the Y direction by a predetermined amount α, and the position of the start position S6B in the Y direction is the microlens. It is a position shifted by a predetermined amount β from the center O of 41 to the Y2 side in the Y direction.

In this case, the upper scanning pattern consists of a straight line pattern along the X direction by scanning L601 shown in FIG. 6A (an example of the first straight line pattern), and the lower scanning pattern is in the X direction by scanning L602 shown in FIG. 6A. It consists of a straight line pattern along with (an example of a second straight line pattern). Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam scanned by the upper scanning pattern (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) is a predetermined amount α on the Y1 side in the Y direction with respect to the center O of the microlens 41. It is incident at a position shifted by a small amount (see arrow R51). In this case, the microlens 41 emits light in a direction corresponding to the shape (spherical shape) of the incident surface of the microlens 41 (see arrow R511). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam scanned by the lower scanning pattern (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) is a predetermined amount β on the Y2 side in the Y direction with respect to the center O of the microlens 41. It is incident at a position shifted by a small amount (see arrow R52).

Therefore, according to the upper scanning pattern and the lower scanning pattern shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the display image VI1 can be generated by the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) scanned by the upper scanning pattern. , The display image VI2 can be generated by the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) scanned by the lower scanning pattern.

Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, one scan is different from the scan pattern in which the upper scan pattern and the lower scan pattern are combined, and only the upper scan pattern or the lower scan pattern is used. Therefore, the pitch in the Y direction in one scan can be set to a relatively large constant pitch PT2. As a result, the resolution of the change in orientation of the MEMS scanner 30 (resolution of the change in orientation with respect to the pitch in the Y direction) required to realize such scanning can be made relatively small, so that the control of the MEMS scanner 30 is relatively easy. Become.

Also in this embodiment, the display images VI1 and VI2 can be generated substantially at the same time by executing the one scan shown in FIG. 6A and the one scan shown in FIG. 6B in close time to each other. .. Therefore, the driver moves the viewpoint in the vertical direction, such as moving the viewpoint relatively upward when he / she wants to see the display image VI1, and moving the viewpoint relatively downward when he / she wants to see the display image VI2. The displayed images VI1 and VI2 can be continuously visually recognized just by making the display images VI1 and VI2 visible. In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate the display images VI1 and VI2 in an appropriate manner in a configuration in which the visible display images VI1 and VI2 are changed only by changing the viewpoint in the vertical direction. It becomes.

In this embodiment, the one scan shown in FIG. 6A and the one scan shown in FIG. 6B are alternately executed each time, but when the one scan time is sufficiently short, the one scan is executed alternately. It may be executed alternately every multiple times.

[Example 3]
7A and 7B are explanatory views showing an upper scanning pattern and a lower scanning pattern according to still another embodiment (Example 3).

In the example shown in FIG. 7A, one scan by the scanner control unit 52 and the MEMS scanner 30 starts from the start position S7A of the scanning surface, and one end side (X1) along the X direction while shifting by a predetermined pitch PT2 in the Y direction. A linear scan from the side) to the other end side (X2 side) is executed for each row (row in the Y direction), and ends at the end position E7A of the scanning surface. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 7B, one scan by the scanner control unit 52 and the MEMS scanner 30 starts from the start position S7B of the scanning surface, and the other end along the X direction while shifting by a predetermined pitch PT2 in the Y direction. A linear scan from the side (X2 side) to one end side (X1 side) is executed for each row (row in the Y direction), and ends at the end position E7B of the scanning surface. The scanner control unit 52 and the MEMS scanner 30 display by repeatedly executing such one scan shown in FIG. 7A and one scan shown in FIG. 7B repeatedly in a timely manner. The output state of the images VI1 and VI2 can be maintained.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the start position S7A and the start position S7B are offset from each other by a predetermined offset amount (= α + β) in the Y direction and are opposite to each other in the X direction. Specifically, the start position S7A is located on the X1 side in the X direction, and the position in the Y direction is a position deviated from the center O of the microlens 41 on the Y1 side in the Y direction by a predetermined amount α. On the other hand, the start position S7B is located on the X2 side in the X direction, and the position in the Y direction is a position deviated from the center O of the microlens 41 on the Y2 side in the Y direction by a predetermined amount β.

In this case, the upper scanning pattern is realized by one scanning shown in FIG. 7A, and is composed of a linear pattern along the X direction by scanning L701 (an example of the first linear pattern). Further, the lower scanning pattern is realized by one scanning shown in FIG. 7B, and is composed of a linear pattern along the X direction by scanning L702 (an example of a second linear pattern). Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam scanned by the upper scanning pattern (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) is a predetermined amount α on the Y1 side in the Y direction with respect to the center O of the microlens 41. It is incident at a position shifted by a small amount (see arrow R51). In this case, the microlens 41 emits light in a direction corresponding to the shape (spherical shape) of the incident surface of the microlens 41 (see arrow R511). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam scanned by the lower scanning pattern (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) is a predetermined amount β on the Y2 side in the Y direction with respect to the center O of the microlens 41. It is incident at a position shifted by a small amount (see arrow R52).

Therefore, according to the upper scanning pattern and the lower scanning pattern shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the display image VI1 can be generated by the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) scanned by the upper scanning pattern. , The display image VI2 can be generated by the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) scanned by the lower scanning pattern.

In this embodiment, the control content itself of the MEMS scanner 30 for realizing the scanning shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B can be the same as the example shown in FIG. In this case, the only difference is the control over the laser unit 10. If the scanning shown in FIG. 4 is a "progressive method", the scanning shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B can be said to be an "interlaced method".

Here, in the present embodiment, as described above, one scan is different from the scan pattern in which the upper scan pattern and the lower scan pattern are combined, and only the upper scan pattern or the lower scan pattern is used. Therefore, the pitch in the Y direction in one scan can be set to a relatively large constant pitch PT2. Further, since the control content of the MEMS scanner 30 itself is the same between the one scan shown in FIG. 7A and the one scan shown in FIG. 7B (because the control for the laser unit 10 is different), the scans are performed. It is not necessary to switch the control content of the MEMS scanner 30 (that is, the movement pattern of the MEMS scanner 30) every time, and the processing load can be reduced.

Also in this embodiment, the display images VI1 and VI2 can be generated substantially at the same time by executing the one scan shown in FIG. 7A and the one scan shown in FIG. 7B in close time to each other. .. Therefore, the driver moves the viewpoint in the vertical direction, such as moving the viewpoint relatively upward when he / she wants to see the display image VI1, and moving the viewpoint relatively downward when he / she wants to see the display image VI2. The displayed images VI1 and VI2 can be continuously visually recognized just by making the display images VI1 and VI2 visible. In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to generate the display images VI1 and VI2 in an appropriate manner in a configuration in which the visible display images VI1 and VI2 are changed only by changing the viewpoint in the vertical direction. It becomes.

In this embodiment, the one scan shown in FIG. 7A and the one scan shown in FIG. 7B are alternately executed each time, but when the one scan time is sufficiently short, the one scan is executed alternately. It may be executed alternately every multiple times.

Further, in this embodiment, the control content itself of the MEMS scanner 30 is the same as that of the one scan shown in FIG. 7A and the one scan shown in FIG. 7B, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the start position of one scan shown in FIG. 7B may be the start position S6B shown in FIG. 6B. In this case, one scan starts from the start position S6B of the scanning surface, and is a straight line from one end side (X1 side) to the other end side (X2 side) along the X direction while shifting the predetermined pitch PT2 in the Y direction. Scanning is performed for each row (row in the Y direction) and ends at the end position E7B'(see FIG. 7B) of the scanning surface.

[Example 4]
8A to 8C and 9 are explanatory views showing an upper scanning pattern and a lower scanning pattern according to still another embodiment (Example 4).

In the example shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, one scan by the scanner control unit 52 and the MEMS scanner 30 starts from the start positions S8A, S8B or S8C of the scanning surface, and shifts by a predetermined pitch PT8A or PT8B in the Y direction. A linear scan reciprocating along the X direction is performed on some rows (rows in the Y direction) and ends at the end position E8A, E8B or E8C of the scanning surface. The scanner control unit 52 and the MEMS scanner 30 temporally perform such one scan shown in FIG. 8A, one scan shown in FIG. 8B, and one scan shown in FIG. 8C. By continuously and repeatedly executing the display images VI1 and VI2, the output states can be maintained (see FIG. 9).

The predetermined pitch PT8A is larger than the pitch PT2 (= the pitch in the Y direction of the arrangement of the microlenses 41), and corresponds to the length obtained by adding the predetermined offset amount (= α + β) to the pitch PT2. The predetermined pitch PT8B is larger than the pitch PT2 (= the pitch in the Y direction of the arrangement of the microlenses 41), and corresponds to the length obtained by adding the difference offset amount to the pitch PT2. As described above, the difference offset amount is the length obtained by subtracting the predetermined offset amount (= α + β) from the size of the microlens 41 in the Y direction (= pitch PT2 in the Y direction). Therefore, the predetermined pitch PT8B is a length obtained by subtracting a predetermined offset amount (= α + β) from twice the size of the microlens 41 in the Y direction (= pitch PT2 in the Y direction).

In the example shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the start positions S8A, S8B, and S8C are all located on the X1 side in the X direction, and the Y direction position of the start position S8A is on the Y1 side in the Y direction with respect to the center O of the microlens 41. It is a position deviated by a predetermined amount α. The start position S8B is offset to the Y2 side in the Y direction by a predetermined offset amount (= α + β) with respect to the start position S8A. Further, the start position S8C is offset to the Y2 side in the Y direction with respect to the start position S8B by a difference offset amount.

In this case, the upper scanning pattern is composed of a straight line pattern (an example of the first straight line pattern) along the X direction by scanning L801 shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, and the lower scanning pattern is shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C. It is composed of a linear pattern (an example of a second linear pattern) along the X direction by the scanning L802 shown. That is, both the upper scanning pattern and the lower scanning pattern are realized in cooperation by three scans shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam scanned by the upper scanning pattern (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) is a predetermined amount α on the Y1 side in the Y direction with respect to the center O of the microlens 41. It is incident at a position shifted by a small amount (see arrow R51). In this case, the microlens 41 emits light in a direction corresponding to the shape (spherical shape) of the incident surface of the microlens 41 (see arrow R511). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the laser beam scanned by the lower scanning pattern (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) is a predetermined amount β on the Y2 side in the Y direction with respect to the center O of the microlens 41. It is incident at a position shifted by a small amount (see arrow R52).

Therefore, according to the upper scanning pattern and the lower scanning pattern shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the display image VI1 can be generated by the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the upper image signal) scanned by the upper scanning pattern. , The display image VI2 can be generated by the laser beam (laser beam corresponding to the lower image signal) scanned by the lower scanning pattern.

Here, in this embodiment, as described above, three scans are executed in order to generate the display images VI1 and VI2 corresponding to one frame, so that the pitch in the Y direction in one scan is set. , The predetermined pitches PT8A and PT8B, which are relatively large, can be set. As a result, the resolution of the change in orientation of the MEMS scanner 30 required to realize such scanning can be made relatively small, so that the control of the MEMS scanner 30 becomes relatively easy.

In this embodiment, as described above, three scans are executed in order to generate the display images VI1 and VI2 corresponding to one frame, but the display images VI1 and VI2 corresponding to one frame are executed. May be performed by 4 or more scans to generate.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the components of the above-described embodiment.

For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the display images VI1 and VI2 are generated by using all the microlenses 41 forming the screen 40, respectively. Therefore, in this embodiment, the display images VI1 and VI2 having a relatively large size can be generated (or the display images VI2) as compared with the case where a part of the microlenses 41 forming the screen 40 is used. If the sizes of the display images VI1 and VI2 are the same, the resolution of the display images VI1 and VI2 can be improved), which is advantageous. However, in the modified example, the display image VI1 and / or the display image VI2 may be generated by utilizing a part of the microlens 41 forming the screen 40. For example, the upper scanning pattern and the lower scanning pattern may both be patterns that scan only a part of the rows of the microlens 41 in the Y direction. Similarly, both the upper scanning pattern and / or the lower scanning pattern may be a pattern that scans only a part of the row in the X direction of the microlens 41.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the display images VI1 and VI2, which are different from each other, can be visually recognized from the two viewpoints offset in the vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be realized in which different display images can be visually recognized from three or more different viewpoints along the vertical direction.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the feedback control is not executed for the projection position of the laser beam on the screen 40, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a scanning position detection plate in which light receiving elements are arranged may be provided, and feedback control may be performed on the projection position of the laser beam on the screen 40.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the viewer of the display image is the driver of the vehicle, but the display image is formed so that other occupants (for example, occupants in the passenger seat and the rear seat) are the viewers. It may be.

1 Head-up display 10 Laser unit 11 Laser irradiation device 12 Laser irradiation device 13 Laser irradiation device 20 Dichroic mirror unit 21 Dichroic mirror 22 Dichroic mirror 23 Dichroic mirror 28 Condensing lens 30 MEMS scanner 40 Screen 41 Micro lens 50 Control device 51 Laser control Unit 52 Scanner control unit

Claims

A head-up display that displays a display image that can be seen by the occupants.
Emission means that emits laser light and
A plurality of optical elements that are regularly arranged in a plane defined by the orthogonal first and second directions and diffuse the incident laser beam, and
It includes a scanning means capable of scanning the laser beam with the plane as a scanning surface so as to hit each of the plurality of optical elements with a spot diameter smaller than the size of the optical element.
The emitting means includes a first laser beam corresponding to the first image for the first viewpoint and a second laser light corresponding to the second image for the second viewpoint separated from the first viewpoint in the vertical direction. Is continuously emitted,
When viewed from the first viewpoint, the scanning means makes the display image related to the first image visible, and when viewed from the second viewpoint, the display image related to the second image is visible. The first laser beam is scanned by the first scanning pattern and the second laser beam is scanned by the second scanning pattern on the scanning surface.
The first scanning pattern is a first linear pattern along the first direction, and is a row with respect to one or more rows of optical elements linearly arranged in the first direction among the plurality of optical elements. Each includes a first linear pattern in which the first laser beam is continuously incident.
The second scanning pattern is a second straight line pattern along the first direction, and is offset by a predetermined offset amount in the second direction with respect to the first straight line pattern, and the optical elements in one or more rows. A head-up display including a second linear pattern in which the second laser beam is continuously incident on each row.
The plurality of optical elements are arranged in M rows in the first direction and N rows in the second direction.
The one or more rows of optical elements are the N rows of optical elements.
The head-up display according to claim 1, wherein the first straight line pattern and the second straight line pattern are patterns that scan from end to end of the M row.
The scanning means starts one scan from the start position of the scanning surface, and performs a linear scan reciprocating along the first direction while shifting the second direction by a predetermined pitch, in each of the N rows. Execute on the row, finish the one scan at the end position of the scan plane,
The predetermined pitch varies between the predetermined offset amount and the length obtained by subtracting the predetermined offset amount from the pitch between the N rows in the second direction.
The head-up display according to claim 2, wherein the scanning pattern according to the one scanning includes the first linear pattern for each of the N columns and the second linear pattern for each of the N columns.
The scanning means starts one scan from the start position of the scanning surface, and performs linear scanning reciprocating along the first direction while shifting the second direction by a constant pitch, in each of the N rows. Execute on the row, finish the one scan at the end position of the scan plane,
The constant pitch corresponds to the pitch between the N rows in the second direction.
The scanning pattern according to one scan comprises the first linear pattern for each of the N columns, and is one scan following the scan pattern related to the one scan, in which the start position is in the second direction. The head-up display according to claim 2, wherein the scanning pattern related to scanning that changes by the predetermined offset amount is the second linear pattern for each of the N columns.
The scanning means starts one scanning from the start position of the scanning surface, and shifts the scanning surface in the second direction by a constant pitch from one end side in the first direction to the other end side in the first direction along the first direction. A linear scan to, or a linear scan from the other end side of the first direction to one end side of the first direction along the first direction while shifting by a constant pitch in the second direction is performed by the N. Execute on the row, finish the one scan at the end position of the scan plane,
The constant pitch corresponds to the pitch between the N rows in the second direction.
The scanning pattern according to a certain scan by the linear scan from the other end side of the first direction to the one end side of the first direction comprises the first linear pattern for each of the N rows, and the one scan. The scanning pattern related to scanning by linear scanning from one end side in the first direction to the other end side in the first direction, which is one scanning following the scanning pattern according to the above, is the scanning pattern for each of the N columns. The head-up display according to claim 2, which comprises a second linear pattern.
The scanning means includes a scanner whose orientation can be electronically controlled.
The head-up display according to claim 5, wherein the movement of the scanner is the same for the one scan and the one scan following the scan pattern according to the one scan.
The scanning means starts one scan from the start position of the scanning surface, and performs a linear scan reciprocating along the first direction while shifting by a predetermined pitch in the second direction as a part of the N row. Is executed, and the one scan is finished at the end position of the scan surface.
The predetermined pitch is obtained by subtracting the predetermined offset amount from the length obtained by adding the predetermined offset amount to the pitch between the N rows in the second direction and twice the pitch between the N rows in the second direction. Changes between the length and the length
The start position changes in the second direction by the length obtained by subtracting the predetermined offset amount from the pitch between the N rows in the second direction or the predetermined offset amount for each scan. ,
The head-up display according to claim 2, wherein the scanning pattern related to three consecutive scans includes the first straight line pattern for each of the N columns and the second straight line pattern for each of the N columns.
The head-up display according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined offset amount correlates with the distance between the first viewpoint and the second viewpoint in the vertical direction.